MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina (CNN) – Does Obama actually believe he can get all young people to buy health insurance? It'd have to be virtually free for that to happen. Most young people don't worry about getting sick and rarely feel at risk. If it's a car payment or health insurance, my guess is most young people would choose the car!
– CNN Senior Political Analyst Bill Schneider
From CNN Politics
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Once again, lack of understanding the issue.....
This is why we need experience
As one who is turning 30. I agree with your analogy. However, you still need health insurance, and that is why I am paying $400 a month under COBRA
Wow, very objective 'journalism' there, Bill. Keep spinning for Hillary...
What Obama plan? Oh yeah... it doesn't work.
while some younger people would got for the health care idea, I think most are more worried they have cable in their apartments and dorm rooms!
Obama at least gives the people a choice. Just because Clinton and Edwards want to make people buy it , doesn't mean they will have the money.
Um, not true, Bill. I would love health insurance (27)
Being a college student myself, healthcare is last on my to buy list. I am $45,000 in debt for student loans.
Sad, but as a "young person," I can agree that this would be true for many
Hillary does have the greatest experience when it comes to healthcare. Yes Bill the young kids would choose the car.
guess what – this isn't a socialist state! "young people wouldn't buy health care." and????? maybe that's an indictment of our capitalist system – young people are more interested in i-pods and video games than health care? whose fault is that?? what is the real problem here?
Nice Point Bill! This just proves Obamas weak policies
The rules are going away, Wolf? What rules were those? I didn't notice any.
And you would want someone telling you that you "have" to spend money on health insurance Bill??? I have to pay taxes, that's enough of the government in my wallet thank you very much! I want a choice about whether or not to buy health insurance!
When i was 20, i choose the car, then i wrecked the car, almost died, and now i'm still trying to pay for it!
Wolf says the "rules" are going away! I can't wait for the next round of the debate! HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Obama's plan does not cover everyone...Hillary's plan and Edwards' plan does. I would hate to be one of the 15-45 million not covered under the Obama plan.
...or we can receive less expensive health plans through our employers and finance our higher deductibles through Flexible Spending Accounts.
I am not so sure. I have a 25 year old son that is extremely worried that he doesn't have health insurance – or dental.
there wen't any rules to start with because Wolf can't say no
Absolutely! And it isn't just young people! There are LOTS of people who would choose to spend their money on something else. His plan doesn't provide the solution to the mess we are in.
And your point? Isn't that their right in this free country? Health insurance should be available and affordable for those who want it but if you don't the government shouldn't force you. I think Obama's plan speaks to the diversity of America and also trusts citizens with making these important decisions for themselves.
I agree that young kids would choose the car pymt but we have Social Security because Americans can not be trusted to save. Look at how wonderfully that has turned out!
And Clinton and Edwards are thinking socialized medicine...I still think Obama's plan makes more sense!
Is Obama living in a dream world thinking young people are going to pay for their own health insurance.
Is this blog only open to Clinton fans? It appears Bill's analysis is so biased that Hillary can do no wrong and Obama can do nothing good.
Clinton looks so presidential and Obama looks so naive .He really looks so frustrated, angry and lost.
let the church say amen
I think I'll take the car.
His healthcare plan does have holes and he doesn't do a good job defending his plan.......his jab on Clinton's 1993 failed heathcare reform did not make him look presidential......
that is when parents choose for them.
Obama's a fool!
I think he could have answered that better as well. At the core of his answer is we need to reduce the COSTS before instituting mandatory requirements. If we don't fix the cost situation for healthcare, a mandatory requirement to pay could escalate the costs, and hence, not serve anyone.
THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT IF THEY DON'T NEED/WANT IT. IT SHOULDN'T BE FORCED ON AMERICANS. IT SHOULD BE A CHOICE. THIS AIN'T CANADA OR EUROPE!
Bill, are you opinionated now? Or just pro Hillary after she ragged on the press Obama was getting too mmuch press.
At ;east he tells the truth. Be real Hillary and John
I'm 24 and i've skipped the car for health insurance.
Young people do get sick and go to work sick and the old working force pays for it.
I would not wanted to pay for their bill if a catastrophic event happens to the youngster.
Obama'shealth plan is so incredibly weak. He doesn't focus on prevention. He really should be taken to task for this.
I think it is going to be extremely difficult to have young people buy health insurance. Young people will always choose the car payment over insurance. He has to tap into the material mind set to capture the attention of young people in regards to health insurance. How many young people are on their parents insurance and actually go to the doctor?
I guess that's too bad for them. Barack will have them pay their own way I guess. I do agree that forcing people to get health care seems a little strange, especially if they cannot afford it. However, with those in the age range of 18 to 27, like myself, I can agree that we might not be so eager to go buy the health care ourselves. I think both parties in this case, make a good point and in the end I would have to say forcing people might be the only way to go and that Barack's idea is a "fairy tail" in this case. That is not to say I do not support him, but I can see this as a fault, but a noble one.
With all respect Bill, I don't care what you 'guess'. Let's let the candidates do the debating.
The reality is that Obama is trying to formulate a plan that will work in the general election. The Dems must appeal to independants and republicans in order to win.
I can't believe any of them believe there half-baked ideas will work. There won't be universal healthcare in any form until the drug companies, doctors, and Hospitals are willing to sit down and accept regulation.
HMO's were supposed to get us closer to their, and they have only succeeded in raising health care costs.
Well why should the government be a replacement for young people making good decisions about their lives. I am a young american and am tired of people thinking we can't make decisions for ourselves. The country should not force universal health care, it should merely provide the opportunity for every person in the country to get access to it. It seems that people are forgetting that democracy is about making choices and being responsible.
Let us choose, don't shove the decisions down our throat. Has anyone lived in countries that do have universal health care, believe me it is not all that its hyped up to be.
Nevermond the insurance claim, how about the comments on the Iraq war?
Yes he can...by making it affordable...and educating young people on the need...your question is flawed from the start...education allows choices...
YES YES YES YES
He needs to rethink that plan!
HC 08
I agree, most young people would pay the car insurance.
I am a 20 year old college student and i am very worried about my health. I realize that many people my age dont even know what health insurance is but i still believe it is a good idea!
I'm not so sure about that. You would get some, no doubt. But you get people who flaunt laws and conceptions just because they are contrarian in nature.
And to prove my point, mandating that people cannot cross the border without permission has worked so well for us, too. If someone does not wish to follow what someone else wants them to do, then they will not do so, which makes the entire discussion on this issue pointless......
Another crystal clear example that Barack is out of touch with reality and out of his league in this election cycle.
Clinton and Edwards seem to have raised an interesting issue about Obama leavning 15 million people out of his health care plan. I could not follow his response to what happens to these people. Clinton clearly laid out three general alternatives to healh care in America, rejecting the European/Canadian model in favor of a combination of the other two methods. Edwards may have gained some points on being an alternative to the nitpicking of Clinton and Obama against each other. The format set up by CNN was great.
Do we really need to determine our health care policies based on what the dumbest person out there MIGHT do? I'd rather have more affordable health insurance available and a choice as to whether to buy it or not, as opposed to mandated health care that is more expensive.
HELL WHAT ELSE IS BETTER FORCING THEM TO PAY FOR HEALTHCARE OUT OF THEIR PAYCHECKS HILLIARY AND WALMART SET UP.
Does Obama really think he can make any real change happen with government as it is. As much as I would love for that change to happen, I belive it's way more complicated than just talking about it.
Very effective reporting from the Clinton News Network!
i'd take the car as well.
Obama is calling Hillary out on all of the lies they have been telling. He looks like a real president. I've made up my mind tonight...i'm with Obama.
if Obama is so good at attracting young people (like kennedy) then it wouldn't bemuch harder to get alot of young people to buy health insurance. think about it.
I'd get insurance... i'm 30
The problem is that the only "better idea" anyone has is to fine that young person for not buying health care. So which do you pick, the car payment or the fine for not having health care?
under his plan "children" will be covered on their parents plan until they reach the age of 25
Nobama NO Way!
I like Obama health care plan better, make it cheaper and leave it to the people to choose either to buy into it or not. That is the America way.
Hillary Health will FORCE people to buy into her health. You might like it or not, not everyone want to be FORCED into anything.
Someone people want to opt out because they think they cannot afford it, some people for religious reasons might not want to buy into it; some though foolishly might think they will not fall sick hence they want to save the money for something more important now.
The idea of forcing people to buy health care scarely...If Hillary's health is FREE, then, it will be kool to force people to take it, but it will not be FREE.
