dpb wrote:

I don't understand the 30% example--typically insurance carriers are
covering 80% or "standard and normal" for any particular procedure.

My wife has had two serious hospitalizations. The billed rate was $110,000 for
the first and $60,000 for the second. The hospital accepted $60,000 for the
first and $28,000 for the second from the insurance company as payment in full.
The first cost us $800 out of pocket and the second $100.

The insurance company paid rates negotiated with the hospitals. And this is
part of the problem. Uninsured people, the ones who can least afford it, pay
the highest rates. I'm no socialist, but that just ain't fair.

Incidentally, that is another good reason to maintain even a high-deductible
health insurance policy. You will get the negotiated rate even if you pay most
of it yourself.

-- Doug