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Woman Shares How Her Insurance Company Tried Ripping Her Off After A Check-Up For Breast Cancer

Woman Shares How Her Insurance Company Tried Ripping Her Off After A Check-Up For Breast Cancer

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While many countries around the world are looking at American healthcare with confusion (and horror), for most Americans, this is everyday business they have to go through. Shockingly, a December 2019 poll by Gallup showed that 25% of Americans say they or their family member have delayed medical treatment for a serious illness due to the costs of care. Another 2019 study from the American Cancer Society found that a whopping 56% of American adults have at least one medical financial hardship.

But the real scope of the problem with the American healthcare system becomes evident in the stories from people who had to experience it firsthand. Just like this anonymous person who recounted an incident at the mammogram office and shared it on Imgur. The post starts with a mammogram office calling in to tell the person bad news, and fortunately or not, it’s not health-related.

The bad news came with a financial burden of $775 since the diagnostic procedures weren’t covered by their insurance. The post stirred quite some comments on Imgur and amassed 4.8k upvotes. Read the full story below that reveals how flawed some American health insurance policies can be.

Image credits: Army Medicine (not the actual photo)

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The author added some more information on their situation

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Image credits: Rumpleteazer

Previously, Bored Panda spoke to Wendell Potter, a New York Times bestselling author and an advocate of health insurance reform, who shed some light on the sinister tactics health insurance companies use. Many Americans have become especially vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic. “Our system is on the verge of collapse, in large part because we have allowed private insurers to run that system. For one thing, the days in which they call the shots in this country are numbered.”

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Unlike in most developed countries, America is nowhere close to having universal coverage, explained Potter. “Even 10 years after the Affordable Care Act was passed, we have approximately 30 million people who are uninsured—plus another 60 million who are underinsured. Many people in this country are reluctant to seek the care they need because of the expense.”

One cannot help but wonder how the insurers get away with all their machination. “One is because we have never had adequate oversight and regulation of the health insurance business in this country.” Everyone has taken a patchwork approach to regulation.

What’s more, “most people with private health insurance get their coverage through their employers, and because of a federal law enacted several years ago, those health plans are exempt from state regulation.” According to the former health insurance executive, many insurance companies will “deny care and maintain profits while making it look like they’re heroes.” Read our full article on insurance companies’ tactics during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Many people criticized the American healthcare system for just how flawed it is

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m2crows avatar
Mike Crow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans are brainwashed into believing their insurance based health system is the best. I once tried to debate an American about it and he boiled it down to, universal healthcare would take away his freedom to choose what coverage to have. It’s almost like if there is no profit or gouging, then it must be socialism and is bad.

rosselairaeugeniecruz avatar
Wolfstar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Universal healthcare would take away my freedom." Well, I guess he has the freedom to pay overpriced, life-saving surgeries that he could probably get for free in other countries...

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ssnx01 avatar
Chich
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Socialism is the fire department coming to put your house fire out, capitalism is your health insurer denying your claim"

sherry_straus_94 avatar
Fairsher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When will Americans have enough of this??? How you live knowing any medical emergency could bankrupt you must give you ulcers. How many kids? die because of not going to the hospital for the real fear of payment, so sad and so backward!!

parmeisan avatar
Parmeisan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this ties in to the whole craziness down there with nearly 50% of people voting for the white supremacist, admitted sex offender, who only cares for the ultra-rich: If they were to acknowledge how thin the line is between themselves and homelessness, it would be totally paralyzing. So a lot of them won't think too hard about it. They accept the idea that poor people "deserve" to be poor and that they are fundamentally better than people on welfare, rather than just luckier. And the more you accept crazy ideas like that, the easier it is to accept the next one. (There's a study about that.) I think there's a significant portion of the American population (and I don't kid myself, it's in Canada and Europe too, probably everywhere, if perhaps in lesser numbers) who have gotten to the point where they 100% believe everything Fox News tells them because they cannot go down the rabbit hole of lies which would result in finally accepting that they could lose everything in an instant.