I even see Hillary's health having problem with the law and that the freedom to choose which is one of our fundanmental right in this country.
All these candidates' healthcare plans don't force people to buy. What happens when someone gets sick who doesn't want insurance or is an illegal? They go to the ER and treat them just like today. They are talking about adding legislation, not about real reform. Theres two ways to do it is I see it, the government flat out pays for any American's healthcare (which would have to include national ID's) and raise taxes universally, not just on the rich (100k+). The other is to say everything is up for grabs, no government regulation, if you don't have insurance or the ability to pay immediately, no healthcare. The first is Brave New World-esque, the other a libertarian dream.
Children can be covered under their parents plan up to age 25 with Obama's plan. That would be through a Bachelor's degree in my book. I'd rather have a plan offered to me than forced upon me. What ever happened to freedom of choice? Does that not apply to health options?
From Obama's website:
# Mandatory Coverage of Children: Obama will require that all children have health care coverage. Obama will expand the number of options for young adults to get coverage, including allowing young people up to age 25 to continue coverage through their parents' plans.
This combined with a better education system should help eliminate people over the age of 25 dumb enough to think they don't need health insurance.
The problem with a non-mandated plan is that it forces people to make a choice to give up their money. This makes it much less likely that they will get a plan. Plus, the people who don't have it know, low-income families, have poor accessibility to health care facilities, insurance offices, and the like, and just simply may not have time or resources to SIGN UP for health care. If it's mandated, its more painless. It's like social security. How many working families resent being "forced" to pay into their retirement?
I think the health care issue is one of Obama's greatest weaknesses. Edwards and Clinton have better plans. Except Edwards came out with his plan 7 months before Hillary. He led on this issue, just like he's led on EVERY SINGLE OTHER ISSUE. Wake up, dems!! Edwards is our best, strongest, most electable candidate!!!
Open your eyes Obama, even Bill Schneider gets it. Maybe you should run for President Bill?
I am 19 years old and if it came to a car payment or health insurance, I would absolutly choose my car payment! GO HILLARY!
Wrong, Bill. I have three children, aged 19, 21, and 23. the oldest is in a job with benefits, and although she's not that happy there, she's staying because of the benefits. The 21-year-old has both coverage from her parents and through the university she attends, but is worried about when she graduates in June, because her coverage will be affected. And the youngest, 19, has chosen a career in the field of healthcare, partly in the hope of having benefits...most young people are alot more aware and savvy these days than you seem to believe.
WHY SHOULD car insurance be mandatory but health insurance not be mandatory? If you're going to drive recklessly, society has to protect against you by making you cover yourself. If you're going to live a chaotic lifestyle, you shouldn't expect society to cover you if you ruin your health.
Your comment , Mr. Schneider, is one of the very many that underestimates the youth of America.
And you think the idea of being mandated is better Mr. completely-out-of-touch-with-anyone-under-60? Just checking.
Obama seems so angry tonight. I think he lost the debate.
Go Hillary
All I care about is to stop wasteing the tax dollars on the world and begin to invest on america. There is alot more problems then just helping everyone else how can we help someone if we can even help ourself. We need to put america back on its tracks so the train can contiune to roll thru the rest of the world.
Not a valid comment. All people would be covered at a mandated "price" by cutting out the insurance companies because they would have no value with a national health insurance plan.
What? That's like saying we wouldn't pay car insurance or a gas bill. That's a pretty ignorant statement.
Don't overestimate MY ignorance, ok?
I know if I've got no health insurance and if I get sick... it's over. If someone made me buy health insurance, it would be the first bill paid every month.
Of course Obama believes "he can get all young people to buy health insurance." He'll just use the simple expedient of governments in general and Democrats in particular: he'll just require them to do so by law, utterly ignoring their own ignorant opinions on the matter.
Universal Health care sounds like a good idea. However, how can people pay into health coverage with the rise of unemployment? Also, as a single parent most parents make sure their children are covered before they are. They have to choose from paying their house note or rent before they even consider themselves. Where is this money going to come from to make sure all are insured?
A better question:
If young people, as you say, don't buy health care won't buy health care of their own volition, how do you think they'll react when they're being forced to pay for something they feel they don't need.
I'm all in favor of public health care. But the idea of a mandate turns my stomach. There IS a middle ground. I'm an American but I live in Japan and people here have a choice between private or public. There is a law that people have to pay into a pension plan (like social security) but no law that you have to health care, as far as I know. I'm sure there is precedent for this in other places. Why do people in America always have to whiddle things down to arbitrary positions that don't meet the goals of anyone in either party?
The reason? Hack pundits like you.
I completely agree with Bill Schneider! Universal Health care is the way to go and Obama's plan just doesn't compete. Hillary and Edwards are right! I am sick of his excuses for every single critisism too. I didn't notice it as strongly as tonight. Edwards really got him with that one. Perhaps an Edwards/Clinton ticket? I think Edwards may want that.
Further...its this negative we-can't-get-it-done attitude that has strangled this country...most young people who have to make the choice between a car or healthcare...cannot afford either! They need a job, feed and clothe themselves...the car is an obvious choice to them.....OBAMA would give people the tools to be able to afford both...
Obama comes off as a little preachy sometimes, like he's delivering a sermon and playing on emotion rather than having true substance and passion...
He also allows young people to stay on their parents insurance until age 25. I think the differences are more subtle than that. At least Barack is honest about the nature of his policy as it will look from the perspective of working families.
Bill,
You are aware that 'young people' are responsible for having car insurance. Is it your belief that no one under the age of 28 is lawfully insured for collision liability?????
Mary
his plan is NOT universal health care, its a band aid on the problem. hillary and john both have better plans, and he's struggling to defend his.
Senator Obama seems to be afraid to offend his young supporters by acknowledging their "live forever" attitude. I think most would take the car – and wouldn't be ashamed to say so!
somebody needs to ask Hillary about the documents in her hubbys library, when is she going to let the public have access to them ALL? What seems to be the BIG DELAY? maybe hiding something!
bill that is not true. i'm 31 and was with out health care at one time and trust me all i thought about was how i would get health care again and how i could afford my healthcare and my "car Payment" get your facts straight before you judge the young people of this world.
The point is to provide an affordable choice, and Obama's plan does that. It's the most responsible and financially prudent way to make heathcare insurance available to everyone without making it a mandate. We don't need anymore taxes!
Obama said they are on parents insurance til they are 25, what is so hard about that...My one year old didn't have a say in his health insurance...I did
No argument there! Obama is living, as usual, in a fantasy world of what he would LIKE to see, rather than the reality of the situation! He doesn't seem to grasp that most young people, and not so young people just don't have that kind of money! Yet one more reason not to vote for someone who is so out of touch with how real people live!
how could a democrat not be for universal health care, it makes no sense to me...
There's a hole in Obama's heathcare policy argument that you could drive a car through...Obama looks a little shocked that Edwards and Clinton would stand against him on so many different policy issues...Obama is already playing to those 'Obamicans' (Obama's own term for Obama Republicans) by caving to Republican and corporate fears of universal healthcare. Hillary will literally go to the mat for this policy...no compromise! Republicans are in their death throws...I could care less about catering to there self-interested policy concerns right now!
Yes – Obama is sure an outsider. He's only been serving in the SENATE. Or if you serve less than six years you can claim to be an outsider? How does it work?
Is the press supporting Obama?
Why the comment is Clinton draws the first boos...?
Is Obama shown something relevant to support?
I think the "empty suit" adjetive have different owner this year....Who will be
the Obama's VP?
Obama scores 'zero' for health care plan. He is not knowledgeable in this issue.
some people might not even sign for free. Barrack point is that they can sign up in doctors office at ther time of visit as well.
I give alot of credit to our young men and women of today. They WILL and do want health insurance and are responsible people that know they need to have it for themselves.. Barack has a great idea for health care, after all , all candidtates state in every debate, the people of our country have to assist the congress with responbility.. Way to Go!! WE NEED TO BE HONEST
Boloney, they only think about a car payment.. NOT SO!!
tONI rOSENBERG
Wow, thank you Bill, we were just dying to hear your opinion. I guess that's why they call it the Clinton News Network
you mean I need to have health insurance? i thought that was something you get for your 40th birthday.
At least with Obama young people have that choice between the car payment or purchasing insurance. Clinton or Edwards mandates would require they have insurance, whether by choice or if it is garnished from their wages. Under mandates there would be no choice between the car or insurance, the government would be making that decision for them.
