Here’s an idea: pass a law that says you have to have a full-time job to buy a set of $2000 rims for your car, and you have to have health insurance to get a cell phone.
Health care “crisis” solved.
Why stop there —> must have health insurance to buy a home, car, auto insurance, designer duds, jewelry, iPod, computer, etc.
The country created this mess when they passed legislation that mandated anyone coming into the emergency room had to be treated regardless of insurance status, or ability to pay. Imagine if you were to pass similar legislation about supermarkets or restaurants. After all, isn't food and water just as necessary to life as health care? How long until every supermarket and restaurant was under water and America then had a "food shortage crisis".
As you point out, people prioritize their discretionary spending - that's why it's called discretionary. If a young urban man knew he couldn't go to the ER and get free health care, he may not be so eager to buy those $2K rims for his "whip". The same could be true of cigarettes, booze, cable television, movies and shows, CD/DVD, trips to the local casino, etc., etc., etc.