A reader writes:
I myself feel the same way Josh does, mainly because of how it would affect me personally. I make too much to ever qualify for subsidies, so would in effect be forced to buy insurance under the scenario he envisions. I was recently quoted a yearly premium of $17,000 for me and my wife. We are both in our mid-30's, and have never had any health issues. Disaster coverage/high deductible plans, where I would be forced to pay the first $5,000-$10,000 worth of costs each year, still carries an annual premium of $8,000.
Can you honestly say that forcing a few million upper middle class Americans, in all probability moderate, independent voters, to spend and extra $10,000-$20,000 per year won't adversely effect the party? Sure, it would help the poor and lower-middle class Americans currently without insurance, but many of them are already in the Democratic camp.