Yes, that is correct you don't have to be a foreigoner to be in that position. I read "A Modest Proposal". We are caught between a rock and a hard place as far as care for illegals. I twice while traveling outside of my home state needed medical attention (both times with bladder infection) I did not want to go to emergency room so I searced for someplace that would take me as a walk in. Both times I ended up in a doctors office set up to treat what I assumed were mostly illegals. The waiting room was filled with at least 25 or 30 people. I saw them paying after their consultation. One lady before me was counting out $1.00 bills. I think as I recall she paid $18.00. One of these doctors was a freind of a neighbor who I later met at a dinner party at her house.You don't have to be a foreigner to wind up in that position. There are several local families that have a similar story, ending with a mom and a whole bunch of kids living off of a WIC card, general assistance, and the local food bank.
None of these folks are likely to have bought health insurance, and are probably not paying cash in advance at the clinic or hospital.
In another post "A Modest Proposal" I suggested that we implement a strict Pay As You Go policy to eliminate free use of healthcare facilities. That would address the problem that people have with others getting 'free' health care on their dime, and reduce the surplus population.
He told me that he made enough money to live in a comfortable house, though very modest, and was here in the US with the purpose of helping his people with medical attention they could afford. He told me he collected whatever they could afford to pay. if they required something too expensive for them to pay for all at once, they made monthly payments to him. He was a real inspiration.
How many other doctors would be willing to come to the US and set up similar practices. If the government allows them to stay here we have only four options it seems. 1.) Allow the current system to continue. 2) Create a Pay As you Go (not going to with current medical costs) 3. Deny health care (very difficult ) 4. Bring in doctor's from their country willing to set up clinics to care for them on a very reduced rate as the doctor I mentioned. Of course this only addresses Primary Care, not surgery, chemo, and hospitalization and other expensive treatment.
Perhaps our government could agree to pick up part of the tab of medical school for new doctors if they signed an agreement to set up a practice for a given period of time, say at least ten years, running these clinics. They do this in the military.