On: GE freezes pension benefits for 20k employees

[hocuspocus]

Here in Switzerland if you don't give proof of insurance the state will pick one for you. Then if you don't pay, it's like with any other bill, you'll get into troubles really quick.

[rumanator → hocuspocus]

Sounds like it would be far simpler and easier for everyone if the state provided healthcare services paid by everyone through taxes.

[hocuspocus → rumanator]

Yes of course, but that's beyond the point. Americans cannot argue that mandatory healthcare couldn't work in a multi-payer, private system.

[rumanator → hocuspocus]

It really depends on your definition of "work". Being forced to subscribe to a paid service is not the same as getting access to healthcare. Your examples only show that if a state resorts to authoritarian measures then it can force everyone to subscribe to a paid service.

[seanmcdirmid → hocuspocus]

And if you are a foreigner, you have to provide proof of insurance when you renew your residence permit at the control de habitant.