Universal health care can be achieved through subsidization and compulsion. The document discusses options for funding universal coverage through dedicated taxes rather than general revenues. A value-added tax (VAT) could finance universal health vouchers in a progressive way. This addresses the disadvantages of relying on general revenues and the inefficiencies of the current employment-based insurance system, while establishing a budget for health spending. Winners would include the poor, uninsured, and sick who currently lack affordable coverage.

1. Universal Health Care: How to Pay for It John B. Shoven Charles R. Schwab Professor Director, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research Capstone Conference - Fresh Thinking on Health Care Reform May 14, 2009 Talk Based on Joint Work with Victor Fuchs