The other option is becoming Amish?

The fact that they "negotiate the rates down" is absolutely crazy for one of two reasons (probably both). They are getting cheaper rates and others are then forced to pay the difference and/or they are paying cheaper rates because the insurance industry is such a burden to the system that they are largely responsible for jacking rates.

The Amish example is a Ron Paul blow-off "the church will pay for it" answer though. That system actually DOES NOT work. Charity CAN'T cover it all.