May 14, 2003
Governor Dean announced his health care plan in a speech delivered at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
“To me, health care isn’t simply a policy issue,” Dean said. “It’s a moral imperative. Here, in the richest, most advanced country in the world in the 21st century, it’s simply wrong for a sick child to go without seeing a doctor because her parents can’t afford it.”
The four point plan, which builds on pre-existing programs such as Medicaid, will offer access to health care for all Americans.
“As a physician, I’ve seen the suffering caused by this nation’s health care crisis,” said Governor Dean. “As a Governor and a doctor, I know how it can be solved. This plan is a targeted, affordable, and realistic approach to expanding access to health care now.”
Governor Dean’s four point plan will cost $88 billion annually—only one-third the cost of Congressman Dick Gephardt’s proposal. The Dean plan, which takes the innovative step of limiting tax deductions and government contracts for large companies which do not provide health insurance to their employees, also includes the following provisions:
• Extending Medicaid to every child and young adult under 25, up to three times the poverty level. It will also require employer health plans to extend coverage to dependents up to age 25.
• Expanding coverage to working families who earn up to 185% of the federal poverty level.
• Allowing those with incomes above that level, as well as small businesses, to buy into a health plan similar to the plan for government employees, while providing tax credits to keep insurance affordable.
• Limiting tax deductions and government contracts for large companies which do not extend health benefits to their employees.
“Americans deserve access to health care as a fundamental right,” said Governor Dean. “I look forward to implementing this plan as President.”
The full speech is available on his website.
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Old Comments (1)
dzwonki polifoniczne on 14 Jun 2004
Hmmmmm interesting !!!