1. It is true that I am not particularly fond of so-called Tea Party politicians.
2. What do you think would be an optimal setup for America's healthcare system(s)? I think we can agree the status quo was unacceptable -- ridiculous expenditures for inferior outcomes relative to all OECD nations.
Ok Syntax, let me try one on for you. First I am a physician so I have some experience. If you don't believe, OMR and Galeniko can confirm. Regardless, lets try something that would not add to the debt and probably get healthcare for all.
Assume that one in ten Americans does not have insurance. That means when a physician sees that patient in the hospital or unlikely a clinic setting, he very well may not get paid a dime. However, thanks to trial attorneys and the Democrats refusal for TORT reform, the patient can still sue the pants off of you if his outcome is poor. Consider that many of the uninsured abuse tobacco and alcohol for years, and have not been seen by physicians for decades. Thus, by the time they present, they are usually pretty ill. It is a lose lose for the physician.
However, what if the government instead of taxing the hell out of anyone who works and makes a buck did the opposite. Why not allow physicians to care for indigent patients without risk for senseless lawsuits. Essentially, you shield them from frivolous lawsuits brought on by ambulance chasing lawyers. Then, allow physicians to write off against their taxes a percentage (say 80%) of Medicare allowable billing. Then, if the physician is an owner of a small business that employs a certain number of employees, give them a tax benefit to allow insurance for their employees and a tax break.
If you look at the ACA, a large percentage of these uninsured will get on the government and state dole via Medicaid, which is accepted by a very low percentage of physicians. The pay is piss poor, and the patient's are notorious for being difficult and quick to sue. Thus, shield the physicians, give them a tax break, and don't needlessly tax working Americans to make a system that is patently flawed and that has been put together in haste without forethought.
I can go on but my brothers on GB are probably bored to tears. I anxiously await your retort.