To Want or Not Want Government Care?

[Flelm]

Health care is not "free." European citizens pay a 25% VAT and other taxes to pay for their health care system.

Yes, we all would love to live in some utopia where everyone can do all the drugs they want, not work, get free school, get free health care, get free housing, live carbon-free, and get a universal basic income, and pay no taxes for receiving such benefits while the rich pay 70%-90% taxes and then hope there is still enough incentive for rich to subsidize everyone else.

Unfortunately, the math doesn't add up, which we are finding out here in America. Inflation will soon make that $15 an hour minimum wage worth $7-$10 an hour in yesterday's money.  The poor will be worse off when they see their cost of living skyrocket, while the rich who own assets such as businesses, real estate, and stock will quickly adjust to the new inflation norm.

Did you look at any of the studies I linked? I noticed you cut off my quote right before them. No one is saying free healthcare. This is an inaccurate conservative talking point. Between private and public healthcare, we are already paying excessive amounts of money. The point of a single payer or universal system is to have #1, everyone covered, and #2, reduce the total cost of healthcare. Which everyone study says would happen.

What's your solution to the current broken healthcare system, or do you disagree that it's broken and it's fine for people to die and go bankrupt from lack of healthcare coverage?

The purpose of our (I agree, extremely broken!) government is not to turn a profit. The purpose of our government is to create and maintain a functioning society that's fair to all its members (see: the social contract). Why does keeping our citizenry healthy need to be profitable? Should it be efficient, sure. Is the current system efficient? Hell no.

An efficient health system is nearly impossible when the U.S. government allows food and beverage manufacturers (for example) to sell unhealthy items. In Mexico, the government requires food and beverage manufacturers to add relevant labels to their items to warn consumers before purchasing. Examples include (but not limited to) "excessive sodium", "excessive sugar", and "excessive calories". If the U.S. government required food and beverage companies to do the same, it could guide the country towards a more efficient health system.

So you do want governmental regulations and oversight, just not in healthcare?

People have the right to eat unhealthy, but there are people that don't want to work, eat very unhealthy, and expect their medical bills to be paid with the tax dollars of the working class. I know most people are not that way, but a minority (like 25% of a state or country) is still a large number.

Can you cite a source for your 25% number or is it something you made up that "feels" right?

People should have the right to choose how their tax dollars are spent. With those choices, they'll benefit from select public services through their tax payments and won't benefit from others (but they can always pay out of pocket to access the public service or a privatized equivalent).

You do choose, by electing officials that will pass laws and budgets that align with your beliefs, values, and goals. And again, is it ok that the poorest in our society will die or go bankrupt for lack of healthcare services? If you think that is an acceptable outcome for a modern society then I think we're too far apart to ever agree.