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Comparing Bush, Kerry's plans for health care
by Mark Zdechlik, Minnesota Public Radio
August 25, 2004

Here are brief summaries of the health care proposals put forward by President Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry. More detailed information is available on the candidates' Web sites.

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JOHN KERRY'S HEALTH CARE PLAN

-Would increase funding for medical safety-net programs like Medcaid. Promises to provide health insurance coverage to 99 percent of children.

-Would provide tax credits for businesses that provide health insurance to employees, especially small businesses.

-Would reduce administrative costs, which one expert says amounts to 25 percent of the total amount spent on health care each year.

-Would allow the re-importation of prescription drugs from other countries.

-Would provide coverage to 27 million more Americans.

-Cost: $600 billion to $700 billion over 10 years.

PRESIDENT BUSH'S HEALTH CARE PLAN

-Would limit jury awards in malpractice cases.

-Would provide tax incentives for people who buy their own health insurance, and for people who set up personal medical savings accounts.

-Would increase funding for community health clinics to provide care for poor Americans.

-Would allow businesses to pool their buying power to bring down the cost of health insurance.

-Would provide coverage to 4.5 million more Americans.

-Cost: $100 billion over 10 years.

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