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Everyone knows that healthcare costs in America are expensive. Our government spends the most per person on healthcare of any country in the world – $9,237. Compare that to the UK at an average of $3,749 per person. Now consider that the United States has some of the worst medical outcomes in the developed world, coupled with a lower life expectancy than other nations.
Why is it possible for other nations to maintain universal healthcare, yet the mere mention of the concept threatens to shut down the United States government? If you’re an average American man who pays for his health insurance, you’re being ripped off.
We Pay More Than Other Countries
Every year, the International Federation of Health Plans releases a report detailing the costs of medical procedures and treatments for seven countries. These countries are comparable in wealth and are developed nations; they include Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, and Switzerland.
The compilation of data is incredible. An arthritis drug, Humira, which costs $552 in South Africa and $1,362 in the United Kingdom sells for $2,996 in the United States. An appendectomy costs a patient a mere $1,786 in South Africa or just over $8,000 in the UK. In the US, that same procedure costs an average of almost $16,000. Having a baby? It’ll cost your family less than $2k in both Spain and South Africa. In America, it’ll cost over $10,000.
The fact is, Americans pay more for the most basic of human rights: healthcare. Obviously, with expenses as high as these, there’s no way the government can afford to subsidize a universal healthcare policy, right?
Why Is American Healthcare So Expensive?
American healthcare is no more advanced than that of other first-world nations. And American patients aren’t simply footing the bill for superior medical treatment. In fact, the outcomes of American medicine are abysmal compared to other nations. A higher obesity rate and higher infant mortality are examples of this.
Without massive government intervention, there’s little about the cost of healthcare that is likely to change in this country. We do pay more for the same procedures, medications, and treatments than other nationals. But we also pay our doctors more and bear the cost of higher administrative costs.
Americans are historically a litigious lot. As a result, doctors fear the almighty lawsuit. This prompts hospitals and private practices to order more tests than necessary – an MRI and a CAT scan when a simple x-ray would suffice. Specialists are called in when they may not be required. And we, as patients, also find ourselves footing the bill for doctors’ malpractice insurance.
Health insurance is supposed to help with this but it doesn’t help enough. With the average American man paying $321 each month in single coverage health insurance, that’s nearly $4,000 every year and doesn’t include the costs of deductibles and copays.
It’s obvious that something in the American healthcare system isn’t working. Healthcare providers, drug companies, and insurance providers are unwilling to relinquish control of medical choices and expenses. The Affordable Care Act was meant to remedy this problem but it turned out to be unaffordable for many. Health care reform is currently under review but, frankly, it’s getting nowhere right now.
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American men work hard for their money, and it’s hard to justify handing over such a high percentage of income to medical expenses. So what can you do to fight back against the rising cost of healthcare?
1. Do your research. The healthcare industry is literally the only industry in which services are rendered without the consumer first knowing the price. You have a right to know. Many of us are accustomed to the copay. Emergency room visit? $100. Script for high blood pressure? $10. Flu shot? Covered.
But many of us are no longer covered by health insurance. If you are, great! Check with your insurance provider for copays and deductibles based on your plans. If not, you’re going to have to get in touch with the hospital or provider. Ask about the “self-pay” cost for your procedure, and ask about facility fees. You have the right to request a detailed explanation of anticipated charges, much like an estimate you’d receive from a repair shop.
Estimate doesn’t sound right? Visit Healthcare Bluebook for a fair price search.
2. CYA. Once you’ve spoken to someone about the cost of your medical care, be sure to get it in writing. Your facility may offer a discount for patients who are paying in cash, or who are underinsured. If you’ve spoken to a representative about this, you’ll need to have the paperwork to back up your claim.
3. Know your rights. In some instances, you may not know in advance that you’ll require medical attention. In the event of a car accident, for example, or if you’re hurt on the job. In that case, as combative as it may sound, you have rights; it’s time to lawyer up. You may not be responsible for those bills. Most auto insurance policies will cover the injured. The United States Department of Labor requires most employers to sponsor worker’s compensation benefits. Worker’s comp claims can be tricky; you may want to consult an attorney specializing in worker’s compensation to help you understand your rights.
4. Shop around. If you’re scheduling a procedure, you have the right to shop around for the best rate. A colonoscopy, for example, may cost more at a hospital than at a gastroenterology specialist. Call your primary care doctor and ask if a referral will save you on the cost of your procedure. Then do your homework before you schedule your appointment.
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