>>No offense taken. It is simply that I work for a company in SC, whereas I'm in NC. Their coverage does not reach up here. They looked into adding me into the mix, but it was very cost prohibitive due to preexisting conditions I have. I looked into getting insurance myself and for basic stuff like office visits, Rx and major medical, it was going to be about $1,700 per month with a $5,000 annual deductible. For $2,000+ per month, it is not something I can do. But, I totally agree with you; it is on me. I am the first one to raise my hand for blame and credit, so I hold no one else responsible.
>
>It is a serious problem with the healthcare system in the U.S. though. with all the things this country covers for criminals, illegals, minorities, and any other group that whines enough, there is no excuse for Americans to be stuck w/o affordable health care.

You mean, "without the healthcare system"? There's no system, there's the industry.