You can't ensure that everyone will always be covered, even in a universal system. People will always find a way to opt out of the system. So with that in mind, I accept that as a fact and subsequently come to the conclusion that the only way to keep prices down, quality of care up and access to care up is by letting the free market handle the issue.
Just my opinion, though.
ahhh ha...
Because the market might encourage competition and COULD force down costs that way... you also have competing pressures to keep costs down by not covering people who would cost too much to cover. Look at airlines? more people want to fly, but in order to cover costs the quality of service drops and the inclusions become fewer.
Plus, healthcare is an essential service, if people need it and are able to pay, they will be the ones who will benefit. What real desire will there be to reduce costs on a service that people need as oppose to want.
It's kind of amusing how quickly they'll accept lies about the standard of care we in universal system get, but are unable to accept the shortcomings in their own standards.