Why do policies like free healthcare or affordable housing get labeled as “communism”?

This might be a basic question, but I’m genuinely trying to understand the framing here. Whenever proposals like free or expanded healthcare, rent affordability, or better public transport come up, I often see them immediately labeled as communism or Marxism — especially by Republicans or figures like Elon Musk.

Why is that? Is it about fear of government overreach, historical baggage with socialism/communism, economic concerns, or just political messaging? Where do people draw the line between social welfare policies and actual communism?

Not pushing a position — just curious how others see this and why the label comes up so fast in these discussions.