The differences between the McCain and Obama plans are big – really big. Philosophically, McCain’s approach is market-based and tax policy driven, relying on individuals to make the best decisions on health care procedures and treatment. His plan would remove the favorable treatment of employer-funded health insurance, instead providing a refundable tax credit of $2500/individual or $5000 per family to help them buy insurance (note – the average individual policy now costs over $4000 and the average family policy cost exceeds $12,000). Conversely, Obama’s plan is more pragmatic, focused on fixing the problems with the current market-based system with a ban on medical underwriting, a comprehensive ‘minimum’ benefit design, financial help for small employers buying health insurance, and some sort of stop-loss insurance for high dollar claims.

As does McCain, Obama relies on private insurers to provide health insurance, but from there the two candidates’ plans diverge dramatically. One area where the plans appear to be similar is their stance on mandated universal coverage. While neither mandates coverage, Obama comes much closer, requiring universal coverage for children. But the Senator’s plan and public statements are a little disconnected; in Obama’s speeches and ads the Senator does appear to endorse mandated coverage - eventually.

Obama’s plan requires insurers take all comers, regardless of pre-existing medical conditions. Notably, although McCain’s original talking points did not mention guaranteed insurability, his campaign website now at least speaks to the issue – but his plan does nothing to change the status quo.

Health care can be expensive but we should ask ourselves, how important are we and our families….

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Technorati Tags: health insurance, Obama, McCain, health, insurance

Should you be injured or become ill during your travels you will
want prompt medical service. As you visit in the U. S. you will want
the security of having a Health Insurance Policy for visitors.

You cannot predict when you might have a medical emergency. You may
even be in a position to need care in a hospital. Expenses when you are
hospitalized can add up fast and become a big problem very fast.

Lets look at how it works when you get Visitor’s Health Insurance
policy. When you purchase an insurance policy, you are issued an ID
card that can be used whenever you have a health related emergency. The
expenses that are covered depend on the insurance company you use and
the policy you bought.

Read on here

Understanding HMO, PPO, and POS Health Insurance Plans

Understanding all the terms and conditions that can affect the cost of affordable California health insurance is very important when choosing a health care insurance plan. If you are looking for individual helath insurance but are not sure which type of health care plan to choose, here are the definitions of an HMO, PPO, and POS health insurance plans.

Read all about the different terms and plans for health insurance in California here

Technorati Tags: California health insurance, health insurance explained, health insurance