Many companies are offering insurance that incents you to minimize your costs, but covers you if all hell breaks loose. Basically the company gives you 'x' dollars. Anything you spend above that is your responsibility, up to 'y' dollars. Then there's a split (80/20 or so) up to a maximum of 'z' dollars, when the insurance then pays everything. This works well for those who rarely go to the doctor. If you don't spend what the company gives you initially, you can roll it over to the next year and have even a larger pool to start with.

Okay math boy.... what gives? Bored, or savant?

The only part of my health care I have ever had to pay for is my drugs. All doctors appointments I just flash a little plastic card (one joy of living in Canada?) But even with my meds I only pay $50 a year, and a $2 co-fee at the pharmacy. But a lot of them wave that fee.

Does socialized medical care help with serious health issues? Aren't there long waits for specialized care?

All it takes is one serious accident for you to be wiped out. My son was in a sledding accident almost 2 years ago where he lost one kidney, had massive internal bleeding, tore/bruised all his internal organs. Was in the hospital for about 6 days. When all was said and done, that one accident cost over $50,000.

So, is the $600/month I spend on his insurance worth it? You betcha