Obama, McCain's Health Care Plans Differ Violently

The health care plans of the Democratic and the Republican nominees are about as different as day and night.

McCain's plan would provide a taxable tax credit of $2500 for individuals and $5000 for families to purchase insurance coverage in the private market. His provision would allow individuals to retain their health insurance when they move or change jobs.

Obama's plan would create a national health insurance plan that would include mandatory insurance for children. His plan would also establish an entity to regulate private plans and provide income-based subsidies to help Americans afford coverage. His plan would also allow those who are satisfied with their current coverage to keep it.

What's interesting is that both presidential hopefuls feel strongly about their respective positions (as indicated in the presidential debates) on their health care plans--and each feels he's right and the other is wrong.

At this point, nobody knows which nominee will prevail-- or which of the health care plans, if any, would be enacted. We don't even know how long it will take to get the bill through Congress.

It could be months, or even years!

And who knows whether national health insurance would be mandatory or voluntary--or if you would have to pay a penalty for non-compliance under Obama's -- or McCain's plan?

And the answer is...

Nobody knows with any degree of certainty what impact national health insurance would have on discount health plans.

But here's something we do know...

Ailments Won't Wait
It could be months, or even years, before a new president could muster up enough consensus from the people--and from Congress--to get a law passed. Meanwhile, there are 45 million Americans who don't have health insurance, who still have tons of bills to pay, kids to feed and health care needs that must be met. And for many of them, a discount health plan for now is one of most economical alternatives.

Here are a few features discount plans offer...

You're Not Tied to a Contract
The best discount health plans don't require a one-year-or-more advance payment. With the right plan you can cancel at any time. So you don't have to sign up with a plan that ties your hands behind your back, and then shackle you with a no-refund policy.

Cosmetics Included
Discount health plans may include some items that national health insurance does not. For instance, the United States National Insurance Act (HR676) that was recently introduced by Congressman John Conyers, excludes several items, including cosmetic surgery. Since discount health plans includes this item, both plans could be used side by side.

Additional Benefits of Discount Health Plans
My health insurance plan is limited, so I'm supplementing it with a discount health plan, which costs less than $40 a month for my entire household. Here are a few benefits of the plan I use...

Pre-existing problems are accepted
No limit on visits or services
No waiting period
You can change physicians or dentists
No paperwork for you to fill out
Includes dental, vision, prescription and chiropractic
No age limit
Cosmetic surgery included where available
Outpatient services and mental health services included
Hospital advocacy and 24-hour nurseline included
If you're currently uninsured or underinsured, a discount health plan would be a smart alternative, even if it's only temporary.
I have researched more than 30 plans and found one company that offers a plan that satisfies my perception of what a "good" discount plan should include.
It includes physician, ancillary services, hospital advocacy, 24-hour nurseline, podiatry, dental, vision, pharmacy and chiropractic for about $39 a month per household.
To determine if one of these health care plans is right for you, click here.
Mike Griffith
mike@ourdiscountdentalplan.com