0
$\begingroup$

To me, medicare for all seems like a no-brainer economically.

The money individuals, local and state governments pay into insurance premiums, deductibles and medical costs... we simply redirect that into federal taxes that go towards medicare for all.

Plus we give some of that money back, because we no longer have to pay for the income to the insurance company... plus we give back money in administrative costs.

So the country saves money overall with medicare-for-all. What's the downside?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
$\begingroup$

I don't know whether you'll count this as an economic argument, but it's about the role of competition in the allocation of scarce resources, so I think you should:

Suppose that some disease emerges that disproportionately affects the members of some ethnic group, or is concentrated in some geographic area, or is concentrated in some population that is either in or out of political favor with the current administration.

Suppose also that there's some pretty expensive procedure that helps to alleviate symptoms of this disease.

Under a single-payer system, one decision will be made about whether to cover the costs of that procedure. Quite plausibly, that decision will be either made or influenced by somebody with less than pure motives. Maybe an out-and-out bigot. Maybe a politician looking out for the people who support him. Et cetera.

I would much prefer that that decision be made independently by multiple competing insurance companies, so that people can choose up front to affiliate with insurance companies that they believe will look out for their interests.

If you think this is all just speculation, look at what happened when the government took temporary partial control of General Motors. Politicians immediately started thinking up ways to get General Motors to make decisions that would benefit their own constitutents.

General Motors is one firm, and the takeover was partial and temporary. Now imagine a takeover of the entire insurance industry, both total and permanent.

You might or might not believe the attendant risks are worth taking --- but you asked what the downside is, and that's a big part of the downside.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ But wouldn't the doctors be involved in that decision to conduct the procedure? If the doctors decide the procedure is medically necessary, I'd think it would be covered. $\endgroup$
    – Ameet Sharma
    Commented Mar 1, 2020 at 2:48
  • $\begingroup$ @AmeetSharma : First: If your theory is that politicians always favor the common good over the interests of their cronies and constituents, then I advise you to study history. Second, and more to the point: What matters is not what's "medically necessary", it's what's worth the cost. A brilliant doctor might be able to tell you that a $300,000 course of treatment will reduce your pain level by 25%. That doesn't make the doctor particularly good at deciding whether that's an investment worth making. Someone else will (and should) decide that. $\endgroup$
    – Steven Landsburg
    Commented Mar 1, 2020 at 4:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.