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angele_therese avatar
Noez 🇸🇪
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will never understand why Americans accept their health care system. I'd go mad and would be out rioting on the streets if I was forced to pay a crapload of money for the meds I take for my MS. I'm unemployed now due to corona but thankfully I don't have to worry about health care costs because I live in a country with humane health care.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as we have seen this year, my fellow americans riot over a scam artist calling himself a president. And then turn around and protest AGAINST universal health care. We are a backwards country.

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nancy_9 avatar
Canadian in Cornwall
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Canadian but have lived in the UK since '87. Couldn't believe that birth control pills were free ! Thought they were offering it to me free as I had just arrived in the country ! Also, I'm about to turn 60, when my prescriptions will be free !! I'm on antidepressants, which in Canada you'd have to pay full price for, but a prescription here, if you have to pay, is only £9.05 (and people complain ! So I tell them in Canada you have to pay the full price, so stop bloody moaning !) :)))

kevinhickey avatar
Kevin Hickey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live near the Canadian border and the nursing homes have buses that take senior citizens up to Canada to get cheaper prescription meds. The U.S. government is trying to make it illegal to do that.

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pantea avatar
Pantea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Physical integrity = affordable health insurance = human right. Only US Americans don't accept this notion.

kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

fear of communism.... !!!! damn people are brainwashed

linhnguyen_nkl_1704 avatar
Lili
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, Americans, you won't get Universal Health Care. Because then it means filthy rich corporations in the industry won't be able to earn as much as now. And they will lobby your politicians to make sure things stay the same. Just like how arms dealers always do. Nothing YOU want matters. But hey, be proud, your country is still the most powerful. It doesn't benefit the average citizens though, but it sure benefits your government (and those who run it), whom you crazily love. So... I guess you don't mind?

jaysonhammer avatar
Jayson Hammer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the ones who should be making changes for the good of everyone (regular people) have convinced half the populace that having to not worry about being sick is a BAD thing so universal healthcare is bad, and takes away your choice of insurance. And That's bad cuz "I ain't gonna be told what to do! Socialism!" I've tried to explain to people how yes it may mean more taxes, but that money is what's being taken out of your check anyway and going to the insurance companies who do everything they can to NOT pay. Your check won't change much for a MUCH better benefit.

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m62969 avatar
M
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Recently, my insurance company (NY-based and rhymes with blemphlem bealth) tried to stick me with a $21,500 bill for surgery that I had while unconscious after being taken into the ICU via the ER, for sepsis. They attempted to claim that it was "elective surgery" so that since the surgeon was "out of network" I should pay full price. You know, that kind of "elective surgery" where you didn't know anything was wrong and they bring you in via the ER and operate on you immediately because you'll die otherwise...

to_sonia avatar
Sonia Mokrani
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Sweden this is paied by the gouvernment. Sometimes if you don't go the doctor regulary (when you paied over100 dollars under a year, all other appointments is free), you pay around 20 dollars for an appointment.

to_sonia avatar
Sonia Mokrani
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have SLE and get all my medications for about 210 dollars a year. Some of them are really expensive. I don't have a job but I am studying (for free).

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stephyg1980 avatar
Ms.GB
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah my mom's neurologist just prescribed her a medicine...well actually it was prescribed about 3 months ago but I'm still trying to get her insurance to cover it. They already said they wouldn't so her dr is trying to get different meds that do the same thing covered but as you may well know for some reason it takes insurance companies weeks to process each request meanwhile 73 year old mother still not getting her medication.

pantea avatar
Pantea
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope your Mother gets better soon. My mom suffers from parkinson. She has only little income from her retirement and additional social help to meet the ends. We live in Germany. Her GP suggested to take her to a neurologist. I did. She was examined and diagnosed and received a prescription. I went to a pharmacy and got her medication for free. End of the story.

