October 23, 2007
Posted: October 23rd, 2007 09:35 AM ET

Biden is set to unveil his healthcare plan later Tuesday in Iowa.

DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN) – Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden is set to announce a universal healthcare plan in Des Moines Tuesday that will include provisions to fight discrimination based on genetic information, according to details provided to CNN.

The Delaware senator is expected to call for prohibiting employers and insurance companies from obtaining or using genetic information when making hiring decisions, providing health coverage, or pricing insurance policies.

Biden's proposal–dubbed the "CARE" plan–is expected to include four "essential steps to lay the foundation for universal healthcare," all of which fit into the acronym CARE: "Cover all children, access for adults, reinsurance for catastrophic cases, and encouraging prevention and modernization."

Also expected in his plan: a provision to require the government to cover a majority of "catastrophic health costs."

According to the campaign, this federal reinsurance plan would reimburse employers, insurers, or associations for up to 75 percent of health costs that exceed $50,000 per individual.

– CNN Iowa Producer Chris Welch

Filed under: Iowa • Joe Biden


Karen,nj   October 24th, 2007 9:57 am ET

If they ever give national health care these doctors and hospitals will raise their prices up so much just to get the governments money. For example about a year ago I ate a bunch of Reeses peanut butter cups in the morning and I went to the emergency room because I thought I was going to pass out and the Dr. said I had a panic attack and the bills were ridiculous. Can you imagine what they will bill the government.

hawnstyle   October 24th, 2007 5:28 am ET

Brian Austin, I am voting GOP but that is a good combo... I have respect for both men. But it is hard to stimulate economy with tax hikes, and giveaways to people who refuse to help themselves. I'm for helping people who really cannot fend for themselves, but people take too much advantage of the programs... Aloha to all!

Nabil, Athens GA   October 23rd, 2007 10:28 pm ET

Obama doesn't even have enough experience to be Biden's Vice President.

ronnie knoxville tn   October 23rd, 2007 8:34 pm ET

I know his intentions are noble, but why should the rest of us have to pay for people who had children without being able to afford them?

concerned american   October 23rd, 2007 7:48 pm ET

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid900718856/bclid900554575/bctid416343938

interesting video... it speaks volumes. "jesus christ would not vote for ..."

Jason, East Lansing, MI   October 23rd, 2007 7:13 pm ET

Don't get me wrong – I love Biden, but can we NEVER say Joe-mentum again?

Biden is again showing the foresight necessary – genetic discrimination is going to become a huge, hot button issue in a few years. It's good to get started on it now.

Lisa T., Plano, TX   October 23rd, 2007 6:42 pm ET

Joe Biden is the person we need to lead this country. He's got the wisdom, passion, and experience to take on the job and is the best candidate from either party. I'm glad he's beginning to gain momentum. I, too, greatly enjoyed his bio.

Dan (Columbia, MD)   October 23rd, 2007 5:10 pm ET

Wow the CNN moderators are busy today!

How many conservative posts have you fascists deleted today? What ever happened to free speech in this country?

A vote for Biden or any of the socialist hacks pretending to be Democrats means higher taxes and socialist programs forced on hard working Americans. If people are hell bent on getting access to socialist programs for a third world country like China, Cuba, or Venezuela and leave the United States to those of us who work for a living and EARN what we have.

You lazy sense of entitlement is not welcome here.

Chris, Toledo, OH   October 23rd, 2007 4:48 pm ET

Stop the spread of Socialism!

Brian, Austin TX   October 23rd, 2007 3:47 pm ET

he'd make a great Vice President for Barack Obama :D

(possible) OBAMA/BIDEN '08!!

Lynda West Chester, PA   October 23rd, 2007 3:28 pm ET

This guy has it all over all of the other candidates. I don't know why it is taking so long for others to realize this. He is the man for the job. Biden '08 Go Joe!!!!!!!

summus   October 23rd, 2007 3:28 pm ET

State choice- oh you mean like they did with slavery. That didn't work out then either

Waterloo, IA   October 23rd, 2007 3:21 pm ET

Joe-mentum is here! He's right on Iraq, can improve our education system, and now he's taking on health care.

Things are starting to move, and I'm glad he's moving them. Keep it up Joe.

JDS N.C.   October 23rd, 2007 2:50 pm ET

Hey Summus why dont you work on CA for gay marriage? Dont push it on us in NC or elsewhere. THis is true Federalism which libs cant stand.

jfz, napa, ca   October 23rd, 2007 2:45 pm ET

BIDEN 101: 'How to buy votes with taxpayer dollars.'.

Justin, Kansas City, MO   October 23rd, 2007 2:42 pm ET

Let's kick some ass Joe!

Salita   October 23rd, 2007 2:39 pm ET

Eric was that suppose to be a bad comment about universal health care? I get my mail everyday but Sunday without fail.

Something else I find odd: Why are republicans willing to give health care to Iraq on our dime but not to americans?

How is it Republicans in congress get FREE health care but wont allow the american people to have access to the same health care?

Donald, Buxton ME   October 23rd, 2007 2:32 pm ET

Keep it up Joe! We're all proud you sticking to your guns don't stopfor anything. Oh and loved your book, very good read.

Henry Tucker, Ga   October 23rd, 2007 2:21 pm ET

Let's see... the Government pays $200 for a $10 toilet seat cover, wastes billions of tax dollars every year, horribly fumbles the Katrina response (FEMA), can't manage Social Security – yet yall liberals are howling for a Federal program for Universal Healthcare?

Yeah – why take personal responsibility for you and your children if you have a rich uncle... uncle sam.

