One of the things that bugs me is the hospital or Dr. has sole discretion whether they bill you for the retail price or something lower. When they send a bill to collections they usually charge the higher number.

When my dad was in the hospital last spring his bill totaled $90k. Medicare allowed $28,6xx and his insurance paid $282.00 I have no idea how the insurance arrives at this formula.

My mom was hospitalized 8 years ago for a cat bite. (She took in a stray cat and it bit her.) Her bill was $35,000. Unfortunately it was just before she qualified for medicare. She is just finishing off paying the bill. They did not discount it.

When I saw my Father's hospital bill I was absolutely shocked at how little Medicare paid. The discrepancy didn't use to be this large. I have the feeling these for profit hospitals are using the amount of the discrepancy to lower their tax bill. I bet most hospitals don't pay any income taxes.

The whole situation is a mess! This is why when you ask people in a poll if they support medical reform, the majority answer yes. A much smaller number support the current bills in congress. An even smaller amount want the federal government taking control of the entire system.

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1979 240D, 4spd manual, Power Sunroof, manual windows, 147k miles, Pastel gray/Black MB Tex.
1991 300D 2.5 - Smokes like it's on Crack!