Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chet Culver has released a health care plan that he calls “healthy opportunities.” Chet Culver would allow Iowans to purchase the same health care plan that is provided to all state officials. Culver would also allow any parent who works but whose employer doesn’t offer health insurance to enroll their children in the state-paid HAWK-I health insurance program.

Culver says “too many Iowa families are being squeezed by skyrocketing health care costs. And too many Iowans are working hard but still can’t afford health insurance for themselves or their families.” In January, Democratic candidate Mike Blouin laid out his health care proposals. Last week another Democrat, Ed Fallon, said he wants the state to provide universal health care for all Iowans, paid for either through increased taxes or rescinding some of the state tax cuts enacted in the past decade.