Let’s pretend you’re having a conversation with your friend and let’s also pretend that no health insurance exists.

You and your friend come up with a plan to save some of your money for medical or health reasons. Maybe you’re not good at saving money. (Again, hypothetical)

Friend: How about each week, you give me like $50 and I will set it aside for you. Then if you get sick, we can take some of that money to pay for your bills?

You: that sounds like a great idea.

Friend: cool. But, I’ll only lend you that money after you spend a few thousand dollars of your own money this year.

You: that’s kind of weird but okay.

Friend: also, you will need to pay those bills with your own money, and I’ll split the bill with you with the money you’ve been paying me.

You: this seems like a bad deal for me. Like you’re just sort of taking my money.

Friend: oh, and next year it will reset and you’ll have to spend another couple thousand dollars before you can start dipping into the fund your paying me.

You: well at least I’ll be able to get good medicine and treatment.

Friend: whoa now! Let’s not get hasty, I’m sure we can get you a cheaper off brand alternative. And if not, then you could probably just go without it.

You: well, hopefully I won’t have to get any life-saving surgeries in the future.

Friend: don’t worry, I’ll look through your medical files and will let you know if I consider it necessary before giving you your money.

You: this doesn’t quite make sense to me. But I don’t have an alternative.

***several years later, you call your friend up on the phone***

Friend: hey buddy how are you? I’m calling you from my private yacht. We’re sailing in the tropics!

You: I am broke and sort of sick. Could use some of that money to pay fo-

Friend: sorry pal, I think I- losing you. The signal isn’t – *click*