Kaiser only represents less then 3% of the population and one of very few (if not the only) plan that requires you to use ONLY their facilities. Many plans (including HMO's) have a list of network providers to chose from in your area, whereas others allow you to see who you want.

English Dave,

This is not a adequate representation of US healthcare. I'm not saying it's great...it has many flaws, but it certainly isn't as neuroproblem portrays for most Americans.

I would definitely say the NHS is more cost effective and less expensive for people overall, but the wait times are far greater then here for services in many cases (according to people posting). But I assume that once you are 'in the system' with a certain doctor, that you can get appts more easily...as it is here.

There are pros & cons to both systems...as there is to everything in life.