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One more point. I got a bill for a 6 day hospital stay in October '09: $106,382.
My part: $1500, when the hospital was finally paid, my insurance company paid less than $12,000
I asked why the huge difference? They have a contract. So my next question: What if I didn't have insurance? $106,382.
So, as bad as the system is, Insurance was really helpful in my case, and we all pay for the uninsured one way or another.
Not to brag, but I was benching 225 lb and squatting 360, plus getting my heart rate up to 160 twice a week - 3 weeks before my transplant. Docs said that made my ordeal easier. Staying in shape is what kept me alive.
So, when I saw there is supposed to be a stay in shape (carrot/stick idea) in the new health care bill I applauded this idea. What ended up in the final bill I leave to others to decipher.
People should be rewarded for maintaining their health, and those that don't should have some Darwinism inflicted on them.
R.I.P. Andy Zektzer (ZTR), 1960-2010.
Please visit this thread for more information.
I guess the one thing that bugs me the most is the "individual mandate". I agree with those that say it is wrong for the government to force people to buy a product they may not want.
Hi ZTrade101.....I am not sure I understood......the hospital generated a bill for $106K, insurance paid them $12K and you contributed another $1.5K.......so, I would say the "true" bill the hospital should have sent is $13.5K not $106K.....as a small business owner I can guarantee you one thing ...... if my true cost is $106K I will not settle for a payment of $13.5K once....never mind over and over again if this billing practice occurs from patient to patient.........I mean, how can you stay in business if you are always expected to suck up the true cost??....in your scenario say you had no insurance, you would be chased for another $90K that would go straight into their mattresses ....this current health system is so rigged, no wonder it is not sustainable...........
I am totally, no really, totally baffled by billing.
I could tell stories of how short-sighted insurance companies are & how my doc delays decisions because he know when he finally asks for something he get it approved (usually cause the patient ain't going to make it without treatment).
I have no idea what the real costs are. Does anyone? I know my guy makes over $300k & the nurses get almost $100k. Someone is making a nice living on the sick and injured.
I'm venting, but my point is that without some reform we are going broke. Can it be fixed? Not by any politician I know. Term limits are a great idea, but only for other people reps, cause seniority has it privileges.
I am not sure what other paths are out there.......the problem is that we have too many people in health industry making more than just a nice living on the expense of ordinary people like us......I am not promoting socialism, I actually believe that we should be rewarded for our hard work........but the playing field should be level for all players......I would ultimately like to see some kind of law change that limits influence of lobbyists on legislation and forbids them to be even near the discussions on health care and social well being of our society....on the side note, my friend in Canada was diagnosed with the testicular cancer last year and from the initial diagnose until the surgery to remove cancer the hospital took 1 month and his cost was $0.......he only had general (government run) health plan without any supplemental coverage from private insurance companies....health care in Canada is not perfect but I think a lot of people here would be happy with this type of coverage......
Yeah, that documentary I linked to earlier interviews several Canadians. Seems most are afraid to come to this country, because of fear they will get hurt, and be handed a $100,000 medical bill. Can't say I blame them...
I too as well have a major problem with the individual mandate. Having being force to pay for insurance that is being run by the status qou, I truely have a problem with that. Don't get me wrong I think it's a step, but what would have truely convinced me in considering this is if they would have implemented a PUBLIC OPTION involved in this legislation. All they have to do is take away the individual mandate and insert a Public Option to compete with the Private insurance. That way you let the people decide, if you like your private insurance and their rates than stick with it, but if you want a to purchase a Public plan than that is your choice. Free of choice, something like Private and Public schools, BUT with you having the options to pay for (With Your Money) either one of these choices.
As I understand it, insurance companies by law were mandated to put 65 percent of the premium for payment of claims. This left 35 percent for operating costs and profit for investors.
Health insurance companies have an average of about 3.5 percent in profits each year.
As I understand it, ObamaCare now mandates 85 percent of premium to payment of claims.
This leaves 15 percent for operating costs. This is nowhere near enough money for these companies to stay in business.
Insurance companies have two choices.
1 - Go bankrupt
2 - Double everyone's premium just to break even and stay in business.
Yeah, looks like 13 states ( Florida, South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Washington State, Idaho, and South Dakota) have a problem with it, too. (so far)
They've all filed suits. It'll be fun to watch, and see what the Supremes decide. Here's a link to a site that's pretty informative of what's going on. Science Monitor
It looks to me like the minimum wage folks will have to pay about $50 a month, and the average wage earner about $200 a month. That is, for now!
