I 100% believe you, and it's no wonder you don't hear those kinds of stories more often. Don't need us common serfs getting any crazy notions.
The healthcare system here is fucked. $200+ was for a regular doctor visit, and I just had to see a specialist so I can't even imagine what that'll end up costing. The whole thing makes me boil thinking of these schmucks raking in billions off sick people, squeezing them for exuberant amounts of money for basic health services.
Would add "All The Rain Promises and More" by David Arora also
I'm in the US, so it varies by state, but in Colorado where I live we have
-Alcohol (federally legal, widely accepted) tons of breweries, bars, there's even booze at the coffee shops.
-Tobacco is legal if you're over 21 locally (18 federally I believe), you can't smoke inside, and a lot of people really look down on it still.
-Cannabis, all forms, are legal and sold in stores within the state. Although it's still federally illegal, more and more states are legalizing, so it's only a matter of time. You can buy up to an ounce a day, or I think 7 grams of concentrates, or edibles like gummies, chocolates, candies, etc
-Psychedelics - Most recently Colorado decriminalized magic mushrooms, DMT, ibogain, and mescaline for personal use. You can grow within certain perimeters, possess as much as you want currently, but can not sell. Soon there will be mushroom therapy centers, and there are currently centers for IV ketamine therapy (you can also do mail order).
-Caffeine is legal, everywhere, and highly encouraged due to the American work culture.
I think those are the most notable currently, although things continue to change quickly in Colorado. Cheers!