I am sure there is folly in my thinking but I have thought for a long time that some sort of catastrophic insurance could be provided to those below certain income levels...to CITIZENS, not illegals.
And this would be for private insurance - not the takeover farce that is Obamacare. However, not sure what is cheaper - letting them go to the emergency rooms like they are now or giving them a bare bones private insurance plan.
Your folly is ignoring charity. There is an important difference between charity and entitlement: The truly needy will get help before the creeps get anything. Charity demands a change in behavior if the recipient is able. Entitlement demands nothing, and becomes and indentured constituency.