McCain takes brave stand on health insurance reform… again

The media is applauding John McCain for his “maverick moment” in killing Trumpcare.

I’m no huge fan of John McCain, but I want to note that this is not the first time that McCain has taken a brave stand on health insurance.  Back in 2008, when he was running for President, he proposed eliminating the tax deduction for employer-provided health plans.

Economists agree that the tax deduction is a major reason that our health care system is so screwed up:

1. It’s a huge government give-away, and it disproportionately benefits people who make a lot of money (since their health plans are typically more costly). #welfarefortherich
2. By linking employment and health insurance, it creates uncertainty and anxiety for anyone who is sick and/or unemployed.  (And then the economy gets gummed up with people who are afraid of leaving their jobs because of concerns about health insurance.)
3.  It encourages the over-consumption of health care by putting one more entity between the consumer and the entity that is paying for that health care. (consumer -> employer -> insurance company -> provider group -> health care provider)

I’m unaware of any other Presidential candidate – from either party – who’s been willing to take that brave stand.  What did McCain get for his bravery back in 2008?  Barack Obama hammered him with fear-mongering ads that called the plan “radical.”