I love this idea.
The main problem getting insurance as an individual (or small company of less than 30 people) is that you need a group. The broader the group the better so that statistics kick in for real so you can manage risks, and your negotiation power with the HMOs and other health providers is greater.
The idea is for the Democratic Party to create it's own health insurance group (don't know I want to call it an HMO, because it would be more realistic for the Democrats to negotiate with HMOs about the rights and group eligibility as employers do). The ideas is via Atrios, "Truly Stupid Ideas (a great one)" via Tapped, "So Crazy It Just Might Work".
The problems are, of course, numerous, the capital involved would be hideous, and for all I know there might be some law prohibiting this by a political party. But I like the idea, and in general, I like the idea of the Democrats taking on a new role as a Citizens Union, an organization that can try out it's own policies on the millions of people loyal to progressive values.
Of course... the Democrats could not pay for your healthcare, but they could get you in a group. Then you could purchase family coverage at the group rates.
I have been out of work buying insurance for my family, and it's very very difficult to get coverage... indeed, I couldn't get it for myself although I wanted to pay the going rate and have no chronic illnesses. (I'm working and insured now though).
comments?