No one suggests we emulate the British System or the French System or any other system. We have a system that is broken, yet, ironically is the best in the world. This paradox provides the special interests to manipulate the stupid voters to continue the status quo and benefits the few, not the many.
As I've posted many times, I believe the federal government should provide incentives for each state to offer free (i.e. tax payer funded) preventative care for all. Ideally a national program, single payer system of preventative care would provide universal care, but political consideratons make that unlikely.
I've suggested 435 Clinics be built aroung the country, providing jobs and stimulating local economies. One medical clinic for each Congressional District providing education, information, and preventative care to all citizens in the district. Using ones imagination it is possible to conceive how such a program could reduce costs; providing contraceptives will prevent many unwanted pregnanacies and abortion, education and information may prevent the spread of disease, STD as well as other communicable ones; and the long term costs when early diagnosis leads to early treatment will be better controlled.
Private insurance for accidents and serious sudden medical conditions would continue to exist, doctors could continue to practice privately though some would work for clinics, HMO's or the government as they do today.
Of course thinking and using one's imagination is required. Yelling "Socialism!" and not understanding the issue requires little thought and no imagination (Edit: See Mr. Liberty above for one such example).