Keep in mind, with Obama's plan, young people up to age 25 would still have the option to be covered by their parent's provider.
And although Obama can't make health care coverage free, he can lower costs by negotiating with prescription companies to achieve the lowest cost as well as implement other programs that are part of his plan.
I'm 21 and soon to be a college graduate. I would buy health insurance. Don't cast all of young america as superficial.
Only chnge we are going to get is POCKET change after they raise our taxes!
Mandatory insurance at the current very high prices should scare EVERYONE. Edwards and Clinton are out of their minds on this issue.
If you were listening, he (Obama) said that young people, (like me) could stay on my parents health plan until I'm 25. So i WOULD NOT have to choose between my car payment and health care payment... At 25 I would likely be about of school and be able to get health insurance through his plan. This simplicity of this comment is ridiculous. Perhaps we shouldn't be so harsh on the great Sen. from Illinois.
He said young people could be covered under their parents' insurance until age 25, though.
Hillary's health plan seems to be the most realistic to implement. It is beefing up a plan already in place without reinventing the wheel.
Bill Schneider, Please do at least a little research before posting such uninformed comments. See Obama's website regarding his health care plan, which includes "young adults".
That's because YOU think America is all about money. Like you stated yesterday. How dare you speak for me...or teens and how we would decide what to do with our income.
Of course he can't get young people to buy health insurance! He shouldn't be expected to do so either. With what's going on in the world today and the present state of our ecomony hopefully the young people can awake to what's important to them as individuals. It's time for the people of America to accept responsibility for themselves and their needs. So if their choice between health insurance and a car payment is a hard one, parents have failed. Obama is the best candidate for the Democratic nomination, our future, and our country.
Thank you-
You should be respectful Matthew, he's the best U.S. has. You must be under Clinton's claws?
That was not Obama's point. Obama wants to lower the cost but not penalize and fine those who still can't afford coverage.
Hi, I think that all of you are missing the mark. Senator Obama is trying to say that heath care needs to be more affordable therefore more people would purchse it, instead of being forced to buy it. Some of my friends are paying $800.00 per month for a single policy. Yes, they have it but the cost is rediculous!
Jo Matela
I think that young people can be enticed... there might have to be incentives provided, something young people want – like an iTunes gift card LOL
He has no clue on Health Ins. Hillary has been thru it and will continue to move forward with her plan.
Young people have their mind on things other than health care.
So because some people make poor choices that makes it a better alternative to mandate insurance for all? Come on! Affordable insurance, not forced government red tape!
Didn't Obama say until 25, children would be covered by their parents' insurance? I think that mostly covers the age of immaturity (one would hope). Also, I'd rather manage my health insurance payments instead of having my paycheck be sliced up to remove those funds before it gets to me.
How come no one has mentioned what's required to cut down Republican resistance and actually make any of these approaches to be realistic?
Hillary's Health care plan is better.
All my friends would pick car payments/car insurance before health insurance. We need cars to drive to WORK so that we can EARN money. Rent/mortgage/Car/Car insurance will always be paid before health insurance.
Young people would be covered under the parent's insurance until age 25. They wouldn't necessarily have to make the choice.
Every young person I know, if they're working and it's offered by their employer, they take the insurance. Now, life insurance is different. Health insurance, young people take it where they can get it. And please, since when do Americans enjoy government-mandated anything?
I believe he stated that children would be covered under their parents plans until the age of 25. This would remove the question for young adults on whether or not to purchase health insurance.
I agree with Obama. How can you mandate healthcare on people who do not want it. Then its just senseless paying for something they won't use!
I think he said he'd have young people on their parents policy until they were 25! Listen People! Love you Bill Schneider but you missed this point!
Matthew, not sure how you came to that statement. Hillary is 100 percent emotional, and seems to carry on without ever providing a real answer. She just says what she thinks we all want to hear.
They're missing a great opportunity to explain what it really is alla about; and beat the repupblicans with their own rhetoric. It's an economic issue, not qualityof care or overall wellness.
Barack is right about Massachusetts: I have a family member in Boston for whom electing to endure fines is preferable to purchasing the mandated health care. This is someone with a strong bachelor's degree in the sciences, working full-time as a researcher for a pharmaceutical company (albeit as a temp - the companies keep a lot of temps around to avoid having to provide benefits). Even highly employable people are not ideally served by Massachusetts' health care plan, and I worry about Hillary bringing something similar to the rest of us.
Well most of the people that has to choose between health care and a car are the people that us working people have to take care of thru us working andpaying their taxes. I get so disgusted because both my husband and I work, get no help from the governement yet we are in debt due to medical bills. We would not have a problem if it weren't for the ones on welfare who sit on their asses and get all their doctor bills and everything else paid for. The more children they have, the more they get. You can offer them training to get better jobs and pay for it but you can not make them go and make life better for themselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, very objective 'journalism' there, Bill. Keep spinning for Hillary…
Well,guess what! Young people do get sick & young people are at risk, so they should think seriously about health care 'cause they aren't always gonna have their Mommy & Daddy to fall back on.
Choose between health care and a car payment? Jeez, if Edwards or Clinton are taking too much out of my check, I won't be able to afford my car. Or my rent. Or my text books...
I think Obama might have stumbled in the eyes of voters, because he was not clear in his points about universal healthcare. His premise seemed totally off base because of the play on words in saying universal healthcare and Obama meaning healthcare won't be universal if everyone can't afford it.
its tough growing up and having to meet your obligations? why should i have to pay for the guy that opts for the car...and thn gets sick/
Actually, mandated health coverage means that young people will need to buy insurance. Clinton and Edwards both have mandated coverage – like the Mass Health Plan. These plans come with penalties if people don't buy into the system. The theory is that if you force more people to buy into the system than health care costs come down.
I am a "young person," and I feel that the comment underestimates young people. We may like to have fun and live life like we'll never die, but some of us actually are responsible and seriously think about issues like healthcare, insurance(including auto), and even voting. Reading your comment, it leads me to think you'd doubt that young people would care enough to vote. If this is what you think, just let me remind you of the Kennedy election.
People shouldn't need to purchase healthcare. It's why we pay taxes!!!!!!!
I do not think so, Obama's heathcare coverage is not clear it shows how inexperienced he is. I am for Hillary's universal healthcare.
There's a hole in Obama's heathcare policy argument that you could drive a car through…Obama looks a little shocked that Edwards and Clinton would stand against him on so many different policy issues…Obama is already playing to those 'Obamicans' (Obama's own term for Obama Republicans) by caving to Republican and corporate fears of universal healthcare. Hillary will literally go to the mat for this policy…no compromise! Republicans are in their death throws…I could care less about catering to there self-interested policy concerns right now!
I hate to see Hillary and Obama argue. He needs to stay above the fray. However, he does need to address the comments that Bill Clinton has been making. I think he has done a good job at this. The public needs to know what is going on.
The question is moot. I get the car. Thank you for playing.
You have apparently not spoken to many young people. I'm a young person (I'm 25) and I don't have insurance and I worry about it every day. I know the same goes for many of college classmates. A visit to a doctor without insurance could cost me $500, especially when I only make $700 a month. That is a terrifying thought. I would take affordable health care over a car anyday.
In re: what Dan said below: WE DO PAY FOR IT! FOr people who don't have insurance (for whatever reason), taxpayers pay when the uninsured show up at local hospitals. I'd rather pay on the front end vs. the back end.
I am understanding him to say...if people want health insurance. Does he mean that wealthy people who can buy the highest and best may not want the lowly insurance we will be offered?
I don't quite get what he is saying.
I think I understand Edwards and Clinton are saying in that if they do not start with universal.....we will end up right back where we are. That is, the least will be stiffed with higher premiums . So, of course, buy no insurance.
However, we really ned to undersstand this thoroughly because if we miss this time, it will be a disaster.
So those that don't purchase health insurance and then have a health issue, how do they pay for the medical care? Or do I have to foot the bill for someone else's choice?
Most young people do have to worry about insurance! The consequences of not having insurance are significant in this big brother world where our credit is tracked, the cost of surgeries, getting sick...the sad thing is that we do have to compromise and cant have both. maybe if the poverty stricken and young people did not have to make choices and could have affordable insurance then we wouldnt have to chose between our health and having to get to work in our car so we can afford to live...either way its a day to day russian roulette..
Hillary has the best plan so far... Obama does not know what he wants... Edwards is vaugue.
Hey Bill,
He said that kids would be covered until they're 25 under their parent's insurance ... do not trust that people in their late twenties are responsible adults?
