" 

 As a side note, Novidmarana has reasonably inquired if there are any studies surveying this issue in other developed nations. There are. The Commonwealth Fund conducts periodical multinational studies. The 2005 study surveyed six wealthy nations (US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany). The three questions on access to health care vs. cost show that the United States is the clear ""leader"" in cost/access problems. See here."