Candidates and healthcare

January 28, 2008 According to the census bureau, a record 47 million Americans have no health insurance, only getting care when they end up in the emergency room.

It's a source of great fear and concern in this country, and here's what the candidates say they'd do about it.

DEMOCRATS

For the Democrats, John Edwards and Hillary Clinton both would require universal healthcare, subsidized by employers and government programs.

Clinton pays for it by eliminating tax cuts for families making more than $250,000.

Edwards would roll back the Bush tax cuts on families making more than $200,000.

Barack Obama would also roll back the Bush tax cuts, in this case, on families making more than $250,000. Although, he says universal coverage is a goal, he would only demand all children be covered.

REPUBLICANS

The Republicans say the answer isn't government mandates.

They argue a free market system, where individuals are responsible for their own coverage, would spark competition, lowering costs and creating more consumer choice.

John McCain is pushing tax credits.

Rudy Giuliani wants tax cuts.

Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney have plans featuring both.

Candidates' links:

Clinton (D): http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/healthcareplan/

Edwards (D): http://www.johnedwards.com/issues/health-care/

Giuliani (R): http://www.joinrudy2008.com/issues/view/11

Huckabee (R): http://www.mikehuckabee.com/?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=8

McCain (R): http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/19ba2f1c-c03f-4ac2-8cd5-5cf2edb527cf.htm

Obama (D): http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

Paul (R): http://www.ronpaul2008.com/issues/health-care/

Romney (R): http://www.mittromney.com/Issues/healthcare