Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What did the Institute of Medicine report recommend?

2. Why is health care a problem in this country?

3. What is Rep. Dennis Kucinich's plan for health care?

4. What is Howard Dean's plan?

5. Why are some people against universal health care?

6. What has President Bush proposed for health care reform?

7. What are some of the problems other countries have experienced with universal health care?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Using the Online NewsHour's election resources at http://www.votebyissue.org/primary/, research the health plans proposed by the Democratic presidential candidates. Which plan makes the most sense to you? Explain your reasons.

2. If the government proposed a bill requiring Americans to pay higher taxes so that everyone could have health insurance coverage, would you support the bill? Why or why not? How much extra would you be willing to pay?

3. What are the forces pushing to change the health care system? What are the forces push to keep it the same? Which are more powerful?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.