Just for further explaination about our system.
If you make above what they consider poverty level, which is about $30,000.00 per year for a family, total medical coverage for your family is $96.00 per month. If your income is less than that medical coverage is free. I don't pay anything for my medical coverage.
We have to pay for prescriptions, but again, if your income is low you don't pay anything. And, everyone has a limit and after that medication is covered. A lot of people purchase extended medical coverage that pays for all medication, dental, etc. This additional coverage also pays for things like power wheelchairs, etc.
I did not have extended medical so the ALS Society provided these items. We also have other sources for equipment, I got my ventilators, suction machines and supplies from them at no cost.
No system is perfect but we don't have to worry about going bankrupt with medical bills.