[whocares2345]

Probably because it’s not a real bill? These numbers bear no relation to money and nobody cares about them. The actual bill will be sent to insurance company, it will be 25-35% of this number, which is realistic given the cost of ultra modern equipment and high salaries for doctors. You will pay up to your maximum out of pocket, which is the real number you look at when shopping for a plan. Insurance for people who know they need lots of care is a bit more per month but has very low max out of pocket per year: $3-4k, super cheap plans for young people who never go to the hospital offer about $7k per year per person max. So this bill was never intended for the patient and there is no reason for this guy posting it except to grab some clicks and pity.

[stackbutterflow]

If no one ever pays those bills why bother making these numbers up? Why not charge $5B? Or even $3T for that matter. Wouldn't it save everyone time and money to give the right price first? What is the purpose of this game?

[whocares2345]

You can find an detailed answer to that in thread, in short - making sure that the negotiated price is that asking price is never less than real negotiated price

[iamadog1029]

Do you happen to know how one would be billed for this if they didn't have insurance?

[massung]

Just noting that ~60% of all US hospitals are non-profit hospitals (although you wouldn't know it from the bills). What this means is that people who have no insurance pay significantly reduced prices via payment plans, or pay nothing at all.

To be clear, it's not like the hospital won't attempt to collect payment from them; they will. And some are downright assholes about it and will resort to scare tactics (usually farming the work out to a 3rd party). But, to maintain their tax breaks as a non-profit, etc. they are required to work with - and even forgive - patients who cannot pay.

Note: some hospitals are also assholes with the services they provide. They can't let someone die because they can't pay, but once "stable", then can boot you out.

Below this point is possible misinformation. It's my current understanding, but if someone with more direct knowledge can weigh in, I'd be very appreciative.

The above is where a large chunk of the costs for everyone else comes from. Basically, those who can pay are expected to pay for those who can't.

Where it really hurts is for those people who are - what I'll call - barely middle class. They probably make ~$50k / year and if they have health insurance, it's probably not a great plan: very high deductible and/or max out of pocket. Since they are insured, they will get a much higher bill (initially sent to the insurance company) designed to compensate for everyone else who is getting cheap/free treatment. And, because they insured, legally the hospital doesn't have to reduce the cost or forgive the debt.

[whocares2345]

I have friends that came over from Europe for hospital stay - they got the bill, sent their objection and the hospital reduced to the usual 35%. If you live in the US you always can buy insurance that will cap your max out of pocket to about $8k pre tax a year. Also if you’re employer doesn’t provide insurance - you’re probably in an “entry level job” that is not meant for long term employment, but rather quick money for young adults, who are still on their parents insurance (up to 27yo)