Summers is correct. Too many people run to the doctor at the first sniffle because the cost of the visit is either free (at least to the patient) or a nominal co-pay. Back in the 60’s and 70’s many health insurance plans required the patient to pay the entire bill at the point of service and then seek reimbursment from the insurance compnay and as a result, many people did not seek medical treatment for the common cold or a headache.
Many people did not have the money to pay up front, which is what they spread the cost through insurance. The same principle applies to credit for a home or car.
When I was a kid Turpentine, Coal Oil, and sulfur were common remedies for what ailed us. Of course if we were really sick, we just died.