Why can't the USA have universal health care?

The Republicans' stalled attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act has reignited interest in universal healthcare in the United States. Could it happen? read more

A third reason America lacks universal health coverage and the 2016 candidates have avoided the topic altogether is that America's political institutions make it difficult for massive entitlement programs to be enacted. read more

Single-payer health-care (in which the government pays for universal coverage, typically through taxes) helps keep costs down for two reasons: It means that the government can regulate and negotiate the price of drugs and medical services, and it eliminates the need for a vast private health-insurance bureaucracy. read more

But despite the high price tag, the United States is still the only wealthy, developed nation without universal health coverage. Now, as congressional Republicans remain divided over healthcare reform, the issue of universal health coverage is getting renewed attention on both sides of the political spectrum. read more