Mortality is a pre-existing condition, thus eliminating it, means everybody's in the (risk) pool.

[JohnWxy]

If you are going to eliminate the pre-existing condition as a contract condition (i.e. a 'control'), then everybody must pay to play.


The reason for-profit insurance companies have had the "pre-existing" conditions clause in their health insurance contracts is because people always seem to want to get something for nothing. They want to be free to do as they please, ...UNTIL they get into trouble. THEN they are happy to accept help.

The rock climbers, cavers, mountain climbers (you name it) like to "test" themselves against nature. They want to prove their bravery going up against nature's might UNTIL they get into trouble. Then they invoke the "social contract" and are happy for the formerly constraining community to come to their aid. (then dozens of people, some risking their lives, come to save their ass).

It's the same principle when people say, "Why should I pay for health insurance when I don't need any?" Yeah, you're immortal right? And even if you get sick you'll be happy to die a rugged individualist? No, I don't THINK so. They know if they get hit by a bus we won't just shove them to the side of the street and let them die a slow agonizing death. If they get cancer, society will provide the technology and skilled doctors to treat them. We won't ask for cash on demand and deny treatment if they don't have the half a million dollars in their pocket.

George Stephanopoulis (sp?) tried to get Pres. Obama to agree that the cost of being covered by universal health care is a tax. Meaning by that, it's something you are forcing me to pay. "Forced" because Health Insurance is really optional for me (yeah, your THE exception). But unless you are immortal George, it's NOT really optional. You are most likely going to need help (treatment for your health) since virtually nobody gets through life without needing some medical help sometime. What you want to do is 'game' the system, like the rock climber, knowing full well if (when) you get into trouble, someone (society) will come to save your ass.

It's a phony argument since none of us is immortal. It's based in a childish belief that you can "have your cake and eat it too". YOu will need help one day, sooner or later (and you don't get to pick the day!) and saying "Well I'd rather not chip in UNTIL I need help." is gaming the system. What do you say you grow up and enter into the contract with the rest of us and pay your way. It's not a extortion, George, it's a contract. So be a big boy and ante up (you can't have a chance to win the pot (perhaps life saving help) unless you chip in).