Hey all, I’m British so I don’t really know the ins and outs of the US healthcare system. Apologies for asking what is probably a rather simple question.
So like most of you, I see many posts and gofundmes about people having astronomically high medical bills. Most recently, someone having a $27k bill even after his death.
However, I have an American friend who is quick to point out that apparently nobody actually pays those bills. They’re just some elaborate dance between insurance companies and hospitals. If you don’t have insurance, the cost is lower or removed entirely. Supposedly.
So I’m just asking… How accurate is that? Consider someone without insurance, a minor physical ailment, a neurodivergent mind and no interest in fighting off harassing people for the rest of their life.
How much would such a person expect to pay, out of their own pocket, for things like check ups, x rays, meds, counselling and so on?
Consider that most Americans are pay 2x to 5x more in insurance premiums each month than folks in the 32 other developed nations with national healthcare coverage pay monthly in taxes for health care. Consider that Americans still pay deductibles and copays. Consider that insurance won’t cover pre-existing conditions (which are many). Consider the insurance frequently denies claims and requests for further tests and specialists. Consider that most insurance only works within the limited network of the insurance companies designated healthcare providers.
I work a multinational company that has moved staff from Japan, Canada, and the UK to the USA for periods of work. All of these folks were shocked and horrified by the American insurance system.