Michael Moore, Hilary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama have at least one thing in common. Each talks about how America’s healthcare system could be better. But what are they really saying? This is a broad comparison of the issues and each person’s message based on their published comments.

Who has something to lose with reform?

Before comparing each person’s stance, there are strongly vested interests in our current system. Who are these groups and what do they stand to lose with any reform?

(Image courtesy of Masscare.org)

The short answer is the insurance industry, big pharma, hospitals, some doctors, some businesses and politicians stand to lose a lot of money if the healthcare industry in the US in significantly reformed to better meet the needs of average people. But what are the presidential hopefuls saying? How do their opinions compare to those expressed by Michael Moore in his recent film “Sicko”?

Millions of Uninsured Americans

Moore: Free, universal healthcare paid for by fairly assessed taxes.

Clinton: National health insurance plan with tax credits to help some poor families cover the costs. Some insurance industry reform.

McCain: No national plan, but improve competition and efficiency in the existing system. Tax credits to encourage people to buy coverage. Remove employee-sponsored plan bias and make insurance available through other organizations like churches and professional associations. Reform tax code and limit law suits. No insurance industry reform.

Obama: National health insurance program with option of exchanging for a private insurance plan. Premiums, co-pays and deductibles apply. Some insurance industry reform.