If only there were some kind of system that could cover everyone, and at the same time took advantage of the fact that the risk pool is the entire country's population, as a way of negotiating lower prices for everyone. Wouldn't that be something
While I think that approach would be good, I think politically it's a dead end.
1) People fear losing what they already have, even if what they have is worse
2) Government programs could be good, but only if good people can implement them and run them. We're only one R administration away from someone taking a wrecking ball to it
3) speaking of #2, that also means Republicans could decide one day what will or will not be covered
4) there is a need for more doctors to service that expanded pool, which means Congress would have to fund more residency spots and medical schools would need to expand
5) #4 - this would also put downward pressure on doctors' salaries, some of which are high because of loans for med school, and long periods of relatively low pay as residents and fellows
6) part of cost controls means saying "no". In some EU countries, some drugs may be approved, but they aren't reimbursed or can't be used in any off-label capacity. I think Americans would freak in such circumstances that Grandma is being cut off from cancer therapy because X drug is not reimbursed, or can't be used off label