The cost of extending basic medical services to all persons in the United States would largely depend on the specific details and scope of the plan. However, some estimates provide a rough idea of the potential costs involved.

According to a 2020 report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), implementing a "single-payer" healthcare system, often referred to as Medicare for All, would increase federal expenditures by roughly $32 trillion over a 10-year period. This estimate takes into account the savings that could be achieved by eliminating the administrative costs and profits of private insurers.

To pay for such a system, various financing options have been proposed. These include:

1. Tax Increases: One proposal suggests increasing personal income taxes, particularly for high-income individuals, as well as implementing a progressive tax system. Another option is imposing a new tax, such as a payroll tax or a wealth tax.

2. Employer Payroll Taxes: Some proposals recommend imposing a new payroll tax on employers to help fund a universal healthcare system.

3. Redirecting Existing Spending: Advocates argue that the funds currently allocated to private insurance premiums and out-of-pocket healthcare expenses could be redirected towards a single-payer system.

4. Savings from Negotiating Drug Prices: Implementing measures to negotiate lower drug prices could reduce overall healthcare costs.

The effects on stakeholders can vary depending on their specific circumstances. Some potential effects include:

1. Individuals: All individuals would have access to basic medical services without the fear of financial burden. They would not need to worry about being denied coverage or dealing with complex insurance systems.

2. Healthcare Providers: Providers may experience changes in reimbursement rates, increased patient volumes, and potentially more administrative burden depending on how the payment system gets structured.

3. Employers: Employers may experience changes in their healthcare expenditures, depending on whether they currently offer employer-sponsored insurance and the specific financing mechanisms implemented.

4. Insurance Companies: Private insurance companies may face a significant reduction in their role in the healthcare system or even phase out altogether.

5. Government: The government would bear the responsibility of implementing and administering a universal healthcare system. It would potentially face challenges in managing costs, ensuring quality of care, and regulating the health industry.

Regarding the fairness of expecting "the haves" to pay additional taxes, opinions can vary. Advocates argue that access to healthcare is a fundamental right and that those who are financially able should contribute more to ensure everyone can receive necessary medical services. Critics argue that it would place an undue burden on higher-income individuals and potentially dampen economic growth.

Whether workers should give up their current employer-sponsored private pay insurance and move to a single-payer system or have a choice depends on the specific policy design. Some proposals suggest a transition period where individuals can choose to keep their private insurance temporarily or opt for the single-payer system. Others propose a more immediate shift, arguing that a single-payer system would provide greater simplicity, universal coverage, and cost savings.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to implement a single-payer system, the specific financing mechanisms, and the accompanying impacts on stakeholders are complex and require careful consideration of various factors, including societal values, economic feasibility, and political considerations.

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