How would that differ from the NHS in the UK, as the UK Government is even more involved in the market than in the United States? I thought that the US Government in comparison with many other Governments in the world, is the least involved. Precisely why it is trying to get this health care reform bill through for example.
Actually, what's interesting about the UK and the NHS is that it distorts the market the
least. (Out of modern industrial Western liberal democracies).
The reason for this is that the state system is almost completely seperate from the private system. Asides from negotiating drug prices.
The state system will treat everyone free at the point of use (the service is paid through taxes) and will provide (in almost every instance, but hey, nothing's perfect) quality treatment for anything. Throughout the Labour Government, much as i dislike them, waiting times have been considerably reduced and a huge amount of attention is placed on treating cancer.
Social programs sometimes go through the NHS, for example, you can go to a doctor and get free condoms - they're often provided free in the bathrooms as well.
In fact, where things become blurred is that there has been intervention in the state system! Certain parts were privatised during the last Conservative and this Labour Government. There has been more involvement of profit-seeking businesses and in England&Wales, you are charged for prescriptions if over 18 and not on benefits.
The vast majority of UK residents dislike and regret these intrusions.
The private health insurance system operates
completely seperately and freely from this. It is a free market system.