[rakmos]

Interesting perspective from someone who can legitimately compare the experience…

I disagree with how it is characterized that Americans are rationalizing healthcare costs as a result of being wrapped up in emotions. While emotions certainly influenced most decisions being made at the time, the costs didn’t feel even remotely in the realm of something that can be controlled. The nature of emergencies (such as the birth of a child in this context), the fact that the costs aren’t even communicated until months go by, and the fact that healthcare coverage is tethered to your employer (resulting in a spectrum of experiences) are all aspects that I believe serve to maintain the status quo.

For instance, with this pandemic… I was laid off, and while I was incredibly fortunate to be able to have multiple options for new employment, it caused unnecessary stress on ensuring health care coverage was continuous. It also played a role in how I ultimately chose which company I decided to work for despite the difficulty I have generally experienced in getting prospective employers to be forthcoming about their health insurance options. And some things just literally aren’t available such as whether your current doctors / specialists are considered “in-network” —- which really matters when in the context of a helping a premature child get “caught up” in life. Oh, and I don’t want to forget pointing out that changing employers also resets those deductibles and max out-of-pockets…

In any case, thanks for sharing the perspective.