Describe how you would feel about traveling to another country for a procedure or, if you have ever done so, how that care compared with your experience in the U.S.

Anonymous Las Vegas, Nevada4 months ago

It has a severe impact on our family. We pay $1400 per month for a family of six. It's the largest bill we have and it doesn't even cover anything. My husband just had rotator cuff surgery and it wouldn't cover his physical therapy. For 14,000 dollars a year, I'd think we'd actually get therapy after surgery. So we plug along, putting off buying a car, getting new flooring, or paying for vacations so we can afford to not get care when we need it. Ironic, no?

Anonymous SeattleInsured4 months ago

I am in Medicare now, and hardly ever make use of the medical system anyway, so cannot say there has been much impact. I avoid most medical tests, believing that so many of them are simply done to line the pockets of the medical specialists. BTW, I am a fiscal conservative, almost libertarian person, for what it's worth....

AN New JerseyUninsured4 months ago

Cant afford health insurance, the cheapest for family of 4 in NJ without preexisting conditions is around 1100. And the only option is blue cross blue schield. Recent visit to emergency room, which happen to be no big deal, no tests, the price ..600. And the doctors are not really so great, they just have the newest technology, but rarely you find a true physician with a gift for the art of medicine.

Anonymous Santa Cruz, .CAInsured4 months ago

I keep having to put off dental work until the following January, because my dental insurance is so paltry. When someone has a medical condition like an abscess, health insurance should cover it the same regardless of whether it's on your leg or in your mouth.

Diane charlottesville vaUninsured4 months ago

The impact on my family was atrocious. My husband died of Glioblastoma in 2008. The disability $ provided next to nothing monthly. We lost our home; the medical bills were startling. He lived for 14months after the sage IV diagnosis. But it bankrupt us left my kids with no college money after bills were paid and we went on SNAP program. The Cobra for myself and one minor child was $600 per month... real kicker, we were both perfectly healthy. Luckily we had Medicaid and because I'd worked for 24 years, I had some coverage. It's been hell.

Christopher McLaughlin Saint LouisInsured4 months ago

Long term debt. We've had to put off buying a home and starting a family because of medical costs not covered by our health insurance.

Joel CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Medical costs, although I have a Medicare Advantage plan, are largest expense.

Anonymous MontanaInsured4 months ago

Drastic and ridiculous

Anonymous nyc4 months ago

Finally, finally the media is addressing the real problem. Insane healthcare prices are a true cancer on the United States, impacting everyone through higher costs of doing business, higher labor cost, higher cost of living. It kills our workforce's competitiveness with other countries (except for the healthcare industry, who make out like bandits). Every American should be reading this, along with Steven Brill's article, "Bitter Pill." We don't need healthcare spending to go from 6% growth to 4% growth. We need it to DECREASE by 50%. The whole tumor of an industry needs to drastically shrink.

Alice PittsburghInsured4 months ago

So far as a senior I am able to keep up with it!! Recently went for routine eye exam--hadn't been for 4 years--insurance co bugging me to go--my co-pay was $30- but to have a refraction needed to pay another $30: Doctor was upset with me when I said"this is like going to the gyne and not getting a pap test"! I had an eye exam-he looked in my eye grounds, did a glaucoma test--I don't know if my glasses need a new rx or not!!

Dev PhiladelphiaInsured4 months ago

At the moment not as worrisome as it might be because we're insured, but I expect that insurance premiums will continue to rise significantly and remove more and more discretionary income from the table.

Don Siedenburg Grants Pass, ORInsured4 months ago

My 88 year old wife goes to the nursing home with Alzheimr's and a Living Will requesting that she be taken off her medication. They would not follow the living will and she lived almost two years in pain and suffering. If this is going on all over, medical costs will break the country.

Anonymous Denver, ColoradoUninsured4 months ago

We haven't had medical insurance for over a decade. We've never gone to the doctor for sniffles or boo boos. We treat everything we can using herbs. I had a broken scaphoid a few years back. I had a doctor friend come by my house and he set it for me. Sprains, strains, cuts and the like we treat ourselves. It started out as a cost saving way of life. But, it's been nice to be independent and frankly much much healthier than our friends who go to the doctor for every boo boo or sniffle. We eat and exercise thoughtfully because we have to be responsible for our health. It would be nice to have true major medical insurance to cover just serious diseases and accidents. I don't want the bells and infantile whistles. It seems that anything like that is only a distant memory.

Anonymous NJInsured4 months ago

No impact on immediate family (both spouses work, and we have employer- subsidized health insurance). My brother is self -employed, with some type of insurance which costs him dearly. The insurance plus medical costs nearly price him out of receiving routine care for his ulcerative colitis.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Employer covers it, restricted to their health provider or pay more

Anonymous Southeast AsiaInsured4 months ago

My husband and I, US citizens, live overseas. We are both over 65. We pay for Medicare B and carry private world-wide health insurance through a broker in the US, which includes coverage for the US. Our main interest in having medical insurance is to cover catastrophic care. This past year our premiums increased over 100%. One way to combat the premiums was to change our deductible from $1000 to $10,000. The alternative policy, offered by the insurer, would have limited total lifetime care to K50.000. The premiums for this policy were about the same as last year's premiums for our current policy with lifetime care maximums of 5 million. To say that the cost of medical insurance impacts our lives -- and our well-being due to stress and worry -- is an understatement.

Richard Watt Pleasantville, NY4 months ago

Thanks to Medicare and a plan B supplemental, I was successfully treated for cancer cells in the prostate bed last year, two years after a prostatectomy that removed the prostate, but didn't get all the cancer cells The radiation was done at Sloan Kettering in Sleepy Hollow, NY and set up and monitored by an excellent doctor, Boris Muller. After two post treatment visits I remain cancer free. My total out of pocket costs were $235. Anyone, who assails Obamacare, should think about the poor souls, who would otherwise be denied such life-saving therapies.