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jadewilliamson89 avatar
Jade Lynn - Panda's Brat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We still have to pay for quite a few things here in Ontario, Canada unless you are on welfare or disability. We have to pay for our medications, eye care (glasses, eye exams), sometimes ambulance rides, and dental appointments. If you have a health benefits plan through your work (which you pay for, on top of the taxes they take for the provincial medical program) you can get a lot of stuff covered that way though. What we do have to pay for is no where near as expensive as it is in the USA, but most of us still do have to pay for health care here. I am thankful it is not as expensive here and that there are many ways to avoid huge costs.

andersmiemietz avatar
AndersM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The american health system is a class example what happens when you don't control the private sector . Poor americans. I seriously feel sorry for you.

leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THIS. Healthcare here is great. IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT and it's "Covered". Which, y'know... it usually ain't. (BTW, this isn't just about women. Chemotherapy drugs are marked up, virility drugs, you name it, any drug or treatment is marked up insanely high, and as far as I can tell, the HMO system makes the hospitals tons of money, so the hospitals love it. Medicare/aid isn't covering near what people think, either. My mom spent $3K last year on supplemental insurance and still had to pay $5K out of pocket for medical expenses despite supposedly being "covered" for her colon issue. So she's out $8K... but if she had no insurance, etc., the cash cost of the procedure is half that, including overnight hospitalization.) HEALTH CARE IS A HUMAN RIGHT! Stop making it about profit! Sick citizens = sick nation = bad idea.

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really pity the Americans and their ongoing battle to have what is deemed their human right by the universal declaration of human rights. On the other hand, if the majority of people in a democracy want a change they should vote for people who are willing and able to start that change. Looking at the voting results I'm beginning to wonder if Americans only want change when they themselves are confronted with the negative consequences of their choices, or if they want change so everyone can benefit.

m_faith88 avatar
Faith M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Europeans pay MORE and get way less. No thanks. Americans have the greatest healthcare in the world.

contact_63 avatar
Diane Barth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fyi, IMPORTANT INFO: recent colonoscopy, my insurance company tried to get me to pay, as I have a high deductible. Me, “Ah, no, the Affordable Care Act (thanks, Obama!) says I don’t have to pay anything as it’s preventive care.” Them: “yes you do.” Me: “No I don’t, and the Department of Health and Human Services backs me up.” Them: “you owe.” Me: Calls the Attorney Generals office. Attorney Generals office: “oh well, you could try mediation.” Me: “hell no, your job is to uphold the law and they’re breaking the law.” Me to the insurance: “I’m siccing the Attorney General’s office on you.” (bluff). Insurance: “Oh, okay, we will pay the whole thing.” LESSON: DON’T LET THE INSURANCE COMPANY SCREW YOU.

narutonobakka avatar
Kantami Blossom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so sad to see how badly Americans are robbed like that. my father recently spent just over two months in hospital because of an infection in his foot during which he met with several doctors and consultants, had two separate amputation surgeries, and since getting out he's had to regularly attend after care and rehab without paying a penny(being fae Scotland we even get free prescriptions so he's not had to pay for the antibiotics he needed to take).

katherinespear avatar
Katherine Spear
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My battle with Breast cancer started 4 years ago, after so many Chemo, Radiation and other natural therapy treatments that I took just to cure my Breast cancer, it all did not work for my condition. I was treating this disease for almost 4 year, I was cured with World Rehabilitate Clinic formula. This is medication that totally kills cancer cells. They also have a cure for hysterectomy issues, Alzheimer's Disease and more other chronic diseases. Contact ( worldrehabilitateclinic.com or WhatsApp +17278553511.

rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good lord. I had a mammogram just a few months ago. No charge, of course, I'm Canadian. The provincial health association sends around a letter reminding me to get one every two years because, news flash - it's cheaper to catch things early with regular checkups!

jamie_mayfield avatar
Ivana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, I really want to know why it is more expensive.

johnshearer avatar
John Shearer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They elected Donald trump as the president of the United States. That is all you need to hear to realise how f****d America is just now and healthcare is not going to change as it makes too much $$$

tishcombyolivieri avatar
Tish Comby Olivieri
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A member of my immediate family is covered by his insurance from work, and he has a grueling job. If he's like most people, he has to pay half of the insurance cost, which is taken direactly from his paycheck. When he goes on for a routine colonoscopy, they discover a few polyps, and nip them off. Later, he receives a bill for over $1500, because while preventive care is fully covered, the reason for the prevention is not.

