A Prelude to Health

Hudson Institute

This week's battle over expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, due to expire on September 30, is a foretaste of the larger campaign that will be under the next president over how Americans will get their health care — through government mandates or programs, or through a broader choice for individuals of private plans. It's HillaryCare vs. RomneyCare in microcosm.

First, a quick recap of the SCHIP battle. Both Republicans and Democrats want to raise the amount the federal government spends on health care for low-income children. President Bush wants a $5 billion increase over five years, and the Democrats want a $35 billion raise to expand the program to children from families earning more than the current 200% of the poverty line. The president has promised to veto the larger increase......

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