this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2024

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How much do Americans actually pay for healthcare? (pawb.social)

submitted 3 months ago by [email protected] to c/asklemmy

215 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hey all, I'm British so I don't really know the ins and outs of the US healthcare system. Apologies for asking what is probably a rather simple question.

So like most of you, I see many posts and gofundmes about people having astronomically high medical bills. Most recently, someone having a $27k bill even after his death.

However, I have an American friend who is quick to point out that apparently nobody actually pays those bills. They're just some elaborate dance between insurance companies and hospitals. If you don't have insurance, the cost is lower or removed entirely. Supposedly.

So I'm just asking... How accurate is that? Consider someone without insurance, a minor physical ailment, a neurodivergent mind and no interest in fighting off harassing people for the rest of their life.

How much would such a person expect to pay, out of their own pocket, for things like check ups, x rays, meds, counselling and so on?

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[–] CascadianGiraffe 7 points 3 months ago (1 children)

This last winter I was unemployed and I got sick enough to need antibiotics.

I couldn't prove that I didn't have a job, so the 'sliding scale clinic' charged me $586 to talk to someone (not a doctor). I knew what I needed. I was forced to take an unnecessary STD test ($180) and to promise I would go in for additional testing and scanning (undisclosed price, to be determined AFTER).

The meds were around $40 for a week of pills (15 pills).

I knew my issue, and just needed a prescription for the antibiotics.

I have a job now. They want about $200 a month for the basic coverage. I have on average, $20-$30 at the end of the pay period. So I could get insurance, but it means skipping more meals (I already skip several a week to save money).

So I just hope nothing ever goes wrong because if it does, I'll need to be close to death before I get help that will take me years to pay for.

[–] vpklotar 1 points 3 months ago (3 children)

Holy shit. That would probably have been a quick in and talk with a doctor and a quick test for about 15 USD + maybe 20 USD for the antibiotics here in Sweden. No monthly coverage other then state taxes.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

Same in the UK. I went with a bacterial infection a few weeks ago. It cost £0 for the Dr appointment and £9 for the antibiotics.

[–] CascadianGiraffe 1 points 3 months ago

Nothing about it was quick.

Had to drive nearly an hour over to the next town. Then wait in a lobby for the same amount of time. Then drive to a pharmacy to pick up the pills. Half of my day when I knew I just needed a basic antibiotic.

[–] captainlezbian 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

And I bet y’all don’t end/begin every medical appointment with a conversation with billing

[–] vpklotar 1 points 3 months ago

Nope, not even on my mind. I know that no matter what I'll get the help and not be financially ruined.