martinweniger avatar
Martin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why does she have to pay hundreds of dollars for her insurance and nothing is covered? In Germany, i have to pay also hundreds of Euro (200-300) per month and nearly all is covered

lisafreeman avatar
DogMatic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in the UK. My mum lost a breast to cancer recently, and it was a horrible, stressful, worrying time. I can't even begin to imagine how much worse it would have been with the added complications of dealing with the insurance companies, let alone the financial pressures. The diagnostic scans, surgery, hospital stay, checkups, & ongoing preventative medication cost nothing. All paid for by taxes of course, but costing far less overall, no enormous bill to pay during a most stressful time, & no time wasted arguing with insurance companies for lifesaving treatment.

kevinhickey avatar
Kevin Hickey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love getting letters in the mail that say, "Pay this amount" and also say, "This is not a bill." Awesome system. I've also discovered that if you ignore a medical bill, they'll often send it again and the amount due is less than the first time, for no apparent reason.

web_9 avatar
Owiella Freddie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I needed a certain medication that was one tier above the baseline, but the insurance company said they would not cover it until I tried and failed at the baseline med first, even though I am allergic to one of the main ingredients in the baseline, hence the docs automatically ordering one tier up in the first place.

mtnpacrat avatar
Les Izmore
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No sympathy for the US American. They elected a Republican Senate and chose to live without a social safety net. You got what you asked for. Stop complaining if you aren't willing to change

earloflincoln avatar
Martha Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Half the population over there didn't vote for this. And the problems with their health care system are older than a lot of people who voted now. That health care system wasn't created from scratch last night and it can't be reformed over night either.

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cynthia_mcdonald1 avatar
Cynthia McDonald
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a similar thing happen. My doctor needed imaging of something he felt needed to be removed - medically necessary. He sent me to the nearest imaging center in the health care system, where they promptly requested $2000. I spent the next two weeks on the phone with various insurance customer care people trying to find an imaging place in network that everyone could agree was in network (apparently it's difficult to determine??), and the correct ICD code so that it was covered by insurance. This delayed my surgery so long that I now couldn't schedule it within the calendar year where I already met my deductible, so I would have had to pay the $2500 again just to have the surgery on the next calendar year. I never had the surgery. Also rolling the dice. And I have a very good job, supposedly platinum level insurance for which I pay $200 every two weeks.

pickass avatar
Nela Rothenbach
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so confusing to me....I don't even know what medical treatments cost. I have never seen a bill or had to call my insurance. I just go and get the medical help I need.

apriljanzen avatar
april janzen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Canadian here but live in usa.. health care here is way better than Canada but you pay crazy prices...just one example..my medication that I buy monthly is anywhere from $115 to $250 ..yes they price gouge..so you always need to shop around..I went to barrel drug store and it was $150 with my insurance ..I asked what the price would be without my insurance and it cost $47!!!!! I now don't use my insurance for that med. In 2003 I had a total hysterectomy my total was $700 , two years ago my husband had surgery and had to go to wound specialist for 3 months..total $3000 ..in canada my dad had a widow maker heart attack.. surgery and a 3 hour ambulance ride each way to better hospital and many more dr follow ups....$0 I hate hate hate the healthcare system here

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With $11.00 / hr, my company wants to take $200 a month for insurance. THEN I'd have to pay $2000 deductible before insurance kicked in IF anything went wrong. I don't have health insurance.

krzysztofmazurkiewicz avatar
Shull GaRett
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont get it... The mammogram office takes more from the insurance than from the person himself? Where is logic in this? And how is that possible to have 2 prices for the same thing?

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they do it all the time. That's why you ask for itemized invoice ... they suddenly reduce the overall cost.

