[jhales]

There seem to be a lot of private enterprise that competes and prospers even when there is a large state presence. FedEx is an example that comes to mind.

"This is a natural fit for the US, where the business of healthcare happens much closer to (and often involves) the end consumer."

Seems true, but would add that it could go a whole lot closer. The typical consumer is generally insulated by insurance being packaged into employment deals and a near universal culture of prepay masquerading as 'insurance.'