Tom - stats and data are worthless, unless you dig deep. Health insurance policy data includes catastrophic-only coverage, Medicare and Medicaid (for the poor). In these cases, the co-pay can be unaffordable, it's hard, sometimes impossible to find doctors who accept this coverage. Because of the low payment schedules, many physicians keep tests, procedures, drugs, etc. at the minimum.

While bad teeth, gum and bone disease are a leading source of poor health (causing disease and infection, even death), dental, vision, hearing and psychological care are not covered by these so-called "health" insurance plans.

I could go on and on and on with examples, but I think you get the picture.

Given this reality, if you have ten dollars and no food in the house, and your co-pay for a doctor visit is $10.00 - you DO have to choose between food or a doctor.

If you've always had health insurance through your job you might think it meant the same thing for everyone. It does not.