You're right, "weal" is a very good word for that sort of thing.
I haven't been following the arguments about American health reform, not properly, I just have this sense of incredulous amazement that a suppposedly civilised nation that claims not to be third-world thinks free health care for all is in some way difficult, rather than a basic human right. It hadn't occured to me that anyone would have even considered trying to make it profitable - as you say, that's not the point.

I suspect I'd better carry on not taking much notice of it all, while I still have some basic faith in humanity left.