[onewhippedpuppy]

I have a number of family members in health care, including two that are ER trauma nurses. If you need care, you get care, regardless of ability to pay. Sadly they have an abundance of stories about people who don't actually need the care, just the drugs, and they know exactly what to say in order to get what they want. The cost gets eaten by the hospital, which ultimately means their rates are adjusted such that we all foot the bill. If hospitals and doctors were truly providing "free" health care, they would eventually go out of business. It may be free to the individual who is receiving the care, but ultimately SOMEBODY pays for it.