“I was trying to think of a parallel that a person could see every day, and not simply disregard.”
too many think that government paid health care will be like BC/BS with some one else paying for it. You need to remind your friend that government paid health care will come with a government budget for all services. That is the reason that long lines and waiting times exist under all forms of government paid health care. Private insurance, OTOH, has to provide the services in the contract regardless of whether they have exceeded their budget. Of course, your friend will counter that ‘American Governement Health Care’ would require the government to provide timely services. But, one cannot compell the government to do anything. The government can break any contract at will since it is Sovereign.
It’s amazing how many people think that by simply leaving Iraq, that Government-run healthcare will be magically affordable.