Universal health care would not cause an economic tragedy. Several countries offer universal health care, and those countries have the best overall health, longest life expectancies, and lowest infant mortality rates.

Yes, the money for universal health care has to come from somewhere, but those countries that have it don't have economic hardships because of it.

So the question becomes "how can we afford it" or where can we get the money? I think the easiest and fairest way is to 1) a sin tax on alcohol and tobacco, maybe even other vices such as pornographic materials, some kind of tax structure at casinos and lotteries, etc. Or 2) increasing sales tax by 3%. I don't think that is very much--if you spend $200 a week, that is $6 you'd be paying towards universal coverage, or $24 a month. Cheaper than most insurance premiums. And if hospitals and clinics know they are only going to get paid so much for services, it prevents them from overcharging and continuing to escalate prices.

Also, keep in mind that universal coverage would only cover medically necessary care. If you wanted a mole removed that wasn't causing you any problems, you'd still have to pay for it. If you wanted tests that a doctor sees no reason for, you would still be required to pay for them.

As long as we follow the model set forth by other countries, and everyone puts into it, it will work fine.

 Nobody deserves to afford anything.