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benlensgraf avatar
Benjamin Lensgraf
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For Profit Healthcare Insurance System rips people off!? You don't say! It's almost like they're more concerned with making money!

perfumistaperfumista avatar
Perfumista Perfumista
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My guess is the issue was the ultrasound. I have never been billed for a mammo under any of the plans I've had. Even the high deductible ones. Then again, I'm over 40.

jean-francoisbrisson avatar
Jean-Francois Brisson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You guys will never get free health care, it's sad, but there are lot's of factors involved, and I don't see them getting changed. You got cost of schooling to become doctor and crippling student loans, so fees and salaries have to be insanely high. Then insurance companies have to pay up for these, and passes the bill to the average joe. The banks, education system, hospitals, and insurances are making too much money to give it up.

meganjohnson_1 avatar
Megan Johnson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I recently decided to do without health insurance. The deductibles are more than we'd pay in cash and the premiums are through the roof right now due to pandemic. We need free market healthcare. All prices disclosed and competitive. That's the only solution I see.

leoh avatar
Leo H
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just wanted to say men face the same medical hurdles...and fight insurance companies for coverage too... and yes alot of times we just roll with it too

khadejaabdallah avatar
n i k o
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post wasn't even about the fact that she was a woman, it was a story about how messed up the U.S healthcare system is, yeesh. Relax, man. Of COURSE men face medical hurdles too, no one said they didn't lmao. The story just focused on a woman.

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m2crows avatar
Mike Crow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans are brainwashed into believing their insurance based health system is the best. I once tried to debate an American about it and he boiled it down to, universal healthcare would take away his freedom to choose what coverage to have. It’s almost like if there is no profit or gouging, then it must be socialism and is bad.

rosselairaeugeniecruz avatar
Wolfstar
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Universal healthcare would take away my freedom." Well, I guess he has the freedom to pay overpriced, life-saving surgeries that he could probably get for free in other countries...

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ssnx01 avatar
Chich
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Socialism is the fire department coming to put your house fire out, capitalism is your health insurer denying your claim"

sherry_straus_94 avatar
Fairsher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When will Americans have enough of this??? How you live knowing any medical emergency could bankrupt you must give you ulcers. How many kids? die because of not going to the hospital for the real fear of payment, so sad and so backward!!

parmeisan avatar
Parmeisan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this ties in to the whole craziness down there with nearly 50% of people voting for the white supremacist, admitted sex offender, who only cares for the ultra-rich: If they were to acknowledge how thin the line is between themselves and homelessness, it would be totally paralyzing. So a lot of them won't think too hard about it. They accept the idea that poor people "deserve" to be poor and that they are fundamentally better than people on welfare, rather than just luckier. And the more you accept crazy ideas like that, the easier it is to accept the next one. (There's a study about that.) I think there's a significant portion of the American population (and I don't kid myself, it's in Canada and Europe too, probably everywhere, if perhaps in lesser numbers) who have gotten to the point where they 100% believe everything Fox News tells them because they cannot go down the rabbit hole of lies which would result in finally accepting that they could lose everything in an instant.

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angele_therese avatar
Noez 🇸🇪
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will never understand why Americans accept their health care system. I'd go mad and would be out rioting on the streets if I was forced to pay a crapload of money for the meds I take for my MS. I'm unemployed now due to corona but thankfully I don't have to worry about health care costs because I live in a country with humane health care.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as we have seen this year, my fellow americans riot over a scam artist calling himself a president. And then turn around and protest AGAINST universal health care. We are a backwards country.

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nancy_9 avatar
Canadian in Cornwall
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Canadian but have lived in the UK since '87. Couldn't believe that birth control pills were free ! Thought they were offering it to me free as I had just arrived in the country ! Also, I'm about to turn 60, when my prescriptions will be free !! I'm on antidepressants, which in Canada you'd have to pay full price for, but a prescription here, if you have to pay, is only £9.05 (and people complain ! So I tell them in Canada you have to pay the full price, so stop bloody moaning !) :)))

kevinhickey avatar
Kevin Hickey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live near the Canadian border and the nursing homes have buses that take senior citizens up to Canada to get cheaper prescription meds. The U.S. government is trying to make it illegal to do that.

