Interesting analysis of "Universal" Health Care

This year, the candidates are talking a lot about Universal Government Health Care. The Democrats are saying that there is no choice but to go to a single-payer Government Health Care. The Republicans are saying that such a plan is sure to doom Americans to sub-par health care and long waiting lists. Both point to systems in Europe to back up their arguments, and it is hard to find any article which does not have a particular axe to grind.

That is why I found this article to be refreshing. Instead of arguing the pros and cons of Universal Health Care, this is a careful analysis of the differences between two different model of "universality." It compares the UK model - with long lines and general dissatisfaction - to the German model - with lots of competition and general satisfaction.

This kind of discussion reminds us that the debate need not be all-or-nothing, and that private health care need not be antithetical to making sure everyone who needs health care, gets it.