IMO, most, if not the vast majority of taxpayers can understand that factual pattern if only because they see it might someday pertain to them or someone in their family.
If so, then similar to the goverment requiring auto makers to install seat belts/child seats, etc., it may be an appropriate role for the government to require the marketplace to establish procedures that effectively address the circumstance (one can quickly think of several solutions).
What may be our downfall is the case where the government eliminates the marketplace and completely commandeers healthcare with a single payer system.
To use a phrase often misapplied by Obama, "that is not who we are".
Make it illegal to refuse coverage to people with preexisting conditions, and drop the insane requirements for well-care coverage and the system will work for everyone, without government subsidies or further interference.