4 ms·

These are the extreme cases but this happens all the time, including to myself (albeit only for a few hundred dollars). It’s shocking that somehow the system w

These are the extreme cases but this happens all the time, including to myself (albeit only for a few hundred dollars). It’s shocking that somehow the system we’ve come to amounts to “we don’t know the cost, we’ll talk to your insurance after and bill you some amount.”

BlackjackCF 4y ago
Yeah, it's either that or "we'll cover what we think is a reasonable amount for your zip code". Which is usually SEVERELY UNDER the market rate in that area. As an American, I was shocked when I lived in Ireland and saw prices for stuff upfront.
- Fernicia 4y ago
  Getting stuff done privately in Ireland is great and fairly cheap. But relying on the HSE can leave you waiting years for basic treatment.
nopenopenopeno 4y ago
It’s not that shocking if we take seriously the logical conclusions of a society that mediates relations between people by way of their relations to capital, i.e. capitalism. Insofar as the domestic American economy functions as the core of a global empire, it is uniquely prone to these seemingly nonsensical conclusions. The United States is on its 4th generation into being the most unchecked industrial capitalist empire in history. I think it would actually be more surprising if we had a sensical healthcare system.
- dahfizz 4y ago
  When my car breaks, a mechanic can give me a detailed estimate which is very close to the final cost every time. There is no reason inherint to capitalism that healthcare couldn't work the same. Every other industry under capitalism has sane billing practices. Regardless, healthcare is far from being an "unchecked" free market. The government deals more in healthcare than any other market, except maybe student loans.
  - dghlsakjg 4y ago
    Car mechanics are also bound by estimate accuracy laws in many states. If they go over without approval then they aren’t entitled to more money. I understand that medicine and mechanics aren’t the same thing, but I also have gotten elective procedures where the cost, down to the penny, was quoted up front.

BlackjackCF 4y ago

Yeah, it's either that or "we'll cover what we think is a reasonable amount for your zip code". Which is usually SEVERELY UNDER the market rate in that area. As an American, I was shocked when I lived in Ireland and saw prices for stuff upfront.

Fernicia 4y ago
Getting stuff done privately in Ireland is great and fairly cheap. But relying on the HSE can leave you waiting years for basic treatment.

nopenopenopeno 4y ago

It’s not that shocking if we take seriously the logical conclusions of a society that mediates relations between people by way of their relations to capital, i.e. capitalism. Insofar as the domestic American economy functions as the core of a global empire, it is uniquely prone to these seemingly nonsensical conclusions. The United States is on its 4th generation into being the most unchecked industrial capitalist empire in history. I think it would actually be more surprising if we had a sensical healthcare system.

dahfizz 4y ago
When my car breaks, a mechanic can give me a detailed estimate which is very close to the final cost every time. There is no reason inherint to capitalism that healthcare couldn't work the same. Every other industry under capitalism has sane billing practices. Regardless, healthcare is far from being an "unchecked" free market. The government deals more in healthcare than any other market, except maybe student loans.
- dghlsakjg 4y ago
  Car mechanics are also bound by estimate accuracy laws in many states. If they go over without approval then they aren’t entitled to more money. I understand that medicine and mechanics aren’t the same thing, but I also have gotten elective procedures where the cost, down to the penny, was quoted up front.