Hillary's Health Care is the worst people!
Remember it is not FREE, you have to pay for it, She will mandate, that is she will FORCE you to buy it!
How will you feel if you are forced to do something?
Obama's plan will make it cheap and give you the freedom and choice to buy it or not!
I do not feel comfortable or trust the Government to force me to buy something. If Hillary's care is FREE, then it will be the best, but do not force me to buy healthcare...
I respect Bill as a journalist, but why is ageism acceptable when it is directed at young people? Why is his assertion any less offensive than saying that senior citizens will spend their health care premiums on bingo if given the chance?
Obama's health plan allows young adults to be covered on their parents' plan up to age 25. Obama acknowledges that young folks often feel immune to health issues, but gives their parents credit for understanding the value of health insurance on their young adults' behalf; thus the parents may keep these young people covered on their own plans.
Mariji, why is it when someone supports Clinton they are under her claw? You must be 12 or really an idiot!!!
HEALTH CARE It is about CHOICE, that is based on affordability – not mandatory AND unaffordable!
What happens with the 15 million who aren't covered? They will get sick eventually and they will go to the ER, be admitted to the hospital, and have lots of expensive tests done for them. And who will pay for that? All of us. This is what happens every day. People who dont have insurance go to the hospital, are billed, and DONT PAY. The hospital charges everyone else and their insurance companies MORE to recoup their losses and then we all pay for it. This is the mess we are in now and under Obama's plan, it will continue.
Lets face it. Obama does not have a comprehensive plan and it is not the right approach for America. GO HILLARY!
why is my comment still waiting moderation?
Once again the ideas being expressed are clouded by bickering. Clinton and Edwards (while he makes more sense than she) are talking about a health care plan in which the goverment is making all the decisions about what we (the individuals) can and cannot afford. Obama clearly says "The government will help to make it more affordable but people with the resources will have to take some personal responsibility and purchase their Health Care."
Here is a man that is trying to put the future of American people in the hands of the American people. He wants to inspire and to motivate people to take action instead of waiting for the Gorvenment to do all the work – which has clearly not worked out so well in either the Bush or Clinton administrations. That's the kind of America that Democrats,Independents and Republicans can believe in.
Obama wants go after the drug companies, insurance companies, etc. to get the costs down which will make it more affordable.
Clinton and Edward want to make it mandatory to buy insurance. Think about this ... either you have to buy it or your business will have to buy it. That could reallly hurt a lot of small businesses, increase costs of goods and/or services to cover that cost by any size company.
And why are we focusing on young people? There are lots of people, young, old, rich, poor, black, white, hispanic who will choose NOT to buy health insurance.
Obama does not make sense! Is he democrat or a liberal republican, I am confused now! And you as a political anlist don't make any sense to back this dude! How much money did you receive to back this unexperineced fellow ?
Move on !
Hillary and Edwards make much more sense tonight!
The problem with a non-mandated plan is that it forces people to make a choice to give up their money. This makes it much less likely that they will get a plan. Plus, the people who don't have it know, low-income families, have poor accessibility to health care facilities, insurance offices, and the like, and just simply may not have time or resources to SIGN UP for health care. If it's mandated, its more painless. It's like social security. How many working families resent being "forced" to pay into their retirement?
I think the health care issue is one of Obama's greatest weaknesses. Edwards and Clinton have better plans. Except Edwards came out with his plan 7 months before Hillary. He led on this issue, just like he's led on EVERY SINGLE OTHER ISSUE. Wake up, dems!! Edwards is our best, strongest, most electable candidate!!!
No one can get ALL of any demographic to buy anything – that's a stupid question. All young people are also supposed to buy car insurance, but we know that doesnt happen.
The difference is that if you don't cant afford to buy car insurance, maybe you take the bus or maybe you get caught and get a fine. Imposing MANDATORY health care is NOT providing universal health care. Everyone wants health insurance – it's the high cost that prevents coverage. It's the cost that prevents coverage!
Just making it the law is not the answer – not for young people or old people
Obama is the only candidate displaying who display integrity. Hillary and Edwards display a shify shady rhetoric and they stray from the issues.
Ron Paul 2008, seriously.
I'm graduating from college and terribly worried about healthcare.
Yes, i'll continue to make car payments. I need a car daily. I don't need healthcare everyday.
huh, that's funny, i'm in the "young" demographic and i would choose affordable health care!
at least then i would be able to AFFORD my car payments!
Barack has them on the run. I see people do not hear what they are saying. Vote for Bill I mean Hillary and see that the last 8 years will be forgotten.
Stay fair and balanced, to borrow a phrase. You are starting to show a bias towards one of the three debaters.
Edwards needs to step aside he can't win this it will be between hillary and obama
Thanks for your personal opinion again Bill! Best political team on television huh?
I think Obama's approach to healthcare is the most practical to start with. It will probably be easier to convince Republicans in congress and across the U.S. to support a healthcare initiative that automatically covers the most vulverable in our society....it is easier to get to first base than to make a home run. Moreover, we can evaluate the cost and make adjustments on a smaller scale in preparation for universal coverage.
Obama also said young people would be able stay on their parents insurance up to the age of 25. I would think that any young person older than 25 should be able to buy their own insurance!
Well, if they are covered by their parents until age 25, they wouldn't be kids. Presumably they will mostly be married and might have their own kids by then. What the heck? People just don't want health insurance and we've got to force them to have common sense?
Nuts. People will buy health care if you give them a chance.
Go Obama.
I work in the healthcare profession and I know for a fact the impact of forced coverage will be very difficult. I believe Barack has a better chance with his healthcare because he realizes that if we can get the cost down even employees at wal mart will by thier insurance
hillary needs to tell her husband to step to the side and let her do her own campaign. He is going to hurt her chance at the white house really soon
I think John looks like the little golden boy in this debate....however, he is not!!
Young people are smarter than you give them credit for. Also, his plan allows people under 25 to stay on their parent's plan.
I'm not sure that health insurance and affordability is merely a youth issue. I'm in my mid forties, a single parent, and my share of my employment based health insurance premium is 1/4 of my pre tax income each month. I don't want to have to choose between my mortgage payment and my insurance. How do we find our way out of this??
How can anyone consider health care that doesn't include everyone. What will you do when some one who has no insurance comes into the hospital with heart or kidney disease. Either of these could require months of in-hospital care that could easily run into the hundreds or thousand dollars or even millions. Who is going to compensate the hospital?
And what about all of the illegal aliens who show up in emergency rooms every day? Whose going to pay for them? Or do we just deport them and not worry about them.
He's intensely evasive on the fact that he does not support universal health care and he's changed his position on the subject many times over the years
Who cares if HealthCare is mandated? It's STILL unaffordable!!!
Let's see: I will be MANDATED (forced) to buy insurace at (for conversation sake) $3000 a month for my family....how the heck am I suppossed to PAY for it...
It shouldn't be mandated...I should have a choice to buy it or stick with my current plan...
Obama's the man.
If you want to see REAL health care for ALL, watch the Movie sicko. Canada & most of Europe all have universal H.C. AND they are all happy with it. I have afriend who lives in France and contrary to what a Republican wants us to believe they are ALl very happy with their health care. I am a retired R.N. and even the doctors interviewed & nurses are very happy because they can TRULY take care of their patients without monetary concerns.
This debate is Hillarys, 2nd is Johns, sorry Obama you need to be more forthcoming with your answers.
Obama is a very confident man.
I agree with this statement entirely.
I'm 29 year old male in good health.
I won't pay for over-priced health insurance.
In fact, I have declined it from my last two employers and have been without insurance for over three years now. My co-pay would have been over $150 a month.
What a waste of money. I don't care if anyone says I'm stupid.
I won't overpay just so people who don't take care of themselves can get coverage for the same amount.
Why don't they base your insurance amount on how healthy you are? BMI calculation? Blood pressure? Or at least reward those with good health with lower premiums.
I can't afford a car OR health insurance. At this rate, I'd look to buying health insurance in case one of these idiots in town runs me down on the road while I'm riding my bicycle. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Health Care should be a right, not a privilege.
WHY DOES OBAMA TALK ABOUT HIS WHITE SIDE OF HIS PARENTS????
During the debate Obama mentioned that kids up to the age of 25 would be able to have health care under their parents plans. By this time these "kids" will be out in the working world and will realize the need for health care, and if not we have larger problems on our hands.
I have to say I agree with Obama's plan of making it more affordable rather than shoving something down the throat of American's. Our country is largely based on free will, something Edward's and Clinton's plans neglect.
