> Going to the emergency room when you're on the brink of death doesn't count as "free healthcare," So? You're ignoring medicaid and the free clinics that are

> Going to the emergency room when you're on the brink of death doesn't count as "free healthcare," So? You're ignoring medicaid and the free clinics that are in many areas. Medicaid is especially interesting because the vast majority of the "poor uninsured" are eligible and get signed up as soon as they actually need care. Both programs are fairly well publicized, so it's interesting that you mentioned emergency care as if it's the only option. And there's a third option which is less well known. With the possible exception of much of Alaska (due to population density), every county has a public hospital that provides free healthcare.