Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I disagree Bcreass... according to the articles I have read taxes are much higher for europeans for everything especially their gas tax!
As I mentioned in my last post, look at the mass transit systems in Europe that allow many people to avoid having to use their car all the time, or even not need a car at all. It isn't just about universal healthcare....that's not the sole reason why their taxes may/may not be higher. There are many other factors at play, including bigger government subsidies for education, far better social safety nets and of course, the mass transit issue.
Many Europeans tend not to drive huge gas guzzling cars anyway, which is also good for the environment. In reality, I spend no more on gas when I was living in the UK than I do here, because I simply have to drive more in this country to get from A to B (not a complaint, just an observation) and my car, even though small by US standards, doesn't get anything like the mpg my car in the UK got!
There taxes ARE higher - but they get far, far more government benefits for their taxes than we do... They get UHC, extensive maternity benefits, extensive severance packages for unemployment...
The following is what will be discussed with MOC in Mid April - We believe that this will form the basis for initial health insurance / health care reform in the United States. This does not represent the entire proposal - nor every little detail - it is a very broad overview.
---------------------------------------
Make the health insurance program that Members of Congress use available to everyone - allow this program to compete with private companies. Let "buying in" be strictly voluntary.
Pass legislation (Congress) that would allow health insurance to be sold acrossstatelines (some estimates say premiums would come down some 20 25% by doing this - spreads out the risk pool)
Allow health insurance premiums to be fully deductible (they are not at this time).
Allow all health related expenditures to be fully deductible (they are not now)
For those TRULY unable to afford health insurance - establish a means test and based on that test, subsidize the purchase of health insurance of the persons choice
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
39,031 posts, read 23,025,682 times
Reputation: 36027
Quote:
Originally Posted by HubbleRules
I see your point - but we have far more resources to throw at the problem - so even if our population and geographical area are greater - I do not see them as problems... relatively speaking.
What are all of these "resources" we have here? Don't we have huge deficits? Who is going to PAY for a UHC? What percentage of YOUR income do you want to spend for a UHC system?
What are all of these "resources" we have here? Don't we have huge deficits? Who is going to PAY for a UHC? What percentage of YOUR income do you want to spend for a UHC system?
We have plenty of resources for tax breaks for the rich, for a useless war in Iraq, and incredible waste in DOD spending to mention just a few. Reverse those actions and you will have a good portion of the resources needed for UHC...
UHC - as with all other government programs - is a matter of national priorities...
And I would be willing to spend at least 10%-15% of my income for UHC..
UHC is an inevitability - for one simple reason - the current system is broken for a large and ever growing portion of the population - and the American public will demand it.
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
39,031 posts, read 23,025,682 times
Reputation: 36027
Quote:
Originally Posted by HubbleRules
We have plenty of resources for tax breaks for the rich, for a useless war in Iraq, and incredible waste in DOD spending to mention just a few. Reverse those actions and you will have a good portion of the resources needed for UHC...
UHC - as with all other government programs - is a matter of national priorities...
And I would be willing to spend at least 10%-15% of my income for UHC..
UHC is an inevitability - for one simple reason - the current system is broken for a large and ever growing portion of the population - and the American public will demand it.
10-15% on top of the other taxes you currently pay? That's A LOT of money for health care! Most people don't even pay that much for their healthcare expenses per month.
10-15% on top of the other taxes you currently pay? That's A LOT of money for health care! Most people don't even pay that much for their healthcare expenses per month.
If I add up all the deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pockets, and my portion of the corporate health insurance coverage - I'm at about 10% right now...
I'd gladly pay a little more for a more comprehensive package...
The highest probability is, you are going to be able to "buy into" the same package that MOC have - it will be optional.
There will be most likely changes to the tax code to allow for increased deductibility of health insurance / health related issues.
And direct subsidies to those with limited financial means to currently pay for health insurance. The chances are these subsidies will allow the individual to purchase from the insurance company of their choice.
Another thing that may occur is the requirement for everyone, to provide substantiation of their lawful presence in this country.
Location: The Chatterdome in La La Land, CaliFUNia
39,031 posts, read 23,025,682 times
Reputation: 36027
Quote:
Originally Posted by HubbleRules
If I add up all the deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pockets, and my portion of the corporate health insurance coverage - I'm at about 10% right now...
I'd gladly pay a little more for a more comprehensive package...
How much would YOU be willing to pay?
When I did the math, I realized that 10% is what I'm currently paying so that isn't too unreasonable. Only problem is that I doubt that a 10% tax is going to fully cover a UHC system, especially as our government does not have a reputation for being cost efficient.
As I mentioned in my last post, look at the mass transit systems in Europe that allow [many people to avoid having to use their car all the time, or even not need a car at all. It isn't just about universal healthcare....that's not the sole reason why their taxes may/may not be higher. There are many other factors at play, including bigger government subsidies for education, far better social safety nets and of course, the mass transit issue.
I see what you are saying but most Europeans live near large urban areas where they can walk. American like their cars. We live way out in suburbs. We like our trips to the mountains one weekend and to the beach another. I'd like to see you force some Americans out of their trucks. It's just not the American way. We have a different culture.
It all just sounds like socialism to me and that again is not what America is about. The EU does not have a perfect social system despite what you are making it out to be.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
