People think a lot of stupid things, so I'm sure plenty of people actually do think they're getting this stuff for "free", but I don't think that's the case with most voters.
Socialized medicine, education, etc. is working in MANY countries. That's undeniable. Their economies are strong, crime rates are low, unemployment is low, they're making strides in education, science, medicine. People there are happy with the way things are. That's just as much, if not more, incentive for people than $$$$$. People KNOW they pay much higher taxes in socialized countries. They just happen to think it's worth it. Not unemployed people, people on welfare, drug addicts, people abusing the system...successful doctors, lawyers, teachers, business owners in the community. They're willing to pay A LOT in taxes to further education, medicine, science, to give people who work hard and still can't afford privatized medicine, a chance.
I'm not saying it's better or worse than capitalism or fiscally conservative, republican American ideas. But it's what the majority of people want. And it's not because they're stupid or misinformed, it's because they value a lot of things over holding onto all their income, tooth and nail.