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Universal healthcare is cheaper than our system of healthcare by a factor of 2 (comparing other OECD countries). If we raised taxes and implemented universal healthcare we’d save about $1T a year.

Cost isn’t the relevant factor, it’s politics. Or more accurately, naked bribery that we, for some insane reason, call “lobbying”.

by ineedaj0b4 hours ago|

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I've looked into this for work and no way. You must unfactor the European models getting subsidized by the current US model.

Some very smart people have looked at fixing the system, and there's no golden goose (except ozempic maybe). We'll need pharmacological breakthroughs.

Also, regrettably - A LOT of medical care is unnecessary but we love grandma.

by Quarrelsome4 hours ago|

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> You must unfactor the European models getting subsidized by the current US model.

But they don't. This is clearly a pro-insurer talking point. Europe just negotiates on a state based level so therefore is able to negotiate better prices.

by Amezarak3 hours ago|

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Medicare also negotiates on a state based level and represents more people than most European countries.

Right now the US governments collectively spend more than most European countries per capita on health care. The states and Feds. Totally exclusive of the private market spending. Expanding Medicare/Medicaid may be great for other reasons but does not solve the underlying cost problems in the US.

by Quarrelsome2 hours ago|

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> but does not solve the underlying cost problems in the US.

sure but neither does blaming the EU for its healthcare system as some odd mental gymnastics into twisting it into a rationale about why universal healthcare "isn't possible" in the US.

Its a choice the US makes, while creating huge deficits fighting pointless wars at the same time.

by DarmokJalad17014 hours ago|

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> If we raised taxes and implemented universal healthcare we’d save about $1T a year

If it saves $1T, then why does it require raising taxes?

by mekdoonggi4 hours ago|

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Because currently the working population pays what is effectively a tax for health insurance. I pay over $450 a month for a family plan, and that's cheap and subsidized AND I need to pay for copays/deductible/coinsurance.

So taxes could go up $5k/yr but if I got health insurance, I'm better off.

The savings would take longer to realize because they come from better contracts, better preventative care, increased screenings etc.

by Quarrelsome4 hours ago|

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idk maybe those savings are not upfront but are more around productivity improvements and so on.