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In reply to the discussion: I was in the ER last month when I was found passed out in the shower... [View all]IronLionZion
(45,411 posts)15. Medical billing is designed to help patients die of shock
but seriously, it has to do with the fact that insurance/Medicare bargains it down. They want more money so they start with as high a price as they can before compromising. An itemized bill would also be outrageously high. For example, new mothers are charged for holding their own babies. Over the counter drugs like Tylenol will be hundreds of dollars.
One large contributor is packing in the costs of treating uninsured patients in the ER. Another is defensive medicine where they do unnecessary tests in case you sue them for negligence.
ER is expensive. Depending on where you are, it's often subsidized by taxes in some rural areas just to keep one open.
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I was in the ER last month when I was found passed out in the shower... [View all]
TreasonousBastard
Jan 2020
OP
Pesky fact -- Part C was enacted by Clinton in 1997. Until 2003, it was called Medicare Plus Choice
Hoyt
Jan 2020
#33
People need to go the the Medicare.gov site instead of paying attention to mailers.
Blue_true
Jan 2020
#58
+++ you are right, and you have choice you don't have with an advantage plan. Problem is
still_one
Jan 2020
#45
If you're eligible, the USAA Medigap plan is very good. Also check with Council On Aging
erronis
Jan 2020
#20
Good Luck! I don't have a supplemental because the VA takes care of most of my expenses...
TreasonousBastard
Jan 2020
#22
I just wish they would make it easier. I'm not stupid but this system makes me feel that way.
redstatebluegirl
Jan 2020
#25
Yes, amazing how the money/bills can pile on so quickly. My 1 day stay costs over $24K, when I ...
SWBTATTReg
Jan 2020
#4
Is there any other business where they can tell you they don't know what's wrong,
rainin
Jan 2020
#17
Frankly, $1000 would already be criminal if it were the whole bill, let alone your portion
Ron Obvious
Jan 2020
#44