>>>Are you using main stream media for real examples????
>>>
>>>Here is one for you. My mom is 85. I have to take her sometimes to the ER. Average waiting time 4-5 hours.
>>
>>Here's 2 for you.
>>
>>My grandfather passed a couple years back at age 91. After age 85 or so, there were many trips to many doctors, a couple hospital stays and a couple ambulance rides. Very little waiting.
>>
>>My great aunt (his sister, good genes ;) ) is currently 91, makes a few trips to the doctor each year and has had a couple ambulance rides and hospital stays over the last couple years. Very little waiting.
>>
>>>Why would anyone care how things are going somewhere else while having such "non-ERs" in his own house?
>>
>>I don't understand your meaning.
>
>A friend of mine's son died a couple of weeks ago from complications of diabetes. He was in his mid 40's.
>
>He had been laid off from his job several months ago.
>
>He was unable to afford his cobra (sp?) insurance and feed his family and keep a roof over their heads. An expense had to go.
>
>He was turned down by several programs that are supposed to provide low or no cost prescriptions to low income people. Also turned down by a drug company that offers same benifits to those who qualify. Apparently having a roof over his head and being able to feed his family meant he had too much money to qualify.
>
>Nobody realized how bad his condition had become until he was in a coma.
>
>He doesn't have to wait anymore.
>
>His family now gets the bill for a couple of days in intensive care, the ambulance, and the funeral.
>
>Nice.

This is tragic and I can sympathize as I have mentioned before, my family was forced to sell a ranch due to the financial burden of caring for an elderly relative with significant health complications.

That said, your "Nice" seems to imply that the services provided should not be paid. Why not?