Sioux City Journal

John Edwards addresses nation's health care coverage problem

Posted: Sunday, April 01, 2007

SIOUX CITY -- Did you know that John Edwards is the only Democrat running for president who has come out with a plan for universal health care? He held a community meeting here in Sioux City on March 9 at the Sanford Community Center where he shared his plan with us.

As we all know, we have a great health care system in America for those who can afford it, but there are also millions of Americans who have no coverage at all. This is a problem that must be addressed and Sen. Edwards has done just that. His plan calls for all of us - from the individual to the employer and the government - to share the responsibility. He knows that this cannot be fixed overnight and that we must lay out a clear plan with measurable steps for success. John believes we need to stop talking about the problem and actually do something to fix it.

Senator Edwards is doing what every presidential candidate from both parties ought to be doing -- taking time to answer our questions and offer specific details about ways to fix our country's broken health care system. -- Anne Cowley

Story Comments

Marsha H wrote on Apr 8, 2007 11:11 AM:

" Rudy-- where did you get that info? From Mars? Malpractice suits are only a very small part of the reason for health care costs skyrocketing. Thirty percent of costs are administrative/paperwork. Health care is a FOR PROFIT industry. How much do you think the CEO's of Aetna and Cigna made last year? Millions. You also give John Edwards too much credit re: malpractice suits. Haven't you ever heard of judges, juries, opposing attornies, and EVIDENCE in a courtoom? They had a part to play in injury awards too. Everyone hates trial lawyers until they need one. "

Good Buddy wrote on Apr 6, 2007 6:44 PM:

" Can the federal government really manage anything? The examples of Social Security and Medicare tell us how they would manage Universal Health Care. "

Mark wrote on Apr 5, 2007 8:01 PM:

" You talk about cutting insurance costs and putting that saved money back into the economy? That's the same argument for the Bush tax cuts and privatization of social security. I'm not against making sure that people have a fair and honest chance at healthcare, but I certainly don't want it to go in a direction that Social Security and welfare have ended up. Don't socialize it. "

Deb wrote on Apr 5, 2007 12:15 PM:

" Oh Mary Mary quite contrary, when you planted your garden you got some seed in your hair. "

Keith wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:29 PM:

" Mark - I know that this topic is old, but it needs some wringing out yet. If you are paying less than $500 for family coverage your employer is kicking in a lot more than mine does. The $500 is with a large managed care group and my employer pays almost that much. If the hospitals and doctors are taking hits from illegals then they should deal with the government that doesn't enforce immigration laws. It should also be a crime to charge an uninsured patient twice what an insurance company pays for services to enable a higher write off when the patient doesn't pay quickly. The system is so broken that it will never fix itself, so only a higher power can get it done. The ones who holler "foul" the loudest are probably the ones that broke it. Germany, and many other countries have excellent health care that is government "controlled". I talk daily to people that are happy with their systems and the care provided. The waiting line stories are mostly gross exaggerations. How much better could this country be with that much money placed back into the economy in a more productive industry? "