The issue with the debate over "free at the point of use" is that it is often framed as two extremes: It's either free or we'll have the same as the US where pe

The issue with the debate over "free at the point of use" is that it is often framed as two extremes: It's either free or we'll have the same as the US where people are pushed out of healthcare on price (ignoring the counter-examples of most other developed countries). But in reality there is a vast continuum between "free" and prohibitively expensive. There is also of course the option that some categories get "free" care in any case (like prescriptions now, which in England are £9.90 in general but 0 for children and people on specific benefits). "Free at the point of use" is totemic of the NHS and any suggestions of change are rejected as a matter of quasi-religion (which can be seen in a few comments here to some extent)