Single Payer Health Systems

with a high deductible is the answer under the current insurance scheme. It certainly isn't a great solution, but I look at it that if I have a $2,500 or even $5,000 deductible a hospital and/or doctors won't deny me health care for a serious condition because they know they will recover a lot more after my deductible is met.

That said, it is good to have insurance from a company recognized in your area even if the deductible is high. Insurance companies contract with health care providers for reduced fees for treatment. The provider discounts the services based on the agreement with the insurance company even if you are paying as part of your deductible. If your insurance company isn't common to your area, the providers probably don't have a contractual agreement to reduce their fees.

I recently received a 'this is not a bill' bill for services totaling $286.00. My deductible is not met. The provider submitted the bill to my insurance company. My insurance company didn't pay a dime. The provider did reduce the bill to the contracted amount with my insurance company. When I received the actual bill it was for $94. Now I believe it should be illegal for a health care provider to charge a private payer more than the amount of the lowest price agreed to with an insurance company, but that isn't the case.