This is more acceptable as a solution in a situation where your and your family's literal access to healthcare is not dependent upon your not getting laid off. Healthcare costs on the "open" market are enough to drive even families that think of themselves as well-off into poverty.
One of the reasons that a single-payer healthcare system didn't take off in the 15 years between 2008 and now has been that the current system was working well enough. I wonder if the widespread layoffs and resulting loss of healthcare access will change voters' minds on that issue.
Unemployment is actually at record lows now; it's just the tech industry seeing massive layoffs probably due to a ZIRP bubble popping.
The indignities of the system are already well-known to the majority of people who don't have 6-figure work from home jobs. You'd think a single-payer system would be more popular, but that is not what people seem to prioritize. Instead it seems that they vote ever more to cut social safety nets (though I think they really vote for cultural reasons and right-wing politicians use their grievances to serve the wealthy).
> Even on death’s doorstep, Trevor was not angry. In fact, he staunchly supported the stance promoted by his elected officials. “Ain’t no way I would ever support Obamacare or sign up for it,” he told me. “I would rather die.” When I asked him why he felt this way even as he faced severe illness, he explained: “We don’t need any more government in our lives. And in any case, no way I want my tax dollars paying for Mexicans or welfare queens.”[0]
One of the reasons that a single-payer healthcare system didn't take off in the 15 years between 2008 and now has been that the current system was working well enough. I wonder if the widespread layoffs and resulting loss of healthcare access will change voters' minds on that issue.