Every advanced economy in the world provides its citizens with a baseline guarantee of health care—while Americans have been bamboozled into believing that this perfectly normal arrangement is somehow "communism." But after decades of paying astronomical sums for a system that delivers insecurity, bureaucracy and often mediocre results, they may finally be wising up. The question is whether their political leaders, especially Democrats, are prepared to catch up. With the November 3 midterms approaching, health care has become a major electoral issue.
An October Pew Research Center poll found that 68 percent of registered voters consider it very important to their vote. A separate KFF poll found that 82 percent want candidates to address health care costs, with Democrats enjoying a nearly two-to-one advantage over Republicans in voter trust. No wonder: premiums, deductibles and medical bills can devastate family finances.
Critically, a new Axios-Ipsos poll suggests a more fundamental reconsideration of the system. Some 43 percent support Medicare for All, compared with 24 percent opposed and 32 percent unsure. And 66 percent favor greater federal spending to lower health care costs.
Striking numbers in a country where universal coverage has long been portrayed as socialist tyranny. That caricature sustains a system benefiting insurers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and their lobbyists. Americans are discovering that supposed freedom often means dependence on employers, insurers and bureaucrats.
Among the more comical absurdities is tying health insurance to employment. It is like attaching car maintenance to your tennis court—there is simply no logical connection. The financial consequences are staggering.
The United States spends nearly $15,000 per person annually on health care, almost twice the average of comparable wealthy countries, without receiving twice as much care. Higher prices and costly administration sustain a lucrative ecosystem of insurers, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and intermediaries. Illness generates revenue and complexity creates opportunities for profit.
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