We have heard a lot about the costs of medical treatments, drugs and greedy insurance companies in the United States compared with Europe.

But how much have you heard about the health care surtax that is hidden in the Democratic and Obama health-care bills?

When I talk to people about this so-called "free" health care the Europeans experience, almost all are unaware that both the employer and employee pay a tax for this service.

And in Europe, do they pay for it. The medical tax in France is 11.2 percent of one's salary with no top limit, and that covers only 80 percent of any visit, prescription, etc. The individual has to carry a separate supplemental insurance policy (paid for by the individual) for the remaing 20 percent of costs.

In Germany it is 8 percent plus another 1.75 percent for old-age assistance. And it goes on with all the EU countries.

So we may get this health care surtax.

But it is "free." If you think our health care is expensive now, just wait until it is "free."

Robert K. Wallace

Pinehurst