Candidate: Barack Obama
current office: Senator (Ill.)
Party affiliation: Democrat
Health care plan: Obama wants to change the health care system by offering a new public health care plan, covering every American. He plans to lower health care costs and increase insurance and pharmaceutical competition.
Notable quote: “If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less. If you are one of the 45 million Americans who don’t have health insurance, you will have it after this plan becomes law.”

Candidate: Hillary Rodham Clinton
current office: Senator (N.Y.)
Party affiliation: Democrat
Health care plan: Clinton plans to offer affordable health insurance to every American. She supports cutting health care costs and empowering the consumer by offering more health care choices.
Notable quote: “Insurance companies won’t be able to deny you coverage or drop you because their computer model says you’re not worth it. They will have to offer and renew coverage to anyone who applies and pays their premium. And like other things that you buy, they will have to compete for your business based on quality and price.”

Candidate: John McCain
CURRENT OFFICE: Senator (Ariz.)
Party affiliation: Republican
Health care plan: McCain is in favor of health care reforms with respect to insurance. He believes that insurance reform will offer more affordable health care choices and he also promotes personal responsibility in regards to health.
Notable quote: “Bringing costs under control is the only way to stop the erosion of affordable health insurance … provide all individuals with a $2,500 tax credit ($5,000 for families) to increase incentives for insurance coverage.”