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I mean, the closer the number is to financial ruin, don't you think it's more likely that someone will negotiate? What you're saying, essentially, is: the highe
by mruts 8y ago
I mean, the closer the number is to financial ruin, don't you think it's more likely that someone will negotiate? What you're saying, essentially, is: the higher the price of something, the less likely someone will negotiate.
Clearly, that is not the case.
And in regards to your last point, what has made the system so perverse is the insurance companies in the first place. If most people were actually responsible for paying all of their healthcare costs themselves, the prices would be pretty cheap.
For example, I live in Tanzania, and I can get medication that is over $500/month without insurance in the US, or like $75 with insurance, for around $1-$2. Also, I can get a tooth pulled for under $5.
No one has health insurance here, I don't think it even exists, and therefore, hospitals are forced to charge an amount that the people can pay for. The system actually works, and if for some reason you can't pay, you can volunteer at the hospital until your bill is paid off.
Consequentially, even though there aren't laws about accepting all patients (hospitals are allowed to turn away whoever they like), they don't, because they know they will be paid at the very least in labor.
Though, honestly, at this point in the US the system is so fucked up that I'm not sure it's even possible to create a free-market system anymore. It pains me to say this (as a staunch libertarian), but I think maybe it would be better at this point for the government to just foot the bill for everyone.
- whatislovecraft 8y ago> I mean, the closer the number is to financial ruin, don't you think it's more likely that someone will negotiate? No. Such panic-inducing tactics are not likely to make someone a better negotiator. Learned helplessness is a real problem.
- mruts 8y agoYou’re the one being a victim shamer shamer. I’m super offended and this needs to stop I can’t believe we live in a world in which a victim shamer is shamed for being a shamer! Shame on you, clearly your parents didn’t raise you with a proper shame compass!
- dang 8y agoPlease don't do this here.
- dang 8y agoPlease don't cross into incivility, even when the topic is sensitive and you feel someone else is wrong. It just makes this place worse. https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html
- deleted 8y ago[deleted]
- whatislovecraft 8y agoOkay, edited, is that better? I think the incredulity of the OP was quite incivil, for what that's worth. Would be more effective to catch this stuff further up the chain. > Clearly, that is not the case. when it "clearly" is the case.
- dang 8y agoYes, that's better. Thanks!
- maxxxxx 8y ago“I mean, the closer the number is to financial ruin, don't you think it's more likely that someone will negotiate? What you're saying, essentially, is: the higher the price of something, the less likely someone will negotiate.” I have been close to ruin and you can reach a point where things are so overwhelming that you basically just give up. I am sure some people are natural fighters but a lot of people aren’t. In addition when you run out of money you can’t afford lawyers and other advice which makes things even worse. It’s a really bad negative spiral.