Sen. DeMint proposes healthcare vouchers

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 24 (UPI) -- The Media Research Center and U.S. conservative groups Wednesday touted their alternatives to President Obama's healthcare presentation broadcast on ABC-TV.

Seton Motley of the Media Research Center said the Health Care Freedom Coalition sponsored the event showcasing Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., and key healthcare experts who discussed alternatives to, and the pitfalls they see in, Obama's healthcare proposal.

"ABC isn't permitting much conservative participation in the 'conversation' they are 'moderating' with President Obama tonight," Motley told United Press International.

"We found that over the past six months, ABC News has featured Obama or supporters of his plan 55 times compared to 18 times for critics of his plan."

One healthcare alternative was offered by DeMint, who explained his Health Care Freedom Plan, a plan he estimates would reduce the some 47 million uninsured by 22.4 million in five years.

"Americans would be able to keep the care they have now, but if they are uninsured or unhappy with their current plan, they could access a voucher to purchase health insurance anywhere in the country," DeMint said in a statement.

DeMint's legislation would provide Americans without employer-based coverage with vouchers of $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for families to purchase health insurance.

The plan would allow Americans with Health Savings Accounts to use that money to pay for the insurance premiums, DeMint said.

The legislation would be paid for by terminating the Troubled Asset Relief Program and forcing companies to repay their bailout funds within five years, DeMint said.