health care reform

[just_a_sliver]

I am trying to develop an informed opinion about health care reform. Although the idea of granting every American health care coverage is very noble, putting the federal government in charge sounds downright scary. What would a responsible health care plan look like? Who would be included/excluded? Who would pay for it and how? Is there any plan that could stand the test of time without going bankrupt (like Social Security)? What about improvements in the medical field? How would the government administrators adjust coverage for new procedures and medicines? How long would people need to wait to see a doctor or get procedures? Would wealthy people need/want to get supplemental insurance to fill the gaps? Should the government be in the health care business at all aside from helping the poor, elderly, and severely disabled? Do Americans really have the "right" to health care?

I am trying to study the various plans brought forth by presidential candidates, but none of those plans would actually be implemented as described. I'm also starting to look for information elsewhere regarding the economics of insurance and health care.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? What would you like to see happen with health care policy? What issues in health care are most important to you? What would make national health coverage acceptable or desirable for you (if at all)?