Will You Vote? Obama Vs. Romney Healthcare Plan

Updated on November 05, 2012
G.B. asks from Los Angeles, CA
24 answers

Hello Mommies!

It is a huge deciding factor for me. If I lose my job I am afraid I will never be able to get medical insurance or premiums will be so high I won’t be able to afford them due to a number of the pre-existing conditions I have. I am currently being followed by several doctors and take expensive meds daily. Without the insurance I would not be able to afford this. I think Obama’s plan doesn’t discriminate against the pre-existing condition, but wanted to get your take on it and hear your opinions. Thanks!

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☆.A.

answers from Pittsburgh on

You're right.
Under Obamacare you will have access to healthcare, no matter if you are employed or not. It is not free. "Available" is the key word.
Health care should not be connected to an employer only.
Good luck!

6 moms found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

Romney does not want to completely destroy it, he wants to make it RIGHT. Obama wants us to pay for people to have aboritons and for all sorts of other good stuff, not his place. Romney agrees that those with pre-existing conditions should not be denied.

I agree health care is a big factor for a lot of people, but it's not the only thing. I just lost my job (contract wise but I'll get another one in time, no worries) because of Obama's policies to go with smaller companies over large ones, regardless of the fact that my company has had the contract for over 35 years. It's just unreal. You need to look at EVERYTHING, because health care isn't the only issue at stake this election.

4 moms found this helpful

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X.O.

answers from Chicago on

I don't know a single conservative who DOESN'T think that pre-existing conditions should be covered. Gov Romney's idea isn't just to repeal Obamacare, it is to replace it. The pre-existing conditions coverage would stay, as would keeping dependents on their parents' policy until age 26. It would also included tort reform, which is a HUGE cost driver in health care.

Furthermore, I believe that you are more likely to have a stable job in a Romney administration than you are under Pres Obama (just today the unemployement rate went back up to 7.9% again.)

Wish I had more time to write more, but at least wanted to put that out there.

ETA: Medicare reimbursements to hospitals is set to be lowered by 30% --so either doctors will accept fewer Medicare patients, or they'll simply bill the rest of us more to make up for the defecit.

In addition, there ARE "death panels," but of course they are not called such. They are the "advisory panels," which currently only offer advice, but when the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented their guidelines will become BINDING on all who get their insurance coverage through the government. Furthermore, private insurance companies will be able to look at the government board's rules and say, "See, if the gov't won't be paying for a 75 year old's expensive hip replacement, well, neither will we."

ETA: Updated on Sun, Nov 4th
Thought you might be interested to see an article that gives a very good summary of President Obama's numerous and grievous failures and scandals. So far my friends who are voting for Pres Obama have no reply for most of the indictments. http://pjmedia.com/zombie/2012/11/02/why-was-there-no-oct...

16 moms found this helpful
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K.D.

answers from Milwaukee on

Hello G.,

Many businesses are looking to cut off offering healthcare if Obamacare goes into effect. Mine included-because it would be cheaper to pay the penalty per employee and let the employees have a stipend of some sort to find their own coverage.

So even if you keep your job-you might have to find different benefits.

IMO-you cannot just look at one thing and base your vote off that.

I don't believe Obama did much of anything with his 4 years and yes-I voted for him last time. So what would change the next 4. My vote is for Romney-even though I am pro-choice.

We have to make some tough decisions about which way this country is going and they are harder-I just think Obama can't do anything more for the country.

14 moms found this helpful
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B.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I served in the US Army so that the Constitution would apply to all of us. I will speak because its part of my first amendment rights.

Secondly, you are much more likely to keep your job if Romney wins than if Obama wins. Obama has killed several jobs projects since he came into office. Romney has supported jobs and their benefits since before the 2008 elections.

I heard it reported that Romney likes the idea that pre-existing conditions should not be considered when applying for a medical insurance policy. I have heard of others that have stated that too. But I have also heard Obama supporters say that Obama is the only one that supports no pre-existing conditions can be considered when applying for a medical policy. But I have heard Obama lie consistantly. He never lets the truth get in the way of a talking point. Example: Obama said he wouldn't run for a second term if he didn't reduce the deficit in half by the end of his first four years. He didn't and he is running. I think he was an accessory to the murders in Lybia at the Embassy, inspite of his protests to the contrary.

