"This "care" is demonstrated by the fact that I am not a economic burden to anyone and that I have assumed responsibility for myself and my family. I pay for my own healthcare. I could go on here, but it's not my style."
_____________________________Oh, really?
What happens if you do become a burden? No matter how much planning and insurance you buy it CAN happen. 6 years ago all 4 of us in this family were employed, insured, and healthy. Good insurance, as insurance goes, mind you. We were so set for retirement that it was my plan to retire at 51 and my husband at 54.
But--I lost my hearing to a rare disease. 3 surgeries and an implant later I am able to work. To the tune of $50,000 beyond my insurance and hearing devices that cost $10,000 that I must buy every 5 years that are not covered by insurance.
Then a few months later, my husband came down with Parkinson's. About $1000 out of pocket per month for uncovered needs. In March he had brain surgery followed by another surgery. Again, astronomical bills not to mention 10 hour round trip trips weekly to Seattle to a doctor who charges $800 per hour due to his expertise and so few docs in the nation who can do this.
Then, my son developed a neurological disorder requiring medication and treatment for life. An expensive disease and half the medications are not covered, nor are 50% of the doctor bills due to the location of the doctor and travel required.
NONE of these diseases were the result of irresponsibility, lifestyle, or choices.
Yet, we may become a burden to society despite a huge amount of planning. Additionally 3 of us have masters degrees and had great earning potential in addition to owning 2 businesses. Guess what, a whole lot of that is now not very useful to keeping us from being "burdens" as you put it.
Had my son gotten his disease at an earlier age, it would have been likely that he would have never gone to college and been self-supporting. I guess he should have been more responsible.
3/4 of our family has disabilities we got in that last few years. It can happen to you.