Charles, if what you're describing is an accurate reflection of the US system, then it is tantamount to universal healthcare. No one is denied publicly funded (in addition to private funded) essential treatment. This is the same as in Canada, except the scope of coverage is different, as is the absence of a private system (although this is rapidly changing, despite it being unconstitutional). Andrew, the thing is that if it doesn't come out of one pocket, it will come out of another. If the employers don't provide healthcare coverage to their employees, and it is instead left up to the state to provide that, then taxes will go up accordingly. In Canada, basic healthcare services are public, but private party insurance is also provided by some employers to cover additional costs such as dental work, medications, allied health practitioner vists, etc.