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Some people don't take care of themselves. Many health conditions are self-inflicted. Many are not of course, but the way government operates now is that the innocent are punished along with the guilty.

The problem isn't fatties eating cheeseburgers so much as it is the massive, massive population of baby boomers living longer and longer. Ironically, many of whom did take care of themselves, starting about a quarter century ago when they led society in becoming more health conscious. Having given up smoking, drinking, fast food and embracing exercise and healthy diets, they're now living long enough to need more medical care, unlike their parents who dropped dead of heart attacks at age 60.

And did I mention this population is massive? There's a whole bunch of these Boomers, their productive years behind them and a decade or two of spiraling medical costs ahead of them (not to mention pensions and social security). This is why it was mathematically imperative that young, healthy people offset their medical costs.

This demographic imbalance of baby boomers, and what they will cost society, may be beyond the ability of politicians to fix.

Excellent points both of you. Yes, the Boomers living longer, and the costs associated with taking care of them (medical, social security, pensions) may be something that is unsolvable (politically and financially).

I also agree with b4me that there is a spiritual aspect to health. His/her statements have a Biblical foundation.

If health insurance was sold and priced like car insurance, it would go something like this:

Carrie: Excellent driving record, zero traffic accidents or violations, one parking violation, drives a modest mid-size. Annual insurance premium: $650

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David: multiple DUI arrests, 4 major traffic accidents in the last seven years, multiple speeding and traffic violations, license suspended twice and recently reinstated. Annual insurance premium: $3,500

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Aaliyah: One recent accident (cited at fault), average driving record. Two speeding tickets last 12 months. Annual insurance premium: $1,500

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José Luis: Illegal alien. Multiple traffic violations. Involved in recent traffic fatality, serious injuries to other driver. Annual insurance premium: $0, he carries no insurance.

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And this is how our politicians deal with the situation:

"Let's even this out. The older woman can't pay the full amount, so let's subsidize hers. The illegal's car insurance has to be paid for, or else he just goes without insurance. Let's make the premium for the young woman with the good driving record $2,850 to help pay for everyone else. Sound fair?"