<p>When D1 was born 22 years ago, my doctor charged $3K for delivery. When D2 was born 17 years ago, it went up to $8K for delivery. It was with the same doctor. I asked him why the cost has gone up so much. He said it was due to his malpractice insurance, too many people were suing ob-gyns. Americans do not believe anything should go wrong when it comes to medical care, especially with child birth, and when it does then it must be the doctor or hospital´s fault. The consumers are paying for those law suits and awards (in my case it was a difference of $5k).</p>
<p>I went to pick up some antibiotics one time, and I forgot to bring my insurance card with me. I told the pharmacy to just charge me and I would file a claim later. They told me it would be $350, but if I had insurance it would be $50. I was very puzzled, “So if I was some poor person who couldn´t afford insurance, you would charge me 7 times more for the same medicine?” It is the case with doctors, labs, their fees are much lower for people with insurance than for people without insurance, which to me is wrong.</p>
<p>I think it is great WI was able to break the insurance monopoly, money saved could be used for the students instead of to the insurance company. </p>
<p>I just worked with D1 in choosing health insurance coverage at her new job. I told her to choose a PPO (not HMO) with high deductibles, and put pre-tax money away to cover the deductibles. When it comes to health care, for me the most important thing is to be able to go to the best doctor (hospital) possible when there is a mjaor medical problem. Her monthly insurance premium will be around $50, a lot cheaper than for me to keep her on my plan. If her company only offered ONE plan, like WI teacher´s union, D1 wouldn´t be able to have that choice.</p>