Medical billing dollars are highly inflated. Insurance-negotiated costs are less so.
As I have often talked about, I was faced with a life-threatening illness 4 years ago. After 2 major surgeries, 2 minor ones, and extensive 18-month treatment, I cost the insurer around $180K, I think. My wife kept track, and still has the exact number somewhere.
With what I went through, I did not see how I would want 6x that, let alone 39x. In fact, many older patients would drop out and said they'd rather died. And they did.
Well, when you hear the cost of many procedures when you go to Thailand or some other place I would say that even insurance costs are highly inflated....
And I am not talking third world care.... but top of the line care...
Our system is broken and moving deck chairs on the Titanic will not help... single payer will not help... it is actually the cost that is the problem, not who pays for it...
I hope I have not crossed the line.... just stating an opinion that is not blaming any political party....
Edit... Decided to put something down to show my point... well, not so good.... here is a link...
http://www.medretreat.com/procedures/pricing.html
This chart will provide you with a basic comparison of common procedure pricing between the U.S. and overseas hospitals. As pricing will vary depending on where you originate from, and which country you choose to receive your procedure, we have provided a price range for comparison purposes.
PROCEDURE COST IN U.S. COST ABROAD Orthopedic Hip Replacement $40,000 - $65,000 $7,000 - $13,000 Hip Resurfacing $50,000 - $60,000 $8,000 - $12,000 Knee Replacement $45,000 - $60,000 $7,500 - $12,000 Neurology Spinal Fusion $80,000 - $100,000 $6,000 - $10,000 Total Spinal Disc Replacement $100,000 - $150,000 $8,000 - $12,000 Discectomy $20,000 - $24,000 $5000 - $7,000 Cardiology Angioplasty $50,000 - $65,000 $5,000 - $7,000 Heart Bypass $90,000 - $120,000 $10,000 - $18,000 Heart Valve Replacement $125,000 - $175,000 $13,000 - $18,000 Gynecology Hysterectomy $18,000 - $25,000 $4,000 - $7,000 Cosmetic Face & Neck Lift $8,000 - $15,000 $2,500 – $4,000 Breast Augmentation $6,000 - $12,000 $3,500 - $5,000 Tummy Tuck $6,000 - $12,000 $3,800 - $5,200 Liposuction/Area $2,000 - $3,000 $800 - $1,200 Dental Dental Implants/Tooth $3,000 - $5,000 $800 – $2,000 Dental Crowns $800 – $1,200 $200 – $600