Richard Watt Pleasantville, NY4 months ago

Thanks to Medicare and a plan B supplemental, I was successfully treated for cancer cells in the prostate bed last year, two years after a prostatectomy that removed the prostate, but didn't get all the cancer cells The radiation was done at Sloan Kettering in Sleepy Hollow, NY and set up and monitored by an excellent doctor, Boris Muller. After two post treatment visits I remain cancer free. My total out of pocket costs were $235. Anyone, who assails Obamacare, should think about the poor souls, who would otherwise be denied such life-saving therapies.

Anonymous AZInsured4 months ago

Retired, but only 63. Premiums and co-pays take 40% of my income.

Doug Kansas4 months ago

I cannot start my own business because I fear not being able to get health insurance, and I don't want an unexpected illness to bankrupt my family.

Anonymous CKEVELAND, OHIO4 months ago

Health care costs are outrageous. No where else in our society do we buy anything without knowing the cost. If all healthcare providers were required to state their costs up front, costs would go down through competition. Can you imagine buying a car like we do for healthcare. They would tell you to take whatever car you wanted, we'll send you the bill later. Madness. This is what has to change to reign in healthcare costs. Make them declare their charges upfront.

Anonymous USInsured4 months ago

I didn't see a dentist until I got into college and got health insurance through the school.

Anonymous Harrisburg, PAInsured4 months ago

I no longer get raises. My employer tells me all the money we used to get in raises now goes to rising health care costs.

Tim Washington DC4 months ago

Obamacare does not solve for any of the issues of cost in this article. Profit motive will continue to drive the cost of health care and insurance to the point of UnAffordable Care for the majority. Obama was brave in taking on the insurance carriers and forcing them to spend 80-85 cents of every dollar on claims (name another industry that has those type of revenue restrictions). But forcing doctors, hospitals, and pharmacy companies (with their army of lobbyists) to cut their profits is political suicide. Cost will remain an issue for the next generation or two until the government has to take over and control prices across the board.

Anonymous Pennsylvania4 months ago

It means cutting back on other things and worrying about the ever growing costs. I often wonder why the costs of some things are so high. Test strips for blood sugar for diabetes, for example, seem to be vastly overpriced. I'm sure the companies have long ago regrouped the cost of developing them, and yet for a prescription of 100 I still have a copayment of $50. I can only imagine the cost without insurance. In fact I saw the strips I use in a store and the package of 100 was about $130. That works out to over $1.00 per strip for something that probably costs about 5 cents to manufacture. I guess if it is something you need to survive, the pharmaceutical companies assume you will pay any price.

Anonymous New York StateInsured4 months ago

I and my grown kids live in NY state, where unless our health insurance is partly paid by our employers, it is unaffordable. I cannot think of retiring, and my daughter, 34, enrolled on college where her student health insurance and tuition combined cost less than an individual health insurance policy for her.

Anonymous Cincinnati, OH4 months ago

When Medicare started in the 1970's average life expectancy was 67 yrs and the plan kicks in at 65. Now average life expectancy is approaching 80 yrs. This is no longer a safety net, but a long term retirement plan. In the 1970's Medicare had relatively little to offer compared to now. 75% of our current drugs were not available and many of the procedures such as placing a stent in your heart were also not available. Since when do we expect to get 10 times more for 5 times longer and assume it won't cost more? Everybody not only wants to live forever, but they want to run and skydive into their 70's as well and feel this is natural. The average life expectancy of a human was 48 years old only 75 yrs ago. It is VERY expensive to fight mother nature for 100's of millions of people from 50-80 years old. Think about it.

Anonymous brooklyn nyInsured4 months ago

Do not think of payment as I have a cadilac plan.

Anonymous New York 4 months ago

Too many trial lawyer, resulting in defensive medicine. It is unethical . One of three ethics being ignored because of defensive medical practice namely "justice". Regardless of the clinical history or examination , doctors order tests in order not to miss anything .

Anonymous KnoxvilleInsured4 months ago

I'm petrified of going to the emergency room - because I'm worried about how it would impact our finances. A couple months after we bought our first house, I had horrible abdominal pain. I'd gone to my primary care physician, but they hadn't been able to diagnose it. It was several days before I could get follow up tests. I spent the night I passed a kidney stone (diagnosed later) in agony at home with a bag packed in case I needed to go to the ER. Had it not cost a couple mortgage payments, I would have gone in.

Bruce MaineInsured4 months ago

None. My wife is a retired Vet and we live a life of splendid socialized medical cost and care sanity, thanks to the U. S. military.

Anonymous San Francisco, CAInsured4 months ago

Not much for me as a single healthy (except for untreatable debilitating fibromyalgia) male on disability.

Richard Watt Pleasantville, NY4 months ago

Thanks to Medicare and a plan B supplemental, I was successfully treated for cancer cells in the prostate bed last year, two years after a prostatectomy that removed the prostate, but didn't get all the cancer cells The radiation was done at Sloan Kettering in Sleepy Hollow, NY and set up and monitored by an excellent doctor, Boris Muller. After two post treatment visits I remain cancer free. My total out of pocket costs were $235. Anyone, who assails Obamacare, should think about the poor souls, who would otherwise be denied such life-saving therapies.

Jennifer Lyle OhioInsured4 months ago

Fear. Fear because of uncertainty. Who knows what one procedure might cost? Even with health insurance - who knows how much - if at all - will be covered? I have always been extremely healthy. This year one unexpected blood test result led to additional comprehensive blood profile, a CT scan and an endoscopic ultrasound. I was terrified at what this might cost me (I have no income). Fortunately, I was lucky, both in insurance reimbursement & health. My point? My money fears far outweighed my health fears.

Margaret Kaufman Volcano HiUninsured4 months ago

Absolute financial ruin. Heart attack 7 years ago and the cost of perscriptions and follow up procedures have cost me all my savings and retirement.

