How does a government facilitate comprehensive care for its constituents without sacrificing equity?

The one main subject that was in almost all the discussions in class was Health Care. Now as an American that is not considered "wealthy", I have to agree that universal health care sounds like a good idea. Unfortunately its not. I believe that because our population is so great, the amount that the government would spend on universal health care would bankrupt the country and lower quality of care.
Although health care may not be a good idea, most of the programs that the government have to help the population are very good. Welfare, when used properly, is a good system. Again unfortunately there are people out there that take advantage of the systems designed to help the needy. If the government would just put more restrictions on who qualifies and for how long, the government would be using the money that freeloaders take up on people that actually need help and want to get out the situation they are in.
With the economy the way it is, I can understand how people think its OK to "cheat" the government out of money. Some believe that they are owed it. But here is the truth for all you freeloaders out there, you are making things worse for everyone including yourselves. Use only what you have too so all of America can pay its bills and get out of this little funk we are having.