My health insurance is through a pool at my employer. It is part of my compensation. Although I don't actually handle the money to pay for it, I jolly well earn it. I seriously resent implications that my employer somehow, benevolently, "gives it to me." My employer compensates me for my work and I work for my compensation. Part of my compensation is pay, part is insurance, part is vacation and holidays, part is a retirement plan, and a few others. Recently, we have had to "tighten out belts" on insurance; my employer had to adjust for rising costs vs the value of the part of my work that buys the insurance. Same for retirement. The world changes.

I have a big problem with "can't afford health insurance," when the leading health issue is obeasity!! I think Ormand is right that there is always money - - the issue is what you spend it on. I have no issue with social safety nets and charity. But, I think the country is becoming addicted to the idea of entitlement.