Ken Nelson

What our “basic” plan would look like after the politicians go a hold of it

The Swiss Healthcare system appeals to me:

• private insurers only
• they must offer insurance to all citizens, regardless of medical history or age
• a basic policy must be offered, at non-profit rates
• they make money on supplemental plans
• everybody must buy insurance
• you get help if the mandatory plan costs more than 8% of your income
• there are no special things for old people
• policies are sold nationally

But there is a catch…  Swiss people are frugal and prudent by nature and keep their politicians in line. 

If we had a mandatory policy here it would soon be larded up with political gifts – AIDS coverage, psych care, and what not, as politicians used their power to buy votes.

Lacking a change in our basic nature, I like our system as it is.

I’d be very open to it if markets would set the mandatory plan.