re: Study: significant increase in patients who can't afford to pay full hospital bill

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Ok. The billing system is disconnected from payment. You can say that's fricked up and I'd agree. But it's stupid to complain about a $10/ibuprofen as an end user when it likely has zero effect on you. Complain about a lack of price transparency which could allow better competition. Don't get distracted by shiny objects.

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It's ridiculous on its face that anyone would dare to charge something like that. If you're not "protected" by insurance, you're not in a position to argue with them. And don't think this is limited to ibuprofen. See for example this article:

Why US health care costs defy common sense

Me, I'm "protected" by insurance, very expensive non-Obamacare insurance I buy for myself, which is actually cheaper than Obamacare would be for me, though it doesn't cover as much. As much as it costs, it doesn't even cover standard recommended tests like screening colonoscopy or mental health services. I do get a free annual wellness checkup, but my doctor always codes it as something else, which I get billed for. To correct the problem, I end up on the phone for an hour trying to control my temper with the billing department. It's pure nonsense. And this is picayune shite compared to what other people have to deal with.