Increasing costs of US. health care

[floridapete]

An interesting thread just opened on Top Forum, started by a US citizen with a close interest and concern for immigrants and non-immigrant visa holders.

See: http://www.top-forums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27190

[Susie]

Hi Peter

I agree the rising health care costs are a worry and know only too well how much they can be. We were lucky to be insured with Blue Cross Blue Sheild

The max we pay in any 12 month period is $500 deductible and 20% on bills. Even though we pay the 20% again in any one year the max we pay is $2000.00 plus the $500

I do know of some people that cannot afford any health insurance but if you go to hospital they cannot refuse to treat you just because you are poor. There are others who say they will pay and sign to say this at the hospital. When the bill comes in they own up and say they cannot afford the treatment. They offered a small some per month to pay the debt off or a one off payment (pennies on the dollar ) apparently the hospital's quite often settle for a one off payment and write the rest of the debt off

Truely doubt if there will ever be a NHS or anything like it. Health care is big business here. It would help if hospitals and insurance companies were regulated as everyone wants the biggest penny and about time were controlled it some way.

Maybe they are and if anyone knows I would be grateful if they would share