What does pride have to do with it? Lady from hospital financial aid office asked me a few questions, told me they could get this written off, and they eliminated the debt. And if it was paid by some Federal agency I guarantee they paid a lot less than the $107k bill I was presented. And you're outraged, think I should kill myself rather than take help. Meanwhile a welfare recipient in the same boat would meet with your approval. Don't worry, I'll move overseas so as to not waste precious resources here. But when Medicare kicks in I'll be back to take full advantage if I need something major done. I paid into it, it's my insurance, don't you agree?