the elites in US industry are now starting to talk about some kind of public health care system.. Ironically because of the high legacy costs that companies like Chrysler have(WHICH makes them uncompetitive). since large corporations are required to provide medical ins. coverage (I belive).

So it costs chrysler something like a $1000 less to build the same car in Canada because of Canadas universal health care coverage..

now - my insurance coverage in Canada (in BC) is $56 /month which everyone is required to have and pay(some employers cover this as a benefit) Although for those who cant afford it the there are other options.
Granted the state of medicare in Canada is constantly in the news.. usually there are long waits for various procedures so its not perfect. Some people are pushing for some kind of mixed public/private system while others feel that would be the slippery slope with an end to the public medical care.