Clearly - nothing is free. But as is so ably pointed out above -- you can budget for taxes -- you can manage them and everyone pays them (or should) --- it is the uncertainly of medical situations that is so scarey. I'm giving serious thought to rhrowing the insurance away - saving money - and moving to the UK if a terrible illness hits. I'm healthy - I eat right - I'm not overwieght.....Autolycus, I think your comment is interesting......maybe we are all looking at this from the wrong angle...