Juvan's Health Law Recap--April 29, 2007: Universal Health Care
With the presidential campaign full speed ahead, coverage of the candidates' views on health care has dramatically increased. Unfortunately, though news coverage has increased, according to leading news organizations, as is often the case, many of the candidates are weary about presenting too defined of a plan for universal health care in fear that they may turn off certain supporters they desperately need to win. Focusing on the lackluster attention universal health care has gotten by the candidates in recent days, USA Today reports that
- Mitt Romney has refrained from highlighting plans for universal health care in speeches;
- Hillary is cautious in approaching the subject because of the negative press she received over her 1993-94 attempts at reform; and
- Others are concerned about balancing the need for universal health care against the backlash they might receive from insurance interest groups.
Attempting to differentiate himself from other candidates, John Edwards has gotten positive press for his calls to cure the system. Recently, as quoted by the Associated Press, Edwards stated, "I believe this in my soul: That no matter who your daddy is or where you live, or what the color of their skin is, every single one of us has value." He continued, "But if we believe those things, we have to act on them. If we believe that, we should have universal healthcare in our country."
Perhaps the subject of universal health care hits closest home to Edwards, whose wife Elizabeth was recently diagnosed with an incurable recurrence of breast cancer. When I asked Ms. Edwards about the Edwards plan for universal health care at a campaign stop to Cleveland after the news hit, Ms. Edwards stated that she understood that the worries from a devastating diagnosis are significantly exacerbated by financial woes when a patient lacks health care coverage.
While some of the candidates are unwilling to be forthcoming with their plans, a few with less to lose politically took significant steps to reform the system last week. Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Representative John Dingell introduced a bill that would extend Medicare coverage to all Americans, including those who are currently not eligible because of their age. In a press release, Kennedy stated, "The nation's health care has reached such a crisis point that the American people are looking for bold action. . . . I believe that the best plan for the nation is to build on a program that all Americans know and respect by creating Medicare for All. Medicare administrative costs are low. Patient satisfaction is high . . . . And all Americans will be free from the fear of medical expenses that enable them to seek the best possible care when illness strikes."
If you are interested in the subject of universal health care, see also Does Universal Health Care Have a Chance?
**Though this article provides a positive note about the Edwards campaign, Juvan's Health Law Update will aim in future posts to also highlight positives for the other candidates.
