yep, if they could just give them some aspirin and send them away, things wouldn't be too bad. However with the threat of lawsuits every conceivable test must be performed to ensure that no problems could possibly exist. While illegals are definitely a contributor to the problem, the inability to refuse care to those who don't need it and don't have to pay a cent for it (even my democrat girlfriend who is an ER nurse supports required copay from everyone to cut down on the freeloaders)have made this a problem all over the country. Many are so audacious that they call an ambulance whenever they need a ride to the doctor's office. And the law says that they ambulance cannot refuse to come. These people believe they are entitled to these things.
Entitlement is a huge problem. You hit the nail when you say way too many people (legal and illegal) think america owes them a house, money, food, a education, a car, a abortion, a computer, their electricity,gas and water bills paid, etc etc. The worse part is it isnt gonna get better anytime soon. It will become much worse. As a matter of fact now that you mention that I think it is a bigger problem then illegal immigration. Illegals are just the straw that is gonna break the camels back.