I think that one of the worst things about medical care in the US is its ridiculously high cost. How could that be improved? ~

How can I not wear out. Don't ask how much my back and shoulder surgeries cost. Ridiculous.

You're allowed to age with grace and dignity.  We all want that for you and ourselves.
The way things are set up now, it is almost impossible.  
My answer was superfluous.  It was not meant to make light of you or your physical state.
It was meant to back Randy D up in acknowledging how out-of-control we have let it become.
I feel VERY strongly about the medical field and their overzealous prices.  It is NOT a joking matter.
I feel especially strong about the needs of veterns, such as yourself, who have not only fought to keep this country free but have been injured, mentally and physically, along the way.
You, personally, are an elite exception to the rule.
Not only did you faithfully serve our country and believe in it but also went on to continue bettering the world by teaching.
You deserve for us to be paying you and you not having to pay a dime.
If I could, I would fix your back and shoulder and make sure you had any everything you needed.

I have a supplemental called Tri-Care for Life. It is free and I received it by retiring from the Navy. Disabled veterans can also get it, but it is not widely disseminated. I have talked to disabled vets who never heard of it. The costs for my surgeries was zero for me, but the money has to come from somewhere. Also, doctors don't earn as much as you think unless they are independent specialists. Hospital physicians are paid by the hospital and their pay is based on what the insurance companies are willing to reimburse. This information is based on discussions with doctors and my daughter, a nurse-practitioner.

Rather simplistic, fairy-tale idea. I think Randy's question seeks realistic ones.

Hey, wait . . .
~

Randy D you are so cute!

And do you want your taxes doubled or trebled to help finance that? Countries with that also have sky-high taxes.

In Canada we have had 'free' health care for decades now. Slightly higher taxes is not a problem considering the benefits. 

And in addition to funding that, how much does Canada spend on national defense and the military?

I have done the research for you. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Canada spends about 1.3% of GDP on national defense while the US spends about 3.2%. No wonder Canada has the funds available for something like "free" health insurance. This post was edited by Stu Spelling Bee at November 12, 2019 10:59 AM MST

Canada spends about 25 billion on national defense,  Trudeau wants to raise that figure to $32 billion.

Yes, about 1.3% of GDP. That's what I already looked up. The US spends closer to $80 billion. Saying that the US should spend money on something because Canada does, or vice versa, in a vacuum without taking many other factors into account is like comparing apples to oranges and completely fallacious.

Ok sure..  the website I got said USA spends about  $1.6 trillion annually. 

Which is much more than $80 billion and just reinforces my argument. And BTW, Canada benefits from US spending on defense of the North American continent, thus saving its own money to spend on that "free" health insurance.

It's been that way for a long time. I know Canada's military could use a huge upgrading. Government has been cheap on military spending. 

USA will still have to raise $562B in taxes. 

https://decisiondata.org/news/how-much-single-payer-uhc-would-cost-usa/

Conclusion

Universal Health Care would save the people of the United States about $600 billion for the same level of care they're receiving. We found it would require an additional $562 billion in taxation to cover the government spending, after savings and increases to demand. Is a single-payer universal system worth it? As always, that's for you to decide – we're just here to give you the data that helps you make important decisions.

With universal health care  everybody gets coverage which is a significant factor. 

And we still need $562B in taxes to cover it. 
The American people just to decide if it is worth paying more in taxes or getting a smaller rebate back.  Because the savimgs and premiums diverted etc do not cover the cost. 
Americans need real information not just it is gonna be free and we will tax the rich....cause people get surprised when they realize who the gov considers rich. 

Would help too to try promote healthy diet and lifestyle would help reduce health care costs.

Certainly. But not $562B worth.

I answered your question in my comment. 

No one is advocating for FREE healthcare. that is a false narrative that you are perpetuating

Where did I ask a question?