Quote:
Originally Posted by Namath12
Does UBI replace all safety nets? No more Medicare, Medicaid, SSI etc?
This can never happen. Even if the full on libertarian idealized version of UBI occurred, and every single current government program was eliminated in exchange for UBI, in time people would fall through the cracks and the calls for the old social programs would begin. What do you do with someone who has UBI of $12,000 per year but a permanent disabling health problem that costs $30,000 to treat? What do you do with someone who wastes all their UBI and has kids that need to be fed and sheltered? What do you do with a family of 4 with a UBI of $48,000 but a special needs child whose care costs $100,000 per year?
I don't think UBI can work in the way that conservative/libertarian types might hope. If it has to be sold to the right by telling them that actually we'll eliminate a bunch of government spending so the net cost is not that bad, then that's fine. But presenting UBI as one-stop shopping for government safety net solutions is either misleading or short sighted. It will definitely not work out that way.