[cm2187]

I am pretty sure $40 isn’t the cost of the exams. It is being subsidised by other tax payers. We can discuss the merits of this approach but it is not necessarily cheaper overall.

[DanBC]

The US government pays more for healthcare in the US than many other countries. When you add in private insurance the US far outspends outher countries for healthcare. But they don't have better results. For example, the US has a shorter average lifespan than many countries.

[anxiouspete]

Of course it's not, but the difference here is that OP isn't made insolvent, or forced to sell their home, to pay their hospital bill.

[timack]

Health expenditure per capita in the US is about twice that of Australia so it does appear to be cheaper overall.