I just recently found out that collection agencies can pursue an amount of debt which is greater than what the patient would actually owe, had the patient simply filed for financial assistance through the hospital. For example, 'Joe Blow' lives below the poverty line and qualifies to have most of his medical bill written off. But if Joe doesn't do the paperwork, and the bill goes to collection, the collector can seek the full amount... regardless of what level of assistance Joe qualified for. Even if Joe could've had his bill nearly wiped out(due to his economic circumstances), the collection agency can still go for the full amount. How is this justifiable? In essence, doesn't this amount to 'punishment' for failing to fill out a couple forms, for being irresponsible?
Perhaps even more insulting is that Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies pay defined values that might be 25-60 % of the medical bill. If you as a citizen incur healthcare costs without insurance you will be billed at the absurd 100 % rate which is simply a gimmick cost in an attempt to drive up the government or insurance portion. It's basically like the popcorn cost at a movie theater.
I've got to wonder sometimes if it's not all 'gimmick cost'. I understand that a healthcare facility is a business, with a ton of expenses... but their pricing is absurd... criminally absurd.
Ayuh,... Agreed,.... The only business in the world that, rather than discountin' a Cash purchase, they Double the f(*)(*)kin' price...
