[charlene]

Sorry to hear about your son. It's truly unfortunate that those citizens who need health care have to make a decision that could cost them their life at worst or their homes at best because they can't afford medical services. It's not right.
I can see my doctor at any time for any reason and not see a bill.
I (and my family) have frequented ER many times for many reasons seeing all kinds of doctors/specialists, had tests, MRI's. CT scans, hospital stays, births, casts, x-rays, etc. over the years and have never seen a bill other than for my choice of a fibreglass crutch instead of a plaster one. Some hospitals do charge minimal amounts for some things but at no time are we ever turned away because we don't have the right HMO (we don't have that here) or forego tests/medications//doctor or hospital visits because we can't afford it. I don't know how our healthcare system will play out over the next decade or so but it's part of the Canadian fabric of life that we essentially help each other, we help those who are most at risk, the physically and mentally ill of our population as well as those who are monetarily disadvantaged.
It's not a perfect system like I say but it sure beats worrying about huge health care bills for regular health care, a life threatening illness or an ER visit.
That would give me ulcers!
lol