Health care technology has improved, but quality and availability of care has decreased for those with lower incomes. I spent my early years in Chalmette, a small poor area outside of New Orleans. We had window units for air conditioning, one car, and a black & white tv. This was in the 70's and 80's. We were, however, able to go to the doctor when necessary. We were not required to pay the entirety of the bill up front before we even saw the doctor. Also medication costs were not as absurd as they are now.
Today a one month supply of a medication with no generic can cost between $100 and upwards of $500 for "everyday" medical concerns. A one month supply of diabetes testing equipment (not including meds) for a person without insurance runs on average $120 if testing twice daily. Self-pay costs for doctor's visits can run from $75 to $300 (higher end for specialists).
Emergency rooms are only required to stabilize people who come in without insurance. Stabilizing is NOT the same thing as treatment.