Compare the Candidates:
Children’s Health
Barack Obama
• Voted for legislation last year to expand health coverage to nearly 4 million more uninsured children through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). [H.R. 976, Vote #307, 8/2/07]
• As a state senator in Illinois, supported the KidCare program that covers children of low-income families. [Public Act 93-0063, 6/30/03; The State-Journal Register, 10/29/2004]
• Requires every child in America to be covered and provides new plan options that guarantee affordability for all.
• Allows young adults to remain on their parents’ plans up to age 25.
John McCain
• Voted against legislation last year to expand health coverage to nearly 4 million more uninsured children through the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Advocated for President Bush’s veto of the legislation. [H.R. 976, Vote #307, 8/2/07; CNN, 10/17/2007]
• Since 1997, voted six times to reduce or restrict health insurance coverage for low-income children and pregnant women. [SCR 27, Vote #76, 5/21/97] [S 949, Vote #149, 6/27/97] [HR 4810, Vote #204, 7/17/00] [H.R. 976, Vote #307, 8/2/07] [S 3, Vote #45, 3/11/03] [H.R. 3963, Vote #401, 10/31/07]
• In 1998, introduced a bill to increase the accessibility of Medicaid for children [S. 2382, 7/30/98] and in 2001 co-sponsored legislation to give states the option to cover certain legal immigrants under SCHIP. [S. 582, 3/21/01]
• Families will receive the $5,000 tax credit toward buying health care coverage on the private market.
