Yeah, your're right. It would be stupid to study historical models, and smart to start out cold, thinking we can make it work where others can't. If you watch the interview, you'll note the highlighted comparison of what is being proposed here vs. what Ireland has done

Just food for thought--I think that Gupta guy did a pretty good interview. It was very informative to me, and I forgot to mention the part that gave me the most pause: apparently the people that buy the supp. policies, are the people that want to be able to choose their doctors, which in some cases they have had all their lives. That may not mean much to someone who doesn't have children, or has been a welfare recipient or public clinic client their whole lives, but it means a lot to me. I certainly see where someone without health insurance would not have much concern, and would be lucky just to get a doctor period, but if I'm going to pay for it, I want to be able to choose.