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the problem is that something as critical as people's health is allowed to exist as a commodity on the free market. when your life is at stake, there's no price
by evanextreme 5y ago
the problem is that something as critical as people's health is allowed to exist as a commodity on the free market. when your life is at stake, there's no price that remains in the way. so these companies gouge out the consumer, pray on their fears. the last thing we need is to allow the free market to control health care even more than it already has.
- dantheman 5y agoYet we somehow have food, water, and electricity. The problem isn't that its essential, it's that we grant monopolies, limit competition, and overall break any systemic feedback loops.
- evanextreme 5y ago_you_ might have food, yet over 10% of american citizens do not (https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/the-united-states https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/the-united-...). the later two categories you mentioned are classified as public utilities by the federal government (water and electricity). the vibrancy of the health care in the United States is not the issue. by all economic measures, the health care market is incredibly vibrant and profitable. there are numerous companies that exist in each state, and dozens of options to choose from nationally. the problem is that there is a market for medical supplies which the government does not strictly limit and control, and multiple perverse profit layers which should not exist. your health care provider is not incentivized to help you, only exploit as much cash out of healthy people as possible while ensuring their "losses" (paying for those who are ill) are minimized. under a free market health care system where the goal is profit, this will always be the case