Stephen wrote:
> OK I know that not all Americans feel that way but it seems that the majority of
> vocal ones do.


I don't know about all of the issues that surround this debate, but I 
have noticed something that does disturb me.

Do you ever look at the statement that the health insurance company 
sends out showing the charges and what they covered?
I do and find it very disturbing.

The provider charges $1000 for a procedure, yet the health insurance 
company pays only $200 and due to an agreement with the provider the 
difference ($800) is waived.
The provider got only $200 for the service and somehow is able to stay 
in business.
Yet, if I did not have insurance, the provider would charge $1000 and 
attempt to receive it from me - $800 more for the exact same procedure.
If the provider is willing to accept $200 for the procedure, why do they 
charge $1000?


My dentist is the same way - I do not have dental insurance so I pay 
face value.  If I pay at the time of service the dentist gratefully 
gives me a 6% discount.  So on my $150 procedure I pay $141.  The dental 
office also does not have to deal with the insurance paperwork, no small 
effort from what I understand.  Yet if I had health insurance the 
dentist would likely get $50-$70 for the procedure.


So what do I find disturbing?
That there is such a LARGE difference between what the provider is 
willing to accept and what they try to charge.
If you do not have health insurance, you get hit with some very large 
bills - at minimum 2-3x what the insurance companies pay out.


Will health insurance for everyone solve this problem????

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