As I explained elsewhere in the thread, adult members (plural) earning ~$20k means (depending on number of children) you probably aren't poor, or at least not very poor. 12.9% of households earn under $15k, 24.7% earn under $25k, and 35.6% earn under $35k:
The use of subsidized education and dental services helps to prove my point, which is that the poor in America don't have much to give up, and need the assistance (government and otherwise) that they're getting.
Also, emergency room access does not equal medical care. It does mean emergency care, but it does not mean preventative or chronic care. For example, it means you won't have a doctor helping you avoid diabetes and you won't get your diabetes treated. However, they will amputate your gangrenous toes once the disease develops that far.
I'm really glad that your family has done well. Every family should do at least that well. Many don't.
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/income_expenditu...
The use of subsidized education and dental services helps to prove my point, which is that the poor in America don't have much to give up, and need the assistance (government and otherwise) that they're getting.
Also, emergency room access does not equal medical care. It does mean emergency care, but it does not mean preventative or chronic care. For example, it means you won't have a doctor helping you avoid diabetes and you won't get your diabetes treated. However, they will amputate your gangrenous toes once the disease develops that far.
I'm really glad that your family has done well. Every family should do at least that well. Many don't.