Reply #14: It's not a bad idea,

[andym]

although it has the following drawbacks:

a) many of the 30-40 million(?) uninsured can't afford Medicare without subsidies
therfore, a1) pre-existing conditions will kill many who can't afford Medicare

b) even among the insured, 600/month/individual (no family plan) is not affordable

c) they'll have 5 years which may not be enough time to put the insurers out of business.


so, it will help get single-payer, but millions (especially the poorest who would have gotten the subsidies will have to wait)

vs
advantages:

a) single-payer sooner
b) people who can afford it will get superior coverage
c) if it is made it slightly more expensive than how much Medicare actually costs, the additional money from younger healthier people could stabilize Medicare

You may be correct that this is the best way to go.