Bernie Sanders: $50k for Health Care? Insane.

[Donkees]

Americans are now receiving notices from insurance companies. Premiums will double — even QUADRUPLE — if we don’t stop Trump's proposals.

In Vt. a family of 4 could be paying $50,000/yr for health insurance.

Insane. Nobody can afford it. THAT'S what the shutdown fight is about.

[Jacson6]

1. We need Medicare for all with a 5% flat tax on all income no matter the source.

Medicare for all won't be free and may have a deductible and copay 20% of the Medicare total for the bill. We can still allow companies and people to buy health care insurance on the private market just like Germany does.

Just a thought.

[Silent Type]

2. Unfortunately, that 5% tax would cover only 30% of Elizabeth Warren's estimate of over $5 Trillion

for MFA.

In 2024, total US income was just under $30 T. Estimates of a 5% wealth tax — assuming it’s even possible— are between $1 T and $2 T.

It’s a start, but we’d need more funding from somewhere. Sadly, don’t think we’ll see it soon.

[Dave says]

5. If (nearly) every developed nation can afford it

we can find a way.

First of all, if you excise private insurance, paying for care is much more efficient. Medicare spends about 4% on administration. Private insurers spend about 25% on CEO salary, armies of administrators whose job it is to deny claims, and advertising. That means more healthcare is available for every healthcare dollar spent.

Second, those with employer-based insurance no longer need that. Those premiums (or some percentage of that) should be added to the pool of money available for healthcare.

There was an organization out there supported by many physicians that outlined how care can be paid for without truly adding costs. Eye opening.

I think we can find a way.

[Silent Type]

6. Totally agree. Although I don't think we'll find a way anytime soon.

[mike_c]

3. I don't understand why Americans...

...are not clamoring at the door for Medicare-for-all. Healthcare has been a breeze since we qualified for Medicare. It just works, without much worry. My wife has had significant (expensive!) health challenges since we retired and we have never seen a bill. And I don't agree that Medicare-for-all should charge co-pays, which were instituted by for-profit insurance companies to squeeze more profits from their customers. Medicare is nonprofit, as all health insurance should be. Taxes should be all the co-pays necessary.

[Passages]

4. kick