How long till universal healthcare?

How long til TRULY universal coverage? Fifty years. The U.S. is way too big and cumbersome to go whole hog on that overnight. Most likely Obama will start with the reforms he promised: "accessible, affordable coverage for all, and it will reduce health care costs for families." It isn't really universal coverage at all, but it's a start on the very long road to get there.

My other concern, though--do we really want the government to have access to our health records?

Lisa, this is a little off-topic, but I couldn't help but notice that you are posting daily, sometimes 2x a day - and you're still on maternity leave! Just wanted to give a heads up to your bosses over at TIME - hey, are you guys noticing the level of dedication of this super-mom blogger!?! Not the kind of employee you should let go, is she? I think not!

Let me explain something to you, Cullen:

For thirty-one years, the nature of my work has meant that I have never had a job that could be measured more than one single week at a time. Try to understand this: I am not complaining. What I'm telling you is that I have engineered my life exactly the way I want it.

Your "universal health care" is a *lie*. It does not and cannot exist unless you get your government to reach into my pocket in order to pay for your kid.

I am not interested. On pain of *death*: I will not pay for it.

You are asking for *war*, lady. You can have it if you want it.

Heed what I tell you. You are playing with fire.

[...] me explain something to you, Cullen: For thirty-one years, the nature of my work has meant that I have never had a job that could be [...]

You should do a joint post with Joe Klein (Wyden plan fan) and Swampers about this. A lot of it is going to do with consensus and detailed groundwork. I didn't have the impression that either Obama's or McCain's plans had a lot of backing within their parties much less between them. As I understand it, Wyden plan is fairly thorough and enjoys bi-partisan support. Would be interesting to see what the insider odds are on the different plans.

"American manufacturers are losing their ability to compete in the global marketplace in large measure because of the crushing burden of health care costs, General Motors Corp. chairman and chief executive G. Richard Wagoner Jr. said yesterday as he called on corporate and government leaders to find "some serious medicine" for the nation's ailing health system." from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15828-2005Feb10.html

Of course, one solution is to let what's left of US manufacturing to go out of business. Ever notice that all the other industrial countries have some kind of comprehensive health care system?

My other concern, though--do we really want the government to have access to our health records?
Exactly. You don't trust the government with your taxes, so why would you do it with your health, which is more important? Maybe some minimum coverage for emergencies, but just look to Canada and the problems their having.

Boy oh boy, I am wondering the same thing myself. As someone with chronic health problems who wants to be able to work on her own from home, I have my fingers crossed, but I have a bad feeling this won't really happen in my lifetime. I am so frustrated that employer health care programs are currently the only ones with thorough and affordable coverage. Dear God, I hope this doesn't get put on the back burner because of the economy.

Anyway, my thoughts are with you -- I hope you are safe from the layoffs and that the lil baby is doing well!