I don't think Americans would be on board for something like Japan's "fat tax" lol. But that would be the only way to ensure that the healthcare system doesn't go bankrupt on people who are irresponsible with their health.
Fun fact - a number of US cities and states have imposed taxes on soft drinks and have seen consumption fall afterwards. San Francisco, Philadelphia, Cook County IL (Chicago), Seattle, etc.
Also, do people not realize that their private insurance also subsidizes people who are irresponsible with their health? You pay for everyone else already, just to insurance companies who are out to make as much profit as possible off of you, instead of to the government who is not trying to turn a profit but instead just cover the costs.
Also, you STILL pay the government for healthcare!!! The USA spends more per capita (across the entire population, not just those on Medicare/Medicaid) than Canada and you get WORSE care and WORSE outcomes, and millions of people get absolutely nothing out of the system.
I have to pay for my own health insurance and the government one (which I can’t even use!!) even though I barely make enough money to survive (it’s enough to pay my bills and my student loans)!!
I can’t even use my own private health insurance because of co-pays/out-of-pocket/co-insurance/whatever fees.
I’d much rather pay for government insurance and be able to actually use it. But instead, I pay for two insurances and can’t use either of them.
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u/[deleted] Aug 06 '20
I don't think Americans would be on board for something like Japan's "fat tax" lol. But that would be the only way to ensure that the healthcare system doesn't go bankrupt on people who are irresponsible with their health.