[maxerickson]

The worst situation is to have high deductible insurance. Then you have to pay the prices the insurance negotiates out of pocket (at least if you want the costs to apply against that high deductible).

If you don't have insurance the hospital will take what they can get.

[beatgammit]

No, the worst situation is to have no insurance and develop a super expensive condition. A high deductible insurance is way better for most people than either expensive insurance (you're paying for care you're not receiving most of the time) or no insurance (bankrupt by bad luck).

If you have a high deductible insurance plan (mines pretty high at >$10k for my family), keep cash in your HSA so you're not put out if you max it.

[koolba]

Or just tell them you’re paying cash and ask for that price. It won’t count toward your deductible but it could be significantly cheaper. I’ve seen urgent care facilities that charge $50 for cash patients and $130 for those with insurance.

[alexhutcheson]

It can go both ways - often the insurance negotiated price is significantly cheaper.