Jane Galt looks at 4 pre-requistes before a universal health care system can be implemented here. There is no such universal system that satisfies these requirements – making it next to impossible to get it done:

1) It cannot provide less, or less rapid, coverage than the typical American policy does now. Over three quarters of Americans are happy as clams with their health care now; to the extent that they support national health care, it is because they fear losing what they have . . .

2) It cannot substantially lower the wages of medical workers. They all have powerful lobbies, and they vote on their interests. Doctors in Britain may be thrilled to make 60K a year in return for the shot at someday, if they’re very lucky, exiting the system for a private hospital. You will not get American physicians to take the same deal . . .

3) It cannot ration end-of-life care. The AARP is the most powerful lobby in America . . .

4) It will not cover immigrants, at least not until they are citizens. That means at least 12 million people will remain uninsured. It also means that emergency room usage will remain high . . .