Private Health insurance is the way to go, with some reforms of the industry.
I suspect many Americans, are to cheap to pay their own premiums, and instead rather spend their money on booze, tobacco, and junk foods, then go to the public hospital and expect the rest of us to pay for their bad choices.
But, here is the ERROR in the lefts push for socialized medicine:
Socialized Medicine can NOT “reduce costs” because access to more health care services will increase demand and increase cost to the rest of us!
The tobacco user with COPD SHOULD pay more than the person who does not use Tobacco. However, Medicare Part D and Medicare Part C and Medicare Part B do NOT charge more for bad behavior!
Another point is that the irresponsible, who can afford health insurance NOW, but refuse to pay for it, should probably be allowed that option. Remember, I am a health insurance agent. However, I realize that government mandates usually make things worse, and the quality for everyone will decline, if a “one size fits all” government program is developed.
Perhaps the most important point that is missed by the left?
What difference is there, really, between some crack head or hooker or gang banger without insurance, going to the hospital for care, which drives up medical costs for all of us through cost shifting -—
Or, charging higher taxes to all of us, up front, so that the hooker or gang banger or crack head gets “free” medical insurance?
Either way, the responsible are left to pay the bills for the irresponsible. What have we accomplished?
And, if you give the crack head, the hooker, or the gang banger a “free” health insurance card, don’t you think those folks will use the system MORE than they use it now?
(Especially through fraudulent attempts to obtain narcotic drugs?)
Also, health insurance coverage is an INCENTIVE to keep people out of the criminal class, and to get people into REAL jobs with health insurance benefits.
Do we really want to destroy another incentive, out there?