All Those Who Stand with Sen. Sanders, Sen. Warren and Sen. Harris on Medicare For All

[StevieM]

105. I don't know if you are referring to my post, or speaking generally, but if you re-read my post

Last edited Fri Sep 8, 2017, 09:27 PM - Edit history (1)

you'll see that I didn't say anything about the merits of single payer. I just said that I didn't think it was realistic to expect Donald Trump to support it.

I think that some people have concerns that single payer would involve a difficult transition. And others might be worried about polling that shows the American people don't yet support it. That isn't quite the same thing as criticizing the senators who support it. Then again, I haven't read this whole thread or every thread on the topic.

In the end, the transition to single payer may happen in multiple steps, rather that with one big bill. Obamacare was a first step. So was s-chip back in the 90s, for the matter. The next step may be an expanded employer mandate, perhaps with a payroll tax to finance coverage, so that higher salaried positions pay more into the system while lower salaried position can be easier to insure. And a public option could also be introduced, along with lowering the age of joining Medicare to 55. Speaking of which, single payer might not involve Medicare for all, it might involve separate programs for working people and for seniors.

Obamacare did not involve a relentless push for one pre-written plan. It meandered through committees, and underwent revisions and amendments. Future health care reform will likely happen in the same way.