It does seem like a bit of a contradiction to use a market-based Homo economicus model of patient qua consumer behavior to motivate the widespread use of private insurance for the same individuals who are supposed to be institutionalized because they can't care for themselves! Single-payer may not always be the best model but at least it avoids this particular absurdity — of course Medicaid wouldn't stand for this.

Of course, when you absolutely need indefinite care, the situation changes and you get our monstrous nursing home ecosystem.

While those are the types of people most likely as a group to commit crimes, that doesn't means any individual does. Many of them are harmless, and know how to survive, and even take pride in their independence.

While I'm sure it is in your favor, if those who are harmless are taken off the street in addition to those who are harmful overall it is a loss.