Hmm let's weigh months to see a doctor vs going 15 years without seeing one. Or months or a year for a surgery, that's going to be free, vs choosing to not have the surgery (or not even know that you need the surgery because you can't go to a doctor to figure it out) and then going bankrupt if you do chose to get the surgery. There's still a clear winner there. The cost of surgery here can cost several years salary. What about all the other bills and food costs you're expected pay? It's no contest