If medical coverage is not a necessity, what is it?

[Kasz216]

richardhutnik said:

thranx said:
I have lived with out healthcare for 15 years now and i haven't had any issues. Never been turned away by a doctor, i am still in good health, I have had all my dental work done. Doesn't seem to be a neccessity for me. I know I can't live with out food, shelter, and water for that long.

My story is, before I was on Medicaid, I was getting free healthcare at a clinic.  I needed surgery on my back.  They were unable to pay for the anastesia. I was about to get Medicaid and then get the surgery paid for.  Without the surgery, I would of been laid up like a cripple for life, unable to work and in pain.  But, because of the delays in getting the surgery done, I likely have permanent nerve damage to my foot (I have numb spot there).  So, I can see you getting basics, but not sure how you would go about getting surgery, if you needed it, following what you follow.

Not sure how that'd be different in universal healthcare.  With delays being one of the big negatives of it.