Conservatives have more self-control

[John V]

The only reason I have insurance is because I'm a veteran with a disablity. I'd be assed-out otherwise; the plan at my workplace is far too expensive for me.

and the deductibles for workplace insurance are so high that it's basically useless. Not too many people can come up with a few thousand bucks out of pocket.

Can't, or don't? Average spending on Christmas gifts was over $900 the last two years. People need to forego the crap for a couple years and build some savings.

The US needs to go to either:

- a high-deductible system. This would reduce premiums and presumably reduce unnecessary tests, since people will be paying more out of pocket.

- a single-payer system.

The current system is ridiculous. Auto insurance doesn't pay for every oil change. Home insurance doesn't pay for normal wear and tear. They just protect you from catastrophic loss. Yet, we expect health insurance to kick in every time we do anything health related.