subsidize these plans, through our taxes, and they end up creating inefficiencies in the healthcare system, especially for all these other plans outside of Medicare, they either are slow to pay, pay very little, or don't pay at all. 50%-67% of all Medicaid emergency room visits are non-emergency situations depending on the state. This doesn't take into consideration non-payers that cannot be turned away by emergency rooms. This bogs down the health systems in many areas and creates higher costs for those with private insurance as they, again, are subsidizing private, immediate care for these patients.

For medicare patients, it again would be similar to the VA. Many medicare patients have supplemental plans, as does my father, who is retired with full military benefits. He also carries a supplemental plan. Those that do this can and could use the private system with these supplemental plans.

The VA system isn't perfect, but it can be improved and people shouldn't be expecting premium service when they are not paying for premium service.