It worked pretty well before the HMOs/private sector got involved about 20yrs ago(and, originally, if you know your history, business Requested permission to offer health care as a benefit in order to attract and keep workers)---trying to do it on the "cheap" and privately has proved a failure. If a society wants health, everyone needs to chip in and we all reap the benefits, especially with preventative care. No one will make money off the children, elderly, chronically ill----we will be judged by how we treat the least of us. Right now, it doesn't look good. May you find yourself in need.