Accipiter Connecticut4 months ago

I am self-employed and do not have health insurance. If I get sick, I suck it up because the stress from the massive bills would probably make me sicker than if I take the chance for it to clear up on its own. So far I've been lucky, but if I get severely ill or injured, then I'll be paying for it until I die. Healthcare in this country needs to change. It's unsustainable as it is now, and too many people are forced to go without.

Anonymous denver coloradoInsured4 months ago

My family insurance cost over $6,000 a year, with a $500 deductible and $5,000 catastrophic. With the co-pays, deductibles, my monthly out of pocket is generally $700 a month. We are in relatively good health. I feel horrible for families that can't afford insurance or have inadequate insurance. It's not right. It's downright sinful.

GM ConnecticutInsured4 months ago

We have an HSA with a very high out-of-pocket cost through an employer. This is in addition to the amount deducted from the paycheck. This cost continues to rise with no improvement in service by the insurer. We still continue to battle with them on most everything. The goal of the insurance companies is never to pay anyone what they're entitled to as a consumer.

Anonymous OregonInsured4 months ago

I now have Medicare parts one and two. Even so, having virtually exhausted my savings after a hernia operation in North Carolina, another in Oregon, plus a colonoscopy, several operations for kidney stones, and costly rides in ambulances, I choose to no longer see doctors or take the various expensive medications prescribed over the years. Instead, I follow a careful diet, exercise daily, and now walk instead of ride.

Anonymous Tennessee4 months ago

I was in Graduate school (Nurse Anesthesia) the last two years and carried the school's insurance which would not cover an atrial flutter ablation for my husband (we've both been denied private due to preexisting conditions). We were offered free anesthesia and discounts from doctors, but the hospital costs would have exceeded $100,000. We decided to travel to India for a total medical cost of $15,000. In addition to the ablation, they included a heart angiogram and sleep study. Excellent care and comparable to USA. We would consider medical tourism again, but would rather not have to travel so far.

ameriswede cali4 months ago

Well, you start to understand how untenable the situation here is in the US when you figure out that with roundtrip airfare, plus living costs, a minor out patient surgery is cheaper to have done in Sweden than doing it out-of-pocket here. I'm extraordinarily lucky that a personal friend of mine offered to pay the entire $4k out-of-pocket costs for my minor surgery when I was uncovered, but of course, not everyone has that option. It took me two years of an uphill battle with FamilyPACT in California to get the minor surgery plus biopsy covered at long last.

Sue Sayre, PA 18840Insured4 months ago

The cost of medical care for those of us on Medicare and Social Security - including the premium we pay for, not only Medicare but also for supplemental medical insurance, is mind boggling... however, if the colonoscopy saves our lives, then the cost is priceless!

Anonymous Bay Area, CAInsured4 months ago

I buy individual high deductible plan for both myself and my child. We recieve very good prevantive care, and I have funds saved in an HSA, but I suspect that a serious accident would undo us financially. I'm gambling that we'll continue to be healthy. Should health care be a gamble? I cannot afford a more comprehensive plan.

M Providence, RIInsured4 months ago

I wracked up more medical costs my first year in college than I paid in tuition. Something is wrong with that.

miriam OregonInsured4 months ago

I have waited until I was on Medicare in order to get care. My husband is unemployed and I am self-employed and insurance costs are so outrageous I decided to wait until I went on Medicare.

Anonymous Bellingham, WA.Insured4 months ago

Medical costs have a huge impact and I am often not able to get the care I want in a timely manner. The simple being that I cannot pay for it all.

Anonymous Washington stateInsured4 months ago

I pay nearly $9, 000 per year in premiums and still have large copays for most common doctor visits and lab tests.

Anonymous south dakotaInsured4 months ago

Cost & care are major concerns for the future concerning where to live: its is over 200 miles to my next test & apt, adding gas & motel expenses to what insurance doesn't cover. I'll have to live closer to care in the future. I'd like nation-wide single payer w/ prices & standards so we'd have (some) assurance that the tests were necessary and not just so providers (MD, hospital, centers, labs) can extract revenue from insurance and us. But since patients don't have lobbyists and MDs and hospitals do, I'm not optimistic.

Michael Washington, DCInsured4 months ago

Small--because we have really good insurance that offers above-average coverage with low-ish "patient responsibility" amounts. However, our medical needs are increasing with age, and this "small" impact may not last. Also, as taxpayers we are bearing a higher burden--while many others have little medical insurance and limited care options.

Anonymous KazakhstanUninsured4 months ago

I'm a 62 year old American living and working abroad. My wife is 52. The frightening U.S. health care costs make ever moving back to the U.S. (where all our children live) a financially remote possibility. We pay far less, out of pocket for all our health care costs than it would cost us for insurance premiums alone in the U.S.

Anonymous Oak Park, ILInsured4 months ago

Our monthly insurance costs are a little less than half of our mortgage payment and we have a high deductible of $5,000. The cost is also frequently more than our monthly grocery bill.

Anonymous WisconsinUninsured4 months ago

We are members of a need sharing organization and don't have insurance. We don't go to the doctor unless there is a very good reason; when we're spending others' money we are especially careful.

Anita Davies IowaInsured4 months ago

I almost never go to the doctor, but I realize I'm just one major illness away from bankruptcy.

Anonymous New York, NYInsured4 months ago

Not so much because we are relatively healthy, have good insurance and can afford deductibles and copays. However, job changes or loss of a job could easily change that. It is extremely difficult to be an educated consumer as pricing information is virtually nonexistent. In addition, it just seems wrong that the cost of dealing with an accident or serious illness can bankrupt so many people even those with full time jobs.

Anonymous Lititz, pennsylvaniaInsured4 months ago

Spending more money on medical costs means spending less on other services, products. Sometimes a procedure might be pushed back because of cost.

