Reply #206: Well, dialysis in this country is mostly socialized because

[Cleita]

the insurance industry wants nothing to do with it, so if you can't pay the $3,000 or so out of pocket that it costs every month, you are covered under Medicare which covers the elderly here, but also covers special diseases like end stage renal disease.

Socialized medicine is not free. You have to pay into it just like insurance to be enrolled. The difference is that you won't be turned away for a pre-existing condition or if you can't pay into the premium because you are too sick and unable to work. I believe you pay into your system somehow in Canada too. It's just that you won't be overwhelmed with medical bills when you do get sick. You have that security of access to health care when you need it.