Texas: "a fiscally vibrant state that chooses to spend less than others on basic health care"

That quote comes from a Houston Chronicle story about "an ailing picture of health care in Texas." Excerpt:

The recent spate of national studies, sponsored by nonpartisan foundations and academic groups, portray Texas as a state where, paradoxically, most people lead healthy lives and some of the most advanced medical treatment in the nation is available - but where a large and growing number of residents are without basic medical services, preventive care or health insurance.

Hmmm. Before dinner last night I was talking with South African surgeon and blogger Neil Taverner about the two distinctly different health care systems for rich and poor in South Africa.

Any similarities?