I got the itemization of charges for my CAR-T treatment today. Check it out:
Yes, that's seven digits. There are some other trivial charges, just a few measly tens of thousands of dollars here and there, that bring the entire cost of the procedure to about $1.2 million. Under the circumstances, I guess I can't complain about my high Obamacare premiums anymore, can I?
Now, I'm sure that Kaiser Permanente's negotiated rate is much less than this. Still, it's an impressive thing to get emailed to you.
Worth every penny.
+1
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I guess I can't complain about my high Obamacare premiums anymore, can I?
This is America, land of Social Security and Paycheck Protection Program recipients complaining about Welfare and lottery winners complaining about taxes. Of course you can complain about your Obamacare premiums.
But I am happy for you that you got the treatment you wanted.
The majority of lottos were run as adjuncts to tax offices, so it was *kinda* weird that we hit windfalls with such a large stick.
And I thought the $80K for a new shoulder last month was wild.
No Medicare Advantage program? Good thinking and planning ahead.
I hope your numbers keep going down!
In the good way, of course.
You are worth it Kevin.
Like I say to my grandson, you are the most important person on the planet bar none. That's the good news. The bad news is you're tied for first place with everyone else. The good news is you're tied for first place.
Inflation since 2017: https://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2017/08/first-car-t-cell-therapy-approved-by-fda/
Kaiser's own doctors charge far more than Kaiser pays them, based on my statements of charges (not bills). Same thing goes for medical procedures like MRIs and such. I suppose it's just standard industry practice. Only the unlucky folks without insurance pay full price.
You'd be a bargain at twice the price. Three cheers for modern medicine! (And two for its pricing structure).
dear heaven!
Good.
My father, who volunteered for two wars and was a lifelong Republican, used to complain about all "those people" who take government handouts.
Late in life, he had some medical problems, which the government fixed for free. He gleefully showed me the paid bill with the staggering amount that his treatment cost, and said "Ha! It didn't cost me a cent!"
I said, "Dad, aren't you taking money from the government?"
He looked at me, surprised.
I said, "You always told us never to take handouts from the government. Maybe you should GIVE THAT MONEY BACK!"
He never said a word about "those people" again.
American healthcare is more about income than outcomes.
What’s not stated in your experience is that if you had no insurance you would have been billed the full amount and would have to either pay it or negotiate with the healthcare provider for a discount.
In day to day health care that means that people without insurance (usually the working poor) pay more for care than those with insurance.
In America negotiating the price of a used car is easier and more transparent than dealing with hospital billing.
You've been a million dollar man for your loyal (and semi loyal) readers for years. Best wishes.
My bill wasn't quite that high, but, yeah, silly hospital billing games. "That costs $X but the negotiated rate is ten times less and your insurance company is paying for it."
Good thing it was outpatient! 5 million more and they make you a colonel. (Steve Austin reference.) …. Obamacare is actually the Republican plan, so I’m sure they would accept our gratitude for keeping Hilbert and Charlie’s valet around. Would be terrible for them to have to fend for themselves. ( the cats that is)
...and 50 cents. Haw.
I recently got the bill for a consultation about tinnitus in my ear. Total: $1000 and change. Paid by Medicare $160, co-pay by myself $20.
They knew perfectly well that they would get $180 and no more. What's the point of putting those fictional figures on the bill?
BTW Kevin's treatment is still experimental, meaning he took a significant risk agreeing to it. Should not he be the one to be paid?
What, no jokes yet about how six Kevins equals one Steve Austin?