[Mtinie]

> It is quite normal to be given prices ahead of time that have no connection to reality.

Why is this acceptable?

(You aren’t advocating for it, and are only “the messenger”, so I’m not critical of your comment, simply that it even happens.)

[jtbayly]

Because everything was set up for the consumer to not care what the prices are. Because doctors bill separately from the hospital. Because the pricing depends on so many variables. Lots of reasons, sadly. But this is a (small) step in the right direction.