Reply #28: There is a movement to do just that.

[Cleita]

Also, I have been writing my reps suggesting that Medicare be sold on the open market for everyone under 65. The reason would be to compete with the insurance carriers. The fact is that Medicare could be sold for a lot less in premiums than insurance today. It would be an attractive alternative for employers and unions, not to mention individuals who find themselves without insurance coverage when they turn fifty.

Since it is non-profit, it would undercut the insurance and HMO greedy pigs, who would have to get out of the business. It's free market too so the DLC'ers, Republicks, and other conservatives can't scream socialism. Once the insurance companies and other for profits leave, we can talk about true single payer universal insurance. Most of the administration would be in place and funding it properly would be the next step.