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pantea avatar
Pantea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Physical integrity = affordable health insurance = human right. Only US Americans don't accept this notion.

kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

fear of communism.... !!!! damn people are brainwashed

linhnguyen_nkl_1704 avatar
Lili
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, Americans, you won't get Universal Health Care. Because then it means filthy rich corporations in the industry won't be able to earn as much as now. And they will lobby your politicians to make sure things stay the same. Just like how arms dealers always do. Nothing YOU want matters. But hey, be proud, your country is still the most powerful. It doesn't benefit the average citizens though, but it sure benefits your government (and those who run it), whom you crazily love. So... I guess you don't mind?

jaysonhammer avatar
Jayson Hammer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the ones who should be making changes for the good of everyone (regular people) have convinced half the populace that having to not worry about being sick is a BAD thing so universal healthcare is bad, and takes away your choice of insurance. And That's bad cuz "I ain't gonna be told what to do! Socialism!" I've tried to explain to people how yes it may mean more taxes, but that money is what's being taken out of your check anyway and going to the insurance companies who do everything they can to NOT pay. Your check won't change much for a MUCH better benefit.

Load More Replies...
m62969 avatar
M
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Recently, my insurance company (NY-based and rhymes with blemphlem bealth) tried to stick me with a $21,500 bill for surgery that I had while unconscious after being taken into the ICU via the ER, for sepsis. They attempted to claim that it was "elective surgery" so that since the surgeon was "out of network" I should pay full price. You know, that kind of "elective surgery" where you didn't know anything was wrong and they bring you in via the ER and operate on you immediately because you'll die otherwise...

to_sonia avatar
Sonia Mokrani
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Sweden this is paied by the gouvernment. Sometimes if you don't go the doctor regulary (when you paied over100 dollars under a year, all other appointments is free), you pay around 20 dollars for an appointment.

to_sonia avatar
Sonia Mokrani
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have SLE and get all my medications for about 210 dollars a year. Some of them are really expensive. I don't have a job but I am studying (for free).

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stephyg1980 avatar
Ms.GB
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah my mom's neurologist just prescribed her a medicine...well actually it was prescribed about 3 months ago but I'm still trying to get her insurance to cover it. They already said they wouldn't so her dr is trying to get different meds that do the same thing covered but as you may well know for some reason it takes insurance companies weeks to process each request meanwhile 73 year old mother still not getting her medication.

pantea avatar
Pantea
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope your Mother gets better soon. My mom suffers from parkinson. She has only little income from her retirement and additional social help to meet the ends. We live in Germany. Her GP suggested to take her to a neurologist. I did. She was examined and diagnosed and received a prescription. I went to a pharmacy and got her medication for free. End of the story.

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jadewilliamson89 avatar
Jade Lynn - Panda's Brat
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We still have to pay for quite a few things here in Ontario, Canada unless you are on welfare or disability. We have to pay for our medications, eye care (glasses, eye exams), sometimes ambulance rides, and dental appointments. If you have a health benefits plan through your work (which you pay for, on top of the taxes they take for the provincial medical program) you can get a lot of stuff covered that way though. What we do have to pay for is no where near as expensive as it is in the USA, but most of us still do have to pay for health care here. I am thankful it is not as expensive here and that there are many ways to avoid huge costs.

andersmiemietz avatar
AndersM
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The american health system is a class example what happens when you don't control the private sector . Poor americans. I seriously feel sorry for you.

leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

THIS. Healthcare here is great. IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT and it's "Covered". Which, y'know... it usually ain't. (BTW, this isn't just about women. Chemotherapy drugs are marked up, virility drugs, you name it, any drug or treatment is marked up insanely high, and as far as I can tell, the HMO system makes the hospitals tons of money, so the hospitals love it. Medicare/aid isn't covering near what people think, either. My mom spent $3K last year on supplemental insurance and still had to pay $5K out of pocket for medical expenses despite supposedly being "covered" for her colon issue. So she's out $8K... but if she had no insurance, etc., the cash cost of the procedure is half that, including overnight hospitalization.) HEALTH CARE IS A HUMAN RIGHT! Stop making it about profit! Sick citizens = sick nation = bad idea.

