American's pay state taxes and federal taxes. (there are a few states without an income tax or a sales tax) Here in California, I pay 7.75% sales tax on most things, plus property taxes, vehicle license fees, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and a percentage of my income as well to the state.

The federal income tax ranges from 10% to 35%, if I remember right. I'm in the 30% tax bracket, which is quite a chunk of money. People are allowed to "write off" business expenses, home mortgage interest, etc, before you get to the bottom line that has to be taxed.

I think the problem with the government is that it will tax us or use other funds to oversee this health plan, however many government plans have so much waste due to lack of organization and the money is not managed well or the future not considered.

We've all paid into Social Security taxes our whole lives, with the promise that once we retire we will have some sort of retirement income. However, now that the employee base is smaller (less money coming in) the government is saying the fund will run out of money right about the time I want to retire.

These are the types of issues we face here in America. How does your country handle the universal health care? Are there premiums/costs to you, or your employer, or what? How is it paid for? Do you have to wait a long time to get care, and is it quality care? Do you have a choice of doctor or hospital?