@karsonyounger asks, "What problems would free healthcare introduce to the United States economy? What about politically? Is it even possible?"
Free healthcare is one of those topics that is such a dividing factor for political parties. In theory, free healthcare would be ideal as it would get rid of the financial burden of getting medical help. The biggest problem I forsee is the problem of taxes having to increase to pay for this "free" healthcare and that becoming a bigger source of financial strain on families. Especially families and individuals that do not need to go to the doctor or receive healthcare regularly, or even choose not to.
This topic definitely relates to the topic many weeks ago of universal healthcare and socialism within that idea. While I think that there is a very large issue with the American healthcare system and that it should be reformed eventually, I think that free healthcare would not be a method that would last long or be sustainable.
I would also worry about the pay/wages of healthcare workers and if free healthcare would significantly lower their wages. Public schools are free, yet funded through our tax dollars, and those teachers are significantly underpaid because of this. I forsee that becoming the same kind of issue for healthcare workers.
Politically, free healthcare would cause an even greater divide in our society as it ultimately gives more power to the federal government. The amount of power the American government is already such a debated and controversial topic.
Another problem that I worry about with free healthcare is the quality of medicinal aid decreasing because of wages potentially decreasing. Also, the wait times to get medical help will significantly increase since there is no differential factor between doctors or places to receive healthcare; it almost feels like a "free for all."