So, if Romney supports no pre-existing conditions and Obama supports no pre-existing conditions. There is no difference in both candidates policies.

The big difference between the two is Obama'slack of truthfulness, tax policies, foreign policies and protecting our people and troops overseas.

Having been a soldier, I won't vote for the coward in chief. I don't see how any soldier, proud of his service, could vote for Obama. I voted for Romney.

Good luck to you and yours.

14 moms found this helpful
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M.W.

answers from San Francisco on

I already voted for Romney. To me he is like a horse revving up to get out of the starting gate wanting to turn this economy around. He has a vision, he has a plan, he has a track record of turning failing programs and business around already. Some people have amazing minds for certain fields of study...he has a mind for economics and job creation. That will be his focus.

I truly believe your first concern should be keeping your job so that you can afford medical coverage. I believe that your best hope for a job is the Romney/Ryan plan. Remember Romney had a plan when he was governor similar to the ObamaCare plan. He knows our Healthcare needs reform..it is not a foreign concept to him at all.

Heck...his lovely wife has had cancer and has MS. He has seen firsthand the hoops one has to jump through, excessive tests and meds and treatment needed for severe diseases. Granted he has the financial means to tackle it...but that doesn't negate the fact that he has knowledge of what that means for the average Joe like you and me. He has friends,family members,church friends that have struggles too..and do not have anything near his steady stream of income. He knows people are struggling.

He served in his church for many,many years and helped the needy. He may be financially rich...but his compassion is rich and overflowing for others that are not as financially fortunate as him.

The plan he came up with in Mass. was a beginning. He wants states rights...not an overarching Federal program that would be bloated, mismanaged and full of bureaucracy. We need reform..and then implemented at the state level.

Keep doing research..ask questions...talk to your doctors. The doctors that I know and have heard on tv are against ObamaCare. I don't understand it all but they are in the thick of it and I trust their opinions.

Good luck and best wishes...hope you keep your job and get the continuous care you need.

13 moms found this helpful
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M.E.

answers from Chicago on

In September Romney was on Meet the Press and indicated he liked the part of Obamacare that banned insurers' exluding pre-existing conditions.

Hours later his campaign issued a statement to the National Review Online which "clarified" his position. The statement read "In reference to how Romney would deal with those with preexisting conditions and young adults who want to remain on their parents’ plans, a Romney aide responded that there had been no change in Romney’s position and that “in a competitive environment, the marketplace will make available plans that include coverage for what there is demand for. He was not proposing a federal mandate to require insurance plans to offer those particular features.” You can look it up yourself - plenty of links to it on the internet.

My opinion is that we have no idea what Romney will do because his answers change depending on his audience.

12 moms found this helpful
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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

Obama did not say you would get free health care he said you have to be insured weather you can afford it or not. My husband had lost his job in Feb and just now started working last month. If I would have been forced to insure him we would have been so screwed it would not have been funny!!!! My ins is $107 a month per person. But when there is only one income and it's not enough to pay all the bills there is no way you can pay another $107 a month. Not to mention the hoops you have to jump through to try to get government assistance just to get denied because you have two cars. It's a bunch of BS but once Obamacare kicks in I would be forced to have him on mine and not be able to feed my kids.
So for me it's Romney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11 moms found this helpful

A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I voted on Friday. It impacts people differently. I have a friend who couldn't get care for her son for years because of a pre-existing condition that he grew out of and doesn't effect him at all any longer. She is happy with Obama's healthcare plan because her son finally has coverage. I don't think Romney would want her son to go without insurance either, though.

I am unhappy with it because since Obama's plan has gone into action, and I know it isn't even fully in effect yet, my insurance cost has gone up considerably each year. I teach, and we just started our new financial year. We just found out how much our insurance will be this year, and it has gone up over $900 this year alone. I have other issues with Obamacare, but that alone was enough for me to vote for Romney.

I tried to answer this question honestly without offending anyone.

11 moms found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

You do understand that under Obama it is NOT FREE, right? You will be paying for it...

When my husband was unemployed, we paid $1500 a month for COBRA. Being insured is important to us. It's part of OUR responsibility to take care of ourselves.

