> Why not have a system closer to food stamps but for healthcare? i.e. the government will cover costs for the poor up to some amount. We have exactly that. It

> Why not have a system closer to food stamps but for healthcare? i.e. the government will cover costs for the poor up to some amount. We have exactly that. It's called Medicare + Medicaid. The govt fixes the price for what doctors/hospitals can charge on these plans and that's why doctors/hospitals absolutely hate Medicare + Medicaid. For Native Indians, we also have the Indian Health Services. For veterans, we have the VA. That said, you nor I would really enjoy being on a Medicare + Medicaid system. Having the govt. set rates, getting out of the way and leaving who and how that price gets paid provides the ultimate flexibility and value.