Science Forums 2

[jackson33]

mandated, required and government control are socialistic symbols.

the US insurance programs are all voluntary, un-mandated and there is no government involved. even the group policies a company or organization provides are optional. if you are on social security, a government program, you are liable for Medicare payment or insurance. even here you can opt out, but lose the SS benefits.

age and pre-existing conditions, occupation do require additional premiums.
an 80 yo skydiver, with a heart condition is not likely to get insurance in the public sector. however under the government program, SS/Medicare, he/she is eligible (if had worked 10 years and so on) and pay the same rate as the
60 yo grandma that knits.

every person in the US, is provided medical service via any emergency room in the country. this has a combination of reasons, but primarily a mandate of government.

the US is a mix of Capitalist and Socialistic ideas. the notion of some in politics to Nationalize will not cure the built in problems created, which boils down to government control. those on Medicate and Medicare are limited to who or what type doctor they may see, the doctors and hospitals are limited to time spent, quality and methods they can use. the idea of a National System is to centralize these controls and eliminate any ones personal preference for quality.