I could never understand why there's such a huge financial difference in the way emergencies that threaten human lives are dealt with in the US. You never expect a huge bill from the fire department or the police department should you require their urgent help. How is ER different?
This is absolutely true. Firefighting used to be handled by the private sector through insurance companies. This was "socialized" mainly because of the free rider problem - firefighters would put out a fire even if the house was Not insured. Now all houses in a town pay for firefighting through local taxes.
