Sorry to hear you've had such a bad experience with government programs. My experience has been quite different. My Father and Mother were very happy with Medicare and Social Security. My Father received very good care as a WWII veteran at VA hospitals, was a proud member of the CCC in his youth, when our economy had collapsed previously, and was confident enough to put his money in banks, once he made enough to save, because of the FDIC insurance.
I like having my Social Security check deposited into my account monthly, and receive my mail punctually every day but Sunday. Try sending a letter by UPS or Fed Ex to the other side of the country, having it arrive within five days, for 47 cents.
The few times during my working life that I was between jobs, I was glad for Unemployment Insurance, and even once for Food Stamps.
You're right about Katrina. The government failed the people miserably. By design. Some Republicans, of the neo-con bent, want to portray government as inept. The best way for them to do that, is be inept when they are in power. Katrina is a perfect example. That and the tax cuts for the wealthy. Part of their "starve the beast" plan.
You're wrong about government intervention in the market causing the health care crisis. Insurance company and drug company greed is at the heart of the problem. That combined with the notion we hold in this country that every thing is about making money, even when it comes down to people's health and lives. That is what must be changed. Health care is a right, and should not be viewed as a comodity to be sold only to those with enough money to buy it.