of politics. I actually did not think Ocare was a "good" idea, although I think the goals were correct (universal coverage, eliminating pre-existing condition exclusions, stuff like that), although arguably, it was the best "passable" way to pursue those goals at that time. And we move into philosophical questions about whether we should think about HC as a public good available to all, like education. If it is, then there will be subsidies, which can always be described as a "wealth transfer".

Not directing this at you (don't know your views on the following examples), but so many people who use that soundbite are full of shit, just trying to attach the inflammatory "wealth redistribution" label to any subsidies for policies they don't like. Or more likely, any policy offered up by the party they don't like, which they oppose on that basis alone. Look at the way cap gains, especially LTCG, are taxed vs W2 earnings. That is a massive transfer of wealth up towards the wealthiest. As is the mortgage interest deduction. Yet somehow that moniker, "wealth transfer", rarely finds its way to those things. Particularly among those who use it all the time talking about subsidies for those who can't afford something.

Almost anything govt does can be thought of as a "wealth transfer", if it costs anything at all.
[Post edited by hoolstoptheheels at 09/13/2019 1:06PM]