Megan McArdle, Columnist

If Single Payer Can't Work in Vermont...

Vermont has decided to scuttle its single-payer plans. I predicted as much six months ago, for one simple reason: A single-payer system would cost too much.

Too much of a pinch for Vermont.

Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
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While I was away last week, Vermont decided to scuttle its single-payer health-care plans. I predicted as much six months ago, for one simple reason: A single-payer system would cost too much. When faced with the choice of imposing double-digit payroll taxes or dropping his cherished single-payer plan, the governor of Vermont blinked.

"But Megan!" I hear you cry. "Single-payer systems are cheaper, not more expensive! Look at Europe!"