When Australia first nationalised medical care in 1975, I was vehemently
opposed to it. Saw it as government interference, creeping socialism and
denying freedom of choice. I held that view for many years. Gradually, as
I saw it get through some teething troubles and changes, some of which
were caused by changes of government it evolved into a workable system.
Both sides of national politics now support it and have done for about the
last 14 years.
Insurance companies now have no involvement. Private insurance, which I
carry, is via not for profit organisations which exist for the purpose of
providing medical benefits for their members. Private health cover
entitles me to a choice of private hospitals, choice of doctor and refunds
in most cases of any additional fees not picked up by medicare. Everyone,
whether privately insured or not, gets hospital treatment at no cost.
Waiting times are determined by the level of urgency for treatment.
Privately insured patients who have the option of treatment at private
hospitals get faster treatment than those without cover, but only on non
life threatening illnesses.

Standard of care? - I have, unfortunately, spent the last 12 months in and
out of both the private hospital system and the government hospitals.
Surprisingly, I would have to admit that the government hospitals are
better equipped and the standard of care overall is higher.
The financial disasters that I and others like me predicted have not
occurred. The system is remarkably efficient. And everyone, regardless,
gets basic care at no cost, and those of us that wish to, still get
freedom of choice.
Currently, Australia spends approx 9% of GDP on medical care. I believe
the US currently spends something like 15% of GDP. Yet Australians
reportedly live on average live 4 years longer than the average US
citizen.
Got to be food for thought in that.

We do not however, have a national dental care system, which puts dental
treatment out of reach of many people. My insurance covers part of the
cost, but disadvantaged people miss out.

diggerop

Question: Is your goverment able to stand on it's own feet, or is it
special intersts groups who do the talking, as in the US?