The Cost Of Healthcare

1955

1955

Member
I came across a bill for the birth of my sister back in 1953 before most people didn’t have insurance but the cost was affordable. So for a 4 day stay the hospital bill was $131.05. I’m not sure if there was a separate doctor bill involved or if the $30 delivery charge cover the whole thing.

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Wow. It really shows how costs have gotten out of control and there is just greed in everything medical.

I still remember a 60 Minutes episode from the 80's where they broke down a hospital bill. And it was a real one. 2 dollars for one tylenol. Even back then. Rip off. A bottle of tylenol was probably 2 dollars back then.
 

I think it's very funny when I hear that in American hospital bills, they charge for toothpicks and ear swabs. No, not for the air you breath; at least not yet? I hope that it isn't true? Maybe someone from south of the border can educate me?
 
Some people like our system here, which exists mainly for profit. There's huge profits to be made in health insurance, profits for drug companies, profits for hospitals, profits for testing firms, profits for medical billing, profits, profits, profits...

Nothing is done purely for the sake of people's health, and that's because people who profit from our healthcare system also fill coffers of politicians who keep it that way and increase their profits.

Even nonprofits earn a huge profit from the healthcare system, such as Kaiser-Permanente. How does a nonprofit earn record profits? Only in America could something like that exist.
 
I’m not much into socialism but I do think the US and it’s people would be better off with a government 1 payer system that would eliminate the insurance strangle hold they have on us.

In my mind the costs have gone up as a result of the insurance industry. I think by eliminating them the US could have a free healthcare system that would be cheaper for everyone and provide a better service.

All the games we play with the insurance industry is just a joke while they profit in the trillions.
 
Remy said:
Wow. It really shows how costs have gotten out of control and there is just greed in everything medical.
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I wouldn't call it greed, unless you're talking lawyers suing.

The doctor needs to pay for their education, as does the nurse, phlebotomist, pharmacist, orderly and cooks. After all, a fair wage is desired.

However, things can go wrong, then it's a footrace to the lawyers. The extra charges on a billing, include insurance for doctors, hospitals and staff. Plus indigent care (They can't turn away people, no matter if they can't pay)

Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement rates are 20-40% of normal rates. A doctor/hospital can't afford to have over 30% of patient load through them, they're losing money. Hospitals have closed because of funding.

And of course, there's employee benefits. Want to work for just $$$ no sick/vac/personal off time? Being a temp worker is that way.

Finally, we're a fat lazy country. As such, our average weight has ballooned. Fat people cost more, high blood pressure, heart issues, lung issues, smokers, wanton sex between various partners, drug abusers, alcoholics.

Average weight of citizens USA 199.0 lbs.

Czech republic is 203 lbs.

UK is 188, they're catching up. Below is the rest of the world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_body_weight#By_country
 
When putting down fat people lets add alcoholism, drug addiction, both legal prescription and illegal, diabetics who do not control their blood sugars by way of consuming things they shouldn't.

We can also add in the 90 year old residing in a nursing home with dementia that the family insists go the acute care hospital because the person is on medical and no one will ever see a bill. We'll just pay for it. Fat tax payer included.

@Disgustedman I work part time. I pay my own Covered California. My last job literally was killing me. If I listed my work load, I doubt any of you would believe it. Or some of the stuff I put up with from other workers and how they got their job done so much faster. And no, I won't say what I do for a living.
 


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