>>>Actually, spending cuts will close the gap, if you cut the big items. SS, Medicare & Medicaid are unsustainable. Cradle-to-grave centralized infantalization of the nation is unsustainable. Eventually you stop. One way or another.
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>Except that "spending cuts" in health are equated with "death panels" as some so charmingly presented it.

You have created a logical fallacy. For example, if you cut spending in emergency heart surgery then some people will die. Thus all spending cuts equate to death. How about if we cut spending on Viagra?

"Death panels" referred to a specific piece of the original legislation which was then removed when it became a public relations nightmare. It has now been reintroduced via regulation.

>In the end, healthcare always is about rationing.

All spending is about rationing. The argument boils down to who does the rationing? I say that's between the individual and their doctor. Central planners say the state. Presently we have a mess where the individual has little say because they have little visibility of cost, as 3rd parties handle the transactions. The state (medicare & medicaid) ration through pricing, doctors ration through who they'll accept and insurance rations through coverage (both covered and denied).

My way ensures that I'm in charge of my health care destiny. I can cost-rationalize my level of coverage and price compare and determine my own risk-reward ratios. Just like every other spending decision in my life. Presently, I'm at the mercy of what the insurance companies and the state have cooked up in their bubbling cauldren of care (this year). Next year the rules will change again, so as to ensure that long term planning is a mess also.

Pre-emption : Someone will inevitibly ask "what about those without coverage". Let me be clear. They are not my concern. Just as whether they have a car, a house, a tv, food, or any other good or service is not my concern nor responsibility. My concern lies foremost with myself and my family. Following that, if I choose to help others through charity or direct help that too is my personal business.

>Until the electorate grasps that, the problem is deferred for another term and the opportunity to start addressing issues is frittered away.

As I said, eventually it will stop, one way or another.