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

submitted 3 months ago by savvywolf@pawb.social to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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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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[-] Ibaudia@lemmy.world 14 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago)

My employer's insurance plan, which is REALLY good mind you, takes $2800 annually in premiums, then actually starts to cover your expenses after you've spent $1600 on health care. That is, unless you're "out of network", AKA the hospital/office doesn't have a contract with your insurance company, in which case it kicks in after $3200. So basically, minimum of $4400, max of $6000, and that's for like the top 1% best insurance available, assuming you're only doing things your insurance covers.

[-] MilitantAtheist@lemmy.world 10 points 3 months ago

That's so useless. I had 3 surgeries and multiple visits to doctors last year. I paid the equivalent of $150 for that. I love Sweden.

[-] Leviathan@lemmy.world 6 points 3 months ago

I wonder how this compares to my Canadian tax contribution to healthcare

[-] Ibaudia@lemmy.world 7 points 3 months ago

It doesn't, since govt. subsidies still go to healthcare in America, so I'm paying for this privilege in taxes and insurance premiums.

[-] GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca 6 points 3 months ago

The portion per capita that Americans pay for Medicare and Medicaid is about the same as Canadians pay for our Healthcare. Then they get the privilege of paying insurers and others for the coverage they have if they don't qualify for those two programs.

[-] HatchetHaro@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 3 months ago

that'd be $4400 and $6000

[-] Ibaudia@lemmy.world -1 points 3 months ago

I shouldn't write Lemmy posts while driving, my math becomes silly 💀

[-] HatchetHaro@lemmy.blahaj.zone 9 points 3 months ago

you uh... probably should not be on your phone while driving. stay safe, friend.

[-] Passerby6497@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago

Different ask lemmy thread about crazy stuff seen while driving is leaking.

[-] AA5B@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

My insurance costs several times that but I still have plan where everything is a small copay (except of course dental)

this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2024

240 points (98.4% liked)

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