[SeeSharp]

The sad truth is despite stating you dont want a hand out, by not paying the bill or accepting insurance, you have stuck the tax payer with the costs of your care.

He didn't say he wasn't willing to pay. He said he thought $8000 for what he got is a rip off. He's right.

[gas_dr]

Its because you do not understand the law. There can only be a single charge, which is subject to complete care of everyone — so this is the market at work under onerous regulations. Get educated before commenting. Had this person actually spent a little money on insurance, there would not be this problem. But I bet his sport of choice has expensive boards and things in order to play — but he wants to pass his costs on to everyone else.