The functional difference is that with universal health care there's a government rate for it, while the individual mandate could leave people in a shitty position of having to choose between multiple avenues of coverage that doesn't fit them.
So in the end, sure, everyone has health care, but in one case you're just given it and in the other you're told to get it OR ELSE.
|
Well I agree that universal health care w/ a not-for-profit system would be the best, and that's what I want, and I'm totally willing to pay more in taxes to make it happen. In lieu of that though,
actually honestly scratch that thought, really the only thing that should be done (and that
can be done to benefit the taxpayer) is to end the for-profit medical institution. I have no interest in protecting the profit margin of companies that have no interest in protecting
my profit margin (or take-home pay, you know, whatever).
apropos to this conversation: Open enrollment is going on with my employer. I have the option of picking up their health insurance, or staying on COBRA for the next year. My COBRA payments are $600 a month, for one person; the monthly payments for my company are significantly cheaper but the coverage is such that my COBRA coverage is actually cheaper in the long run. It has nothing to do with doctors being out of network, and I'm not riddled with cancer, preggers, or supporting a family. This is such bullshit.
Most amazing jew boots