As I see it, the money to pay for hospitals etc. must come from the people. In Norway, that happens through taxes. People pay taxes to the government, the government gives the money to the hospitals (which are owned by the government). The way I understand it, in America those who can afford it give money to an insurance company, which then probably keeps some fraction of it for themselves, and hand the rest on to hospitals as their clients receive treatment.

I am simply unable to understand why it is seen as a good idea to involve private insurance companies, who are presumably looking to make a profit, into one of the most essential functions in a country.

I'm not deliberately trying to be difficult here, I just don't understand it, and I'd be happy if anyone could explain.