Vic, this is one really deep discussion.

As always in discussions such as this it makes me so sad and angry that the USA can not completely take care of their own 100%. It is always about money.

As far as a national question. IF you (the patient) are in the category to financially need government assistance for you and for your family to live, then I feel that people should take advantage of the system.

If the family is able to afford the private insurance, then that should be the focus. Even if that means some adjustments must be made in the family budget as long as the needed items are not sacrificed.

I just had my bathroom toilet area reconstructed due to the fact that I "may" need a wheelchair again one day and that I want to be able to deal with the toilet in my own home without much to do. I am aware that there are insurance deals that might have paid for all or part of this if I were already in the wheelchair, BUT I don't want to wait months and months at that time and fight for something that I can afford to take care of now. I know this is not the question you are debating, but it is a statement about our responsibility as people, patients, and patrons of our country. You do what you can when you can.

Responsibility. I think that is the key word to your discussion. How responsible are you to take care of yourself.

My brain keeps spinning here. I'm going to sign off, before I totally change the discussion!!!

Peace!