So regarding Medicare, Medicaid, Obamacare, Social Security,

[Silent Type]

51. Republicans also make a lot of money off the 100+ million covered by these programs. So do Democrats, for that matter.

Truth of matter is that 67 Million are on Medicare, 20 Million ACA, and 50+ Million or so on Medicaid/CHIP, including half of the children in this country. Doctors and hospitals won’t get paid, drug companies, device manufacturers, etc. While perverse, the fact a lot of people profit off those plans, means it’s relatively safe, IMO.


I don't believe all Republicans will vote against that number of people. And, private insurance companies profit off everyone of those millions, so they’ll be lobbying and looking for allies. Same with provider groups, big pharma, etc.

Heck, we need 4 or 5 GOPers in the House and Senate to worry about a voter backlash in 2026 mid-terms. Think we'll find those votes. [Personally, believe we will have elections in 2026, although I know a lot believe otherwise.]

While we -- including me -- criticize privatization, look at the facts-- Since 1990s the only significant upgrades to our healthcare financing system involve private companies. Think Part C under Clinton that later became Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans that rely on private insurers, ACA which relies on private insurers with government subsidies, expanded Medicaid pretty much relies on private insurance companies.

And of course, Medigap that has been around for 50+ years relies on private insurers. Finally, guess who administers original Medicare on local levels?
Yep, it's subsidiaries of private insurance companies, that credential providers, audit providers, pay claims of providers, interpret and apply broad and ambiguous Medicare laws and regulations, answers our questions, denies payments that don't meet coverage requirements, etc.

We can fight privatization till the very end, but we'll be sitting here 20, 30, 40 years from now debating the same thing.