Fact Sheet: Dick Gephardt's Criticism Of Kerry's Health Care Plan

Gephardt Attacked The High Cost Of Kerry's Health Care Plan

Gephardt: Kerry Health Care Plan "Doesn’t Add Up." "Kerry’s explanation of how he’ll pay for his [health care] plan doesn’t add up. He’s trying to have it both ways." ("Out Of The Mouth Of Democrats," The Associated Press, 3/5/04)

Gephardt: Kerry Won’t Say How He’ll Pay For Health Care Plan. "Gephardt has outlined how he’ll pay for his plan ---- by repealing all the Bush tax cuts. Kerry has not said how he’ll pay for his plan." (Dick Gephardt For President, "Kerry’s False Claims Against Gephardt’s Healthcare Plan," Press Release, 7/3/03)

Gephardt Accused Kerry Of Using "Cheap Sound Bites" To Cover Up His Expensive Health Care Plan. Gephardt on health-care proposals from Kerry and Dean: "I don't think cheap sound bites hiding expensive plans are the answer." ("Out Of The Mouth Of Democrats," The Associated Press, 3/5/04)

Gephardt Accused Kerry Health Care Plan Of Making Health Care "Unreasonably Expensive." "While Dean, Kerry and Edwards seek to plug some holes by expanding public programs, their plans do not help workers keep, and afford, their health care. Currently, more than 160 million Americans get health care through their employer. A universal health care plan must address the concern that these 160 million Americans may lose their health care at any time. Under the Dean, Kerry and Edwards plans, companies can keep dropping employees, and can make health care unreasonably expensive." ("Gephardt, Dean, Kerry And Edwards: How Their Health Care Plans Compare," Dick Gephardt For President Website, www.dickgephardt2004.com, Accessed 8/5/03)

Gephardt Said Kerry Plan Ignores Retirees

Gephardt Criticized Kerry’s Health Care Plan For Not Including Retirees. Gephardt: "The differences begin with our health care plans. Unlike the Kerry plan, the Dean plan, the Edwards plan, or the Lieberman plan, my healthcare plan is the only plan that helps retirees retain their Medicare supplementary policies paid for by their former employers." (Charles Mahaleris, "Gephardt, Dean Daggers Fly," Talon News, 9/16/03)

Gephardt Says Kerry's Plan Will Raise Health Care Costs For Families

Gephardt Accused Kerry Health Care Plan Of Encouraging Companies To Eliminate Health Insurance. "Kerry: asks families to spend $632 a month. Kerry’s plan will encourage companies to eliminate health insurance; 1.9 million Americans will then have to get coverage on their own, and won’t be able to afford it. Kerry sends families to buy their own health care through the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), giving them no help until they spend 6 to 12% of their income. That means a family of four earning the median income of $63,200, must spend $692 a month for health insurance before getting help." ("Gephardt, Dean, Kerry And Edwards: How Their Health Care Plans Compare," Dick Gephardt For President Website, www.dickgephardt2004.com, Accessed 8/5/03)