144. Not in My Lifetime

At a conference the other day, an expert (he's written a book!!) on medical economics, was asked what he thought about the potential for a single-payer medical system for the United States.

His reply, "Not in my lifetime," appears on the surface a dramatic but safe prediction, though on further reflection might ought to be avoided especially given its association with predictions about integration, marriage equality, and the election of a black president. In general, one ought to be careful with predictions about health care.

The largest medical plan in the country (Medicare/Medicaid) is already single-payer.

The country most like us (Canada) is single-payer.

And one state (Vermont) has made major steps towards a single-payer plan.

Is this dude planning an early departure from the world?