"Brian Whatcott" wrote
It's true; that's what many of us think. In fact, we have an expensive
public health care system provided by County Hospitals, who provide
indigent care. The expended costs are staggering.

Only for the indigent. A friend's kid wrecked his bike and was taken to one
of these hospitals. They may or may not have saved his life (he might well
have lived without them) but he lost the sight in one eye for lack of proper
care. They billed him over $40,000 for this service. He paid only a
fraction of it because he is indigent and somebody had stolen his wallet
while there but had I done the same I'd have to pay or loose my houses,
boats, and other property. BTW he was wearing a helmet.

The costs are staggering only because all medical care in the US is a rip
off.