Keep up the howling, though – us responsible, independent, cost-concious parents need a reminder that socialists DO exist and support Hillary Clinton.

Dan (Columbia, MD)   October 23rd, 2007 1:55 pm ET

Since when does not supporting the gay lifestyle equal hate or fear? Sounds pretty close minded to me for people who claim to be progressive thinking.

Also, if people really do want to support high taxes and the "left wing agenda" then perhaps they should relocate to a socialist country where those ideas are embraced. Clearly America (and the principals it was founded on) isn't for them.

Eric, from THE Republic of Texas   October 23rd, 2007 1:41 pm ET

Universal Health Care...

...brought to you by the same organization that delivers your mail.

Classic.

James C. San Ramon, Ca   October 23rd, 2007 1:03 pm ET

What if we like higher taxes, the so called left wing agenda, and gay maariages?

Tis better than spending exceeding revenue, right wing agendas, excessive efforts towards privitizing public good, and unneeded wars.

summus   October 23rd, 2007 1:01 pm ET

Frank- would Jesus support your hatred towards gay people? Does Huckabee? Is Huckabee Jesus?

Aaron Kinney, Sherman Oaks CA   October 23rd, 2007 12:09 pm ET

News Flash: Iowa projected to go into recession, have lower access to health care, and have the per capita income drop sharply as people take pay cuts to meet the states eligibility requirements for health insurance.

Scratch Iowa off on my places to live.

Watch Ron Paul win the presidency and dismantle the federal health apparatus and POOF! Whaddya know? People can afford healthcare again!

Wanna solve the US health crisis? ELECT A DOCTOR! Ron Paul, baby!

mike, west chester,pa   October 23rd, 2007 12:03 pm ET

To Frank in Sayre,PA: Gay Marriages!!! the horror!!! because it really makes a big difference if gay people are allowed to marry. I know that if gay people are allowed to marry, my marriage to my wife will somehow be "less good." I have not heard a single valid argument against gay marriage and I doubt I ever will.
On biden: he seems to be one of the few candidates who "gives it you straight" does that mean anything to voters? we'll have to wait and see

B, Baltimore   October 23rd, 2007 11:55 am ET

Lil late with this isnt he?

also

A vote for Biden is a vote for higher taxes, left wing agendas and gay marriages. Don't vote for this or any democratic candidate. Support Mike Huckabee.

Posted By Frank,

Being that I like most american wont fall into the tax brackets that will be raised, I'm as left wing as they come, AND I would LIKE to get married one day...You and Huckabee can shove your votes where the light don't shine :-)

Scott, Boulder, CO   October 23rd, 2007 11:55 am ET

Joe Biden is running for President? I thought he retired a long time ago....huh?

Tom, Rockport Maine   October 23rd, 2007 11:50 am ET

Having grown up in Delaware less than five miles from Joe Biden's home, I can attest to Biden's intelligence, experience, and genuine desire to better the lives of ordinary Americans. More than this– he is absolutely the most knowledgable of ALL candidates on either side when it comes to foreign policy. He will absolutely have my vote, and I hope that everyone will take a fresh look at him as a candidate. He's truly a senior statesman.

Wallace, Chicago IL   October 23rd, 2007 11:45 am ET

I'm looking forward to hearing Biden's plan. This guy has great domestic and foreign relations experience that is undeniable.

He's not doing well in the polls yet and hasn't raised a lot of money, but he should be taken seriously.

Obama-Biden '08

Wallace

Patrick, Cape May NJ   October 23rd, 2007 11:37 am ET

Biden is the best man for the job, I'm glad people see he is diversed on more issues than just Iraq.

Frank, Sayre, PA   October 23rd, 2007 11:21 am ET

A vote for Biden is a vote for higher taxes, left wing agendas and gay marriages. Don't vote for this or any democratic candidate. Support Mike Huckabee.

John, Des Moines   October 23rd, 2007 11:04 am ET

Biden seems to really be moving. I'm so glad, I have always respected this great man and think he would make the best President. Now I'm comfortable that he can win with all of this momentum lately. Keep pushing Joe!

Daniel   October 23rd, 2007 10:52 am ET

The last poll of Iowa out last week indeed shows Biden momentum. He has risen to 6%, much higher to where he was all year, and approaching Richardson!

joseph austin tx   October 23rd, 2007 10:32 am ET

how fair is this plan. no underwriting restrictions, so now my tax dollars can go to insure the local meth addict, and the local meth addict will pay the same premium as me. If there is a history of diabetes in your family it would make sence to pay a little more because you will probalbly be going to the doctor more. Im not rich and I can afford my own health insurance I dont need the gubment to take care of me.

JDS N.C.   October 23rd, 2007 10:16 am ET

I wonder how many Billions of dollars this will cost?

Keith, dallas tx   October 23rd, 2007 10:05 am ET

I am sorry Joe, but you democrats as always accused the republicans of protecting the Insurance companies. But would this not bale out the insurance companies to a tune of Hundreds of millions of dollars. After All my wife spent two hours in a hospital delivering our child and it had a cost of over 12 thousands dollars. At 6 thousand an hour it does not take one long to eat up that 50k. HAHA......Is there really a difference between a Democrat and a Republican.

AMERICA   October 23rd, 2007 10:01 am ET

The Governmaent needs to stay out of healthcare. The American people are not interested. If it isn't broken, don't fix it!

Jeff - Jacksonville, FL   October 23rd, 2007 9:57 am ET

For all the talking everyone is doing about this issue, FINALLY someone is actually putting forth a real plan and not just saying "we can do such and such" but never defining "such".

Way to go, Joe!

Even if you don't get the nomination, introduce the plan to the Senate!

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