[quote=AN][quote=ocrenter]Why do we need to treat them in the ER even for extreme circumstances if they made the choice to go without insurance? Those extreme circumstances cost us the most bucks. [/quote]Because we’re not a bunch of heartless SOB? I’d like to see data behind what’s the % of expenditure for uninsured people between people coming for non real emergency vs extreme emergency. It will cost thousands, even if they come in for a common cold. I agree that extreme circumstances cost more per visit. However, I think the amount of people coming into the ER for non emergency out weigh the real emergency.

[quote=ocrenter]I agree single payer is the best system, but remember, that’s socialism![/quote]I never said it’s the best system. I just said I’m sympathetic about it and wouldn’t mind if it’s implemented. But I want the cost to be spread across everyone, so that everyone will pay for the service they will receive. Just like Medicare. Which is why I would rather have Medicare extended to everyone and increase the Medicare tax instead of the ACA.

What’s the point of tossing around the word socialism?[/quote]

Of course we are not heartless. But we got to pay for it, hence the ACA.

The whole point is you can’t go half way in as we are now, we can’t mandate emergency care yet do not mandate insurance coverage.

Extending Medicare to all is essentially a single payer system. Reason why I mentioned socialism is because that is the number one reason why it is politically impossible to achieve at least in the foreseeable future.