[HarryHirsch]

People are frankly -- and justifiably -- scared of going to the emergency room

This is an important point. Americans are being trained to avoid the physician, even if they might be better off with medical care. You wonder how many life-years are lost because someone with a potentially serious condition declines treatment. As the population ages, the problem will only get worse.

[pasbesoin]

I don't know why this has been downvoted. It is exactly the case. Maybe not for you and your neighbors, if you live in a well-to-do area (although, you might be surprised at what is happening behind some of the facades).

But, try "crossing the tracks."

[HarryHirsch]

No need to look across the railroad tracks. In this thread right here there are people who declined transportation to the hospital because of price concerns!