10 moms found this helpful

A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

If you have pre-existing conditions and Health Care is your deciding factor, you want Obama. According to his Health Care Act, in 2014, premiums will be able to come down and people with pre-existing conditions will have to be accepted by insurers unlike up until now. Romney has only vowed to repeal this attempt to insure millions of people with pre-existing conditions. But sometimes he says he'll keep that part of Obama's work. But he lies a lot. The president put a lot on the line to get this moving. He truly wants to do it and has been hindered every step of the way by Republican resistance. Romney is saying whatever people want to hear at this point. Every Democrat has tried and failed to improve health care in this country. This president has made great strides.

No one will be getting free insurance no matter what. IF we were having a public option or socialist system, we would be taxed for it. That's not happening. If everyone is insured it is because everyone must BUY insurance. As of yesterday, I got a quote much better than a year ago ($400 per month less than it was) , and we are going to buy it. Everyone buying it will bring costs down over the next few years unless the private insurers keep raising rates regardless (which they may, but hopefully competition will keep them in check once their coffers are overflowing-we can only hope with no public option)..either way, Romney's party is not in favor of affordable coverage for all, and will smite this possibility.

10 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Neither plan is great.
I want a single payer system so we have the largest bargaining group possible to get prices down - for services, procedures and medications.
No one in the entire world pays the prices that we do, and we get less bang for the buck.
Employer based health insurance is inefficient - too many people fall through the cracks - the young, the elderly, the disabled.
Employers are tired of dealing with it too - you'd think they'd be rallying to be free of it.
The Affordable Healthcare Act is not perfect, not by a long shot, but it beats sticking your head in the sand and pretending there is no problem.
I look at it as a stepping stone to a better system.
For those who argue 'healthcare is not in the constitution' - fine - let's amend it so it is.

9 moms found this helpful

C.V.

answers from Columbia on

I think Jo W. hit the nail on the head. She definitely knows a lot more about health insurance than I do...and I thought I knew a lot!

I'm voting for Mitt Romney. I see his history of charitable giving, fixing what's broken, and his intense drive to do what's right. I think he'll do what's right for the USA.

8 moms found this helpful
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K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I already voted--absentee ballot. I did not vote based on Healthcare. We have excellent Healthcare that will not change much either way. For me, the economy and national security were more important.

6 moms found this helpful
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B.A.

answers from Sacramento on

I think you should visit each of the candidates web sites, read their accomplishments and plans, research studies and see what non-partisan groups say about each candidates plans and how they will affect this country's future. Studies I've read say Romney's healthcare plans and tax plans (such as they are) will worsen this country and bankrupt medicare by 2016, but you should do your own research.

Some people want a magic wand to fix the country's woes and are not patient. Economic change for the disaster Obama walked into doesn't turn around over night, especially when you have republicans in congress who make statements that it will be their job to work against the president, not to do what's best for this country. So if Obama didn't do everything people expected him to, you also have to consider the circumstances with which he has been working under. I think Bill Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention said it all best in a nut shell. You can find it on youtube.

But for me, I vote for more than just myself, I vote for what I think would be best for the country. Honestly, probably voting for Romney for me would be a financial advantage, but I won't vote for him. I believe everyone should pay their fair share. I don't feel like Romney would make that happen.

But having given you my opinion, I still think you should do some research and decide for yourself. That's the best way to make an informed decision.

6 moms found this helpful

R.H.

answers from Houston on

I am too afraid to voice my opinion due to the recent bullying on this site at election time. I like your question, but its getting too hard to feel free nowadays here.

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M.O.

answers from New York on

Hi G..

You're going to get a wide, wide range of responses to this question. Hold on for a wild ride ;). Here's a brief, straightforward summary.

Obamacare DOES:

1. Mean that insurance companies can't deny service to people with preexisting conditions
2. Provide a subsidy to people whose incomes are below a certain amount, so they can buy insurance
3. Allow young adults to remain on their parents' insurance plans until age 26
4. Include an individual mandate, meaning that people who do not get insurance through their employers or their parents must either purchase insurance or pay a penalty
5. Slightly lower the rates paid to doctors for Medicare, which could be problematic in some localities.

Obamacare does NOT:

1. Amount to a government takeover of health care. There will be a number of new regulations on insurance companies. But they will still be private companies, competing on the open market.
2. Have any effect on patients' relationship with their doctors
3. Involve "death panels," or anything the sort.
4. Significantly change Medicare, other than those lowered rates.

