Free To Canoe
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
If we can learn one thing from Michael's initial post, it may be that we should do a lot of research before undergoing any kind of test or procedure.
The link to the PPACA information points up the reason that Healthcare is a 24,000 page package, and reading the "specifics" is so important. Naturally no one will ever "know" what's in the healthcare laws, but when it comes to the details, the time spent "Googling" the details, could pay off big time.
As a colon cancer survivor, this particular issue is very interesting.
We begin everything that has to do with health... by researching on-line. Before a doctor visit for any reason, we spend as much time as necessary (hours sometimes) researching the reason(s) we're looking for help. No one knows your body better than you do, so looking up symptoms, or following through on suspicions online, gives the doctor a jump start, and saves time.
Researching procedure costs by searching "cost of lumpectomy" (for instance) often brings up interesting results, such as whether a procedure or test can be done in a clinic or as an outpatient.
The maze of government regulations is usually there for a reason. Without regulation we are all subject to being overcharged. Those who suggest that regulation is always "too much" should consider what living in an uncontrolled society might be. We have a chance of staying ahead of the game, by looking before we spend.
+1
Well stated. After some initial surprises, we also take this approach.