Why

Greed!  People used to be respected and judged according to their compassion and character.  Today, all of that has changed here and people want more profits, more money, bigger houses, better cars.
I hope you find better days ahead.  Our children also complain about the high cost of insurance and the few benefits they receive for the premiums.  It is out of control.

I have to say: I lived in Canada for three years. One the one hand, the day to day costs of medical care was fairly inexpensive. During that time, my wife had an eye illness that was somewhat unique and costs for treatment were low. On the other hand, I knew a fair number of physicians and they were not always happy about the government controlled arrangements.

That said, as I understand it, the Canadian system requires all physicians to work within set government controlled limits on patient costs, and to stay within the government system. But after a certain number of years (ten?) they can essentially go public.

In the US there is the vicious circle of insurance fraud, medical malpractice expenses, and the constant threat and fear of litigation. All of this adds up. Add to this the phramaceutical companies spending on ads and commercials  to 'guide' consumers (oops!, I mean "patients") to their products.

I have some fears about a government controlled health care system. Regulation reform regarding liability, accountability, and cost containment would be preferable, IMO.

I have family members living in Europe and even though they don't worry about having health insurance and medicine and doctor's visits are cheap.  The care is terrible, they are placed on waiting lists for everything, and God forbid you get sick during the summer months when everyone takes a month off for vacation, you can't get tests done or office visits are horrendous. 

I have known people living in England and Europe...yes the care is free

BUT waiting is many months long for any kind of treatment and only

the least expensive is given...so most people have to pay big $$$$ to

be seen or treated.

Sandy