John Edwards

John Edwards served as a U.S. senator from North Carolina from 1998 to 2004. Edwards also ran for the Democratic nomination in 2004, and eventually became the vice-presidential candidate with Massachusetts Senator John Kerry. Edwards was born June 10, 1953 in Seneca, South Carolina.

Senator Edwards' Health Care Plan

John Edwards proposes insuring all Americans by creating a universal health care system.

Edwards' plan would cost the federal government around $120 billion annually — funded mostly by rolling back President Bush's tax cuts for Americans earning more than $200,000 a year. But the tax cuts for citizens with annual incomes lower than $200,000 will stay in place.

In addition to these tax changes, Edwards would rely on the savings of a more efficient health care system.

Health Care Markets

Edwards proposes to create regional "Health Care Markets," which are non-profit pools that will offer public and private insurance plans. The Health Care Markets will be able to negotiate rates to keep prices affordable, cut administrative costs, and work with companies to provide cost-effective and quality treatments.

Health Care Markets would provide preventive care at very low or no cost. It will also monitor those with chronic illnesses to make sure they're getting the most appropriate treatment. Americans will be able to reduce their insurance premiums by having routine physicals and by enrolling in wellness programs.

All Americans Must Have Coverage

Employers will be required to provide insurance for their workers — and they will be able to buy coverage in the Health Care Markets. Those who do not insure their employees will have to pay at least 6% of their payrolls into a government fund to help pay for their workers' coverage.

Edwards will also expand Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to provide coverage for more low-income families.

Under Edwards' plan, all Americans will eventually be required to obtain health insurance.

"This proposal embraces the concept of shared responsibility to provide universal health care," said Edwards.

Sources

New York Times: Edwards Details His Health Care Proposal
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/06/us/politics/06edwards.html

New York Times: Edwards Proposes Raising Capital Gains Tax
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/27/us/politics/27edwards.html

John Edwards for President: Universal Health Care Through Shared Responsibility
http://johnedwards.com/issues/health-care/health-care-fact-sheet/

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