Mein Furher
You didn't mention the fact that America spends more on health care than any other industrialized nation.
The reason the American system does not cover between 10% and 15% of the population is because our system is still voluntary - people don't HAVE to have insurance if they don't want it. And many choose not to. With the exception of a few of our states, we don't force people to have insurance (though that will probably change).
The life expectancy of our citizens is probably lower than Europes for a number of reasons: most glaringly that your culture has basically outlawed stress to the point where people are working 35 hour weeks and taking 6-consecutive-week vacations. Yes. We work harder and we die younger, but our unemployment rate is lower, our taxes are lower, and our GDP is higher.
And I've already listed the reasons WHY our system is so expensive. I suggest you read a book on economics (not socialism) to truly grasp the concept.
I've done plenty of research and read lots of articles that tell the truth about your wonderful system. Perhaps it's better in Germany, but your European counterparts are in dire financial situations while the elderly wait months for vital procedures. Perhaps you've received such wonderful treatment because your still young and not expendable yet. You're not a burden on the system... yet.
The simple truth is that there are Canadians flooding hospitals in the northern states in order to gain access to treatments they have to wait for in their country.
I don't think that's the result of a socialized system that's "working."
As long as you recognize these as trade-offs and are happy I suppose we are ultimately in agreement. I can totally accept that Europe has a lower GDP (whatever that means) and we work less, live longer and enjoy life. Actually, all I should really do is thank you because you pay for my defense and the R&D on the drugs that let me enjoy my life. Doesn't seem fair though does it?