Anonymous Helena, MTInsured4 months ago

My medical costs are fairly low. I am part of the healthcare system. I don't have much faith in it. I avoid doctors and hospitals. I am fairly healthy and try to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Anonymous Minnesota4 months ago

I have insurance but can't really afford it. Because I have a pre-existing condition, after I lost my job and exhausted my COBRA, the only insurance plan I qualified for was the state plan. I pay $480/month with a $2,500 deductible, but I can no longer afford to go to the doctor because the out of pocket cost to me for each visit is $1,000 or more. I'm supposed to go every 2 months because of my chronic condition, but the absurdity of that should be self-evident. I haven't been to the doctor in the past year. I cancelled my last scheduled appointment because I just don't have the money. My chronic condition is going unmonitored. The biological medicine I take for this condition I stockpiled before my COBRA ran out, by reducing the dose by 75%. So I'm only taking 25% of what I'm supposed to be taking, and I will run out soon. Also the drug has expired, but I'm taking it anyway. There is no way I can afford the drug, with or without insurance coverage. I also have no dental insurance and pay in full every time I go.

Anonymous MichiganInsured4 months ago

We now have employer-provided insurance that covers our visits and other services, but we never know what the copays will be. We get bills for varying amounts with no explanation of the costs. When we had different insurance, we received only 5 visits per year for our entire family of 5. The rest was out of pocket, and every visit costs $100-$200. My brother, who has no insurance, had to go to the emergency room. One night and several tests and it came to over $10,000.

Anonymous MichiganInsured4 months ago

Crippling, not only because of the high costs but also some very opaque and shady billing practices.

Anonymous mercer island waInsured4 months ago

ObamaCare "limits" insurance companies' "overhead" to 20%. Medicare's "overhead" is 4%. Lowering age levels for Medicare to cover Americans of all ages would lower health care costs could be reduced by 16%

Anonymous Boston, MAInsured4 months ago

Because I'm relatively healthy, the biggest impact is less real than anticipatory, and the FEAR of high medical costs in the future has an effect on my behavior and attitude. I am 67 and work very hard to stay healthy -- no processed foods, little red meat, lots of vegetables and fruits, oatmeal and yoghurt every day, walk 3 miles a day, get plenty of sleep, do yoga, engage with the larger world in multiple roles. I also am knowledgable about unnecessary tests and procedures and resist suggestions for an colonoscopy every few years, challenge the MDs recommendation for an EKG before routine cataract surgery, etc. and take only aspirin for an occasional headache. So far, so good. However because I do anticipate health problems that come with aging, I consciously save for things Medicare won't cover that I may need to pay for in my future. Dental health is very important, and that is my most taxing expense. And then there's the possible loss of hearing I have to plan for.

Anonymous Denver, CO4 months ago

It was interesting when our daughter needed PT through my wife's job change and loss of insurance for 3 week. The PT costs before and after the insurance gap were nearly identical, despite 2 insurers; the uninsured cost was about 3x. We have challenged the bill by asking what additional value was provided. The provider is struggling to answer the question.

Anonymous TexasInsured4 months ago

An increase in accrued debt - already paying over $100K in student loans - an inability to save, we must live paycheck to paycheck. With employer-provided health care, my husband and I accrued $20K in medical bills (our share, not including what our insurance paid to the hospitals) after an emergency procedure and labor and delivery.

Anonymous San Francisco, CAInsured4 months ago

I've had a heart condition since birth that has left me in need of a transplant. I'm really fortunate to have Medicare and "good" insurance, but the difficulties I've had in getting care are too numerous to mention in 100 words. I carry duplicative insurance (a Medigap plan in addition to a PPO and drug plan carried by my former employer's pension plan, because the latter excludes access to transplant drugs I will need). I'm a former physician. I honestly don't know how most people navigate this crazy system, let alone pay for it.

Aubrey Ho Chi Minh City, VNInsured4 months ago

My credit was ruined while in college due to emergency medical bills that insurance refused to cover. Living abroad now, I pay $600/yr for insurance through my job. This covers me not only in my country, but also at top hospitals in Singapore and Bangkok. I no longer live in fear that I might go broke if I get sick.

Anonymous PA4 months ago

Unsustainable - it is so difficult for business owners to get affordable insurance. Every year we switch to plans with a higher deductible to try and keep premium costs down. We are currently paying over $1300 in premiums each month for a family plan with a $10,000 deductible. We are all in good health, but just found out that because my husband turns 60 next month, our premium will increase another $500 to $1800 per month. For that cost, the plan also excludes dental, vision, mental health and maternity care. Our mortgage is not that high.

Anonymous West Lafayette, Indiana4 months ago

Small at this time but increasing every year. Out-of-pocket expenses have increased by about 50% over the last 5 years.

Anonymous oregonInsured4 months ago

We can only afford a very high deductible plan ($5000 per individual). We avoid going to the doctor and have delayed things like colonoscopies.

California San MateoInsured4 months ago

This year my total medical costs will be more than 1/3 of my gross income.

Anonymous CanadaInsured4 months ago

Drugs are a bit of an impact, otherwise doctors and hospitalizations are no impact.

Anonymous WAInsured4 months ago

regrettable

Anonymous CTInsured4 months ago

My insurance covers most of my medical expenses. And yet I'm appalled at what procedures cost. I also wonder about the reductions that insurance companies can influence. It makes me question if health care providers elevate costs in the hopes of getting a higher reimbursement. And if that's the case, it doesn't sit well with me.

Anonymous New Mexico4 months ago

"Her health care costs still bite: Her premium payments jumped 10 percent last year, and rising co-payments and deductibles are straining the finances of her middle-class family, " But..but Obamacare FIXED this, right? And the market will FIX this, right? Hah! My insurance costs rose 25 percent last year-SOLELY because my insurer forced me into an HMO by canceling my PPO plan. I had NO major claims on my insurance-only ONE ER visit in the entire year. But my prices rose (I am self-employed) over 50 dollars per MONTH. The way to do this better is with cost controls. Period. The market has PROVEN it cannot fix this-and requiring everyone to buy health insurance does NOT address health care costs-health care costs and health insurance are NOT the same THING. Skyrocketing profits and worse outcomes are not "market economy at its best" or "competition fixing things". It is price gouging and theft. WAKE UP. To the GOP-you were wrong-the market will not and cannot fix this. To the Democrats-you were wrong-merely mandating insurance does NOTHING to control costs-and your beloved obamacare IS NOT HELPING because it does NOT address the PROBLEM. Why does a routine colonoscopy cost thousands of dollars here-and less than one thousand dollars everywhere else? Who is reaping that bonanza of theft from the middle class?

