Douglas Johnson wrote:
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.


Fair? What's UN-fair about a willing buyer and a willing seller?

If you bought a $110,000 product or service from me every couple of days,
I'd probably be willing to cut you a 45% discount, too.