Democratic Primaries
In reply to the discussion: Michael Moore just said FDR was a democratic socialist. [View all]wnylib
(23,672 posts)those who need it because they can't afford the deductibles and co-pays on Obamacare or the premiums and co-pays on Medicare.
But I'm talking about expanded Medicare beyond just seniors. It has the same benefit as Obamacare regarding pre-existing conditions. And you can upgrade with an Advantage plan for meds, eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc. Co-pays are lower than other insurances because it is government subsidized via taxes and money paid into it by seniors during their younger working years.
So expanding Medicare would mean higher taxes. There's no getting around that because more people receiving care would mean a need for more money into the system. But it is still less costly than Medicaid because people on Medicare pay monthly premiums and co-pays while those on Medicaid don't. But even with higher taxes, it is true that people have more disposable income in the end because they are not paying huge premiums and deductibles. They are not suddenly hit with unexpected costs for emergency care or surgery when needed. Those sudden extra costs can be as high as the price of a new car.
BTW, during the years when the FDR legacy was still in effect, the prople at the top of the income pyramid paid a substantially higher percent in taxes. That was before the con game of trickle down or supply side economics reduced taxes for the wealthy, shifting the burden downward to lower income levels.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden