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Reminds me of my kid's $6000 bump on the head. Or the time I had and knee operation and they took five minutes extra to clean out something they spotted and added $3500 to the bill. Or the eye operation where they took fifteen minutes extra because there was a detached retina adding $9000 to the bill. (Insurance wouldn't pay that one. They never said why either.)

You are not exactly going to negotiate at moments like these.

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Insurance companies make more money if they refuse payment.

I've always liked the old Chinese medicine system. You find a doctor who is willing to take you as a client. You pay the doctor money per month when you are well. If you are sick, you do not pay. Of course, refusing treatment is acceptable to get you disqualified, as are a few other things.

nice system! sounds like it has a market principle built into it...

Except it breaks down completely when there are expensive drugs and procedures.

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