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really pity the Americans and their ongoing battle to have what is deemed their human right by the universal declaration of human rights. On the other hand, if the majority of people in a democracy want a change they should vote for people who are willing and able to start that change. Looking at the voting results I'm beginning to wonder if Americans only want change when they themselves are confronted with the negative consequences of their choices, or if they want change so everyone can benefit.

m_faith88 avatar
Faith M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Europeans pay MORE and get way less. No thanks. Americans have the greatest healthcare in the world.

contact_63 avatar
Diane Barth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fyi, IMPORTANT INFO: recent colonoscopy, my insurance company tried to get me to pay, as I have a high deductible. Me, “Ah, no, the Affordable Care Act (thanks, Obama!) says I don’t have to pay anything as it’s preventive care.” Them: “yes you do.” Me: “No I don’t, and the Department of Health and Human Services backs me up.” Them: “you owe.” Me: Calls the Attorney Generals office. Attorney Generals office: “oh well, you could try mediation.” Me: “hell no, your job is to uphold the law and they’re breaking the law.” Me to the insurance: “I’m siccing the Attorney General’s office on you.” (bluff). Insurance: “Oh, okay, we will pay the whole thing.” LESSON: DON’T LET THE INSURANCE COMPANY SCREW YOU.

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Kantami Blossom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so sad to see how badly Americans are robbed like that. my father recently spent just over two months in hospital because of an infection in his foot during which he met with several doctors and consultants, had two separate amputation surgeries, and since getting out he's had to regularly attend after care and rehab without paying a penny(being fae Scotland we even get free prescriptions so he's not had to pay for the antibiotics he needed to take).

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Katherine Spear
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My battle with Breast cancer started 4 years ago, after so many Chemo, Radiation and other natural therapy treatments that I took just to cure my Breast cancer, it all did not work for my condition. I was treating this disease for almost 4 year, I was cured with World Rehabilitate Clinic formula. This is medication that totally kills cancer cells. They also have a cure for hysterectomy issues, Alzheimer's Disease and more other chronic diseases. Contact ( worldrehabilitateclinic.com or WhatsApp +17278553511.

rhodabike6 avatar
Seabeast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good lord. I had a mammogram just a few months ago. No charge, of course, I'm Canadian. The provincial health association sends around a letter reminding me to get one every two years because, news flash - it's cheaper to catch things early with regular checkups!

jamie_mayfield avatar
Ivana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, I really want to know why it is more expensive.

johnshearer avatar
John Shearer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They elected Donald trump as the president of the United States. That is all you need to hear to realise how f****d America is just now and healthcare is not going to change as it makes too much $$$

tishcombyolivieri avatar
Tish Comby Olivieri
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A member of my immediate family is covered by his insurance from work, and he has a grueling job. If he's like most people, he has to pay half of the insurance cost, which is taken direactly from his paycheck. When he goes on for a routine colonoscopy, they discover a few polyps, and nip them off. Later, he receives a bill for over $1500, because while preventive care is fully covered, the reason for the prevention is not.

martinweniger avatar
Martin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why does she have to pay hundreds of dollars for her insurance and nothing is covered? In Germany, i have to pay also hundreds of Euro (200-300) per month and nearly all is covered

lisafreeman avatar
DogMatic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in the UK. My mum lost a breast to cancer recently, and it was a horrible, stressful, worrying time. I can't even begin to imagine how much worse it would have been with the added complications of dealing with the insurance companies, let alone the financial pressures. The diagnostic scans, surgery, hospital stay, checkups, & ongoing preventative medication cost nothing. All paid for by taxes of course, but costing far less overall, no enormous bill to pay during a most stressful time, & no time wasted arguing with insurance companies for lifesaving treatment.

kevinhickey avatar
Kevin Hickey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love getting letters in the mail that say, "Pay this amount" and also say, "This is not a bill." Awesome system. I've also discovered that if you ignore a medical bill, they'll often send it again and the amount due is less than the first time, for no apparent reason.

web_9 avatar
Owiella Freddie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I needed a certain medication that was one tier above the baseline, but the insurance company said they would not cover it until I tried and failed at the baseline med first, even though I am allergic to one of the main ingredients in the baseline, hence the docs automatically ordering one tier up in the first place.

mtnpacrat avatar
Les Izmore
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No sympathy for the US American. They elected a Republican Senate and chose to live without a social safety net. You got what you asked for. Stop complaining if you aren't willing to change

earloflincoln avatar
Martha Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Half the population over there didn't vote for this. And the problems with their health care system are older than a lot of people who voted now. That health care system wasn't created from scratch last night and it can't be reformed over night either.

