Can Hospitals really do this?

suzster · #1 (**permalink**) 02-10-2006, 03:19 PM

I was so upset to learn that some hospitals are charging patients who don’t have insurance up to 5 times more than what they would charge Medicare for a procedure.
Charging uninsured patients higher prices for procedures can lead to bankruptcy. I read an article that mentioned a study done by Harvard that said health care costs were the cause of half of the bankruptcy filings that year.
Why would they do this? Has this ever happened to you? I am appalled!!

bar_bar · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2006, 08:45 PM

my dh read an article that mention this too. I wonder if it was the same one?

I showed this to him and he said the first thing that came to mnd was " Greed"

I know from before we would at times get a discount on a bil if we would pay it up front in full, now why would they be able to do that if things like this does't go on?
and that was before he was on medicare... thank goodness he does have medicare, but for myself insurance is to much for us to have.

ellenmelon · #3 (**permalink**) 02-12-2006, 08:32 AM

Wow, they really do that? That is horrible. Anyone else know about this?

Sueanne · #4 (**permalink**) 02-12-2006, 11:43 AM

My DS has been to emergency a few times last year. Each Hospital charged a different amount for the same problem. It could run in to the thousands and they do nothing for the problem. If you don't contact your local county services for help you end up being responsible for the full bill. Even the Hospitals offer assistance if you fill out the paper work. So far all his bills have been paid in full.
People on medicare pay less than others. Guess the seniors get a break.
www.hospitalpricegouging.org/update1_101905.html
Sueanne

suzster · #5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 09:34 AM

That is awful you were charged seperate amounts for the same problems. I read a little more into this price gouging and apparently CAtholic hospitals are guilty of doing this as well. Isnt the catholic faith's beliefs to help others, help people less fortunate and be charitable? Over charging them for their hospital visit is hardly what i would call charitable!!

janet · #6 (**permalink**) 02-18-2006, 12:50 PM

Sorry to say everyone, this has been going on for years now..they call it cost shifting..to make up for money they lose from people who skip out on their bills.

Hospitals used to care about their patients, but now it is just a business..so they do whatever they want.

Now if you have any insurance they will try to get you the best price for your procedure..

I complained about this all the time...for my private insurance was charged more for routine bloodwork, than other peoples insurance or if you had no insurance.

Now the companies are working on the best price for you.

What ever happen to the motto

You will get treatment, regardless of your ability to pay?

What a shame, what is happening to our world..

Hugs, Janet

Pag36 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-18-2006, 07:14 PM

A little over a week ago had to take my daughter to ER I hate to see the bill. And it is a Catholic Hosp too.

dval · #8 (**permalink**) 02-18-2006, 08:26 PM

When my brother-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer last year he didn't have insurance. The hospital bill was over $50,000 for one week. It's not just the hospitals that discriminate, either. He had to go for this one test that cost $1,000. The lab made him pay first! He also had to pay for his chemotherapy treatments up front.

janet · #9 (**permalink**) 02-19-2006, 10:30 AM

Donna, now you know why communities are having bake sales, spaghetti dinners, rummage sales, etc..just to help people that fall into this awful predictament.

Hospitals used to be able to write things off...but as you know, tax bills have changed and the country is in dire need of a Good National Healthplan..that allows everyone to have access to treatment.

For a country that is so great..our healthcare is a disgrace.

People should NOT have to do without care, food, & shelter.

We have to start writing our Senators and urge them to get America back in shape.

Don't you agree?

Hugs, Janet

dval · #10 (**permalink**) 02-19-2006, 07:16 PM

Yes I do! Thankfully, I have insurance. My best friend and her husband do not, but her daughter does. RI pays for health insurance for children of low income families. It's the same insurance they give to welfare recipients but it's only for the kids. If she or her husband get seriously ill, they will be in big trouble. Luckily, they have been blessed with good health. As for my brother-in-law, he only went to two chemo treatments before he died. Now my husband and I are trying to sell his stuff to pay off his creditors.