Agree that a totally free market is not a good answer for a society structured as the US is structured. Essential healthcare, long term care, hospitalization, etc. should be a community service in any society that truly believes 'we're all in this together.'

Also, self-insuring is an option only for those with the financial wherewithal to self-insure. Try it with a middle-class family with a mortgage and three kids. Or an unemployed single mother.

Of course, a country might pick the path Canada seems to be choosing today. Which logically may end up as encouraging assisted suicide to those who are struggling economically. (See https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-is-canada-euthanising-the-poor-)