McCain health care plan emphasizes personal responsibility
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/04/29/art.mccain0429.ap.jpg caption="Preventive care is a key part of the McCain health care plan."] TAMPA, Florida (CNN) - Perhaps taking a cue from his former Republican rival Mike Huckabee - a re-born health nut who spent much of his presidential campaign promoting healthy lifestyles - John McCain on Monday emphasized the role personal responsibility will play in reforming America's health care system.
Before McCain's speech, a top policy adviser had said that a significant chunk of the presumptive Republican nominee's health care plan relied on encouraging people to make their own healthy choices, like maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
"But many of us never quite get around to it, and the wake-up call doesn't come until the ambulance arrives or we're facing a tough diagnosis," said McCain at the University of South Florida's Moffitt Cancer Center Tuesday.
McCain called for a "next generation" of chronic disease prevention, with a focus on early intervention, new treatment models and public health education and infrastructure. He also argued for financial incentives that would promote good health habits and discourage high-risk behaviors like smoking.
The comments were part of a high-profile health care policy rollout by the Arizona senator, in which he called for greater national competition among private insurance providers and derided the "nationalized health care" plans of his Democratic rivals.
Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama also emphasize prevention in their health care plans.
McCain's policy director Douglas Holtz-Eakin told reporters Monday night that as president, McCain would fund public education programs and use "the bully pulpit" to encourage health attitudes among children and adults.
He said a major plank of McCain's health care plan is simply "a focus on personal responsibility, and the kinds of things that can help you get better outcomes just by taking care of yourself."
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McCain goes to Cindy sponsored Gym but still has abdominal obesity. He should take his personal responsibilty seriously before taking public responsibilty.
Freedom and liberty for all... all the rich, that is...
May be we should just pray to get rid of all illness. Sounds very conservative.
In others words: "I have no plan to see that all Americans have health insurance. Quit eating hamburgers."
What an idiot.
This healt care proposal is about as lame as it can get. Unbelievable.
So a poor sucker goes jogging because he can't afford healthcare and try to stay healthy....and get's hit by a truck. Taken to the hospital...now he's in debt for the rest of his life.
We have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Army protects our liberty. – government
The Constitution protects our right to the pursuit of happiness – government
Who says the government can't protect my right to life?
News flash for liberals: Go get jobs and learn how to support/insure your pathetic-selves. If not, go to South America and thrive in your 3rd world mentality. Had it too good, for too long!!!!
Our family didn't have any health insurance for years but we paid our bills and did without frills and we are doing just fine. Always lived at or near poverty level, too. Personal responsibilty is the answer,but some just can't handle it.
Lynn:
Elizabeth Edwards already endorsed Clinton's plan as the best because it covers everyone. That's good enough for me.
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