Universal Health Care - one more time

I've mentioned universal health care at least a few times before, most recently in a post about Socialized Medicine. In the last few days I caught a bit of a Democratic presidential debate where universal health care was discussed in some detail. I also have read a bit about the plan put forward by Hillary Clinton, as well as Mitt Romney's proposal.

Here's what seems to be happening now. Universal health care proposals are no longer universal. In the latest proposals you can choose to stay on your employer's plan. Others will be covered by the government (mainly the poor and the elderly). And some will be required to buy health insurance, though I don't understand how this will be enforced, and suspect it won't be.

I'm guessing that many employers would see this approach and gut their health plans as much as possible. As long as you have coverage for something, then you are in and they can escape by saying they do provide health care. Sure your co-pay is now $100 and your deductible is $5,000, but you're covered so it's all hunky dory now.

Meanwhile, I'm still waiting for my government cheese.