The Socialist Program with Brian Becker Millions Set to Lose Health Care in USA, w/ Professor Wolff
6 snips
Nov 26, 2025 
Richard Wolff, an esteemed economics professor and co-founder of Democracy at Work, discusses the looming healthcare crisis in the U.S. with Brian Becker. They highlight how millions are at risk of losing coverage amid rising premiums. Wolff contrasts this with successful healthcare models in Cuba and France, emphasizing the ideological barriers to universal care in America. He critiques the profit-driven system that contributes to medical bankruptcies and advocates for public alternatives. The conversation also touches on the growing acceptance of socialism in Congress as a potential pathway for change.
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Systemic Breakdown From Private-First Health Model
- The U.S. health system is breaking down as millions lose Medicaid and premiums surge under ACA's private-insurance model.
- Richard Wolff argues this outcome reflects capitalism prioritizing private profit over public health.
Cuba Trip Highlights Universal Care
- Brian Becker recounts bringing cancer meds to Cuban children and highlights Cuba's constitutional right to free healthcare.
- He contrasts Cuba's 94,000 doctors and 77.1-year life expectancy with U.S. coverage losses.
Health As A Collective Necessity
- Health is a communal good, and leaving it to private profit produces worse outcomes and higher long-term social costs.
- Wolff emphasizes contagiousness and social interdependence as reasons public provision is practical and moral.
