1. I think the title may be a little misleading. Only 3% declare bankruptcy, though higher numbers deplete all their savings. It's hard to find a good estimate

1. I think the title may be a little misleading. Only 3% declare bankruptcy, though higher numbers deplete all their savings. It's hard to find a good estimate of per capita "savings". A search indicates that the median savings account balance in the US is about $5,000. The median 401(K) appears to be about $36,000. Based on this, I'll assume that means the typical out-of-pocket costs of cancer treatment are somewhere around $30,000. That seems in line with what the out-of-pocket costs for 5 years of treatment might be under my current coverage. 2. The problem with any discussion of healthcare issues is that we are naturally swayed by our empathy for those who are suffering. Almost all of us would choose to pay whatever was needed to save a loved one, and would grant that ability to others if we could. It seems simple enough to say "we should spend less money on the military/international aid/tax breaks for corporations/the NEA/etc." if it means that we can provide affordable treatment to those who are suffering. Unfortunately, until the singularity arrives there is probably always going to be a cost that is too high, and hard decisions must be made. As a Canadian, I know that one of the downsides of universal healthcare is that some treatments must be rationed and bureaucrats will make decisions affecting the life of my loved ones. Now that I live in the US I can avail myself of diagnostics and treatments that may simply not be available in Canada. The cost may beggar me and the likelihood of a positive outcome may be remote, but it is my choice, and a choice that may not be available under other systems. 3. No, I have not read all of the comments. As with many HN comment pages, the marginal value of descendant comments seems to drop off quickly.