[mhdhn]

You are taking a huge, basically unlimited risk with your now healthy family. And note that you will probably save at least as much by the discounts you get through the insurance company's networks as by how much insurance pays vs. patient. Example, had a covered but elective heart procedure. Insurance was billed around $220,000. But they got the hospital and doctors to accept less than $20,000. Yes, I paid some of that - but you see it's all in the under 10% part of the bill. Good luck negotiating your bill down 90% on your own.

[ethagknight]

I do have a catestrophic policy, I wasn’t clear above. Agree it is a risk, but it’s not unlimited. However, The list prices are sham values. Why do you think the doctors would be willing to accept $20k from one payor but not another? Medical billing ultimately becomes a game of persistence, and you can wear down the billing office and reach a settlement that ultimately. Been there, Done that!