General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Don't be deceived. Contrary to popular opinion, ALL insurers, whether on or off the exchanges, [View all]okaawhatever
(9,461 posts)profit. It's their operating revenue. I don't know what percentage of that will end up being profit. I don't kid myself, I don't think America would have passed single payer, nor do I think the medical infrastructure is set up to handle it. Also, as a child of a military family, I want single payer with private options or private upgrades. I remember this one time I sick as a kid. My mom would always test to see if we were faking by saying we'd have to go to the ER. I was sick enough that I was willing to go to the local Air Force hospital (a very rare occurrence). We dropped my sister off when school started. After her walking home over a mile, she still beat me home that day. An entire school day plus an hour or so waiting.....every time I think of 100% single payer I think of that story (I have others).
I don't know if the ACA is the best possible solution, but I know it's a major start. Remember what happened when the Clintons tried to talk about health care reform in the 90's? The ACA is a major achievement no matter how you look at it. Obama never campaigned on single payer, so I'm not disappointed in him. The door is open and it's up to the citizens of the US to make this what we want it. There will never be legislation that is both fundamentally different from the status quo and completely accurate.