This is one thing about a Single-Payer "Socialist" system that most Americans just <i>can't</i> get their heads around.<p>The big excuse in the US is that the country couldn't afford it. But many other tiny, poor countries <i>can</i> afford it in some way or other, to ensure that <i>everybody</i> has access to some form of cheap medical care that won't bankrupt you.<p>With Single-Payer, <i>everybody</i>, whether employed or homeless has access to basic medical care. Usually that basic medical care can even provide ICU services, and at no cost to the patient.