Socialized Health Care in the USA

[kandrathe]

One major flaw is that it is an 'opt-in' program. An eligible person would have to fill out an application to join. Considering the mental state, intelligence, and educational level of many who are eligible, I doubt that many of them could fill out that application. Many probably do not even know that they are eligible, that Medicare even exists or what it is, or where to go to get it.

A national program that covers everybody would at least solve that problem.

A misperception perhaps is that these people do not get health care. They do, but just not through the red tape of Medicaid. Instead, they walk into a city clinic or hospital emergency room, wait in line, get treated and leave. How they negotiate the payment or lack of payment is extremely variable. I heard that many are young adults who have left their parents plans, but have not bothered to get a plan or probably even care about a plan.