[jmspring]

That statement can be made regardless of state. I'm pretty sure the costs charged to insurance companies are because of "agreed rates". Sometimes people with shitty insurance negotiate with the provider for the "cash rate". This isn't about the uninsured, it's about the way the system of middle men is setup.

[alex43578]

A number of California’s policy decisions, like giving free Medi-Cal to all illegal immigrants and their huge homeless population taking advantage of EMTALA, clearly result in more freeloading on the system. That’s along with California’s consolidation among hospitals, high waste and admin costs, etc.

[_DeadFred_]

'You are wasting my money on expensive ER visits'

California -'You're right, if we provide preventative care, we lower the significantly more expensive ER visits, save costs, and reduce ER wait times'

'more freeloading on the system'

[alex43578]

I'm fine with these people receiving preventative care, but they should share in the cost, rather than the taxpayer having to pay for all their health care.

40% of Californians are on Medi-Cal. 30 to 40% of Californians don't pay income taxes. The overlap between those two groups is basically 1:1. Therefore, 40% of Californians are essentially freeloading on the healthcare system through a combination of receiving care they don't pay for or via insurance they don't pay for.