Why is it that the Happiest nations of the world all have great Healthcare and other social services?

My bet would be the fact that fewer folks are dying of illness, starvation and exposure. That kind of thing really puts a damper on happiness. The problem with the USA in my opinion is that we are as a nation ego-centric and hypocritical. For instance the Tea Party says they want fewer government programs however what they really mean is they want to get rid of the government programs they aren't benefiting from.