Healthcare Cost

With the upcoming election and all, I find this topic a very appropriate one to discuss. The cost of healthcare SUCKS! I am a school teacher and actually enjoy my job -- until I see my paystub each month and see what I am paying in healthcare. It is no wonder that the nation continues to suffer a teacher shortage!! My hubby switched jobs this year (from teaching to business) and his company does not provide health benefits. So, I am forced to cover us all (family) on my policy.

This is what I pay per month:

Health Insurance - $ 474.84 ($1,000 deductible/$35 co-pay for EACH Dr. visit)
Dental - $ 79.32
Vision - $ 20.89

I am also expecting a baby in March and to date, we have paid $ 2,200 to my ob/gyn office. Goodness, that is only my portion. My insurance covered the other 80%. That amount covers all visits, lab work, and the cost of delivery. Thankfully, we made the last payment last week. And, we have not had to put any of it on credit - only possible through GOD. Of course, that amount does not include the services provided by the hospital at the actual time of delivery. The hospital bills (anesthesiologist, pediatrician, nurses, etc.) will arrive about 1-2 months after the birth of the baby - another $ 2,500 or so. WHAT THE CRAP?!?!

So, here is my question...is this normal????? And, which presidential candidate can actually fix this screwed up system???? Let me know and I will vote for him or her!!!