I agree with you, ChrisB., but Republicans brought this problem on their own by denying medical insurance coverage that could get people healthy again. It happens on the streets, and it happens in prisons. Whereas people could be working and have employer-sponsored coverage, Republicans keep them in prison for extra long, which costs extra money (I thought Republicans didn't like government spending) and keeps tax revenues lower (unable to work while in prison, so no taxes where there's no income), where the inmates are eventually released unable to work, due to medical neglect. Then Republicans keep those with criminal records from working, by allowing employers to discriminate against them. This happens to the tune of an estimated $65 billion annually in lost GDP. And, as pointed out, this loss of tax revenue is compounded by the added expense of welfare, more crime, and higher criminal justice costs.