Krugman- Why Not A Public Option for Medicare?

[n2doc]

But if you want a really radical proposal — but one that, unlike privatization, actually has strong evidence on its side — why not add a true public option to Medicare?

...

Look, I know this isn’t politically feasible, at least not now. But neither is Ryan’s system of inadequate vouchers. And this one has the virtue of being something that experience suggests would actually work if we could overcome the political hurdles.

I’m sure the trolls will be screaming as soon as this is posted. But notice that neither I nor Longman are suggesting that anyone be forced into such a system. It would have to win patients in a fair competition with both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

And what would terrify the right, of course, is the likelihood that genuine socialized medicine would actually win that competition.

whole article:

http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/why-not-a-public-option-for-medicare/

[xchrom]

1. recommend

[dkf]

2. Would the cost be the same?

[Bandit]

4. In countries that actually have Public Options or Single Payer, the costs are far less.

We have precedent to look toward. Or we can continue to imitate the ostrich and keep our heads buried in the sand.

[dkf]

7. Maybe single payer works because doctors are used to making less money.

Or because end of life payments are sharply curtailed. A sensible health care system would not spend as we do, with half of expenses incurred near death.

I support single payer for all because I think we need to be more rational in how we spend healthcare dollars. But to me that means reviewing the situation for probability of success.

[Rex]

12. Are those countries greedy capitalist pigs like us?

Or do they actually seem to care about the citizenry?

[northoftheborder]

3. Not THAT is bold and serious!!!!

[DrDan]

5. but how would this preserve the profits of the insurers?

[damntexdem]

6. Medicare for all!

Let everyone buy into the most-efficient health coverage plan in the U.S.

[Demoiselle]

8. I thought Medicare WAS a public option!

[Cleita]

13. I wish it were for others than the elderly and disabled.

That was what could have been offered as the public option, the choice of buying Medicare as your insurance.

[eomer]

14. It is a public insurance plan. He's going a step further ...

and proposing a public option for the service providers -doctors, hospitals, and so on.

[Yo_Mama]

9. I don't know what this means

Because VA bills private insurers for services provided.

It's not a true government medical care system. I am totally confused by what Krugman is saying here.

[FourScore]

10. Now that's what I'm talkin' about! n/t

[n2doc]

11. kick n/t