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Trying to set things straight,there are 2 camps on this debate,
the pro-american/capitalist,which wants minor changes within the existing system
& the antiamerican/pro-european/socialist, which wants either a govco or a govt takeover,
as in CAN ,UK & Europe...
These 2 camps are engaged in a dialogue between deaf,
because they have fundamental differences...
Either the euro system is better than the USA system,or vice versa...
I have knowledge & experience of the euro socialist system,
so I can insist that socialised medicine is beautiful & charming on the outside,
ugly & malfunctioning on the inside...
So the bottom line is...
Those who like the CAN/Euro system,should emigrate there & enjoy it...
Trying to set things straight,there are 2 camps on this debate,
the pro-american/capitalist,which wants minor changes within the existing system
& the antiamerican/pro-european/socialist, which wants either a govco or a govt takeover,
as in CAN ,UK & Europe...
If you are indeed "trying to set things straight", you did a miserable job of it.
I'm curious as to why you don't think the USA private sector would be willing to introduce and work the German health care plan in America, even if on a not-for-profit basis?
The reason a German system would not work here is that Americans are not willing to pay for it. I have made my position clear. I am not opposed to a French or German-type system which are quasi-public plans. I am opposed to any system proposed by a President under the pretext of paying for it by taxing the rich or cutting expenses elsewhere.
If Americans want it, they need to pay for it. In Germany or France there are hefty payroll tax deductions for their "free" healthcare. They are statutory, mandatory, and non-negotiable, just like FICA is here. There are no exceptions for married couples. If one member of the family works, the deduction (premium) covers the whole family. If two members work, they both are subjected to the deduction.
The tax is income-based. Lower income workers pay less in absolute dollars than higher income workers. Not fair, but consistent with our progressive system. There are no credits. Everyone pays. A single mother earning $30,000 a year might pay $3K per year to insure herself and two kids. This would be considered unaffordable here.
This was the basis of a GOP plan floated years ago. You know who shot it down. The Democrats want nothing short of free care for millions who already pay nothing in federal taxes.
The reason a German system would not work here is that Americans are not willing to pay for it. I have made my position clear. I am not opposed to a French or German-type system which are quasi-public plans. I am opposed to any system proposed by a President under the pretext of paying for it by taxing the rich or cutting expenses elsewhere.
If Americans want it, they need to pay for it. In Germany or France there are hefty payroll tax deductions for their "free" healthcare. They are statutory, mandatory, and non-negotiable, just like FICA is here. There are no exceptions for married couples. If one member of the family works, the deduction (premium) covers the whole family. If two members work, they both are subjected to the deduction.
The tax is income-based. Lower income workers pay less in absolute dollars than higher income workers. Not fair, but consistent with our progressive system. There are no credits. Everyone pays. A single mother earning $30,000 a year might pay $3K per year to insure herself and two kids. This would be considered unaffordable here.
This was the basis of a GOP plan floated years ago. You know who shot it down. The Democrats want nothing short of free care for millions who already pay nothing in federal taxes.
3k wouldn't be that much on $30,000 a year income.
Wouldn't that equal about $250 a month? I know some people who get more than that deducted out of their check every month.
German employers help with the cost of the premium as well.
Considering what all Germans get with the sickness fund, it's a great deal. They pay for you to go to the spa! Who can beat that?
I agree if we want it, we need to pay for it, not just the rich. With the German system though, the rich are allowed to opt out. I think it's fair that lower-income people would have a lower premium...they make less money. The percentage is the same though.
It's nice to see you're NOT opposed to a German or French system. Something we can agree on!
Do you have any links that the GOP introduced something like that?
Do you think that the Government-run health care (or even private health insurance) should cover "Medical" Marijuana? I mean most of the "medical" marijuana is used to get high... its not for medical related purposes (hence the tremendous growth of marijuana sellers in California)... so now, should taxpayers PAY for other people to get high?
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I know some people who get more than that deducted out of their check every month.
An interesting question....
