Hillary Clinton
- Mental Health Care / Mental Health Parity:
At least some new insurance options "will provide benefits at least as good as the typical plan offered to Members of Congress, which includes mental health parity and usually dental coverage."
- Insurance for the Uninsured:
- Refundable tax credits to working families. Limit premiums to a percentage of family income.
- Individuals required to get and keep insurance once it is accessible and affordable.
- Insurance for the Uninsurable:
No discrimination allowed based on pre-existing conditions or expectations of illness. No one may be "denied coverage, refused renewal, unfairly priced out of the market, or forced to pay excessive insurance company premiums."
Barack Obama
- Mental Health Care / Mental Health Parity:
"Under the Obama plan, private insurance offered by employers and both the private and public insurance plans will include coverage of all essential medical services, including mental health care. Obama is a strong supporter of mental health parity and he believes that serious mental illnesses must be covered on the same terms and conditions as are applicable to physical illnesses and diseases. He does not think health insurance companies should be allowed to discriminate against the mentally ill."
- Insurance for the Uninsured:
New federal health plan similar to that available to federal employees. Fair premiums, minimal co-pays and deductibles. Income-related subsidies for those who do not qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP. All children insured.
- Insurance for the Uninsurable:
"Guaranteed eligibility. No American will be turned away FROM ANY INSURANCE PLAN because of illness / pre-existing conditions." No specifics on whether illness / pre-existing conditions could raise premiums.
Introduction | Republican Candidates | Further Reading
