Instead of tearing down the system we now have, which isn't perfect by any means, and replacing it with a system with it's own flaws, lets fix the problems with what we have now. Do you even realize the chaos and disruption that would occur if we eliminated the current system and tried to establish a new one? I don't even want to think about it.

I agree with all you say. Just quoting what Warren has said to illustrate the potential cost and - not that I believe it or endorse it.

I have worked with people from Europe and Canada. They love their healthcare system. In a perfect world, Universal Healthcare is a great solution. But, you have to be willing to accept the "cost." Countries with universal healthcare don't have the defense budget we have. Plus, don't be naive and think corporations and wealthy individuals will just "get taxed more and carry the burden." Corporations will move their HQ overseas. Wealthy individuals will either move to another country or find new tax shelters. How many corporations/wealthy individuals pay no taxes now. Do you honestly think that will change?
What I would hate to see is a two tiered system... most of us are under a universal healthcare system, and the wealthy are able to access physicians who have opted out of the universal system.

Here in UK, our youngest daughter was referred, had all tests etc. was diagnosed, and started treatment for breast cancer in under three weeks.
She has now been clear for past seven years.

This year my wife has been waiting eight months to see an eye specialist for her cataracts. Two appointments were cancelled days before they were due, and the next available date was in mid December.
We decided to pay for private treatment, and saw the specialist four days after the initial call.
We could have had the first cataract removed next week, seven days from first consultation, but it was too close to our departure to US. for any follow ups required.
We have booked to have the surgery done seven days after we return next year from our winter stay in TV.

Treatment with a Universal Healthcare system is good, but has it's flaws.
People are living longer, and the lists get longer each year.
It is not good for the elderly with age related problems, eg. hip, knee replacement, eye surgery. Waiting lists are long.
The system consumes money, and is Admininistration top heavy.
Most finance seems to be sucked into Admin, before reaching the front line.
Overhaul is desperately needed, but our NHS is a political hot potatoe, and both sides are loathe to take the step to do so.
So Governments keeps throwing money at it, basicly sticking plasters, instead of major surgery.

Liken it to gun laws in USA!!

I would like to see some of our Canadian residents weigh in on this subject.

No...!
 

I hope not. In my experiences at least the Canadian system sends thousands to the United States for care due to lack of equipment. Wait times for MRI or other routine issues here can take months if not years if the government decides it isn't urgent. They also pay three taxes on everything to pay for it. Boo!

Competition will keep costs down and increase quality. Insurance companies should be allowed to sell policies in other states, and groups of people/businesses should be allowed to negotiate insurance rates and coverage across state lines. This is what the commerce clause in the U.S. Constitution addresses. The Trump administration, along with Sen. Rand Paul, is addressing these issues. Trump and Sen. Rand Paul lead the way on healthcare reform

Now was that comment really necessary? :ohdear:

Steve

I totally agree. But, it is amazing to me how many people believe that the opposite is true. They think that turning over health care to the Federal Government and eliminating competition will result in more efficiency and lower cost. Having worked as an Inspector General in the Federal Government, I observed what happens when you turn over billions of taxpayer dollars to Government employees. There is enormous waste. The money gets wasted because many of them don't view it as real money that hard working people actually worked for and earned. It becomes like Monopoly money to them.

So, how does Medicare fit in this discussion? Should it be abandoned and all aged 65 and over be forced to buy private insurance on the market place, if they could get it? That would surely help solve the budget deficit.

I think everyone should work in a Federal Government agency for a period of time in their lives,
then they might have a quite different outlook on government run healthcare when they see the inefficiency and waste!

Not realy necessary, but made to show that certain subjects cannot be adressed easily, and without huge political and social repercussions.

It's NEVER going to happen in our lifetime or our children's lifetime or their children's lifetime! Relax it's all just a talking point to get elected.

How are you going to pay for this? Homina Homina - YouTube

Relax! it's a Big Zero!

I did and it was mind blowing how money was pointlessly peed away for nothing and many employees diddled away their time, counting the days until they could retire.

I agree. I remember one agency I visited where they reviewed claims for welfare, and they actually had a motto, "WHEN IN DOUBT, SHELL IT OUT". This was no joke. The employees were instructed that, if a welfare applicant could not prove their eligibilty, the employee was required to give them the welfare benefit. After all, it is only taxpayer money, and we have plenty of it to give away. Many applicants knew this and were coached to pretend to not speak English.

Another U. S. Army office I inspected, had hundreds of new Dell desktop computers and printers stacked up in the hallways, and another hundred or so Dell laptops stored in a stock room. When I asked about these, I was told that it was a good way to spend their excess budget money at the end of the year, so they could get the same funding or more next year. This wasteful spending happens almost every year in many Federal Government offices.

I have no doubt that a Government health care system would be operated the same way.