Editor’s note: Below are excerpts from a chat that appeared recently on Twitter.

“Hi, I’m in Australia and saw a specialist this morning, gave them my Medicare card and by 9 pm the rebate showed up in my bank account . . . oooh socialized medicine is terrifying.  I have no freedom please help me . . .”

“Why won’t Americans inform themselves …? US spends $10,244/capita on health care; Aus $4,543. As of 17/4/21 COVID deaths/million: US 1741. Aus: 35. US: 39th in life expectancy (Aus. 8th). US: highest rate of maternal/infant mortality in 1st world

“We have the same scary socialized system here in New Zealand as Australia. Hospital bills zero, nada, zip. Drug prescriptions free or $5 each. We do have one freedom…not to go bankrupt from medical bills.”