What efforts are being made in terms of tackling what I believe is the core issue at hand - addressing obesity and poor lifestyle choices? Switching to a universal healthcare system, keeping the current system or a hybrid will do nothing to address costs until as a nation we change behaviors.
How about a sin tax? What is the problem with taxing cola or fast food? It is your choice as an individual to select these unhealthy choices just as it is to smoke or drink, which are already taxed.
Until we attack the root of the problem it really doesn't matter if we try and shift costs from employers and private payers to all tax payers. How will this happen when the food giants are getting rich hand over fist by injecting junk into the system. I realize everyone has the individual choice of their actions, but we are not on a level playing field to make rational decisions so long as the food giants have so much control over our lives.
Example - I was amazed to learn that the FDA seal can simply be purchased! When you look at a sugar cereal such as Coco Puffs you will find an endorsement from the FDA - making one think, well it must be ok right? I mean come on!
