Quote:While that makes sense to most of us, there are newly insured folks who still won't be seen for preventative care because that's money (co-pays, lab tests, unpaid time from work to go to appointments, etc.) out of their pocket and possible job loss if their employer frowns on taking time off for such things. So they still end up in the ER and while their insurance will help knock down some of the cost, it's still expensive. And not too many employers can or will say much if you've been in the ER so there's less of a chance of getting fired or getting negative marks in your personnel file. 

 

So in a way, that shiny new insurance doesn't really do much for folks who aren't used to having it. They'll stay with their mindset because that's what they're used to.