U.S. Government shuts down.

[FireIceTalon]

We could even look at Obamacare. Why did it cost Minnesota billions of dollars to implement it? We didn't and don't have a problem with vast numbers of uninsured. We'd have been better off just giving everyone of the small % who were uninsured a voucher for free insurance.

But, the states that do have vast numbers of uninsured (like Texas) are avoiding it, they are not implementing it, and cannot afford to enroll their low income people in the Medicaid portion. But, here, we are forced to pay more to resolve a problem we don't have. Beyond that, the additional tax on medical devices threatens the livelihoods of thousands of our citizens.

Comrade, this is neoliberal pseudoscience idealism that bears almost no resemblance to reality. The truth: Vouchers are just another austerity assault on the poor and working class, and it was one of the central issues why the GOP lost last November. Why?

Because A voucher program would not be nearly sufficient enough to cover the costs for most people without insurance - all it would do is make things worse for those who are already the worst off. Those living on social security in particular would not have the resources to obtain adequate coverage, and they are usually, the ones who need it the most for obvious reasons. Further, it is a rigid solution because it does not consider the particular circumstances of a person or families needs, which can also change at any time. Many people are one personal tragedy away from poverty (like being diagnosed with something or receiving a serious physical injury). Nor does it do anything to alleviate the growing costs of healthcare, and in fact, I would say it actually exasperates it. It doesn't even treat the symptoms of rising healthcare costs, let alone the cause.

Also, your logic that because it is a "less severe" problem in your state somehow equates to it not being a problem at all is misleading, not to mention disturbing and rather inhumane (as if the uninsured people in your state somehow do not count). Your idea, not to put too fine a point on it, sucks:

http://www.health.state.mn.us/news/press...30612.html

^^That information says it is in fact a problem in your state, and that it is getting worse. Whether it is worse in Texas or anywhere else, is irrelevant. Your solution is the prototype conservative solution that only wants rich white people to have access to healthcare, and you try to disguise it by presenting misleading/incorrect information clouded in market fanaticism and libertarian rhetoric - but it is simply contrary to the material economic reality of things taking place. You may or may not personally want this to happen, I don't know, but it is what the consequences would be.