It's a very complicated issue, no doubt. It's just insurance. We do away with the thousands of government health, welfare, job security and job retirement agencies in favor of health insurance, a pension, disability insurance, and food and health security at some basic level for everyone, and paid for by everyone that can pay. Is this socialist? Yes, it is. Does it take away from freedom? Perhaps not more than it gives it. I've read enough history to know that a society that goes the other way is a sick one, letting citizens die in old age and disability on the street. I've seen third-world countries with low taxes, and I wouldn't want to live there. Edit: As a side note, I would abolish private insurance, which is really just legalized gambling with people's lives. Or allow it in addition to the state policy.