Medicare for all

Christian Schneider calls Medicare for all a bad idea (“‘Medicare for All:’ New name, same bad old idea,” Aug. 22).

However, adding Medicare, Medicaid, Obamacare, VA, and other government programs together, we are already halfway to state-sponsored health care for all. A basic government plan for all would not eliminate private plans because employers could offer a supplemental plan for additional services. In addition, individuals could purchase a supplemental plan if they chose to.

Regarding cost, the major challenge is to determine what services we are willing to cover. Moreover, the amount we pay providers for services should rightly be determined by the people we elect to oversee our tax contributions.

John Peterson

New Berlin