Bill – It's superficial for you to say that young people don't want to pay for health insurance. Not all are perfectly healthy. Not all are willing to take the foolish risk of not having it. I paid for my own health insurance even when I was fresh out of college. Barack Obama has a realistic view and a workable plan. Cheers to Obama.
Obama saved my sons life. When my insurance didn't pay for my son's compromised immune system the Illinois ALLKIDS program took up the bill for his $7000.00 a month medicine. Not to mention the half million dollar emergency treatment that if he did not have he WOULD have died. I do not HAVE to pay since I make below $60K but even those that have to it is only $50 bucks or so....Who cannot afford that? A Mcdonalds Fryflipper can afford that!!!
Obama seemed to have trouble supporting his healthcare plan and his voting "present" in IL. I can see the passion with John Edwards and Hillary when talking about and defending their position. I am beginning to wonder if Obama is stuck defending someone else's position and that is why he is lacking passion for it.
Why does everyone think we need more government mandates? I don't want a health care mandate. I want freedom of choice. If I want it I can buy it. If I don't want it I don't have to. We already have mandatory car insurance. It might as well be another tax. Why is Hillary pushing this awful Universal Health Care plan? If you don't want health insurance you will get fined. What is next, will she force us to go to the Doctors once or twice a year, eat right and exercise regularly or we will be fined?
We need a change when...
My ancestors came to this country on slave ships, worked hard in the tobacco and cotton fields, died for civil rights, worked hard in the factories, and labored as domestics in affluential homes. I as a professional, college educated person, have paid emornous taxes into this country – cannot afford health insurance.
But yet an immigrant from some other country can come here and get Medicaid and Medicare without a green card/ without being a citizen. This tells you somethng is dasticaly wrong with our healt care system and the government policies.
We need to take care of our own US citizens before we can take care of others.
I am concerned with the issue of Bill Clinton, his role in the campaign, his future role if Hillary is elected President. Bill Clinton is not just another candidate's spouse. This issue was danced around with the tacit agreement that no one would probe how he was different, what his political base is and how it is affecting the tone of the campaign. I felt his presence waiting in the wings.
I still think I'm young (27) and I'm deeply concerned about health insurance. I've been fortunate to work for the state which provides decent health insurance, but I know how much I've used it. I think as soon as a young person uses their health insurance, it will be important.
If Obama really believes that all people who can afford health care will purchase it, why would he agree to make all children's coverage mandatory? If all would purchase insurance for themselves, certainly they would for their children. We need to have health care affordable for all, and make it mandatory for all, as does Clinton's plan.
Obama's plan would allow young people to stay on parents' insurance until age 25. After that, they ought to be able to get coverage through their employer. Why would Obama want to convince young people to get insurance coverage that they don't need or want?
Hillary and John are just making campaign promises. We can't transfer to National Healthcare in 4 years! The first step is Obama's plan to lower costs...be real people. NHS is great, and should come in time, but we can't take a sudden jolt into it, the economy is too weak for that sudden of change.
WHY CAN'T WE HAVE A HEALTH AND RETIREMENT PLAN (IN PLACE OF SOCIAL SECURITY) LIKE THE CONGRESS HAS SINCE THEY DON'T HAVE TO PAY SOCIAL SECURITY
I think the key here is whether people have a choice versus not being able to get health insurance at all. You are correct young people will not buy health insurance, just like they don't invest in 401ks but that is there decision. People with children and health issues who do not even have the ability to buy affordable health insurance are what our concern should be.
You know it is sad. I am young and if I can find cheap medical I would buy it. For the Media to say what the hell young people will do is the same dam tactics Hillary and her husband are using. If she does win I would like to let the MEDIA KNOW THIS GET READY FOR ANOTHER REPUBLICAN. I know she is experience I have read up on her. To be honest she is the most experience. When she saw Iowa voter voted for Obama and that was 99% white state. She changes her candidacy as a black man that what make me mad. If you running on experience then that should have been your focus. Looking for tactics to win is angering to any race. We are Democrat running against each other not running against Republican. But, when Obama won race issues start coming up, her husband start getting involved. My question is if Edwards would have won would this campaign would have been about race. With this said, when I did read on her I find out a lot. Like the Ron Brown case, her father was republican, her husband signs the NAFTA program and a lot of other scandal issue. Also I find out good things about her. Like one she was the Vice President. Al Gore was just there if we go back to the days she was in the white she ran the white house. She had her office in an area that none of the other First Lady had theirs. Everything she went after she won.
Let me say this to everyone. Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton is a political power team and when they say, “they are in to win they literally mean that”. I am sorry for Obama because he can not turn anyway. If he go after black voters they will say he catering to the blacks, if he go after Hispanic he is catering to the Mexican, if he go to the whites the black people will say he is a sell out.
Hillary on the other hand has been planting seeds since she was First Lady in Arkansas. She was going to run for governor their but the survey showed they was not ready for a woman. She had to stick with Bill through all the crap he put her through for her to get her chance to run for President. Sadly, they going to make a split and divide instead of making a change. The Clintons want that Power so bad that I really believe they will kill for it. They not going to let a black man like Barack Obama beat them, someone that have not been seen by black people. They saying that they have been there for black’s yes they have because he knew his wife will be running for President and they need the black people vote. They know they have turned their backs on their own race. They know that many white people would not vote them in. Now they are going after the Mexican. Anything it takes to win the White House.
I voted for Bill Clinton twice even doe I suppose to not vote. Not this time I no what the media doing and I dam show no what the Clintons doing. I am sorry, I am very sorry I every voted him in the office in the first place.
GO OBAMA, they give up stay on change it might want help now but I am a black man and you have gave me a hope and plus the white young generation.
Who knows what teens would do? I just know that I CAN afford health care, BUT since I left my corporate job and now worl for myself, I can't get insurance because I have blod pressure and take Allegra for allergies. How messed up can our system be, when I can affor health care but can't get it.
If someone could just teach Hillary not to be rude! Stop interupting Obama and John. Young people are smarting than you think. Well, maybe not 21 year old guys!:)
Obama is smart everyone. You just have to be intellectually on his level to understand where he is going with his Health plan. He is obviously planning to allow this plan to turn into a universal health plan like in France, however you must put the cart before the horse. Obama knows that we must put a plan that is comprehensible to the rest of the country who does not understand Universal Healthcare or better yet is ignorant of the benefits or Socialized Medicine. Why can't people watch "Sicko'? Anyhow, Obama knows that when they tried to do this universal things under Clinton's hubby presidency, it failed. He knows that if you go about it the way they tried it will fail. He is smart and knows how to go about it slowly, and this is what he meant by how he admired Reagan. Reagan was only good because of his charisma and diplomacy, not because he had good ideas, but because he knew how to turn people towards his ideas. Obama will pursuade people, where Hillary will micro-manage everyone and will piss a lot of people in the process.
So are we saying that if a young person chooses the car payment because they can only afford one or the other that under hillary/edwards they would be forced to purchase insurance. Where will these kids get the money from? If I'm understanding correctly Obama would offer subsidies to folk who cannot afford it. What is so wrong about this? I do not believe anyone should be forced to do anything especially if it will cause additional financial hardship. At what point are Americans capable of making their own decisions and determining their own priorities? Please do not presume to know what I can and cannot afford to pay each month. You mean to tell me I would get fined if I cannot afford the mandated coverage? How will fining me make it possible for me to get the insurance that I don't have the money to pay. I'm a single mother and could not afford to take on a second job to pay for insurance, that second job would be eaten up finding day care for an additional 4-6 hours per day. I'll go with Obama on this one. I pray that I am not forced to vote republican because Hillary won the democratic ticket.
Gov't provided health insurance would eliminate huge administrative costs and remove the need for risk assessment, again lowering cost but not the quality of the care. Socialized insurance does not equal socialized medicine!
The average american family spends $10k a year on health insurance. If we eliminate that burden just imagine how that would stimulate the economy!!!
Barack is crazy if he thinks that given the choice between rent, food, bills and taking care of a family people have enough left to pay for medical insurance. He is so out of touch with people who work for a living and can barely make ends meet.
