College ethics professor, Charles Kammer, is an Ohio delegate at the Democratic National Convention this year. On Wednesday of the convention, he attended a morning health care forum with Democratic heavyweights—Tom Daschle, Gov. Deval Patrick, Gov. Ed Rendell, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Rep. John Dingell, health care rock star Hillary Rodham Clinton among them. Professor Kammer said health care in the United States is emerging as a fascinating ethical dilemma—something this blogger had never really considered. He was there, he said, to gather information for his classes. Is an individual in this country entitled to reasonable and effective health care? Apparently, some of his students are learning that their nation's answer is no.

"My students are shocked when they graduate and no longer qualify for their parents' health care plan," he told me. "They suddenly can't afford to go to a doctor because their jobs don't have health plans. Some can't get independent insurance because they have a pre-existing condition, like asthma or diabetes. This harsh reality really drives the whole health care debate home."

As a matter of ethics, is it incumbent upon a nation to take care of it's citizens? Or it is more ethical to enable them to take care of themselves?

Though these matters are certainly not clear-cut, I'd put Team Obama is in the first camp. Obama wants everyone in the country covered within three years of taking office. His administration would require that parents insure their children. As for Professor Kamer's students, they'd be allowed to stay on their parents' plan until they turned 25. Most employers would have to make a "meaningful" contribution to their employees health insurance whether it be by covering them or contributing to a public health plan. Individuals and business could purchase insurance through a national exchange. Applicants would be ensured coverage, despite any pre-existing condition. He'd pay for his program—an estimated $50-$60 billion—by allowing Bush's tax cuts for those making over $250,000 to expire.

Now, could this actually happen if Obama is elected?

Let's think: Health care is emerging as a First Hundred Days priority for the Dems—meaning, they'd try to get legislation passed during the Obama honeymoon period. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has said she'd get it on the agenda and there's certainly those in the Senate (er, Hillary Rodham Clinton?) who would take up the cause. Now, if the Democrats still hold their majority in November's Congressional races, or if they increase it, health care will likely be a hot topic come January (barring a hideous development overseas or on Wall Street).  Details of a plan would be hashed out by approximately 67,000 interested and affected parties (members of Congress, lobbyists representing doctors, hospitals, unions, insurance companies, on and on and on) and then subjected to all the legislators on the Hill who would probably want their own two-cents in the final wording.

Now, if Senator McCain is elected, the scenario changes completely.  McCain's plan would provide tax incentives for people (a $2,500 tax credit for individuals/$5,000 for couples) to buy health insurance, with that tax credit paid for by the federal government. When purchasing insurance, people would have more options, like buying from out-of-state companies. If the selected policy was cheaper than their credit, the remaining money could go into a health savings account. Is there the political will in Congress to pass a Republican plan? Remember, the Republicans won't have the majority unless they gain seats in the House and Senate. That means one thing: Compromise. Big TIme. I wouldn't even try and predict what a final bill might look like. (Maybe this is a job for the Loose Cannon!)

So while the presidential campaign plays itself out, think about what Professor Kammer's students will be grappling with this semester. What ethical responsibilities does our government have for the nation's health care?  Then, go a step further and ask yourself the best way to get it done.

For more details on each candidate's health plan, go to the extremely helpful National Journal website.