As bad as insurance is, Blue Cross has plans that cover hospital stays for only $55 a month. You would have to pay most everything out of pocket, but for the BIG EMERGENCY you'd be covered. I also know of a Smart Care Plan (advertised on KRLA) that will allow you to pay cash, but at the same discount rate insurances get on their bills.
You might want to check it out at www.smartcareplan.com ! You can even get this plan for only $29 a month, with or without Hospital Coverage. Still, together that's less than $100!
That's better than the high rates people pay for complete coverage, plus you are protected for the big stuff.
Money, money...makes the world go round.