Will people please stop pretending that young people don't have reproductive issues, sexually transmitted disease issues, dermatology issues, cold/flu issues, dental issues, vision care issues, cosmetic issues, etc that mean that they want medical care? Social security and/or social security disability have little meaning for young people, but health care that is affordable is something that all americans want. Hillary really cut it when she said her program was not government sponsored. That means that americans would be FORCED to pay for a private insurance plan that includes payments to CEO pensions and severence, stockholder profits and building/owning all those big buildings in the downtown areas (of Dubai!!). Forcing americans to pay for a private insurance plan will go over as well as it did in 1993. The republicans will make hay of it, we'll lose democratic majorities in the congress again like we did in 1994 and we'll have a protracted battle that might AGAIN cause it to take another 15 years before we can even talk about healthcare solutions.
Lastly, when will people stop pretending that the past is NO indication of the future? The fighting, bickering, nasty failures and immorality of the Clinton administration are still evident in this current campaign and will persist well into the future. They are destroying their legacy, let's don't let them destroy the country.
OBAMA '08
There needs to be something done about health care coverage – the costs for individual or company paid insurance is way too expensive for us all.
If you have insurance you are very lucky if you are NOT paying out high deductibles for visits, prescriptions and hospital stay.
Those who cannot afford a plan such as Hillary and John's will most likely be eligible for assistance anyways.
Let's think about EVERYONE – just not the kids, elderly and the poor.
WHAT ABOUT THE AVERAGE MIDDLE CLASS FAMILY???
As a health care professional for almost 30 years (RN) I see
first hand the number of people who present at the hospital on a routine basis for routine care. Quite frankly as an OB nurse I am tired of working long
hours to pay for everyone elses health care. We need
someone to take control of this country"s health care mess and if Obama can't answer direct questions without going around in circles how is he going to solve the health care crisis. Its time to listen to those who actually provide the care and make sure health care in equal for all not just for some!
The operative word in Obama's comment on universal health care is "forced". The government is now trying to fix Social Security, why should I trust it with my healthcare? I have gone through Cancer treatment and all that could possibly be done to an individual. Clinton and Edwards sounds way too socialized for me - remember Princess Diana. She had all the money she needed, but was in the hands of socialized medicine.
I thought living in a free country meant the right to make choices, good or bad. Why would you want the government telling you, you have to do something. There are many laws that already strip us of freedoms. Why would people knowingly vote for another one? Obama's plan will help make health care more affordable so more poeple can make a choice they don't currently have the option to make because it's too expensive.
1). who's going to pay for all this?
2). who's going to pay for litigation against the Pharma; hospitals & Dr's that provide bad drugs; (Look at all the bad drugs we've had approved lately); the bad medical providers?
3). how is this going to be funded?
4). Can't any of them put up documents with financial prospectus on any of the "Universal health plans"?
5). anyone can have "pipe dreams"... but as president they can't legislate these policies, how are they going to get congress & senate to participate and support this plan?
Oh, please, can't someone just answer these simple questions?
Obama's plan makes the most sense because if we go with Mandates we will have many people around the nation who are already suffering economically FORCED into purchase unaffordable health insurance which will cripple these people economically! People WANT health insurance but they can't afford it. I don't see how this is so hard for people to understand this issue. I own a health insurance agency and I see the premiums that people are forced to pay when I comb different carriers to find the cheapest rates. $300 – $400 per month is way too much for most Americans to afford and you mean to tell me that we will MANDATE that people pay that and that will be GOOD for the economy? That is FAR worse than any tax rate hike that can be enforced by any candidate!
Maybe you should ask them all if HR 676 (United States National Heath Insurance Act) ever makes it out committee where it has been buried since last 2003...Gets passed by the new congress will they sign the bill into law and make single payer universal health care a reality in this country? It is a disgrace that we spend 76% of the total money spent on health care in the world, yet we rank 47th in the world for longevity.
Doesn't anyone care about insuring 12 million illegal immigrants?
He does not have to answer anything. heis the darling of the media. People in the media think they don't have to ask him any explaination. his candidacy is not a fairy tale but his pampering of the media is the biggest we may have seen.
Ok. Come on young people. I am only 23 years old and I think that Obama made an excellent statement about healthcare. A car is a material thing that will cost more to keep up. When it breaks down we would have to go and purchase another. But when our bodies break down we are done. We need to take advantage of what he has to offer. We finally have a president candidate who talks real. I will back him and support him. I feel that he will be an excellent president in restoring our country to where it needs to be.
He is going to raise the capital gains tax to support health care. I can't wait to stand in line as the Canadians, and other countries with this type of health care.
Obama was asked point blank about his plan including illegal immigrants and he said "no" without hesitation. This is what we expect from our leaders, a direct answer to a direct question without beating around the bush. He scored heavily on this.
My husband is a doctor. If universal health care is mandatory as it is in Edwards' and Clinton's' plans, there will be no more doctors so it wont matter anyway. Caring for people who aren't responsible enough to choose coverage for themselves will be a nightmare for physicians. Not to mention the financial problems it will create. Optional (affordable) health care is the only plan that will work.
Universal access sounds nice but Obama is analytically correct. It is the affordability that is the crux if we want to address healthcare.
Truth is young people don't get sick as often as older people. Should the people age 18-27, such as myself, have some form of catastrophic coverage? Yes. Should young Americans be mandated to pay premiums in order to "share" the burden of the older/aging population? Absolutely not. Obama's plan will make health insurance available for those that want it and need it the most (namely lower income families). If younger Americans want the health coverage, Senator Obama's subsidies will make it possible for them. Hillary made a mess of healthcare back in the 90's and her current plan does not seem to be very promising.
spoken like a true politico with no real idea whats on the minds of the country. of course we'd buy affordable health care.
People or you really hearing what you saying. Lets be smart people or going to say what they want to get in the white house. My question is to everyone on here what make you and anyone think Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Obama get what they want. Or we forgetting there are Republican. I hope Clinton do win because I get to laugh at all the people that voted her in like they did for President Bush.
Hillary Clinton is good at what she do she have 32 years to show.
If the goal is to help those who can't already afford health insurance and health care, why penalize those who can't afford it? Universal health care was already a goal with the Clintons and it was unsuccessful. Barack is bringing a newer, more realistic, more practical, achievable, and sustainable approach that gives people a CHOICE, it does not deny health care to anyone. Those who can't afford it already simply won't be penalized, something that is contradictory in both Edwards' and Clinton's plans.
I don't want someone telling me I have to buy insurance or they are going to take it out of my paycheck. How is that any different than social security?
It was Hillary and Edwards who called for universal. Obama said they he would make it affordable enough for people to purchase. He drew from the MA experiment that middle class people are being fined for not purchasing it.
Obama's plan is the most moderate and most likely to win bipartisan congressional support and the support of the American people. If people don't want health insurance, then they are responsible for their own health, but we must not hold everyone's hand and force them to have health insurance.
I think Obama has a great future, but his time is coming. Hillary's time is NOW, and she will make the difference on all issues. I hope when Hillary's elected she brings
John Edwards into her administration.
I'm don't know about all young people, as soon as I was off my parents insurance and signed up to pay for my own healthcare insurance plan. I don't like seeing the money disappear each month, but I certianly wouldn't go without unless I absolutely couldn't afford it. Just because you are 25 doesn't mean you think you're indestructible – anyone can get hit by a car or catch the flu. On the other hand, I really wouldn't appreciate being forced to buy insurance – I want it to be available, and I want to make my own choice about how I plan for my healthcare needs.
Bill you assume they have a job to pay for anything! AND mandated health care is not free. Also O's plan allows you to stay under your parents until 25, which would be really helpful. I could've used it. What if I don't like the mandated plan, do i still have to buy it?
The explaination above does not even understand the Obama's healthcare stand, he says young people should be under their parents' and nobody should be forced to be insured in a free country like our's. At the end of the day I don't even trust the Hillary's universal healthcare because what you might be looking at is there are companies already lobbying her to handle the whole nation.
Politics as usual.
Health insurance should be a choice. If one cannot afford it, the federal government should then pay for it. All children should automatically be covered just as Sen. Obama proposes. Are you a Hillary supporter also? I agree with the gentleman who stated that perhaps Hillary's "crying" about the media not being tough on Obama got to all of you.
Let's remember Hillary could not get her healthcare plan through the Congress before. READ her book. She admitted she did not know what the HELL she was doing.
I do believe that yough people can be convinced to buy insurance. May it affordable and they will buy in.
Let's be honest, would Hillary be a candidate if she did not marry Bill.
I think it really unfair that Obama has to run against a current candidate and a former president. Bill Clinton needs to stay home so the best candidate can shine!
Let's hope our country has come far enough to look beyond Obama's color and put the BEST person in the White House.
