San, once again you fail to grasp the problem at hand. Indigent patients in emergency rooms cost hospitals tons of money, which gets passed on to you, the angry taxpayer. This is the problem that insurance, public and private, is designed to fix. By distributing risk and providing means for the less wealthy to get preventative care BEFORE they wind up in the emergency room/free clinic, it saves everyone money.

"Most local Health Departments treat most things, especially the stuff you need, like immunizations."

... At taxpayer expense

"There are tons of free clinics."

...Nothing is free. The patient may not be paying, but someone is. You.

"Hell, patients first is dirt cheap."

No it isn't. Visits can cost several hundred dollars depending on services rendered.

"the scam called health care"

...We've been through this one before. I have nothing to add but that your thoughts on health care and medicine are hilarious. Shine on you crazy diamond.