just caught this - I don't always check this forum
My s-i-l works in an ER in the Chicago area. "Business" has definitely increased.
However, well over 50% of the cases are not true emergencies. "Room's always filled with sore throats, runny noses, and low-grade temps."
SIL says, "There are way too many people with no insurance taking advantage of the system instead of doing things like drinking more water and using their welfare allotments on good food instead of candy and potato chips."