This is a false dichotomy. Setting aside the fact that the vast majority of Americans can't come up with $500 let alone $100,000 in the event of an emergency, socialized programs and the public purse ensure that care is made available to those in need in spite of the fact it's expensive. In fact, they can often negotiate it down. Further, if you can come up with $100K you can easily go to a private clinic or truthfully, another country where your money would go much, much, much further.