How will healthcare look beginning January 20, 2009 with either new administration?

Both candidates, and their parties, have different and divergent views for the reshaping of healthcare. Simply stated, one is for big government and one is for market forces. Sadly, there is no magic bullet and the only silver lining in the offing will be hard-won, bi-partisan support for a consensus reform effort that Americans can get behind. Medicare funding is lagging as more seniors qualify for coverage every day. The economic downturn will likely exacerbate the state’s support for Medicaid programs. And with businesses taking on water and feeling the effects of the rising tide of health insurance double-digit increases, the cost-shifting to already stressed employee earnings will continue to hurt any economic stimulus package. Both leaders have healthcare in the their respective top five platform messages, unfortunately, the war and the economy are number one and two for each and these may exhaust the resources available and diminish other reform efforts.