Obama'a health care plan is as good as Hillary's or Edward's. People saying young people won't buy health care. Under Obama's plan children will be covered under their parents up to 25 years old age. Then most start working and will have their employer's play. It will be hard to mandate health care. People don't like when insurance companies tell patients that they can only see this doctor or that doctor. We as Americans like having the choice to choose for ourselves We are fundamentally independent.
I'm 28 years old and had to go about 3 MONTHS without health insurance. I have a clean bill of health but I was TERRIFIED during that time. If I had needed emergency or even routine medical care during that time it would have cost a FORTUNE. I, and any other young person would be FOOLISH to choose a car over health insurance if it were affordable. This is an issue of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. I find it inspiring and perfectly sensible that Obama would first, provide people the resources they need to get insurance and then trust us to get the insurance we need and deserve. We're adults, aren't we?
Whu-huh? I (like many, many, many people) rely on my car – a 12-yr-old, 145K mile wreck – to get to work. I don't live anywhere near a bus stop and cannot afford to live closer to my job. Although the old Taurus is finally paid for, it took four years to reach that point. No car = no job = no income = homeless.
Tone it down a little, will ya? Some of us choose/chose the car payment over the health insurance because of that pesky little need to get to work so we can/could purchase such "materialistic" items as food and clothing. Of course, the entire time, we have/had to deal with the cluless, affluent folks labeling us as irresponsible and screaming about their tax dollars funding our health care. Oi.
You know who should be the next president? Someone who spent at least 5 years of the past decade or so living on less than $30,000 a year (as a family) or $15,000 a year (as a single person) without benefits. Now *that* person would understand just how critical the health care issue really is.
Listen people. Obama's plan is the most DEMOCRATIC solution for health care! Who the heck does Clinton and Edwards think they are in FORCING people to have health insurance! That is not necessary – it's the cost that keeps people from obtaining insurance. Make it affordable! Well could it be that Billary is receiving big money from the Insurance Companies who would benefit from the insurance MANDATE??? Even little children see their friends getting sick from time to time – how foolish to suggest that young people would not buy affordable health insurance! No one is going to tell me what to do with my money or how to manage my families budget. This is a democracy – somebody tell Billary and Edwards!
Mandatory insurance....does this come with a mandatory raise...or how about a mandatory job?
Why is the press not forcing these numskulls to explain how these lame brain ideas are going to be paid for? If people can't afford insurance now – what changes? You can't get blood from a turnip. Rather than tackle the ridiculous COST of medical services and thus insurance – these politicos merely propose to guarantee their masters a flow of cash. No wonder they are getting so much $$ from the industry.
Of course they cry – that the "youth" of America will help bear the burden and spread those rediculous costs so that they are more manageable. Once more saddling our future generations with debt and obligations. How much more crap do people think they can pile on the future?....Well – the real answer is being delivered in the equities market the last few days. That answer is – NONE!!!
Oh well – Health care will be the least of our worries after tomorrows stock market implosion. Money talks – and it is saying – no more cheap credit (and if we are not careful – maybe no more credit period)! Our politicians have been acting like spoiled children – refusing to look at the credit card statement. Well Daddy Warbucks just canceled their card and that reality (once it sets in) is going to be a shocker! Will be interesting to see how we make it on our own.
The candidate that can chart those waters has yet to appear. Good luck to us all.
I will say one thing about Hillary Clinton : her health care plan failed when her husband was in office, why would it be any different now?
Hillary is saying what she thinks people want to hear. Remember she has already tried this once and it was a dismal failure. He is telling the truth and being realistic, even if it isn't what people want to hear. That is why I am voting for him. Hillary has multiple personalities that she brings out when she thinks the circumstances warrant them. She didn't find her voice–she found the fake thing that got results. I would love to be a fly on the wall what she is saying behind closed doors.
A Mandatory health insurance would never pass in congress. Remember people there are both Democrats and Republicans in congress and the senate. A Mandatory health insurance program levied on Americans is wrong. You people really don't give young people much credit. Not all young people are irresponsible dimwits who need the government to force them to do what is best for them. If the Insurance is affordable then people will buy it. No one likes to go to the emergency room for care, if they can go to their doctor with health insurance they will.
Maybe most of you are too young to remember during the Bill's run for president Hillary introduced a health plan that failed because it had no substance. She may succeed in some areas, but health care is not one. She's only offering the same old warmed over experience with no change.
Barack's point is that, insurance will be cheap enough that everyone will elect to have health insurance. I'd rather take a chance on his plan than be stuck with an inaffordable mandated insurance plan under Hillary or Edwards. Do we know what that mandated cost will be? Some of you are worried about paying for the uninsured, Hillary stated that Medicare & Medicaid will still be in place. That means that tax payers will still be paying for the uninsured anyway. Anytime something is mandated we lose our power of choice. If its mandated, who will choose the insurance company? Who will choose what plan is right for us? Which lobbyist will win, BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare? Who gets the contract? With Barack's plan we still have our right to choose, plus this will force the insurance companies to compete for our business, therefore lowering their premiums!!!
As a reference point, Obama's Health Plan is the only one that includes a provision for 18-25 year olds to remain on their parents health care plan. This is how he will get more 18-25 year old's insured than the other democrats, mandate or not. I am 22 and know that many in my age group would not respond to a mandate, and fining people for not having health care is an absolute atrocity. Lowering costs and fixing the systemic flaws of our system is the responsibility of the next president. Mandates will doom a universal health care problem for Clinton as it did in '93 and Barack Obama's plan will cover more people than Clinton's anyhow. .
I agree with Senator Obama regarding health care.
If you look at the number of people who cannot afford health care, who cannot afford to eat or afford shelter, how can we expect to force these people to purchase health insurance? And how can we expect these people to pay for a penalty for not being able to purchase the health insurance plan we mandate for them?
Obama's plan provides for children (up to age 25, which is around the time we figure out that we might need our own health insurance, and have had time to find employment where we can afford it – speaking as a younger American), and he provides for families. He is making provisions for those who want insurance to afford it. It's a responsible, and better yet practical, plan.
OBAMA 08
I just moved out of Massachussetts, which has a health mandate like Clinton is proposing. My wife and I were in that student/post student phase. We spent about 25% of our income on health insurance for her. Most of the rest went to rent or food. Our total medical expenses for that time were less than the cost of a month's payment.
MA health companies are very highly regulated. As young, healthy people, our high health insurance rate is effectively subsidizing the older, less healthy parts of the population. Would it have been so unreasonable to decide that we would rather save some of that money in the event of a non-health related calamity?
Clinton and Edwards creamed Obama on healthcare. It was painful to watch.
No, healthcare isn't about choice. This is THE Democratic platform. If it isn't universal, the Republicans will pick it apart. Some portions get passed, some don't. Who would like to guess which interest will win. That is just naive. I work in a hospital. Good grief.... Who does he think pays for this?
Some people saying Hillary have comprehensive health care are thinking that the plan will cover them without them paying anything..WRONG!
Hillary's Plan & that of Obama are the same, the only difference is; Hillary will FORCE or MANDATE that you buy into her HeathCare plan. It is not FREE people! you have to paid for it whether you like it or not!
I do not want to be forced into buying healthcare, I want to have a choice and that is where Obama's plan trumps Hillary's plan.
Obama is the only one that doesn't want to mandate health insurance premiums based on his knowledge of the MA healthcare mess. At least MA is trying, but the deal is you have to get insurance and pay monthly premiums. If you're fairly low income it's something like $70 a month, which is relatively cheap compared with excessive private ins rates, but a lot for a lot of people living paycheck to paycheck. And then, MA will cancel your insurance and penalize you by taking away your tax deduction if you can't keep up with your premiums. Not everyone has a full-time employer, so the other choice of paying a monthly premium yourself ("sharing responsibility") is unfair to many people who have to pay out of pocket while the fully employed are taken care of.
Don't dismiss Canada and other countries on healthcare. They're generally happy as clams. Did anyone see Michael Moores documentary SICKO which the drug companies killed? It showed happy Canadians, jealous elder Americans, happy Parisians, happy Cubans, and very unhappy Americans who were refused healthcare. Why can't we come up with quality universal healthcare for everyone if other countries can? Answer: drug companies lobbying and setting policy. And why can't our candidates come up with something less pandering to the A.M.A. and more innovative, rather than dickering with approaches that don't make quality healthcare accessible to all once and for all? Answer: I DON'T know!
MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Insurance corporations must be salivating at the prospect. Like mandatory car insurance billions of dollars will be made at the expense of those that can least afford it. I believe in a free America and Obama is right, buy coverage if you have the money to do so but if you cannot afford it then the government (OUR government) should provide health services for free. It should be a basic, fundamental and, yes universal right.
