Government programs directly cover 27.8% of the population (83 million),[34] including the elderly, disabled, children, veterans, and some of the poor, and federal law mandates public access to emergency services regardless of ability to pay. U.S. government programs accounted for over
45% of health care expenditures, making the U.S. government the largest insurer in the nation. Per-capita spending on health care by the U.S. government placed it among the top ten highest spenders among United Nations member countries in 2004.[44]
Health care in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
So here is a thought , everyone agree's that the costs in healthcare makes access to healthcare insurance unaffordable for some who wish to obtain it as a general rule ? It follows then if the Federal Govt. is responsible for 45% of this healthcare, is not the Federal Govt. at least partially responsible for 45% of the rising costs of healthcare in this country? So why then would you wish the Federal govt. to have an even bigger role if they have failed to manage their share in keeping costs down? Here is another thought, perhaps, the Federal Govt. could find way's through it's Federal programs , grants, tax incentives to promote competetion and establish healthcare co-ops that will offer low costs health insurance that is backed by the Federal Govt. much like the FDIC? just a thought? I think the difference here is actually quite simple, many here see healthcare as a "right" well so be it, use our form of Govt. call for a constitutional amendment and make it one. Otherwise, work within the framework of our existing system, starting with the Federal Govt. who is responsible for 45% of it.