Most states already have healthcare programs for the poor Linda. Medicaid is available to amost any person on welfare. That is free healthcare Linda. Homelss shelters feed the homeless and provide medical care, Various charitable groups provide free medical care.

Also, perhaps you are not aware of the fact that a hospital cannot refuse to treat anyone if they don't have insurance?

Access to healthcare may be a fundamental right, but it's not your fundamental right to expect me to pay for yours when you are able bodied and can work just like I do. I am not interested in socialized healthcare. I wouldn't use it. I am not interested in paying for thousands of others receive crappy care either. Neither am i interested in paying for thousands of others who are simply hypochondriacs and abuse any service available. Niether am i interested in funding insurance and pharmeceutical companies with tax dollars.

I give plenty of money to charity. Step up to the plate and do your own fair share and then you won't feel as though we have abandoned the poor. Because, as a society, we haven't. You obviously are not aware of the efforts being made by others.

Taxes are evil. Like bridges to no where to line the pockets of the friends of politicians who need my tax dollars as much as you need a day off.