It is more than a "bridge to nowhere," it is about pre-existing conditions

[question everything]

the McCain health insurance proposal.

While it is true that McCain plan will tax the employer-provided benefits, the main problem with his "market oriented" plan is that people, like McCain, with pre-existing conditions will not be able to purchase individual health insurance on their own. Or their insurance will not cover these conditions.

And we know that insurance companies will make sure that they find such conditions. Or, later, when one is sick, to deny any coverage claiming that the insured "lied" on the application.

[wildflower]

1. Excellent point.

Thank you for bringing it up.

[lligrd]

2. Exactly What I Was Shouting Last Night

Wish Joe would have brought that up. Also, what is to keep the insurance companies from dumping you or raising your rates if you do get sick?

[question everything]

4. Correct on all points

I noted it here after the Obama McCain debate since it was raised there.

And, of course companies will dump you when you get sick. After all, insurance companies are businesses, often traded on the stock exchange, and paying for long treatment would hurt their bottom line, their profits and, of course, the obscene bonuses to their CEOs.

In contrast to hospitals, doctors, nurses and medical technologists, even the pharmaceutical companies that actually deliver health, insurance companies are nothing but paper shufflers.

[kirby]

3. It is not even pre-existing conditions, it is very hard to get underwritten...

I have never been able to get 'private market' health insurance. I am always denied because I am overweight (according some to ridiculous chart which makes no sense for my frame).

McCain 'idea' is stupid. It does not address the fundamental problem at all of requiring coverage to everyone and making it affordable.