| Re: Health care costs rise at Double the rate of inflation [message #72763 is a reply to message #72759] |
Mon, 21 May 2012 19:19   |
Thermionic
Messages: 208
Registered: May 2009
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Our local hospital is known far and wide for being one of the worst and most expensive hospitals in existence. Besides the endless horror stories you'll hear from just about everyone who lives here (I know I have several of my own!), this hospital charges FAR more for procedures, services, and room fees than any in the area.
You mentioned the $25 syringe when your wife had the baby. A friend's wife was charged $13 for a single Tylenol, and that was 10 years ago. Nobody in my circle of friends gives birth or has surgeries at this hospital; they all use the hospital in the next county, about 25 miles away. Natural childbirth costs several thousand bucks less and caesareans MANY thousands less, besides an infinitely more competent level of care.
As if the insane prices weren't enough, some have resorted to actual scams. Just a few weeks ago the insurance agent my workplace has our personal health/dental policies through came and held a meeting about this year's regular changes to our insurance. He informed us to be watchful for a new scam that some doctors and hospitals are using to rip people off. If a healthcare provider or facility is in the insurance company's provider network, then they've previously agreed to accept what the insurance company pays as payment in full. However, they're counting on you not knowing that, and send you a bill for the difference between what the insurance has paid and what "their price" is. Unknowing people have sent them the money, which they did NOT owe and does NOT count toward their yearly insurance deductibles.
Thermionic
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