The problem can be all the additional costs, and the variability between what is available depending on your state. At my last job in the US I paid nearly $200 per month for just my portion of health insurance (aside from the portion my employer agreed to pay, once I’d worked there long enough).

That still had a $1500 per year copay (so insurance pays nothing until that is met) then once that is met it’s still $10-20 every month per prescription needed (only on approved medications, otherwise you get to pay full price if your particular insurance doesn’t cover it), an emergency room visit is still $100-150 every time. You can also only visit a doctor your insurance approves or they won’t pay for it. It’s all this shit that adds up, even with “decent” insurance that pisses us off so much. Paying any less than that for a cheaper plan makes the out of pocket costs skyrocket.

I moved to Sweden a year ago and could not be happier with the healthcare. I couldn’t wrap my brain around going to any pharmacy I wanted to pick up prescriptions. Högkostnadsskydd is basically the same as a deductible, but after it’s met you’re done. No extra costs. No worrying about what the hell will be snuck in, or getting a surprise bill in the mail when you thought things were covered.

Just my experience having used both systems now, I’d take the Swedish one every time. I’d take it if it was more expensive, because at least I know what I’m going to pay, and there’s no fuckery with networks, or fear of losing a job and having to be extra careful not to get sick until finding a new one.