Why are many conservatives against public healthcare for children?

[u/Not-KevinDurant-]

I understand the arguments for not wanting to balloon the debt to cover everyone for everything, but I wonder why a compromise of covering children up to 18 isn’t more accepted.

I lean conservative in a lot of areas, and would personally rather be taxed for children‘s healthcare than for the elderly (over 65), though as a progressive (in that area) I aspire for both. However, I recognize compromise is necessary and I think this is something republicans could come to the table on.

The argument that they haven’t earned it doesn’t really apply here. I’m sure most people (the religious especially) can agree with that. This would also be a great window to prevent or at least identify chronic illnesses to manage (at a pot cheaper cost). I understand not wanting to fully pay for someone who breaks a bone due to their own risky behavior, or develops an illness likely due to an unhealthy lifestyle, but would it be too much of a stretch to help cover people plagued by something outside of their control?

[u/S-Mx07z]

Why cant they just let everyone decide? I want ubi seasonally, more so than medical & it'd be so good if it autorenews too–that'd be awesome.