Treating those people cost money, in the long run probably more than rerouting the stream
I know you aren't suggesting it that way but your post made me ponder about it. If you socialize healthcare, you are automatically getting someone that says "oh no you don't, not on my dime, I'm gonna have to take care of you if something happens to you, no, no, no", which is practically a parent. It is probably a conversation that should be had. You rarely see it explored from that angle.