RANT: Wy is it cheaper to die than stay healthy?

[RandySF]

My mom spent ten days in the hospital before she passed away in 2014. By the time Medicare and Blue Cross paid for everything, we were left with a minimal television fee. But when my 82 year-old dad went in for his annual physical two weeks ago, he still had to pay $200 out of his pocket after everything else was paid. It's as if you can die free of charge but God forbid you try to stay healthy under this broken system.

[exboyfil]

1. I got one for you - My mom

prior to ACA was kicked off my dad's retirement health insurance after he died. She was forced to get a lousy health insurance policy. When she had chest pains, she went in and was responsible for $20K in charges for a single day stay plus tests.

She is also a Trump voter.

[csziggy]

2. I thought wellness exams were supposed to be free?

What we found when my Dad was dying (in 2013) was that hospice pays 100% of the costs while if he was in the same ward with the same care under Medicare they only paid 80%. Maybe that is why your Mom's bill was so little?

Since apparently basic Medicare - without supplementals or other add-ons - only pays 80% that leaves 20% to be paid by the patient. So your Dad probably got $1000 worth of medical services.

No, it's not right but that is the fucked up system we have.

Condolences for the loss of your Mom. I hope your Dad stays healthy for a long time despite our messed up system.

[mikelewis]

3. Probably because dead people universally refuse to pay their bills...

The healthy share the costs of the sick... and eventually dying. What we should do is deregulate the medical industry so anyone with a Youtube account and an exacto knife can finally start making some money... put some competition into the system