SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : A US National Health Care System?
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Road Walker who wrote (1974)9/5/2007 5:51:34 PM
From: TimF  Read Replies (1) of 42652
 
Much greater than a 10% discount, and considering the charges and the other details of the situation I don't think its remotely possible that there was any 1000% markup involved.

I'm not saying such large markups don't happen. I know that they do (and larger ones as well), but they aren't universal.

Its interesting how many procedures that frequently aren't paid for by insurance tend to decline in real price (or even nominal price) over time. Look at things like laser eye surgery (where nominal prices have gone down).

If the consumer pays apparently you have better long term cost control. The problem is that might work if the consumer typically pays, but not if just a very few consumers pay out of their pocket. Also in the short run insurance companies can probably push prices down (or make them go up slower) to a better extent than health care consumers can. Its a situation where its very hard to get there from here. The prices have already increased, and consumers often can't afford them, and/or are already covered by insurance which pays for them. Anyone opting out of paying by insurance would be to small of factor by themselves to bring the price down, and even if a whole lot of people opted out, it would take time for market pressures to bring the prices down. Also such price competition would tend to operate much better in elective procedures. If you need treatment now to save your life your not in a good bargaining position.
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News