Actually Obama's plan covers adult's children up to age 25. In many cases 25 is out of college, on your own, and becoming responsible. I believe young people of this age will be willing to get insurance if it is affordable.
Placing the age at 25 was surprising and does show some thought into the issue of health care.
Health care should be free for everyone with a health care card if you are a legal American paying taxes....simple. Look at the person from Kentucky...both work and in dept because of health care. Employers should pay as they do in Canada for example. Lots of corporations are making BIG profits. Yes your taxes must go up...not much. But wouldn't 200 dollars extra a year in taxes be better than 200 thousand in dept because of what you owe for health care. Yes you need Health Care Cards...everyone. You just don't get it. You are all getting ripped off through insurance and the pharmaceutrical companies and you have some of the worst health care in the modern world. And don't get down on people on welfare...some do need it. Try getting a job, with benefits that can afford day care when you are a single non-white person with less than a college education. Not all are smart enough or can afford to go all the way...but all deserve health care. Go Hillary!! Barack in '16. Stop the war to afford health care.
Children are covered until age 25. If they chose not too be covered then that's on them. But under Obama's plan he makes sure that children are covered. Frankly, i would rather have a choice, then have it forced down my throat. I noticed that Hillary and JE never stated how much their plans would cost the American people. Obama said he would lower the cost which is what we need. "Give us free." "Give us choice."
Am I not getting it? There are a lot of young people over 25 who work as servers in restaurants. My daughter is one of them who is 27 years old, single and not a parent. She earns minimum wage and doesn't work in a fancy, high-tipping food chain or area. She can barely afford car insurance (can't afford a car payment) and cannot afford to rent an apartment without roommates. She's supposed to pay for her own health care? How did Senator Obama decide that 25 years of age and under should to be covered under their parents health plan(s)?
By the way, if my daughter were a single mom, she would qualify for a free education, free child care, and free medical care.
Republicans will NOT go for universal healthcare. Talk about BIG government! This area is definitely something that must be approached from a moderate perspective, which is what I think Obama has done.
Im 21 and i would NEVER buy health insurance. Hell no! i would rather use that money to buy myself a house or something.
If it isn't universal then the healthcare problem has NOT been addressed at all!
In some shape form or fashion we will always pay for healthcare, in my opinion we should pay it out of our taxes and have a National Healthcare System like many other countries(who do NOT have our health care problems) do. Obama doesn't want to take the golden biscuits out of pharmaceutical and health insurance companies mouths because they are feeding too much of it to HIM.
John Edwards is the only real candidate! Why else do you think the corporate media won't give his campaign decent coverage?!
Nice sweeping generalization there, Bill!
Let's see if I can do you one better
Most senior analysts don't worry about covering the issues and rarely feel need to even mention policy. If it's a politicians $400 haircut or a detailed analysis of health insurance, my guess is most senior analysts would choose the haircut!
The reason you don't know any 25 year olds stuck in a job they loathe for health insurance is that you don't know any 25 year olds.
I don't like Obama's plan because he doesn't plan on covering everyone. This country is in a dire situation with so many people not being able to afford health care. I want to hear how any plan is going to be paid for and if the insurance companies will be compelled to offer plans at a lower cost than the one I currently have.
Who wants to see the numbers on the plans?
I am interested to know concretely what is the highest my income taxes will rise if we move toward a universal heathcare system.
I didn't have health insurance after I graduated from college and didn't have any until I got married because the place I worked at didn't offer any. But now I know why my dad insisted on paying for my (premium) car insurance after I was able to afford to buy a car!! Getting sick and needing insurance is the last thing kids think about. They don't even think about starting an IRA. And how many bother to get renters insurance... very few.
Children have to go to school with terrible toothaches from abscessed teeth everyday because their parents can't afford to even take them to the dentist. Our school started a FUND which the counselors can use at their discretion to help pay for the cost. I wish other districts would do the same thing.
Some sort of basic health and dental insurance is needed because all of us are ALREADY paying for the uninsured by having higher premiums, higher deductibles, and less coverage. Every time someone goes to the ER with no coverage and can't afford to pay – those who do have insurance ultimately end up paying for it. AND preventative medicine is far and away proven to be less expensive than having to treat an illness!!
Regarding Obama health care- I think he is really out of touch. This is what he is missing: People are being foreclsured on on at an alarming rate, majority of parents cannot buy shoes for their children, let along groceries. What and where does he think that these people are going to get the money to contribute to health care.?
At least Hillary, want it for all equally. I am 63 and I am in foreclsure, I have no health care and I eat receral go if I can get a ride I might be able to go get a meal at the soup kitchen.
Now don't get me wrong, I worked from the time I was sixteen, until I became disable. I get no assistance from the gov't, such as food samps of financial supplement. I do get my disability with goes to the trustee to pay not to lose my house. My teeth are falling out of my mouth due to all the medication. I no longer can afford any medication and I am suffering the consequences. I have never asked for help.
Now that I need help. I did theright thing, I never been in toruble. I worked, I took care of my children, I am a good person. Now he want me to pay for some health care. I think he needs a good reality check. I applied but nothing. So. I guess I should cross the border into Mexico, become a citizen. then clime a fence and the world will be handed to me.
I love my country, I am proud to be an American, My Father fought in WWII, For God Sake what is happening to taking care of us? My vote will goe to Clinton, because she understands what forecloosure is doing to us and she know what it is like to be a Mom and care giver, she knows the issues. Ombama cannot answer one questions straight as far as I am concerned. If the economy doesn't pick up, we will be no better than a third world country soon. My heart breaks for a true leader. Clintonhad it right, we were no hungry, we had jobs, the economy was great and we had surplus. Now I feel we are a lost country and a laughing stock of the other world countries. We were a super power. – I don't think Obama can do the job. he really has no foreign policy experience and she does. I Hope she is our next President. If he is the nominee, I will support my party, with a heavy heart. Thank you for letting me give my view. Again. Obama's health care willnot work. Middle class has no money for anything. !!!
Bill – that was his point! Under the Clinton plan, healthcare would be MANDATORY. People, even those who can't afford it, would be forced to buy it or be penalized in some way, such as fines, etc. And what about all the homeless, those on Social Security, and yes, what about all the illegal immigrants – who no one really has a true count, but are estimated at 20-30 million??
Obama said thathis plan is to lower the cost of healthcare so that anyone who wants it can afford. But he does not favor forcing people, even those who can't afford it – to buy it.
What if Clinton's plan or Edwards' plan jacks up the price of healthcare, then forces to people to still buy it?
I don't like big government telling me what I have to and don't have to have. Look at auto insurance. Isn't that also supposed to be mandatory? And how has that worked out, exactly?
Lets face it young people don't think they will get sick, and they are healthier then us older folks.. Young people tend to look at the world through rose colored glasses. "I'm only 20 something, I don't need to plan for retirement yet. I've got a long way to go." When they do get sick, who do they call? Mommy! Who goes running over, assuming they aren't in their same bedroom, and pays their doctor bill?
Why have health insurance when you're invincible? When I was 21 (I'm now 33), I was involved in a serious car accident and was left disabled. Even if insurance was $10 a month I probably wouldn't have gotten it. I never expected anything would happen to me.
My guess now, having 4 younger siblings to judge from, would be that Xbox 360 would come before insurance.
Healthcare for the young? What about those of us on a fixed income? I am 66 years old and have a small social security check coming in each month. My wife is 59 and not old enough to draw social security or medicare. I have no insurance on her and it scares me to death. NOW! what is going to happen if she has a large medical bill? Our life savings would be wiped out in two days. They talk about madating a plan, how can you mandate someone to pay for insurance when there is no money to be mandated?
These people just dont realize that $600.00 a month is a lot of money to a large group of seniors. I wish they would get their heads out of the clouds and come down to earth and see how the "poor" people live.
At some point in time maybe people will take the time to study the words of the men who signed their name on the dotted line in regards to the Constitution. Then and only then will they realize that such programs as healthcare should only be addressed at the state level since it doesn't fall under the substantially smaller umbrella of items that t he federal government is responsible according to the writings of the men who contributed to the creation of this government. The Constitution is not a living document when it comes to interpretation and the founders made that view quite clear in their writings in regards to the document. There is also a reason why they made it so hard to change so that presidential candidates like Hilary Clinton couldn't come along and buy off the people and easily make substantial changes to the Constitution.