I've lived in three other countries in my life. Let me describe my experiences with you when dealing with the health care industry in those countries:

South Korea: I pinched a nerve in my lower back. I took my "alien registration card," my passport and had an ambulance take me to the local private hospital about two miles from my apartment in Suji. I spent three days in the hospital with three squares a day, physical therapy, private room, and a private nurse. Their single-payer health care cost me, in American money, about $15. The post hospital brand name medication prescribed to me cost $3 out of pocket. No health care rationing as Republicans say, no "bringing your own toilet paper" as AM Radio liked to say, no government oversight or approval of anything. I worked solely with my doctor.

China: I got gallstones. Went to the hospital with my wife. My father-in-law drove. This isn't a huge city like Shanghai. This is a fourth tier city: Danyang. Give a shot of Demerol to kill the pain, CAT Scan, private consultation with the doctor, and a prescription of pain killer if the pain should come back. Out of pocket: Less than $100. Jiangsu government paid the rest.