some of how you might think about universal health care is a function of the model that you have in mind for it.
usually, for some reason, people refer to the uk and canada--but i would think something more on the french model would be better to consider---basic health care provided from social security taxes for all citizens, combined with private insurance companies that cover needs above that---drug price controls, an extensive proactive basic health care emphasis as a way to reduce stupid interactions with the institutions---extensive choice with reference to physicians, types of care, etc.
basic information:
http://www.afii.fr/France/Living/Health/?l=en
more detailed:
http://www.oecd.org/LongAbstract/0,2..._1_1_1,00.html
a comparative analysis (not prescreened by me except in a cursory manner)
http://www.cmwf.org/programs/interna...survey_299.asp
a neoliberal-style critique of the french system from the oecd:
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/15/26/1885750.pdf
this is not to say the system is perfect--but as a mix of public and private that renders most most of the right's a priori objections to the idea of it, this is an interesting example.
(you just cant do anything about the folk who think that universal health care is a step on the road to stalinism---there is simply nothing to be said to them...)