Anonymous Orlando, FlInsured4 months ago

Fairly significant

Anonymous Durham, NCInsured4 months ago

I think long and hard before seeing my doctor. I refuse what seem to be unnecessary tests.

Raymond A. Thompson Panguitch, UtahUninsured4 months ago

It has led to financial ruin. A plateau fracture of the tibia at age 60, combined with my heart issues, cost just under $170k in San Diego in 2011 - no health insurance - not yet old enough for Medicare. I now live on early Social Security in southern Utah. Self employed throughout my career, but insurance disappeared after heart issues limited work after 2004/05. No Medicare until December 2014. I paid for insurance through mid-2004 as a private payer - Kaiser cost just under $600/month back then - insurance unaffordable and unavailable now...

T. B. Casey Cambridge MAInsured4 months ago

When you compare colonscopies, you need to examine why, in the US, an anesthesiologist is required. In other developed countries (and here, upon request) this procedure is performed without anesthesia, without even sedation (propofol). It is uncomfortable, not painful, and the patient can walk out and drive home. Americans are whiners…

B. Krause Sonoma County, CAInsured4 months ago

Terrible! For my wife's monthly insurance premium, which covers major medical with large deductions, we pay over $500/month. We're always living paycheck to paycheck having to meet those expenses.

Anonymous TexasInsured4 months ago

Major. While my husband and I have insurance thru his employer, our adult daughter has a serious chronic disease and the private individual insurance pays for little of the treatment. At least she gets the contracted price for procedures and some treatments, which is less than someone with no insurance at all. We are paying over $8K per month for her treatments, sometimes over $10K!

Anonymous New YorkInsured4 months ago

I am self employed and currently paying $2,100.00 per month for family health plan through Cobra from my wife's previous employer last year. This is a reduced rate that is supposed to be the same as her employer pays for its insured. In six months we will lose our "discounted" Cobra benefits.

Anonymous Dade City, FLInsured4 months ago

It is a VERY important factor in our quality of life. A recent appendectomy will likely cost about $3000 out-of-pocket, even though my 'insurance' has a $2000 out-of-pocket maximum; this is due to 'excluding' co-pays and deductibles.

Anonymous Hunterdon County, NJInsured4 months ago

Our deductible is 2 fold, one for in-service care and one for out-of-service care; and our prescription plan is not included in our deductibles. Each of us have our own deductibles, albeit with a family limit. As of this month, we have paid $7,000 in 2013; which is more than 10% of our gross income. And we are still paying off our deductible for 2012 paid by our credit card.

Anonymous MassInsured4 months ago

Good insurance means that I have no serious medical costs. However, once I get the bills for the procedures I underwent, my jaw drops. How about $350 for each of two PT, OT evaluations. They took at best 4 minuts with both "evaluators" present simultaneously. Let's see, there are the bills for the meds. OR supplies, yada, yada ,yada. End result for 7 days in UMass Memorial Hospital, University Campus: $79,000. I would still have preferred to negotiate than becoming an unwilling "profit center" for them. Alas such was not to happen.. Best advice: Do not get sick, if you have to do so, be sure you have good insurance.

Anonymous cOLUMBUS, OHInsured4 months ago

Medical costs consume a considerable portion of our income, through premium costs and annual deductibles. I have been paying off old bills in collections for years, to the detriment of my credit scores.

Anonymous KentuckyInsured4 months ago

I was forced to declare bankruptcy after breast cancer treatment when I was uninsured. It was impossible to afford the premiums for individual coverage because I had several preexisting conditions which raised the cost.

Anonymous OhioInsured4 months ago

Very little. As a 22-year military member and now a retiree, my medical costs are blessedly low -- TRICARE Prime coverage at less than $500/yr for a family of 4. I am appalled at what others have to pay for insurance, not care, just insurance.

Anonymous Trumansburg NYUninsured4 months ago

Over 3 years ago I went to the doctor for a routine physical. The PA noticed that I had an enlarged uterus. This led to many tests and eventually a MRI. I have no insurance and all of this cost $5000 which I am stilling paying off. No problems were found, except fibroids. I was told that it was better to spend the money than not to, if something was wrong.

Anonymous BostonInsured4 months ago

The one thing helping now is that many hospital insurances now offer payment plans, so that at least the patient can make payments in some installments for many procedures which, previously, needed to be paid all at once. Conservative rich folks live in their own non-reality bubble that separates them from the reality of what everyday working people must endure with health costs.

John Alexandria, VAInsured4 months ago

high. We are both healthy, I have Medicare, yet my wife's insurance and our uncovered expenses for routine services make a major dent.

Deen Gu VietnamInsured4 months ago

Not only are the costs itself prohibitive, negotiating with insurance, company health care representatives, and doctors for balance billing and out-of-network issues have taken dozens of hours away from spending more time with family, work, and friends. What an opportunity cost!

Anonymous Covington, LouisianaUninsured4 months ago

We can now only afford to insure my husband, the only one who now has a job. I lost my job & benefits 5 yrs. ago. My husbands premiums keep going up as does his deductible so we'll hang on as long as we can. We also have a grown autistic daughter who lives with us. Her insurance was canceled when she went to a psychiatrist. And, believe it or not, we still consider ourselves middle class....at least for now. We are in our 60s.

Anonymous Southern CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Medical insurance is our household's largest single expense...

