Here’s Why, Despite Seeming Political Appearances, We Are Closer To Single Payer #Healthcare Than Many Imagine

In a recent exchange online dialogue with friends – some, whom to the casual observer would be diametrically opposed on many policy ideas – I was, once again, pleased to note that, despite the SEEMING APPEARANCE of differences, we share SIGNIFICANT common ground.

In fact, I have found that to be quite true with many, that when we move past the vitriolic venomous sport of castigating political candidates, and speak in respectful tones, patiently explaining the whys and wherefores of potential policy, we share many common bonds, and similar ideas.

For example, in response to a recent post of the story published by Pro Publica – Pressure Mounts on Insurance Companies to Consider Their Role in Opioid Epidemic – (https://www.propublica.org/article/pressure-mounts-on-insurance-companies-to-consider-their-role-in-opioid-epidemic) written by Charles Ornstein Oct. 19, 6:47 p.m. EDT – I enjoyed reading the following remarks, made toward the conclusion of the online dialogue:

Person A (Physician): “It is a shame our country can’t have health care that benefits its people! I get so angry listening at people from other countries tell me that their systems work well for them while not perfect, it works and is sustainable! Most however do not have the amount of entitlement programs in their countries nor the amount of disability or govt subsidies either. We have a tiered system that has failed miserably! Personally I would love to have the Federal Employees Program!”

Person B (Business Owner/Entrepreneur): “I honestly believe, all politics aside, the only way out is to have a medical system based on Social Security, that starts as soon as a person begins working that is payroll deducted so that you begin paying into the system while you’re young and healthy. That’s the whole problem with Obamacare because the young and healthy are just paying the penalty thus not providing money to fund the program. Also, low wage earners, same thing. Another problem is that most employees of middle to upper sized companies have great insurance policies and never realize the astronomical cost that their employer’s providing so it’s a non-issue to them but the self-employed and middle class are getting sucker-punched with the brunt of the costs.If a Social Security based program was instituted, those costs would be better regulated therefor distributing the cost more evenly and fairly to everyone. Every person who inhabits this earth needs healthcare at some point in their life. it’s just an issue we all share and we all should pay into the system.”

Person C (Registered Nurse): “CONGRATULATIONS {Person B}! You have JUST described “Single Payer” Healthcare, aka “Medicare for All”!”

Person B: “It would depend on the way it’s written into law. I have little faith in politicians to make it as fair as I described.They’d F it up somehow, I’m sure.”

Person D (Business Owner/Entrepreneur): “I agree that we all need health care. I think that might be a good way of doing it through social security. I also think we need to re evaluate people who are milking the system and also we need to cut waste from our government on programs and trying to be all things to all people. The government should only be in our defense and building roads. The government never makes things better only make the cost go up and services go down this does not matter on which party is in office. I also think if we as a nation can put a man on the moon we surely we can fix health care. I also think we are worried about what party will get the credit for a solution. It is time for us to stop the fighting and come up with a solution that is best for the nation.”

Person C: {Person D}, I am in 100% agreement with your assessments, that:
• We all need health care
• We need to re-evaluate people who are milking the system
• We need to cut waste from our government
• If we… can put a man on the moon, we can fix health care
• We are worried about what party will get the credit for a solution
• It is time to stop fighting & come up with a solution that is best for our nation

Person B: “Honestly, better policing of the medical supply companies that are scamming medicare and insurance companies is a start also. Frivolous lawsuits have to be reigned in too. Common sense has to rule the day when our healthcare is hanging in the balance. It shouldn’t be unaffordable to so many. Streamlining and weeding out issues that are weighing down the system should happen.”

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The reader should bear in mind that the individuals whose remarks appear herein are representative of a broadly diverse spectrum of political philosophies, and as noted, upon first appearance, do not seem to be  politically aligned, or working toward a common goal. However, as evidenced by the respectful tenor and thoughts expressed, they are.

Again, when we engage in civil discourse in a respectful manner, and patiently explain ideas and concepts, we find significant common ground.

It really IS e pluribus unum, y’all.