Nothing is perfect. I live in Australia which has had Medicare for yonks. One of the main issues is that most governments see Medicare as a loss and so when they need to cut costs they close beds. This leads to longer waiting times. There have been some reports of people waiting 3 or more years for elective procedures (such as knee reconstructions). For emergency procedures they are fantastic. I also have private health insurance cause as a patient I am not.

That having been said - I am soooo glad we don't have your system.

Here are a couple of links to info on the Australian system for your interest.

http://www.drs.org.au/new_doctor/75/fact_sheet_7.html

And if you disregard the political chest beating:

https://www.nsw.liberal.org.au/public_news_and_events/media_releases/nsw_hospital_waiting_list_rises_to_59000.html

Good Luck.