Los Angeles Times columnist David Lazarus opines about the mixed up, confusing way that dollar values are assigned to medical services. His column highlights problems many people face when accessing the health care system, and the call for "a massive infusion of political courage to tackle genuine health care reform" is one we share.
But one statement in the column is worth clarifying: "[The system] spells doom for the 45 million Americans lacking health coverage, who have no choice but to pay the full amount of a hospital's cost-plus charges and thus can be wiped out financially by a major medical problem."
You do have a choice. As we blogged about here, you can negotiate with your provider (whether it's the doctor's office or the hospital) for a lower price. Almost all hospital providers have financial assistance programs in place that can help you access the care you need without placing what little you have at risk.
Make no mistake, the health care financing system is broken. We're working closely with local, state, and federal leaders to enact compassionate reform. Until then, call your provider to negotiate your bill, and join is in calling for major reform by contacting your representative and demanding that they give health care reform their full attention.
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