So why is per-capita spending on health care higher in the US than anywhere else, but with a lower life expectancy?

I think that a government option would work better too, but the senate is far to susceptible to obstructionism for that to get through.

That was ironically in the one part of the country that wouldn't benefit from the bill because their state already provides the bill's benefits! Pretending that the Massachusetts election is more representative than a general election is a strange contortion of logic. That also ignores the fact that the Democratic candidate was totally awful.

Yes, brain cancer is a real learning experience. Jesus Christ, what the hell is wrong with you? Frankly, yes, I believe everyone should be entitled to good health, or at least the best shot at that goal.

Which part of my statement is untrue?

I don't know how many visits to a GP are needed to outweigh a month in the ICU, but I suspect it's quite a lot.

It could be a rabid dog, it could be a slip on ice, it could be a drunk driver. My point is that there are plenty of freak accidents that can befall you.

And you don't understand how sharing the burden of healthcare leads to a longer living, richer and more productive society.

It is inadequate because it doesn't cover everyone. Adequate refers to 'satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity'. And I meant in terms of quantity, since if thousands of people are dying from a lack of it, healthcare is not adequate in quantity. You are the one who is arguing over my use of the word.

Excuse me, that should be 'You can't have a welfare system without cheaters'. I regret the error.

Health care in the UK is funded by National Insurance. And it's been called that since the beginning over 50 years ago. The word has a looser definition than you think.

Did you read my post? In your selfish system people don't get things checked out until they end up in the emergency room and then the government pays anyway, because no civilised nation lets hospitals turn away people in critical condition. Ill health is punishment enough for bad life choices. Getting lung cancer from smoking will often still kill you. Getting leukaemia and then going bankrupt from medical bills? The illness is awful, and the bankruptcy is a fucking travesty.

Bullshit. Thousands of people every year die because they leave it too late to get symptoms checked out, or are dumped by their insurance company.

I really can't argue with you. Because you are relying on the fact that no one would ever want to assist other unfortunate human beings. You also seem to be under the impression that your health is your own choice, when really it is mostly down to luck. Not getting sick is really its own reward. At least now people unfortunate enough to get a chronic illness won't be hit by the double whammy of bankruptcy too. Do you object to paying for the fire service because your house hasn't yet caught fire?

They are going to end up paying more, now that pre-existing conditions must be covered

Excellent, glad to hear it. People who have chronic conditions will be able to be treated for them!