Millions in this country, including many in Mid-Michigan do not have health insurance.  For many businesses, it’s the most expensive part of their bottom-line as costs are going up. In the second installment of our series, “What’s the Difference?” we take a look at where the presidential candidates stand on health care. There are an estimated 47 million people in the United States without health insurance, and it’s an issue that stands out in almost every presidential election in some way. 

Under Senator Barack Obama’s plan, you get to keep your current coverage.  His campaign said it is not a takeover.  He also wants to cut a family’s costs by $2,500.  An average family can expect to pay that much less a year.  How will he pay for it you ask?  He will roll back the Bush tax cuts for those making $250,000 a year. In the final presidential debate in New York, Sen. Obama explained his plan further. 

“Here’s what my plan does,” he said.  “If you have health insurance, you don’t have to do anything.  If you get it through your employer, you can keep your doctor.  You keep your plan.”

 Under Sen. John McCain’s plan, he focuses on competition.  He wants drug companies and HMO’s to compete for your business.  He is offering a $5,000 tax credit to families to take to companies and shop around.  He also wants to create incentives for businesses that encourage employees to register at gyms.  You could say in the name of good health, there is a reward component to his plan. 

 At that same debate, Sen. McCain said this about his plan.

“I am convinced we need to do a lot of things.  We need to put health care records online.  The VA does that.  That will help reduce costs.  We need to have more community health centers and walk-in clinics.  We should have physical fitness programs and nutrition programs in schools,” he said. 

There are critics of both plans.  Critics of the Obama plan say public coverage would be too expensive, and force families into plans that have to be approved by a government already too big. Critics of the McCain plan, say the average cost of health care for a family of four is around $12,000 and a $5,000 would not be enough. Tomorrow on “What’s the Difference?” we take a look at each candidate’s stance on social security.  Then on Thursday, it is the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.