i think there is confusion of the classic marxist understanding of socialism - and what
a more recent or western understanding of socialism -

ie.the Marxist definition was - transitional to communism- once a true communist society is achieved there will be a withering away of the state etc..

most people really dont use the term in that sense anymore- they use it in the sense of a mixed economy where the state provides various social services such as medical, employment insurance etc..

as I said before the US has plenty of examples where the state is involved in providing services...