Why wouldn't GM et al push for universal, single-payer, not for profit, Medicare for all health care?

[Postman]

So they could be competitive with foreign car manufacturers who don't have to pay those costs?

I've seen defenders of GM complain of health care costs being figured into the price/wage structure of their cars and employees' benefits as being one reason why they have a hard time competing with others...

[elleng]

1. You're assuming they might be rational, right?

.

[JVS]

2. To busy paying for lobbyists to fight higher CAFE standards

[drm604]

3. I suspect that it's a bitter pill for them to swallow ideologically.

But you would think that at some point the bottom line would win out over ideology.

[NNN0LHI]

4. They would still have to pay those health care costs even with a single-payer system

They just wouldn't be able to control the system if it were in government control and be in a position to skim profits from it.

And it also would no longer be a benefit that the workers had to re-bargain for every three years so they can act like they are giving us something out of the good of their heart.

Don

[Postman]

5. How would they still have to pay the health care costs?

please explain. Thanks.

[NNN0LHI]

6. Well who will pay for heath care costs?

The money has to come from somewhere doesn't it?

Where else would it come from?

Don

[Dorian Gray]

7. Wouldn't it come from our taxes?

And corporate taxes?

[NNN0LHI]

8. Corporate taxes from corporations like the Big 3

That was my point exactly. They have to pay either way.

Don

[LiberalFighter]

12. How much would they have to pay compared to what they pay now?

I doubt as much. Especially when the insurance companies are taken out of the equation. That should reduce costs by about 30%.

[Postman]

9. It would come from payroll taxes just like Medicare does now...

We all would pay into the system.

[NNN0LHI]

10. I think our Medicare taxes are matched by our employer

I may be wrong but I think thats the way it works.

Don

[Postman]

13. I think you're correct.

But wouldn't that be cheaper than the current scheme?

I wonder how Toyota and other foreign car manufacturers contribute to their country's healthcare system.....

[Truth Teller]

16. Difference being

they currently pay a disproportionate amount for health care.

Under single-payer, their taxes would still support it, but it would be a net gain.

[Delphinus]

14. I *think*

that's the way HR 676 is written right now. Both the employee and the employer would have a share to pay through our payroll taxes.

[JJ]

11. Because capitalism is incestuous

GM board members are also on the boards of insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies.

[drm604]

15. That's a good point

I hadn't thought of that.