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Old 05-04-2004, 02:45 AM  
rickholio
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Nor'easterland
Posts: 1,914
Quote:
Originally posted by theking
An example of ability to pay. A friend of mine who had surgery done on his back about a year ago...incurred well over forty thousand in costs. He has a monthly income of around $1,300.00 per month and does not have medical insurance and being single the $1,300.00 monthly income disqualifies him from any programs for the poor. He pays $20.00 per month towards his medical bills. The hospital occasionally asks for a larger payment but he continues to pay $20.00 per month.
He's still on the hook for the whole $40k though, right? Just that instead of paying it in a big bill all at once, he's become permanently indebted to the medical system which will, presumably, have the legal right to place leins against any of his property should he become more seriously infirm or die.

Call me wishy-washy, but I don't think it's right to be forced into bankruptcy or pressed into indentured servitude for the misfortune of falling ill.
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