DOES MONEY HAVE THE POWER TO DICTATE THE QUALITY OF HEALTHCARE? 

“It determines the type of doctors and quality of care received. I felt like unnecessary services were suggested (especially dentists).”

“When I had medicare/medicaid, my family and I would wait hours to see a doctor or dentist in crowded dirty facilities.”

“They [doctors] do not respect the lower income patients”

“I used to work at St. John's Episcopal Hospital and there is a definite difference in how medical facilities treat people.I have never been a patient at this hospital. It is one of the reasons why I avoid getting treatment in the emergency room because some doctors will actually punish patients they don't perceive as having real emergencies by making them wait longer than necessary, if possible I will go to my primary care physician or an urgent care clinic for an after hours problem because they are paid by how many people they see per hour unlike an emergency room.”

“I feel that everyone should have access to insurance when it comes to health.”

“When I didn't have insurance, I couldn't be treated and I felt bad because the doctors didn't want to treat me” 

“I've noticed those with insurance get better treatment than those without.”

“Yes, this is the primary determinant of the cost of medicines I need and the availability of physicians that specialize in the type of asthma that I have.”

“Having adequate insurance is definitely a concern. There is a newer medication that would treat nearly all of my symptoms but since it's so expensive, my employer-based insurance won't cover it. I had to find a special program that has the manufacturer offer the drug at a reduced cost. Also having difficulty taking time off from work is definitely income-related.”

“I cannot afford all the tests recommended.”

“Not all doctors accept my insurance.”