The first step to fixing a broken medical care system

[KentuckyWoman]

We absolutely have to open Medicare up to more people. There are millions of Americans who face barriers to affordable health insurance. Even at twice the premiums seniors pay, it is far more affordable than individual plans, COBRA, etc.

It fixes the barriers to obtaining care for millions of people, and it fixes the problem of uncompensated emergency care at the providers. It allows people to change jobs, work for smaller businesses, start their own business, retire before age 65, temporarily leave the workplace to provide full time care to a loved one. Even people approved for SSDI suffer for 2 years before the option to buy into Medicare kicks in (how stupid is THAT?)

I can give you the stories of a dozen or more people who would directly benefit. At the end of the day we all win when our fellow Americans are healthy.

[Hoyt]

1. In meantime, ACA accomplishes a lot of that, particularly if one is eligible for subsidies.

Agree, a Public Option -- essentially buy-in to Medicare -- would solve a lot of problems, and not force people onto Medicare who don't want it (kind of stupid, but there are people like that), or just let people try it.

[spooky3]

2. We need to control some prices, as do many other developed countries, such as Japan.

That, to me, is the biggest step that we could take to make coverage for all possible.

Until we are willing to say ENOUGH! to the vast profits, high salaries and bonuses, lobbying spending, etc., in the related industries, we will continue to struggle to pay the bills, no matter what system of payment we use.

[SMC22307]

3. Medicare at 55.

That's one thing that needs to be done ASAP.