McCain focuses on lower costs on healthcare tour

Reuters/Washington Post, April 28, 2008

Republican presidential candidate John McCain is opening a week-long U.S. campaign swing to focus on his healthcare proposals, and the first stop is a visit to a Miami children's hospital. McCain will argue the way to improve U.S. healthcare coverage lies in lowering costs and increasing competition rather than the "big-government" schemes he says the Democrats advocate. McCain's plan would concentrate on reining in costs and expanding access and would include a tax credit of $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families. It also would aim to increase competition and innovation and make it possible to buy coverage through any organization or association.