This is personal experience and speculation, but here goes any way: I've known a few people (in the USA) who were tied to their jobs because of health issues,

This is personal experience and speculation, but here goes any way: I've known a few people (in the USA) who were tied to their jobs because of health issues, so they were very reluctant to switch jobs or do anything else. I can see how having medical care done through the state, instead of your employer, would make it easier for people to take some risks and to (maybe eventually) end up in a better place. Also, people who's health takes them out of the job market generally have a hell of a time getting effective care and getting back in to the work force. I'd bet that a good public plan would get a lot of people back to work sooner and in better shape than the current US system.