Originally Posted by SteveZ

The issue is that health care costs (as an industry) have indeed risen, while the rest of the industries in America have been relatively stagnant or depressed. With a vibrant economy where all industries are on the upswing, health care costs become invisible.

Nationalizing industries don't work, as the industry eventually becomes "average" (remember the "C" grade that schools aren't supposed to give anymore?). No nationalized industry has ever excelled, and most barely stay afloat. Why should we think health care will be any different? If indeed costs are lowered, so will the standard and quality of care, as every industry has inherent costs for product development and delivery. While some economies of scale may be found and exploited, they will be quickly offset by declining research and development - nationalized industries shun R&D on the "we have enough problems of today, let tomorrow be taken care of by the next watch."

By the time all of the costs for HR 3200 for the next 20 years (under the best estimate!) are tallied, it will be proven cheaper to have the taxpayer pay for a private Blue Cross policy for every citizen and lawful permanent resident in the US who is uninsured today. As far as the rest of us, health care costs will indeed NOT stabilize, as there will be just a bigger market in "supplemental" policies to cover what government won't. And again, watch the boom in medical tourism, especially to Central/South America and the Caribbean.