It is difficult to believe much of what I have read in the G&M about American health care. For example, it uses the same approach you used - 50 million uninsured (scary)when more useful would be to say about 15% (is that all?) of Americans are not insured. No prob lem to deal with 15% but to deal with 50 million!!

There were 4 examples in that article where the numbers were not put in perspective. -

It makes me think that the Globe is out to win a debate, not exchange information. Most of the other "whys" you asked could be simply part of the policy. Sort of you gets what you pay for. 

I must admit  that I am very much in favour of the private sector, which with all its faults, produces products which people want and pay for.