I came across this in my travels on the internet today and for the sake of anyone who is interested in the difference between single payer healthcare systems and private systems watching can be enlightening. I feel quite strongly about this having experienced the New Zealand version of single payer and after four surgeries feeling that it is pretty good. If I had had any of the problems that I experienced in the USA I would not have been seen any sooner and it is doubtful that the outcomes would be any bettor. (They have been very good here for me.) I know that there is and has always been a bit of a dogfight over how useless the Canadian system is compared with the American but having lived in Canada for several years and having to visit hospital only once found it to be very good. The same in the US except that if you have insurance that covers your condition and the insurance company excepts your claim then your health care can be very good. One of the major problems is the medical induced bankruptcy for Americans (single biggest reason for personal bankruptcies in USA). Another is the wait times in America,when your insurance company denies you and you have to chase them up in court or however you deal with it. Several years ago an Insurance company (forgot the name of) had a policy of deny all claims when they first come in, You could appeal and complain but this is not what anyone would call a good idea having health decisions made taking into consideration the profits and losses of private company's that could not care less about your health.