This is a Preview of Coming Attractions for the United States.
If the state becomes responsible for the cost of health care, the state will look after it's interests. The interest of the state is served by minimizing cost by eliminating the sick and the feeble, or anyone who represents more costs than can they can reasonably be expected to provide in tax revenue. State responsibility for expenses sets up a perverse incentive. Keeping this in check will be the job of the electorate. But would it not make more sense not to put the state in the position of having such a perverse incentive?
Ultimately the state will grind the people down and have it's way, so it is very important to make sure the state's interest is the same as the people's interest. This is not at all true with nationalized health-care.
This is a Preview of Coming Attractions for the United States.
I have a friend in England who says they will have legalized euthanasia within 2 years! So, you are right in saying America is not far behind. After all, look where we are with abortion, gay marriage, polygamy...