I'm not one to piss on parades...well yeah I guess I am. I am one of the delusional Obama supporters. I read his health Care plan. I was Ok with it because I know he has to deal with congress. Then I picked up Fortune magazine and saw McCain's plan and got hit with a dose of reality.
If there is anyone in the room, shut the door unless you can scream silently.
McCain's plan is to offer $2500- $5000 rebate checks. $2500 for single taxpayers like myself and $5000 for married Taxpayers. I could immediately see the weaknesses in the plan . Things that have been hashed over here for ever. So I won't bother going into it other than I didn't see where it was indexed to health Insurance inflation or imposed any regulations on Health Insurance.
Direct Quote:
Today, McCain is advocating a plan that's radically different from those of Clinton and Barack Obama, and - if he goes all the way by following Gramm - could revolutionize America's healthcare system. For McCain and Gramm, the problem with our healthcare system - and the reason why over 47 million Americans are uninsured - is that it's excessively, scandalously expensive. The solution, they say, is to let Americans shop for healthcare with their own money. McCain advocates giving tax rebates of $2500 per individual or $5000 per family. With that money, families could purchase policies on their own. What's truly radical about the plan is that it eliminates the tax exclusion for healthcare benefits offered by companies to their employees, and replaces it with the $2500 to $5000 rebates.
Ok so how does this help him Win. Two elements: He has promised a 10% cut in corporate taxes and this individual rebate. Of course they are just band aids for a sucking chest wound. But after a discussion here on the economic stimulus package- which was roundly criticized, I saw some Kossacks who desperately needed those rebate checks. Considering the income levels here that thought was scary. Now take the $600 multiply it by 4 to 8 depending on marital status and income level
The polls are running neck and neck before McCain publicizes these details. A $2500-$5000 check is a short snappy soundbite. People will vote for it because , lets face it, Americans will never be accused of being mired in long term thinking or strategies to permanently enable people to get care. While a nuanced plan that still falls short according to most Kossacks on the democratic side or immediate relief for people who need it now.
nyceve was angry because none of the candidates was promising immediate relief in one of her diaries. If she isn't married, this drops her health insurance to $5500 for $8000 and if she is married it drops from $8,000 to $3000. Provided it happens fast.
In my case I pay roughly $4,000 a year for junk. I can either take the $2500 and reduce my cost to $1500 or lower it to 2750 and buy more coverage. Maybe get the deductible down to a $1000 instead of $5,000.
Of course I know that next year that $2500 isn't going to help me as much as prices continue to inch upward. We also know the Insurance companies will see that as a subsidy for them too so they will raise prices 20%-30% the first year. As much as they can get away with. Similar to the 17% increase that drug Makers did when Medicare Part D was passed.
But, people won't think of that.If it's close race, and prices keep going up for Gas and food, people will think a 4 figure check will be a God send. I saw that here when the checks were in the $300-$600 range. Imagine what it will do for people working two jobs who don't pay attention to politics when they hear that....especially people who are hanging on by their fingernails or who have already dropped into bankruptcy.
Now add in corporate enthusiasm for a 10% cut in taxes. Not just big corps but even 1 man corps. Lots of 1-2 person C corporations out there. If they are a couple running a business that nets $80G a year (AGI). That along with the $5000 rebate means $13,000. Ouch . It's called Buying votes and it could work.
As Obama ( or Clinton) try to debate the nuances of their plan and can promise no price relief at all for years, people, especially the Indies, will get stuck on that big ass check.
That could put McCain in the White House. I know people here will disagree. But I know there are some realists along with plenty of Indies out there. Hence a Poll. Vote honestly. Thanks