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cynthia_mcdonald1 avatar
Cynthia McDonald
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a similar thing happen. My doctor needed imaging of something he felt needed to be removed - medically necessary. He sent me to the nearest imaging center in the health care system, where they promptly requested $2000. I spent the next two weeks on the phone with various insurance customer care people trying to find an imaging place in network that everyone could agree was in network (apparently it's difficult to determine??), and the correct ICD code so that it was covered by insurance. This delayed my surgery so long that I now couldn't schedule it within the calendar year where I already met my deductible, so I would have had to pay the $2500 again just to have the surgery on the next calendar year. I never had the surgery. Also rolling the dice. And I have a very good job, supposedly platinum level insurance for which I pay $200 every two weeks.

pickass avatar
Nela Rothenbach
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so confusing to me....I don't even know what medical treatments cost. I have never seen a bill or had to call my insurance. I just go and get the medical help I need.

apriljanzen avatar
april janzen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Canadian here but live in usa.. health care here is way better than Canada but you pay crazy prices...just one example..my medication that I buy monthly is anywhere from $115 to $250 ..yes they price gouge..so you always need to shop around..I went to barrel drug store and it was $150 with my insurance ..I asked what the price would be without my insurance and it cost $47!!!!! I now don't use my insurance for that med. In 2003 I had a total hysterectomy my total was $700 , two years ago my husband had surgery and had to go to wound specialist for 3 months..total $3000 ..in canada my dad had a widow maker heart attack.. surgery and a 3 hour ambulance ride each way to better hospital and many more dr follow ups....$0 I hate hate hate the healthcare system here

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With $11.00 / hr, my company wants to take $200 a month for insurance. THEN I'd have to pay $2000 deductible before insurance kicked in IF anything went wrong. I don't have health insurance.

krzysztofmazurkiewicz avatar
Shull GaRett
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont get it... The mammogram office takes more from the insurance than from the person himself? Where is logic in this? And how is that possible to have 2 prices for the same thing?

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

they do it all the time. That's why you ask for itemized invoice ... they suddenly reduce the overall cost.

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benlensgraf avatar
Benjamin Lensgraf
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For Profit Healthcare Insurance System rips people off!? You don't say! It's almost like they're more concerned with making money!

perfumistaperfumista avatar
Perfumista Perfumista
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My guess is the issue was the ultrasound. I have never been billed for a mammo under any of the plans I've had. Even the high deductible ones. Then again, I'm over 40.

jean-francoisbrisson avatar
Jean-Francois Brisson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You guys will never get free health care, it's sad, but there are lot's of factors involved, and I don't see them getting changed. You got cost of schooling to become doctor and crippling student loans, so fees and salaries have to be insanely high. Then insurance companies have to pay up for these, and passes the bill to the average joe. The banks, education system, hospitals, and insurances are making too much money to give it up.

meganjohnson_1 avatar
Megan Johnson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband and I recently decided to do without health insurance. The deductibles are more than we'd pay in cash and the premiums are through the roof right now due to pandemic. We need free market healthcare. All prices disclosed and competitive. That's the only solution I see.

leoh avatar
Leo H
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just wanted to say men face the same medical hurdles...and fight insurance companies for coverage too... and yes alot of times we just roll with it too

khadejaabdallah avatar
n i k o
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This post wasn't even about the fact that she was a woman, it was a story about how messed up the U.S healthcare system is, yeesh. Relax, man. Of COURSE men face medical hurdles too, no one said they didn't lmao. The story just focused on a woman.

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