Tina Dubinsky AustraliaUninsured4 months ago

We only pay for medicines once out of hospital and often we get given a starter kit for free by the doctor. Medicine can be relatively expensive to purchase if no pension cards etc We do have private medical that gets you in quicker for operations, but you end up having to pay a 'gap'. I was in hospital 5 years ago for an emergency C section, 3 days in hospital, got to see a specialized lactation nurse and then nurse visiting at home for a week. It cost me $0.00

Anonymous Toledo, OhioInsured4 months ago

My employer had to revert to a $5K deductible. While the insurance company negotiates prices, it's still up to me to pay the first 5 thousand. I take several meds which are well over $100 a month, some up to $400. And drugs I've taken for many years are getting more expensiver, not less. Even the generics are climbing in price.

Anonymous San Antonio, TexasInsured4 months ago

As a self-employed person, for 23 years I paid the highest rate for health insurance with no co-pay, and therefore I could not afford much actual care. Rates from $300-$600 a month meant I was unable to save enough for retirement. I paid out of pocket for things like colonoscopies, pap smears, mamograms, sonograms, medicine and doctor visits when I HAD to go. I bought medicine in Mexico for 23 years before I became eligible for the promised land of Medicare. Thank God and legislators of a prior era for Medicare.

Roger Bennett Neptune Beach, FloridaInsured4 months ago

It is my single highest expenditure, and has been for nearly 20 years.$940 a month, plus $104 per month for Medicare Part B for just me and my spouse (who is not eligible for medicare until 2015. And these costs are paid for from post-tax income. Insurance costs are out of control because treatment costs are out of control, insurance profits built in, and ambulance chasing attorneys lined up to suck money out of the process at every turn.

Anonymous oregonInsured4 months ago

My elderly mother is quite distrust full of her medical providers, believing that they are mainly out to make money off from people. The problem is that she then sometimes does not always follow their prescriptions---- taking less of some medications that then has caused her more problems. She also sometimes does not communicate the whole story to the doctor..complicating things more because she believes they are only in it for the money.

Anonymous South Dakota4 months ago

Health insurance in the US is insane. Most times for heart problems they'll just give an EKG and stress test and send you on your way, when most people should be getting angiograms. They give off a lot less radiation than a nuclear stress test and are more definitive, but costs are so high that doctors even come right out and say, "your insurance won't cover that" ... it's crazy.

Anonymous Oakland, CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

After endless hand wringing about inexplicable "rising healthcare costs" someone actually took the time to do a tiny bit of research and show us the truth. Its not exotic treatments, at least not solely, hospitals charge FAR more than reasonable for many procedures -- AS REAL PEOPLE ALREADY KNOW. A simple, 20 minute oral surgery for a family member of mine was billed at $20,000 (likely negotiated down to $7,000 by insurance). This included a $500 charge for wheeling her bed into the operating room. I was charged $1,500 for an ankle X-ray.

Garret Ross Clerksdale, MSInsured4 months ago

Huge. I am a High Risk patient so everything has to be done at high risk precautions making my costs get very expensive. I have so many pre existing conditions that everything is very expensive because of the precautions that have to be taken

Anonymous IL4 months ago

Our insurance payment is approximately 1600.00 a month. We basically have a second mortgage payment .We can't do anything like vacation, replace a car that is old. It' sad but true. We have given up a lot to have coverage.....life..

Andrew Kyoto, Japan4 months ago

In Japan you get a colonoscopy while fully concious, with only local anesthesia. It's uncomfortable but bearable. Cost about a hundred dollars even with small polyp removals. 7000$ is pure theft, fraud, and conspiracy by all involved, if you can't see this something is wrong, very wrong. People should become doctors to help others, not for a giant paycheck. And yes the role of government is to put limits on this kind of outright theft. Healthcare and insurance are not free market animal spirits.

William Francis Houghton, MichiganInsured4 months ago

Heavy. I am retired and pay my own premiums. I have Medicare but my wife does not yet. We pay about $15,000 each year for coverage, deductibles and co-pays.

Anonymous College Park, MD4 months ago

I was born with severe kidney problems, resulting in two kidney transplants, and another one coming soon. I alone nearly caused my family to go bankrupt before I knew my ABC's. If we didn't have friends in high places I would be dead. Now I'm in college, on three insurances, and it's still expensive, with the extra fun of jumping through all of the hoops of working with all of them. With all of this in mind, I added German as a major and will move to Germany as soon as possible, primarily for their universal healthcare.

Wayne Smith Anchorage, Alaska4 months ago

I am 59 years of age, and have been working for the same firm for quite a few years. When I first joined this company, one of the most attractive benefits was a top knotch, comprehensive health insurance package. Several years later, the company dumped the insurer and decided to "self insure" its employees. The result, in the years that have followed, is that coverage has shrunk to something negligible, while premiums for the significantly poorer health care coverage has skyrocketed. This so-called "benefit" brings with it THOUSANDS of dollars in a whole variety of deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, while every couple of years the company raises the premiums for its major medical options.

TA QueensInsured4 months ago

The impact is profound. I abhor the fact that anyone needs medical care in my family because of the cost. I will move to another country when i get old, since i know lobbyist will never let consumers win on this issue. We need our own Arab Spring Awakening on this issue. To start this, do we really need someone to burn themselves in the middle of Times Square?

LW WisconsinInsured4 months ago

Rising co-pays have forced us to call ahead and ask how much care and drugs will cost. Then we bargain. Accessing medical care now is exhausting and stressful. We avoid it whenever possible.

David WA/OR and now Central AmericaInsured4 months ago

I am in excellent condition and exercise religiously so I tend to use the VA very lightly. My care is without any cost. I refused most medicare as it is a rip of the taxpayers. They did slam me into it but I fought and got out.

Bernie English Carmel, IndianaInsured4 months ago

So far we have been very fortunate. In our family of five, husband, wife, and three boys, our major costs have been for the medical insurance, which are typical for a healthy family. Our costs for medical care have been relatively low for many years. We spend almost nothing on drugs.

Anonymous St. Louis, MO4 months ago

. We are financially secure and have insurance through work. None of us has significant chronic medical expenses at this time, so we can afford our healthcare. However, after our baby was born, we kept getting bills for things we had absolutely no idea what they were for, and once paid, new bills seemed to keep popping up.

