[stcroixx]

Lots of people don't want universal health care for reasons that are not incredible. I've had employer provided insurance I'm happy with ever since I left my student insurance plan over 25 years ago and have few complaints about it. I'd prefer not to risk transitioning to a universal system that might provide worse care than what I've always had. Kaiser in CA for example is the worst insurance I've had - would not want to return to anything like that where there is a single network of providers. That was my mistake though - I didn't have to choose Kaiser, I had other options.

[jzb]

"I'd prefer not to risk transitioning to a universal system that might provide worse care than what I've always had."

Your insurance is employer provided? You risk that every day then. Lots of people in the past few years have woken up to find out that their job - and with it their employer provided insurance - has gone bye-bye.

Yeah, we have COBRA to continue it at exorbitant rates for some period of time. But health care should not be tied to employment.

I'd be OK with a universal health care system where employers can offer better but everybody has a baseline health care where nobody - absolutely nobody - has to struggle to get basic healthcare. (And that includes dental and vision, which is absolutely boggling that we've decided "oh, those body parts are not included.")

[stcroixx]

It's a minuscule risk I'm comfortable with and manage actively. I got into this line of work because there's high demand. I haven't been without a job and make all of my career related decisions to optimize continued employment. I got bored of software 20 years ago and really am only in it for the insurance and pay. I've been laid off and gotten another job the same day.

[abenga]

> I got bored of software 20 years ago and really am only in it for the insurance and pay.

And you don't see how this is a horrible state of affairs? What of those who are forced to the same, but in careers that are actively harmful to their person?

[berniedurfee]

I’d transition to worse and more expensive healthcare if that’s what it takes to get to healthcare for everyone.

The transition will be painful for many who have good employer provided healthcare, but at least then we’ll have a somewhat unified voice demanding better care at better costs.

Every politician would be beholden to every voter on healthcare issues during every election.

[OfSanguineFire]

Universal health care doesn’t preclude the existence of private care. A number of countries have universal public health care, but if you want to pay extra, there is also private insurance and a private network of physicians and hospitals.

[dragonwriter]

A number of countries have universal healthcare largely acheived through private providers and insurers, e.g., through means-tested subsidies and coverage mandates.

[weinzierl]

In addition to that: Universal health care does not mandate a single provider. Where I live there are many health insurance companies to choose from, some are statuary others are private. All it means is that the statuary ones cannot deny you as long as you fulfill certain requirements ("Universal" health care is never really universal).

[stcroixx]

So I would have to spend more for the same care I have now? No thanks.

[OfSanguineFire]

Not necessarily. For some countries mandatory public health contributions plus good private insurance, can still work out to cheaper than good private insurance alone in the US. This is because when private insurance has to compete with a universal public option, prices go down.

[asciimov]

Ah the age old “F- you, I’ve got mine”.

Twice in my career had the insurance plan swept out from under me. Both times my decent, but not great PPO was replaced with HSA only options. Forcing me to change jobs.

Personality, I’d rather not have my insurance options tied to the whims of a CFO and whatever kickbacks they’re getting.

[gcheong]

I never quite understood this fear that you're going to lose some benefit of the insurance you have now. It's not like all the hospitals and doctors suddenly go away so if you have a preferred doctor or facility you'll most likely be able to keep going to them and you'll have more choices as every place will be "in-network". Contrary to your experience, I've had good results with Kaiser and one thing I like about it is not having to call around to various "in-network" providers to find out if they are taking new patients and if they can see me.

[neongodzilla]

So millions of Americans don't have access to healthcare and die early because they can't afford it, but you don't want things to change because you're comfortable? Got it.

[stcroixx]

I advocate for myself, others should do the same. Medicaid is there for retirees and disabled folks and the rest of us should be working. I don't know what these millions you mention are doing where they can't afford healthcare, but there are plenty of job and education opportunities out there that will provide insurance if you're willing to study and work, which I think is fair.

[hotpotamus]

What if someone trying to pay for their kid's chemo hit you over the head with a hammer to take your wallet and left you unable to continue your current line of work?