I personally think the cost of health care is way too high for most people - simply because of the overhead costs of bureaucracies, litigation, and inefficiency. But basic health care is actually quite cheap.
Do I think we ought to foot the bill for the elderly? No. The elderly in general are not social contributors. If they wish to prolong their existences, they may do so as long as they pay for it themselves. (Oh gosh, what a harsh view.)
On the other hand, I think prenatal care ought to be totally free. Because it pays for itself. It is generally cheap, and giving prenatal vitamins to pregnant women, and making sure that the babies will be healthy when brought to term, costs way, way, way less than lifetime care of babies born stupid or with birth defects because of ignorant, careless mothers who will then abandon the babies at the hospital or draw SSI payments for the baby (which they blow on drugs.)
There was a time when people actually saved for their retirement. That idea went out the window when during the great depression the younger people needed a job. The elderly were "carried" by government (taxpayer) funds until the depression was over. Hello??? The depresion has been over for years. Social Security was meant to be a temperary aid. Since then, the Democrats have "volenteered" to do everything for them,with other peoples money,of course.
Now, the eldrely are stuck in the Democrat rut with no way out. They're held financial prisoners because they believed the "great lie."
"Vote Democrat. We'll care for you - forever."
While the cost is way too high, the cause starts with the government. The system in this country favors employer paid insurance which equates in most instances into a system in which the patient has little responsibility for cost or interest in how much various types of care cost.
The government restricts the availability of medical care through licensure and restraints of trade. It increases the cost of meds by a prolonged and expensive process. It mandates various coverage by insurance for select groups that increases the cost for all.
Is government the only reason for expensive medical care? Of course not, but it is cause #1.
I think prenatal care ought to be totally free
No problem if you and others of like mind wish to pay for it. To coerce others who do not share your view is not conservative, IMO.
Regardless of your value choices here, the major vice is that you think you have the right to choose how to spend my money - supporting YOUR values.
Got news for ya, Bub - you don't.
Personally I think we should spay and neuter those who produce children they can't or won't care for. The number of single mothers and non-supportive fathers would drop dramatically, as would welfare costs and crime.