Gov. Sarah Palin and her growing family could provide a "teachable moment" in the campaign discussion of universal health care -- for families, small businesses, and veterans.

Who is providing health care coverage for the seven-member (soon to be eight) Palin family? Is it the governor, through her state job? How good is Alaska's state employee policy? What they pay in premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to the private sector? Did the prenatal testing and then the birth of Trig cost the Palins much? Looks like they will have two births under their group plan in a single year.

Or, does Sarah's husband Todd cover the family through his part-time job with BP? Does BP cover part-timers? If so, is that thanks to the union? Could he cover the family through BP if she were out of office?
 
Could he cover the family through his commercial fishing business if ne needed to? Does he cover his own employees now? If not, what do they do for health care? Small businesses often have a tough time getting group coverage, and fishing is not risk-free.

What will Bristol Palin and Levi and their new baby do for health coverage if they decide to set out on their own and establish a household? (Or, do they plan to go to college and stay under their parents' plans?) There are doubtless a lot of teens in Alaska who get married young, with no education, and have kids. What are their health insurance odds?

Finally, the Palins have a son in the military. Are they comfortable with the health services available he will receive in Iraq and through the VA?

Lots of fodder for discussion here, and maybe a good question or two for the VP debate.