Dan Southern CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

My medical costs eat most of my free spending money living on a disability income and the costs are so high that I cannot afford adequate dental care. I had to go to Tijuana for oral surgery and it looks like it may have failed so I'll have to pay to have my teeth removed and then hope at some point I can afford partials. Like many Americans, the basic costs of living and medicine make dental care a luxury. I have Medicare plus a secondary provider and after both companies pay their share of my medical expenses I still owe as much as $300./month, most months. A recent ambulance trip to the hospital cost my over $600. out of my pocket, despite the fact that I have two insurance carriers. Every year my co-payments go up and my insurance company announces that they will cover less. And while all of this is going on insurance companies continue to report record profits and yet complain about having to pay disability benefits for patients like me who paid for their disability insurance premiums for years before they became disabled.

js chicagoInsured4 months ago

wife had colonoscopy and doctor wrote" followup " instead of" routine" the difference cost me $1600 out of pocket because there was a "pre-condition" from 4 years prior. I argued withe the insurance co mpany, to no avail, that why would they not want to follow up?? It certainly would be cheaper than treating colon cancer.

Marie Whiteing Mapleton, Iowa Insured4 months ago

We have always carried insurance, even when our 2 children were growing up. In years past we had good insurance through our employers, but in the past 6 years (we are 66 and 64 respectively) our insurance coverage has decreased and our deductible has increased tremendously. Medicare isn't the answer to this problem.

Anonymous Seattle4 months ago

I can't afford it. Once I had excellent coverage, but I found I couldn't afford the copays even though I was paying through the nose each month already. I found that aside from catastrophic injuries, paying for health insurance in the US is a scam. Recently I lost my jobs so I applied for low-income state health insurance; do you know what it costs a person with basically no income, and no more unemployment? $200 a month. Can't do it.

Anonymous Cologne, GermanyInsured4 months ago

The impact is little because I saw this coming over 25 years ago and left the United States. I moved to Germany primarily for the socialized health care, something most Americans simply do not understand. And the government here doesn't tell me how I should decide, nor are my medical choices limited. It is socialized care — and there's privatized healthcare here, too — and not socialism ... or communism. In the U.S. I saw no sense in working only to pay, or at least be prepared for, medical bills or a medical emergency for the rest of my life. In Germany I learned the language, found satisfying work, and now live with little concern — especially of not losing my job — should I become ill. Here health care is affordable.

Dr. Maris Santa Cruz County, CA4 months ago

Did you know: fee structures in the US are weighted toward procedures. As a family physician, I am permitted to charge more to freeze off a wart than to counsel and manage a patient's diabetes and high blood pressure. The AMA which represents only a small fraction of doctors, is monopolized by specialists, who set fees. Also, "defensive medicine" is a huge driver of cost.

MLL outside Philadelphia, PA4 months ago

My insurance (admittedly an expensive plan) is significantly more than my mortgage. I pay over $1,300 per month and that is just for me. As a self-employed professional, i am subject to the individual policy market. There is no regulation on the cost and it keeps rising more than 10% per annum over at least the last five years. I am only 47, so it will be a long haul before I am eligible for Medicare, and who knows what that program will be like in twenty years. I am hopeful that my costs will go down when I am able to buy through an exchange. Being placed in a pool should decrease my premiums, but will I be able to find a policy that covers my needs? I am really worried that health care expenses will ultimately affect my ability to feed, clothe and house myself.

Mrs. D. Florida4 months ago

I pay 150.00 / month for Christian Healthcare Ministeries GOLD plan, and I thank God I found them. My spouse, retired,gets his thru his former employer for 327.00 /month. I recently negotiated a cash payment to an ortho doc for office visit, x-rays, and cortisone injection down to 163.00 from 661.00 previously quoted. I can get an MRI there for 325.00. CHM will reimburse me. Traditional insurance is too expensive at my age of 60. I know the healthcare system, was an RN for many years, not afraid to negotiate.

Anonymous Birmingham, ALInsured4 months ago

Acceptable, thanks to adequate insurance and decent income/savings. However, due to a pre-existing chronic condition, I (a single person) couldn't obtain any insurance for a decade, even being turned down for plans with five-figure deductibles. This terrifying situation ended only when I qualified for Disability and therefore subsequently for Medicare. It was also costly; before obtaining Medicare, I had to pay "list prices" for healthcare. Doctor visits and procedures typically cost me at least twice what I now pay and medications could be 5-6 times costlier. I feel very fortunate -- but am still scared as I approach my senior years.

Anonymous San Jose, CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

My share of cost in my company insurance plan has been rising year after year. The co-pay, delectable have made me concerned more and more and started to impact the service decision. I have selected cheaper plan and service to cope with the change. It make me even more worried about future if we need to get insurance on our own. What's wrong with this system that rips people off when they are most vulnerable?

Anonymous South Florida4 months ago

My husband and I are retired and are insured with an HMO. We are not impacted but our children and their children are feeling the pain.

Anonymous madison, wiInsured4 months ago

My maintenance payments to my ex-wife were set by the judge at $300 more per month than we had agreed upon as a product of two years of mediation. Why? To cover her health insurance costs. She receives 40% of my net pay monthly, until I am 66 (I was 58 when divorced).

Anonymous Austin, TXInsured4 months ago

The impact is significant. I have my own company and last year our premiums went up 30% (with no new coverage/reduced co-pays) - for 3 employees that are healthy, non-smokers had nothing more than routine annual examines across all of 2012.

Anonymous Nashville, TNInsured4 months ago

Makes me want socialized medicine. I don't understand how how health care companies can make billions off the health and well being of other people and think it is moral. It is immoral, pure greed. I am scared to go to the doctor. If my insurance doesn't control the cost, or if it is billed in a certain way, they can charge me whatever they want. I paid $800 for a well visit for my child. Well visits are not paid for by my insurance so cost is not controlled. Totally corrupt!!!!

