This is just a 'toss an idea around' thread. Why don't we just let folks go in to debt for healthcare that they can't afford or are uninsured for? We could have a 'all credit accepted' system like they do at used car lots, but with a federally limited interest rate so folks don't get totally screwed. That way everyone has access to care, but folks that don't want to participate don't have to (until they get care, obviously). If they stop making payments on the loan then it goes to collections like with any other debt, and they could still declare bankruptancy, so its not like they would be going to 'debtors prison.' Just a thought. Whats yours?
Frankly, that seems like a terrible idea. Are you trying to make some point about debt or are you serious?
Im serious. I want to know why you think its a terrible idea and if you think there would be any way to improve it.
Why do I think being able to borrow an unlimited amount of money to pay for healthcare as an alternative to the current system is a terrible idea? Because most of that money can't be paid back, so if you have a federally regulated interest rate, virtually no private borrowers will participate, leaving a federally financed "student loan" situation, only with amounts several times that of student loans. Why don't you explain why you think this is a great idea, since I'm not seeing it.
Theres a major divide on the issue. Those who want everyone to be covered, and those who will not be forced to pay for others. There is no good solution for both. So Im trying to find a compromise.
I don’t see it as practical? Who would be willing to offer unsecured loans at legally restricted interest rates (and inevitably conditions) to a cohort highly likely to default or indeed die before paying the loan back? Aren’t there already people borrowing to cover extensive healthcare costs with all of the associated issues? There are people not seeking care early enough or at all, increasing costs to those individuals but also to the wider healthcare system (because whoever is paying for the immediate care, more and more critically ill patients is bad for everyone other than the profiteers).
