Originally Posted by host

There does need to be reform in the health insurance coverage and in medical provision payment schemes, but, until there is, we must rely on the comfort and support of our families, if we are fortunate enough to have that option.
We grow up, we try to be independent, but in the end, almost all of us will find ourselves, if we live long enough, under the financial or emotional care of our children, who will, as we decline, even make key decisions for us. We are always our parents children and they are always our parents.

Should we all not have to turn inward for help from our families, if they possess the resources to help, before we turn to the government or to charitable alternatives, first, especially if we are motivated primarily by pride?
(This is a general question, Pan, I do not pretend to know your circumstances well enought to direct the question to you.....)

Don't we owe, a "family first" approach, to all of those in similar circumstances who have no family, or family with the means to potentially help? Should our bankrupt government or inadequate funds for indigent patients, or a system that pays the medical bills of the uninsured, but puts further upward pressure on the costs of those who are lucky enough to have
health insurance, be asked, or worse....compelled to pay the medical bills of those who don't exhaust the option of seeking help from family first?

Isn't part of the problem of the cost to society of caring for the elderly, the fact that, unlike in past generations, family balks at it's former, universally accepted obligation to provide such care?

This may not be the best time to discuss this with you, Pan....but....you brought it up....I have no hostile or even opposing history with your POV on other issues, I am as liberal/left tilting on societal issues as anyone has been here, and I've seen sudden medical crisis up close, so I can empathize. You have just had a tough break, you don't deserve it, but you are in better circumstance, from what you've previously posted, than the majority of folks in your shoes.