Imagine that we bought a car the same way we buy access to healthcare.

[guillaumeb]

The free market solution is the US way, where private corporations essentially monetize health care access.

So, when you want to buy a car, under the new system, you would go to your insurance agent who would sell you a car purchase agreement. And the agent would add on an additional 20% to the price of the car to cover insurance company overhead.

And your network of places where you could but the car would be determined by the insurance company. If you have a Ford policy, a Cadillac would incur a 50% surcharge for out of network purchase.

And if you had a problem with the car, you might be denied care because you did not properly submit the required forms.


Insane, you say? But we are forced into just that system when buying access to healthcare. My insurance agent has never provided any healthcare service to me or my family, but the company receives up to 20% of the premiums that Americans pay.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

1. Also, you don't know how much the car costs until after you buy it and get the bill.

If you try to ask how much it costs, the sales people say, "It depends on your insurance, the best we can do is give you an estimate" -- assuming you get an answer at all.

[guillaumeb]

2. Indeed. It is insanity.

And far more costly than single payer is in every other country.

[catrose]

3. YES. "Or it might be completely covered. We can't tell until after you buy it."

[Hermit-The-Prog]

4. you may only buy a car within the buying period

Buy outside enrollment period and you pay a penalty.

(Not all plans include tires. See fine print).