Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump skip healthcare at first presidential debate
Clinton and Trump traded jabs over issues including the economy, the national debt, job creation, fighting ISIS and racial tensions.
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump faced off in their first presidential debate on Monday night, and despite the debate's focus on domestic issues, no questions were asked about the candidates' different visions for America's healthcare system.
The 90-minute, uninterrupted debate at Hofstra University was contentious, however, as Clinton and Trump traded jabs over issues including the economy, the national debt, job creation, fighting ISIS and racial tensions. The candidates will next debate on October 4.
[Also: Voters trust Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump on healthcare, Kaiser survey finds]
Though healthcare was never raised as a topic on Monday, Both Clinton and Trump have been vocal in their opinions on the Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law. Here's a breakdown of where they stand on healthcare issues.
Hillary Clinton
- Clinton wants to expand the Affordable Care Act.
- Clinton's plan calls for providing a $5,000 tax credit per family to offset a portion of out-of-pocket and premium costs.
- She wants to create a government-sponsored public option for healthcare.
- On tackling the high cost of prescription drugs, Clinton proposes denying tax breaks to drug companies to restrict profiteering.
- Clinton proposes capping out-of-pocket charges for drugs at $250, and has vowed to fight for a reduction in rising drug costs.
- She would like for all states to expand Medicaid healthcare coverage for low-income Americans, saying she would continue the Obama administration's policy of providing states 100 percent matching federal funding for the first three years they expand the program.
- Clinton supports letting Medicare negotiate directly with drug makers; Trump has also said he favors such bargaining.
- Clinton supports requiring healthcare companies to offer equal physical and mental health services.
Donald Trump
- Trump has said he wants to repeal and replace the ACA "on day one."
- Trump supports allowing insurance companies to compete across state lines.
- He proposes giving consumers tax exemptions to buy individual healthcare plans.
- On drug prices, Trump said he wants to lower barriers for drug companies to enter the marketplace.
- Trump supports giving patients the option of purchasing pharmaceutical drugs from overseas and giving states more control over the Medicaid program.
- Trump also supports letting Medicare negotiate directly with drug makers.
- On mental health treatment, Trump has called for reform, though has not been specific about plans.
Estimates are 100 million people will watch the debates.
Recent polls show essentially a dead heat in the November 8 election, with an estimated 15 percent of undecided voters representing a wild card constituency that could build momentum to whichever candidate doesn't stumble tonight.
Clinton won the coin toss to get the first question.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
