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As a July, 2013 Becker’s Hospital Review article shows, some hospitals make billions in profit. Yet they continue to charge huge fees for even the smallest of goods and services. We’ve all heard the stories of that $1,000 toothbrush on the hospital’s itemized list, and sadly, it’s not urban legend. It’s real. And with medical costs spiraling out of control, patients are understandably leery, yet left with nowhere to turn.
On the other hand, the issue is not cut and dried. Some hospitals barely break even or operate at a loss. And while hospitals and doctors bill their patients at ever-rising rates, that practice may be done in part to offset the care they must provide to those who can’t pay at all. It’s a vicious circle. But that viciousness should never be the problem of the insured patient. Insurance is defined in its simplest terms as “protection”. But when balanced billing is permitted, protection fails. Balanced billing will never be the answer to the problem.
When receiving care at a hospital, patients should not have to ask: “Is that covered by my insurance?”
originally posted by: banjobrain
originally posted by: cynicalheathen
*shrugs* I'm 33, it'll never be there for me anyway. I wasn't planning on it being there, and make my own plans for me and mine.
It's a Ponzi scheme that needs to go away. Unfortunately, the Feds can't afford to write checks to refund everyone's money, since again, it's a Ponzi.
It's hardly a ponzi scheme. When Bush came to office it had a surplus, all they would have to do is make sure the damn politicians can't get to it.
My grandparent and parents worked high paying jobs and saved but that money and insurance was a real life saver.
I sure hope it's there, I am certainly not gonna amass several million dollars for a self funded retirement.
originally posted by: angeldoll
It really pisses hospitals off when they are asked for an itemized bill, but they must provide it.
We need to all begin requesting one anytime we are hospitalized so we can demonstrate how we are being ripped off.
originally posted by: Ameilia
a reply to: banjobrain
Republicans aren't "taking away" these programs. These programs are falling apart because in their current form, they are non-sustainable.
family taking care of itself
originally posted by: banjobrain
originally posted by: cynicalheathen
*shrugs* I'm 33, it'll never be there for me anyway. I wasn't planning on it being there, and make my own plans for me and mine.
It's a Ponzi scheme that needs to go away. Unfortunately, the Feds can't afford to write checks to refund everyone's money, since again, it's a Ponzi.
It's hardly a ponzi scheme. When Bush came to office it had a surplus, all they would have to do is make sure the damn politicians can't get to it.
My grandparent and parents worked high paying jobs and saved but that money and insurance was a real life saver.
I sure hope it's there, I am certainly not gonna amass several million dollars for a self funded retirement.
Now that the Republicans have control of the entire government, it appears as if they will attempt to privatize or eliminate Medicare and Social Security.
The Bottom Line Most other developed countries control costs, in part, by having the government play a stronger role in negotiating prices for healthcare. Their healthcare systems don’t require the high administrative costs that drive up pricing in the U.S. As the global overseers of their country's systems, these governments have the ability to negotiate lower drug, medical equipment and hospital costs. They can influence the mix of treatments used and patients’ ability to go to specialists or seek more expensive treatments.
So far in the U.S., there has been a lack of political support for the government taking a larger role in controlling healthcare costs. The most recent legislation, the Affordable Care Act, focused on ensuring access to healthcare, but maintained the status quo to encourage competition among insurers and healthcare providers. This means there will be multiple payers for the services and less powerful control over negotiated pricing from providers of healthcare services.
so, yes, just where all that money went is a valid question
originally posted by: unPresidented
a reply to: banjobrain
Of course, those self-serving cretins are going to embark on the greatest transfer of wealth from the middle classes. I laugh at the Trump supporters who thought a billionaire had their best interests at heart.