What are conservative arguments for universal healthcare?

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

I'm a conservative who is fascinated by the idea of single payer. I'm convinced it can be done in an efficient manner. The only concern I have that really holds me back from fully embracing the idea is how easily it can be corrupted/destroyed by the left as DavidB noted. "The Dream" of Ted Kennedy can become a nightmare before it implodes.

I look at it this way: very few conservatives question public education. Why not healthcare? I oppose the government involving itself in the market. But healthcare is a service, not a commodity. And to a limited degree, the government has a historic and permanently rooted obligation (like it or not - I am mixed myself) to provide such services to the public (roads, schools, law enforcement, public safety, etc).

My ideal healthcare system is this: we all pay in equally, we all get equal care. There should be an opt-out for those who want to purchase their own private insurance of course, and there should be no discrimination based on income. If you are Donald Trump or Donald the bus driver, you are regardless entitled to the same basic healthcare plan.

I think this can be paid for by a national sales tax that cannot be avoided. The pimps, drug dealers, illegals, and general hustlers of the world will be paying for it too. And of course, with the cost of health insurance eliminated, the public will have a greater share of their income to spend on the slightly higher costs of goods.

If we just got the f out of Afghanistan and spent that money here, it'd be hella cool.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

No one who advocates for universal healthcare is a conservative. Period.

Ironically, you're not a conservative. You're a classical liberal (you aren't actually, in reality you're more of an economic nihilist with insincerely held religious beliefs as a mask of your bigotry) who has no actual understanding as to what conservatism means.

Conservativism is a cheap word for the right's pre-Trump emotional politics. Conservatism between Reagan and Trump degenerated into a lifestyle, not an ideology.

[Atlas Has Shrugged]

No one who advocates for universal healthcare is a conservative. Period.

Ironically, you're not a conservative. You're a classical liberal (you aren't actually, in reality you're more of an economic nihilist with insincerely held religious beliefs as a mask of your bigotry) who has no actual understanding as to what conservatism means.

Conservativism is a cheap word for the right's pre-Trump emotional politics. Conservatism between Reagan and Trump degenerated into a lifestyle, not an ideology.

Exactly

Edit: I don't think it's fair to call people holding those positions bigots but otherwise ColonelSanchez's answer is spot on.

Oh, I don't think social conservatives in general are bigots. Just the overly affluent "true conservatives" of the party.