Sanders, other progressives and most Democrats will correctly argue that any policy limited to the "magic of the marketplace" will bring windfall profits to insurance giants and pharmaceutical companies while punishing consumers. Sanders and Democrats will charge that privatizing Medicare will turn one of the most popular programs in American history into a new profit center for banks that would offer so-called private accounts as the GOP alternative to Medicare.
Sanders and American progressives, like leaders of Democratic nations around the world, were right all along. The best and lowest-cost healthcare system would organize huge blocks of consumers around a single-payer system, which would give large masses of consumers huge leverage to benefit from lower prices for insurance premiums and drug costs.
The great debate that will be joined in January 2017 will be framed as Sanders and progressives fighting for Medicare-for-all, which would bring more insurance coverage and lower costs to consumers, versus Republicans fighting for a privatized Medicare that will bring big benefits for big banks, an end to ObamaCare, far higher costs and significantly less insurance coverage to consumers.
Sanders, progressives and Democrats will win this debate, which will strengthen their hand in the next round of national elections.
With that thought, I wish all of my readers, whether you agree with my views or write comments comparing me with Satan, a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season that brings joy and love to you and your families.
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