1. Illegal aliens. If we don't insure them, they'll go to the emergency room. Emergency room costs more then preventative medicine. Hence, including illegal aliens lowers cost in the long run if they are educated to use it for preventative measures. Is it a challange? Yes, yes it is, but fact remains.
2. Congressmen excluded - I'll give you that one. GOod point.
3. Private health plans - if they can't compete they need to go out of business anyway. Its how capitalism works. I thought you right-wingers were all about that - you know.. free market always can do stuff cheaper then government? Well, time to put your money where your mouth is.
4. another trillion over 10 years. OK. Now tell me the expected costs associated with health problems that arise as a result of people NOT being insured. You know what THAT answer is?
Well, "according to the 2007 Milken Institute report, An Unhealthy America: The Economic Burden of Chronic Disease, the implementation of a national effort focused on prevention, early detection and chronic disease management could save the country hundreds of billions annually, with savings surpassing a trillion dollars annually in about 15 years."
(source: http://www.uspreventivemedicine.com/News/Press-Room/USPM-News/U-S--Preventive-Medicine---Healthcare-Savings-More.aspx)
So an extra trillion over the next 10 years compared to a trillion in savings EVERY YEAR. now lets see.. what is 10 x $1,000,000,000. Wheres my calculator again?
THe point here is that you citing the extra costs without also citing the associated cost savings in other areas is naiive, short sighted, and a terrible way to think about the issue.
5. Disincentive to become doctor - this was already responded to by someone more knowlegable then I on this topic so I'll let that argument rest. But you know, there ARE people who actually become doctors because, you know, its their passion and interest, not $$$. People caring about $$$ go to business or law school (or at least they used to, and probably will again in 3-5 when credit markets free up again).
In conclusion, I hope you reconsider your opinion on the issue and do some further research. As it is, you are simply quoting various propaganda that has little basis in logic or fact.
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