is single-payer, not-for-profit catastophic healthcare from the government, and pay-as-you go for primary care doctor visits and a moderate amount of prescription drugs in a calendar year (above a certain dollar amount, based on your last three years income, the cost of prescription drugs should be classified as 'catastrophic').

I, even at my $10 an hour clerical position, can afford (and have done so without healthcare insurance for a decade) to pay to see a doctor a couple of times a year, and to buy any presciption drugs I need.  

But a single major visit to an ER or a chronic healthcare issue like COPD, hip replacement, Cardiac By-pass or an oncology issue would bankrupt me into losing my largest asset - my home.  It has been happening to your fellow citizens for a number of years now, just check out the bankruptcy diaries here on dKos as they relate to healthcare, it will open your eyes.

Besides, the preamble notwithstanding, it is in the government's best interest to promote the general Welfare, to keep the citizenry healthy enough to remain active tax-payers.