I may add to the second list, depending on the other responses you get.

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V.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi....

As a former HR person for a major company...and now a stay at home Mom self employed, I spent much time researching Obama's Healthcare plan. I think it's so, so SO much better then what we had before. It evens the playing field and let's us "choose" what we want without being discriminated against because we have pre existing issues.

The best I can describe to you is the Healthcare plan is set up just like Medicare. You have all company's offering you a slightly different plan..it's up to you to pick which works best for you. Obama care has already saved me money. As a self employed Mom, I already received an 800,00 reimbursement from my ins. company because most of my preimum was used towards their administration fee..and not medical care for me. I am for sure an Obama supporter. I am a registered Republican..however...I just can't trust Romney. He stands up for whatever is popular at the time. I think we handed Obama a royal mess....and the bottom line is he had no support from senate or house to get anything done. For that reason alone....I just don't see the Republicans working for the middle class...they support the rich.
I don't usuall discuss my political opinion..lol..but you asked!.. ;)...

Good Luck making your decision..but I am very happy with "Obama Care"...I still have all my doctors and nothing has changed except my premium is lower and my out of pocket is considerably lower then prior to Obama care.

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D..

answers from Charlotte on

G., the insurance companies have said point blank that they will continue denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and continue their recission practices unless the law forces them to stop doing it. You can unfortunately take that to the bank.

Whether Romney will help the American people out and buck his own party by telling the insurance companies that they have to stop is a big gamble. I already know that President Obama won't allow it.

Dawn

4 moms found this helpful
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L.S.

answers from San Diego on

If you have pre-existing conditions my bet is on the Obama plan. Its the law of the land and the insurance companies have to accept it. Period. Romney's ideas on pre-existing conditions become sketchy as he says that "Regulation must prevent insurers from discriminating against people with pre-existing conditions who maintain continuous coverage." But his plan also hinges on allowing insurers to sell their plans across states, which would lead to a lowest common denominator of state regulation. Romney is going to leave it to the states, and the states are unlikely to impose much tougher regulations than neighboring states if the insurance market expands across their borders. Romney's plan wouldn't prevent insurers from discriminating and it wouldn't prevent them from charging higher rates based on medical status. It's a sham, and good for the Associated Press for exposing it as such. Note: The key word is "continuous coverage" but what if you were to lose your coverage?

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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

There are lots of stipulations with pre existing conditions. One of my best friends daughter is 1 yr in remission from leukemia at the age of 7. She has had many discussions about her daughters future in regards to Obamacare. With Obamacare people with pre existing conditions have much to worry about.

Not only that but her Aunt is a Dr. and has started a healthcare trust fund (as the Aunt calls it) because she said Obamacare is going to be very bad for the daughter.

I really wish Obama would be much more forthcoming about everything in this new mandate, especially since it's going to really affect all of us. I am very baffled that there isn't more talk and discussions about this especially since he claims it's going to be so great.

I am also very curious about this panel of 15 appointed people that will be managing people with pre existing conditions. I really wish there were more open discussions about this.

Premiums are not coming down, they are going up faster than ever. And beware when a Government can force every single person to purchase a product, they deem necessary, we Americans are no longer "FREE".

2 moms found this helpful
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E.S.

answers from New York on

I like Obama's plan and believe Romney will flip flop and pander to the neo-Conservatives in Congress.

That said, I have never seen a nation as divided as our Congress.

I wish we could pull together more, sort of like we are doing during the storm here in Jersey.

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D.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I will be voting for Obama for several reasons, but with regard to healthcare. I have a pre-existing condition, so I welcome the reform. I also appreciate the inability for Insurance companies to put a lifetime cap on our plans, and Obamacare, wipes that out. My small business already got a notice from Blue Shield that we and our employees will be getting a refund from insurance (also from Obamacare).

I found a list of all the president's accomplishments thus far. You can take a look

http://www.barackobama.com/news/entry/what-obamas-accompl...

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G.M.

answers from Flagstaff on

Unfortunately, if you read the 1000+ pages you will find out that a panel of people get to CHOOSE who gets treatment and who doesn't. It is non-discriminatory... it's whoever the panel decides. It is the reason many doctors are conflicted about whether or not to stay in practice because their patients may be denied needed tests and medications if "the panel" decides that patient has spent to much. I encourage you to read real information about Obamacare.

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