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[Professor H]

Not if they can't collect...   my 'experience' over the years are the very people most likely to take advantage of 'the system' are the ones that had no intention of paying in the first place.

If you go to the doctor or a clinic you have to pay up front in most cases.  If you go to the ER they'll take care of you without any 'upfront' costs and you can pay later (if you want to)...

and if you arrive by ambulance I'm sure they'll probably put you ahead of many of those people that drove themselves there or had a friend of relative take them

Most of those have that magical "medicaid" card... 
Free medical care and rides to the hospital.

Granted it doesn't pay much - but it's enough to cover basics

There aren't that many that don't have it - and most hospitals will "assist" those who need it in filling out the paperwork for their "next" visit.

That is the major reason most of the "poor" switched to using the ER for their doctors offices...    Lawsuits have prevented ER's from denying services that other medical care providers have done.

[Monroe Native]

How do I get one of those cards?

Can I get one from my employer?