We've lived in Alaska for 28 years, I was self employed and had no insurance for half that time. Since we were getting older, we decided that getting health insurance was a must. As we neared retirement, we both developed medical problems, the cost increased to tens of thousands of dollars each year. 
When we retired we moved to Canada since we hold duel citizenship, we were able to get the Canadian universal health insurance. Since we are seniors it also includes prescriptions at $2 per script. Access to Doctors and hospitals is very good never had to wait for treatment. 
We miss Alaska and all are friends but were forced to leave because of the cost of health care.