Ahh, so because some people abuse it, that means we should let others suffer by slapping them with $1k debt.

Do you think people in other countries don't also abuse it? I don't see those countries trying to charge over $1k for an ambulance.

Why do you people lack so much empathy?

This person gets it! Thank you!

>If it wasn’t for the corruption and our money going into Ukraine we would have more money for this

You're not totally wrong in that statement. Other countries rely on our firepower and with that comes most of our country's budget going to things like aid and weapons for other countries that are currently in war time, but Americans VOTED for this. Also I love how you're using Ukraine as an example but didn't bring up other countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran where we also spent tons of money. So let's not pretend that if we weren't sending money to Ukraine that ALL OF A SUDDEN we would have money for things like healthcare and infrastructure.

Just so we're clear, I agree that we spend too much on war mongering and not enough on things I mentioned above. But just remember which politicians were voted in and what their priorities are, and I'll tell you this, it wasn't the progressives who actually fought for things like healthcare reform. It's not progressives who want to abolish unions and keep slave wages in this country. It's not progressives that want to deregulate industries and it's not progressives that are trying to bring back child labor.

>Wherever they are “free” (going forward, use “taxpayer funded” if you prize honesty and accuracy) such services are abused. > >Sorry the ambulance crew couldn’t deal with your heart attack because they were busy tending to a drunk. > >Criminalizing emergency services abuse would go a long way toward shutting down “frequent flyers” who call emergency services with minor complaints.

So your solution is...do nothing...because some people MIGHT abuse the system? So we should keep using the same system where people would rather take the risk on a cab ride than be saddled with potentially crippling debt for a medical emergency?

People abuse the welfare system too, but that still exists. And imo, if the welfare system prevents just ONE person/family from starving or being on the street, I am more than happy with my taxes going to that, even if there is abuse.

>>they were busy tending to a drunk > >Ah yes, someone overindulged, so therefore they shouldn't receive free emergency treatment because they're a shit stain on society. Let's continue the course of obliterating people into debt asking for emergency (or any kind of) healthcare.

This is the part that kills me. Because A SMALL MINORITY of people may abuse the system, that means we need to keep the current system of people potentially using taxis to get to the hospital to avoid being financially crushed by a $1k bill from an ambulance ride.

They should be fucking free. It is in almost every other CIVILIZED country

You need a new boot to lick since your current one is spotless!

Also because their insurance demands it to avoid slip and fall claims.