re: THE problem with our health care system

Very true and I can vouch for both. I work a part time job at the ER while paying my way through nursing school without loans. As for the health care issue I'd guess 50-70% of the patients that come in do not need to come to an ER but they use it as a normal primary care because they don't have to pay. I pay cash for my own medical care because I can't afford insurance. My Dr.'s visits cost me $85 of the top before any treatments every time I go. I pay him cash. But THEY come into the ER (If they paid the cash bill it would be between $600-1000 to see an ER Dr.), because they dont have to pay shite. Why not got to a primary care like I do?
As for school, I'm a nursing student and "shopped around" for my best deal when choosing a school. BY FAR the best value is the RN-ASN at the community college. I pay cash for it also. But tuition has gone up 40% since I started just two years ago. Luckily I will graduate in December before it gets stupid high. My point is you, I'm a broke arse nursing student living on $1100 a month, and I can still afford my education AND healthcare. I just live well below my means and know it will pay off in the long run.