Blumenthal & McMahon – The Issues – Part II – Health Care

This is the second in a series of postings on the policy proposal of the two major Senatorial candidates, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and former WWE Executive Linda McMahon.

The second topic is Health Care. Since “Senator” McMahon was first last time, “Senator” Blumenthal leads off this second part of the series.

“Senator” Richard Blumenthal
The recent health reform legislation is a good first step. The new law will stop many of the insurance industry’s most egregious practices, including pre-existing condition discrimination, canceling policies when someone falls ill, and using gender, age, and other discriminatory factors to charge higher premiums. However, the new law does not do enough to control the skyrocketing costs of care. Going forward, we must do more to protect consumers and ensure quality, affordable care for all Americans.
Challenging Illegal Drug Company Marketing Practices
Protecting Seniors from Fraud.
Standing Up to Big Tobacco
Fighting Public Health Threats
I will expand on these efforts in the Senate. I will continue working to ensure that our citizens have access to the highest-quality care, while also taking on the special interests blocking real change to curb our exploding costs. Here are some of the actions we must take:
Negotiating Prescription Drug Prices.
Prohibiting Drug Company Exploitation of Dual Eligibles.
Eliminating Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Public Health Insurance Programs. I know we need to rein in the con artists taking advantage of our health insurance programs.
Ending the Medicare Part D “Donut Hole”. As your U.S. Senator, I will fight to quickly put an end to the donut hole, ensuring that no Connecticut seniors are forced to go without the medicines they need.

“Senator” Linda McMahon
“Real reform must address the problem of rising costs.”
I support several common sense cost-cutting proposals.
Malpractice reform must be an essential part of health care reform.
We must allow individuals and small businesses to pool together to get health insurance at lower prices.
We must allow individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines.
I support efforts to expand coverage by improving the private market system. Every American should be able to choose the health care plan that best meets his or her needs. And the doctor-patient relationship must be protected. Government-run health care won’t do that.


Comments
Both candidates state that controlling the high costs of healthcare is a priority. After that, there is little similarity with their programs. Blumenthal’s approach is more consumer oriented and McMahon’s approach is more from the business point of view. Neither approach is surprising given the difference between the Democrats and the Republicans on this issue. The voter’s are encouraged to decide which is the best approach for their situation and vote for the candidate accordingly.