Feb 19: epidemics and universal insurance

My previous post on the virus epidemic was "hijacked" by considerations on whether or not to "panic". That was not my intent. I wanted instead to bring up a point that, until now, has been absent from discussions on whether to have a "universal" health care system, or retain some form of the present volunteer, or employer based, system that still leaves some millions of people uninsured. I made the point by comparing the actions taken by Italy, that has universal care, to those taken and forthcoming in our country. The problem (regardless of how prevalent and dangerous the epidemic will be) is that we are not safe until EVERYBODY is safe. If even a small number of people will be unable to get immediate care and testing because of money or insurance restriction issues, we are ALL endangered, whether or not we have insurance. All democratic candidates want to get there, the differences are in how, and how quickly, and in what they view as "realistic". So far the discussions have been about cost, private vs. public, etc. I am inviting all to also consider the lessons brought about by the present and future epidemics ... (they will happen!).