4 ms·

Besides the (insane and infuriating) politicization of the vaccine, I wonder how much of the problem comes down to a fear of the US healthcare system for those

by paulgb 5y ago

Besides the (insane and infuriating) politicization of the vaccine, I wonder how much of the problem comes down to a fear of the US healthcare system for those who are uninsured or have catastrophic-only coverage. I worry that people fear they'll go in for a “free” shot and end up getting a $300 bill in the mail, because hidden costs abound in the US healthcare system. (Even though we know that they won't)

mgkimsal 5y ago
"They" might. I blacked out after my second Pfizer shot, and was ambulanced to an ER. This was $4k, not really my choice. Yes, I have health insurance. Everything was repriced to the 'negotiated' insurance rate, and it was still ~$2k. On top of the $1k/month I already pay (me and spouse). I would get the shot again, without a doubt, but it still hits people.
- taylodl 5y ago
  This is extremely insightful. I wonder how many uninsured/underinsured people are afraid of getting hit with an unexpected medical bill? I'll be honest, having insurance I often times don't think of these things.
  - germinalphrase 5y ago
    There was a period of my life in which I was underinsured (catastrophic only). I ended up burning my foot badly enough that the nurse line insisted I do to urgent care. Three people walked in, looked at my foot, told me not to pop the blister. I walked away with two pain pills and a bill for $4,000 that I negotiated down to about $3200. You’re sure as hell right that it was going to take something catastrophic for me to walk through those doors again. Edit: I have a job that offers decent insurance now, but my immediate emotional reaction to healthcare in the United States is very negative (even though I quite like my doctor, dentist, etc). I believe our system is corrupted and abusive towards the poor.
Robotbeat 5y ago
I think more it’s an indirect side effect. Healthcare is so expensive that people no longer go to a family doctor but avoid the doctor and get their information/advice from their social circle and the Internet or alternative medicine.
CyanLite2 5y ago
I think people are truly terrified of the long-term effects due to over-litigation here in America. You can't turn on the TV, Facebook, YouTube, etc. without a class action lawsuit message in the form of: "Have you used baby powder in the past 2 years? If so, you may be eligible for compensation under the Talcum Powder Class Action Lawsuit, call us at..." The seemingly "safe" things in America that we take for granted, like baby powder, or Round-Up weed killer, or even tap water in Michigan has turned out to be not so safe.
sAbakumoff 5y ago
so these people are OKAY with getting COVID and die but afraid of hidden costs? how does that make any sense?

by paulgb 5y ago

mgkimsal 5y ago

"They" might. I blacked out after my second Pfizer shot, and was ambulanced to an ER. This was $4k, not really my choice. Yes, I have health insurance. Everything was repriced to the 'negotiated' insurance rate, and it was still ~$2k. On top of the $1k/month I already pay (me and spouse). I would get the shot again, without a doubt, but it still hits people.

taylodl 5y ago
This is extremely insightful. I wonder how many uninsured/underinsured people are afraid of getting hit with an unexpected medical bill? I'll be honest, having insurance I often times don't think of these things.
- germinalphrase 5y ago
  There was a period of my life in which I was underinsured (catastrophic only). I ended up burning my foot badly enough that the nurse line insisted I do to urgent care. Three people walked in, looked at my foot, told me not to pop the blister. I walked away with two pain pills and a bill for $4,000 that I negotiated down to about $3200. You’re sure as hell right that it was going to take something catastrophic for me to walk through those doors again. Edit: I have a job that offers decent insurance now, but my immediate emotional reaction to healthcare in the United States is very negative (even though I quite like my doctor, dentist, etc). I believe our system is corrupted and abusive towards the poor.

Robotbeat 5y ago

I think more it’s an indirect side effect. Healthcare is so expensive that people no longer go to a family doctor but avoid the doctor and get their information/advice from their social circle and the Internet or alternative medicine.

CyanLite2 5y ago

I think people are truly terrified of the long-term effects due to over-litigation here in America. You can't turn on the TV, Facebook, YouTube, etc. without a class action lawsuit message in the form of: "Have you used baby powder in the past 2 years? If so, you may be eligible for compensation under the Talcum Powder Class Action Lawsuit, call us at..." The seemingly "safe" things in America that we take for granted, like baby powder, or Round-Up weed killer, or even tap water in Michigan has turned out to be not so safe.

sAbakumoff 5y ago

so these people are OKAY with getting COVID and die but afraid of hidden costs? how does that make any sense?