Candidate Review - Health Care - Fred Thompson

I think this is my final one of the day. Fred Thompson's plan is pretty homespun - he wants everybody to have healthcare, but doesn't really want to ponder the question of what to do about those who can't currently afford it.

Americans have the best healthcare in the world. Some, however, choose not be insured; others cannot afford it. Every American should be able to get health insurance coverage that is affordable, fully accessible, and portable. Coverage should meet their individual needs and put them in control. Those who propose a one-size-fits-all Washington-controlled program ignore the cost, inefficiency, and inadequate care that such a system offers. Access to affordable, portable health care can be made available for all Americans without imposing new mandates or raising taxes. Current government programs must also be streamlined and improved so that those who truly need help can get the health care they need.

I like the reference to those who choose not to be insured - makes this a personal responsibility issue; those who choose not to be insured are obviously irresponsible. Of course you wouldn't want to force people who choose not to be insured to get insured; let those bums take care of themselves.

Or so the logic goes, I gather.

Anyway while Thompson seems aware that some people who want health care can't afford it, it doesn't seem like he's spending a lot of time worrying about them. And of course he's all about streamlining the government programs. Which usually involves making them smaller and weaker.