The answer: We do.
If you think the public market is so great for health insurance, then why don't you voluntarily give up your coverage and get some from the same market we are forced to purchase from?
For starters, you can have my coverage. My contribution is $150 a month. My employer pays an additional $360. So, it's just $510 a month for the premiums, covering me and my daughter.
But wait! I forgot to add that the premiums will go up about 10% a year. Don't expect MORE coverage! Heavens, no! Just be happy you have any coverage at all!
And that's not all. What a deal! Look at this: Co pays for everything! $20 for a well care check up, $30 for an albuterol inhaler (my daughter has asthma...). If I see a specialist, it's 70/30. So, when we saw the eye doctor, it was $160 co pay, then $150 for the glasses. That's over and above the $150 we already contribute in premiums. To ensure working glasses for all the members of our family, it costs us $1000/year out of pocket! Yippee! Sounds fun, eh?
And if that isn't enough incentive for you, Senator Baucus, here's the real kicker...all of that kicks in ONLY AFTER WE'VE SATISIFIED A $1750/per person in the family deductible!
Of course, that doesn't mean I'll actually get my claims paid. There's always a good chance they'll implement recission, or just deny my claims outright. A very, very good chance. After all, there are no reforms attached to your proposal. We're getting nothing for nothing, as the saying goes.
Hey, I understand. You were between a rock and a hard place. Screaming Americans under pressure from medical expenses, some in bankruptcy - and then of course there are the demands of your corporate masters. I know they give you a lot of $$ and perks to keep you on their side.
But I think the very best way to show all of us whiners that the current system is just fine and dandy and doesn't need reform is for you to give up your Congressionally based, tax payer funded, gold plated health care and give our market a test drive.
When you do that, maybe I'll actually have a little respect for you and your 'proposal.' lol