You are indeed fortunate in your healthcare.

Unlike the over 50 million people in this country who do not have medical insurance.

Or those who do not have very good insurance. Or who live in parts of the country where there is inadequate availability. Or are poor.

Long waits for services are not uncommon here in the US. Especially if you are uninsured or underinsured.

And by objective measurements such as longevity, infant mortality, etc. we pay the most money but don't get our money's worth.

I guess it comes down to which is worse - anecdotal long waits for non-emergency services or higher infant mortality? Shorter lives but less wait time for non-emergency services?

Like you I have access to good healthcare. How lucky we are!