Anon Guest- As a matter of fact, you're right. I have never been REFUSED treatment despite being uninsured and unable to afford it, or perhaps you missed reading that part of my post. It is against the law to refuse someone lifesaving medical treatment in this country in ANY Emergency Room. There is not one hospital who wouldn't blanch instantly at the threat that a simple "Malpractice" utterance implies. Last time I was in the ER, they didn't run a credit check on me prior to treatment. You may face a little financial hardship post-procedure, but what's worse?   Death or taxes?
So I'm a monster because I think competition improves our system? Hmmm... touchy, touchy.
Are you aware of how much capital is involved in the creation of one single new effective drug therapy or treatment? To quote Uncle Jacques, here, I'm going to pull on my Kevlar undies now before I continue. The pharmaceutical companies (hack hack, gasp gasp, quit hitting me... I haven't even said anything yet...) have to keep above water in order to keep producing these uber wonderdrugs. In order to do that, they have to recoup their losses from some of the real stinkers they've pursued in the labs. In order to do this, some of the drugs are VERY expensive. If it is that particular drug that will save your life and you cannot afford it, most drug company representatives can work with your physician to get the drug at a vastly reduced cost or for free. Most people just don't know to ask.
And since nothing I say can convince you that I'm not a monster I might as well really drive the point home. I can't wait for that tax cut. That way I can afford to get curriculum for homeschooling next year. Ooop- someone grab some medical attention for Guest- I think I've just sent him/her into some apoplectic fits.