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I'm doing everything I can to avoid going to the doctor

The California Nurses Association has been running a daily profile of an American under healthcare siege called Casualty of the Day. I urge you to read about the new casualty they post every day. It is scary. It is shocking. It is the truth in America. We are all Casualties of the Day.
As the financial crisis worsens, more and more Americans will lose their jobs and their employer provided healthcare. But you'd think that as long as you manage to hang on to that paycheck and the health insurance benefits, you'll be okay if you get sick. Americans know that is just bullshit and nonsense. Americans know that even among the insured, healthcare bills are the number one cause of financial ruin and bankruptcy.
So what are Americans doing? Taking a pass on healthcare. Imagine healthcare has become a luxury, we'll just have to do without.

As Budgets Tighten, More People Decide Medical Care Can Wait
To monitor the multiple sclerosis attacking Ann Pietrangelo's central nervous system, her doctor recommends an annual MRI. Last year, the 49-year-old Winchester, Va., woman had to pay a $3,000 co-payment to get the imaging done.
This year, she's skipping the test. Even with insurance, it's more than her budget can tolerate, especially with the roller coaster on Wall Street devouring her retirement savings.

"I'm doing everything I can to avoid going to the doctor," she said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

And, as you know, we spend more than any other country and get worse results. Why? Because we have a parasitic middleman, the for-profit insurance industry, which skims 31 cents of every healthcare dollar.

How bad are things in the ~~richest~~ formerly richest country on the planet? How's this for bad?
U.S. infant mortality is increasing.MORE