quote:
It'd be about the same. The fact is that the uninsured and underinsured, no matter the reason, receive medical care because most providers will provide care because society expects it of them....anytime a story is released about someone being denied service folks get up in arms and raise hell. The only source of revenue for providers is paying customers....paying customers are going to either subsidize the uninsured or underinsured directly or indirectly....there ain't no free lunch.

If anyone doubts this please, please explain the number of debt collection agencies that are omni present in every medical community in the US. If the underinsured or uninsured were not being treated there would be fewer collection efforts.

We would all be better served financially if we simply eliminated the debt collection costs we all pay...and the way to do that is provide basic health insurance to everyone. Those of us who pay our own way are already paying for those who can't or won't...again, providers are expected to provide and the debt collection industry tells the tale....simply removing most of the collection effort costs would lower everyone's costs. Its bad enough to pay for someone else's health care, why we insist on also paying for chasing bad debt that is never going to be collected is a mystery....
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After several years of working and paying for insurance and seeing how it goes down, I agree with this. It will be paid for one way or another. I think basic universal care (largely preventative) independent of an employer would be a good thing.

To the OP, I use a high deductible plan with a HSA. I find some providers expect to be paid for the intended service up front when my deductible hasn't been met. Thinking I'm going to start asking them for an itemized breakdown of what I'm paying for upfront. I'm going to have to get whatever they state, but they should have to show me what I about to pay for.

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Posted by AwgustaDawg

CSRA

Member since Jan 2023

7543 posts

Posted on 4/24/24 at 2:57 pm to DakIsNoLB

3 times in the past year my wife or I had minor surgery...each time the hospital, of all people, told us up front what it might cost us out of pocket. Its a shocking number each time but they make certain to mention that is the cost, what the contract price is and what our policy covers is not considered...it is an estimate of what the procedure may cost out of pocket. This has lead us to contact our insurance company...which is a good thing. Everyone is aware of what they are getting into...and it gives consumers an idea of what things actually cost which may, possibly, with an outside chance, cause some price stablization if not cost cutting....its far better than having no idea and thinking that outpatient procedure cost the $150 co-pay as many probably think.....

Employers should also tell employees how much their health insurance actually costs....most people see what is deducted and think that it all it costs. That is generally not the case....most employer plans have an employee portion and an employer portion. Everyone should be fully aware of what things actually cost, who knows, it might drive down prices or at least make people think twice about lifestyle choices that cost a fortune in health care....can't hurt

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