[Disley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tony_j15

and...that's not socialism? Unless someone changed the definition, you just defined socialism.

but, you are still required to pay into the national plan. So what end's up happening is you end up paying twice for actual treatment, similar to how school systems work: you pay taxes for local schools, then you send your kids to private school because you actually care that they receive a great education.

The analogy between medicine and schools isn't the same.
If you need a bypass operation here you get the same doctor who would be treating a private patient, the operation is done in the same hospital, operating theatre with the same staff and equipment. In a private school here it cost $10,000 to $20,000 a term, you may get better teachers, you do get better school buildings, a couple of swimming pools, archery, rowing and lots of other things you don't get at a public school.
Private insurance is tax deductible as is the medicare levy, which is 2.5% of everyones gross income.
The best way to find out if the system you have is better, is to have a look around the world at the countries with a universal health scheme, and see if any of them have ever gone back to the type of health care available in the states.
If you suggested it, they'd think you were mad.