Quote:
Originally Posted by ejfbmw
Yes, our insurance companies negotiate payment on our behalf, that is what we pay them to do for us. But what is the actual price charged by the provider for medical goods and services based on? What is driving the prices charged by the providers, and this included the pharmacals, for goods and services? We now, by law have to buy medical insurance, and the insurance companies, by law, have to pay our medical bills. Then the insurance companies increase the price of medical insurance to cover payments for medical goods and services. But the real issue is the outrageous prices charged by medical providers for goods and services in the first place. Why is this not discussed? Why are the wages, benefits and perks enjoyed by the health care industry employees untouchable? Why are the prices charged by heath care industry contractors untouchable? Recently an allergy nasal spray cost $112 and six months later $234. Why? This spray is the most popular one out there right now. Is there a shortage? Probably not. A lawyer once told me it was an insurance companies job to only pay out what they, the insurance company, could be legally required to pay. OK, I get that, that makes sense. But what doesn’t make sense is why the high prices charged by the medical industry providers of goods and services in the first place are not part of the health care reform conversation?
It is reasonable to pay taxes and buy insurance. It is not reasonable that the health care industry unjustly benefits from the natural circumstances of life.
|
Costs are out of control... true...
Yet, most hospitals are barely staying afloat, margins of 2-3 % are considered pretty good. In any other business, that pretty lousy...
Most hospitals are cutting staff, hours, etc.
I work in healthcare... There are huge shortages of doctors looming. Anyone checked the wait to get services lately?
The issue isn't in the minutia. Its in the big details. Providing cutting edge care, to everyone, is unsustainable. Everyone gets pretty much the same unlimited healthcare, regardless of ability to pay. Many, never pay a dime.
For the system to survive, those that can pay, carry the cost for those that can't. Not fair, but that's the set up...
No solution, I am afraid...
Used to be optimistic, but now 90% sure we will have socialized healthcare soon.