[gchappel]

I wish it was a simple as you described. Your idea somehow assumes that if you do not pay for it, you do not get healthcare. It does not, and can not work that way.
Let us say you are in a bad car accident- you are implying that if you have not paid for insurance they are going to let you lay on the road until someone you know comes and picks you up? You did not pay for insurance, so the ER does not have to treat you- what are you saying they should do? Someone who is 65, and never purchased health insurance- and presently has no money- shows up in the ER with chest pain. Your grand idea has us refusing treatment and sending them on their way- not going to happen. On the other side of the coin, let us say you paid for insurance and are in a bad accident- but you do not have your id and insurance card with you- do you get care??
Rationing care sounds like the answer- until it involves you or your family. When someone decides that it is too expensive to care for your wife or child, suddenly rationing has a different feel to it as well.
This is a complex process, that can not be approached or solved easily.
Gary