Romney likes parts of ‘Obamacare,’ he tells Meet the Press (VIDEO)
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney said today that he would borrow from “Obamacare,” but would replace it with his own plan if elected president.
Speaking to NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Romney said there are aspects of President Barack Obama’s health-care reform that he would keep if he wins in November.
“Of course there are a number of things that I like in health care reform that I’m going to put in place,” Romney said, according to The New York Times.
“One is to make sure that those with pre-existing conditions can get coverage. Two is to assure that the marketplace allows for individuals to have policies that cover their family up to whatever age they might like. I also want individuals to be able to buy insurance, health insurance, on their own as opposed to only being able to get it on a tax-advantage basis through their company.”
Romney has his own plan for health care despite repeated calls that he would scrap the law during the campaign, The Times said.
He said that during his time as governor of Massachusetts, he introduced age considerations and coverage for Americans with pre-existing conditions into that state’s plan.
“I say we’re going to replace Obamacare,” Romney said, The Times reported. “And I’m replacing it with my own plan.”
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The Democrats countered with figures from a new study that said Americans face mounting health-care bills under Romney’s plan, The Associated Press reported.
Citing a study from Democratic-backed group, an average American who retires at 65 in 2023 would pay nearly $60,000 more over their retirement with Romney as president.
For those not year nearing retirement age, it’s more drastic, the AP said.
Anyone 48 years old today faces almost a $125,000 difference in Medicare by the time they retire, the AP said.
Retirees today wouldn’t escape an increase, either, the Democrats said.
If Republicans win the election and reinstate prescription drug limits, anyone 65 or older would pay $11,000 in retirement, the AP said.
Campaigning in Florida, Obama promised to protect retirees.
“I believe no American should ever have to spend their golden years at the mercy of insurance companies,” Obama said, according to the AP. “After a lifetime of labor, you should retire with dignity and respect.”
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