I just have to chime in on this topic – please see my new CR topic “The Diabetic Man’s Plight” for my thoughts.
By the way, the basic kupot cholim are NOT free. If you are working on a “tlush” (getting a regular salary from a company), then you pay for it off the top of your paycheck. Otherwise, you must pay directly. I don’t know how it works if you are in kollel – maybe they get it free? Also, not sure if you earn below a certain amount, maybe it’s free then too.