Anonymous California4 months ago

$15,264 annually just for the premiums. I am 60 and have small business individual insurance and my husband has Medicare with supplemental insurance. My individual insurance premium went up 53% from the year before.

Anonymous Austin,TXInsured4 months ago

Ensures no money left for an actual raise. We pay the same amount as a couple of years ago in premiums but our out of pocket expenses have gone up thousands thanks to the HSA plan.

Misha Chicago, IL4 months ago

In the US we have turned our nonprofit necessities (health care, education) into for profit ventures. It's a terrible scam that strips money out of the economy, and makes millionaires out of administrators. Doctors that earn honorable livings in Europe make 1/10th of what some specialists make in the US. The country has simply turned itself into an unethical for-profit enterprise zone, and we all suffer for it.

Anonymous San Ramon, CA4 months ago

Despite working hard, it means less money to spend on enriching the lives of me, my spouse, and our 2 kids

dave virginia4 months ago

American prices are an ABSOLUTE SCANDAL! There is no good reason why our medical prices should be three and four times the prices for same services/procedures in other western countries (britain, france, switzerland, etc.). It's greed. Years ago we had a child in intensive car, and when he was eventually released we got an itemized bill. We were charged $74 for a packet of diapers--$74.00. You can imagine what the other prices were.

Anonymous Washington StateInsured4 months ago

Medical care is the single biggest monthly expense for my family. My medical insurance premiums have more than doubled in the 7 years since I retired.

Francis Florida4 months ago

This is nothing new. It opens up opportunities for the enrichment of a segment of the population while a larger portion receives minimal care. The results of such anti social activities are well known. If individuals tried ripping off the public in the same manner used by organized medicine and healthcare we would be arrested and prepared for trial. The ripping off of the American public is mandated by our elected representatives.

Anonymous Akron, OHInsured4 months ago

Takes too much out of the budget.

Anonymous USAInsured4 months ago

Use Nurse Practioners. They know much less but are cheaper.

CCHarris CaliforniaUninsured4 months ago

"...More than 10 million people get [colonoscopies] each year, adding up to more than $10 billion in annual costs." That works out to $1,000 per colonoscopy, certainly a bit high, but not ten-fold higher than other countries. Wherein lies the discrepancy between this and the rest of your article?

Dale Burbank, CAInsured4 months ago

It is sucking an ever increasing amount of money from us that otherwise would be invested in our business. And we hardly us our insurance or visit the doctor. We are protecting ourselves from a catastrophic illness (expense) at a very high cost.

Nancy Ellis Tesuque, NM 875744 months ago

I am on Medicare, but cannot afford supplemental insurance. I do not go to doctors unless it is an emergency. I put off anything that is not a critical emergency. It is not much different from the previous decade when I had no coverage at all.

R. Young MichiganInsured4 months ago

We are impacted more by the increasing cost of health insurance, and the associated deductibles. We now pay in excess of $12,000.00 with a $5,000.00 deductible. I have never had a procedure outside of an exam.

WM New EnglandInsured4 months ago

Even with BC/BS Federal, my Wife’s treatment for colon cancer, surgeries, drugs and co pays have been astronomical. If “ Obamacare” was not a law, Im sure they would have turned us away by now.

Elizabeth San Diego CA4 months ago

Minor because we're in Kaiser's Senior Advantage Medicare program.

Anonymous washington, CTUninsured4 months ago

I have medicare but medical costs are still significant. I've had more than two dozen colonoscopies,initially in the doctor's office, with or without anesthesia. Now one is treated like the procedure is a major operation. I had one last week without anesthesia and nurses thought that was incredulous.

Anonymous Pine Valley, CAInsured4 months ago

No impact so far. Everyone is healthy; my retirement pays for my healthcare, my family insurance is cheap. The county where I worked covers my family for a mere $400 / month. All generic perscriptions are free: no co-pay; no deductible

Moe1138 950664 months ago

Why it's so expensive? Easy...we survive.

Georgette Central NJ4 months ago

Medical cost rarely impact our family for services generally provided by an M.D. (any specialty) or a hospital because insurance covers everything. Where I take the hit is the HUGE co-payments for prescription drugs. Also dental care (very limited even with insurance and eyeglasses (last pair $1,000, no insurance).

Anonymous San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

Fortunately the insurance provided by my wife's insurance is very inexpensive for us. It covers every procedure we have encountered.

Anonymous New YorkInsured4 months ago

For both me and my family medical bills are always the last ones to be paid if they get paid at all. Due to high medical costs I have skipped going to the doctors office and I have ordered meds online. I try and cut corners because regardless of the high premiums my family pays for insurance each individual needs to shell out $1,500 before the cost is picked up by the insurance company. I thought that having insurance meant that I could finally visit the doctor at will and get prescriptions filled when needed but I have been sorely mistaken.

Anonymous Omaha, NE4 months ago

I personally ,as a physician, was very upset to learn, I could not learn,see or know what my foot surgery costs were. My son, age 33yo, has had difficult buying cost effective health insurance due to prior injuries and surgery for them.We try to spend medical money cautiously and effectively. We are not afraid of generic meds either.

Anonymous CaliforniaUninsured4 months ago

difficult, however CoverCalifornia health exchange has a good price on insurance, still expensive but far short of extortion.

Anonymous Tallahassee, FlInsured4 months ago

I pay more for low deductible/co-pay. While initial outlay effects personal economy, since I am in mid-50s, believe it will be cost effective in long run.

Anonymous BaltimoreUninsured4 months ago

I am currently underemployed and have no health insurance. I'm in my mid-fifties. Vision care and dental care are just dreams. Preventive screenings are not even close to being affordable for me. I live a pretty healthy lifestyle, and just hope that I stay well. We'll see what happens when it's time for me to get insurance under the new system. Things are so bad right now I may even qualify for the Medicaid expansion. It's kind of embarrassing; I am, after all, a college graduate who has earned very decent money at various times during my life.

Anonymous Springfield, MOInsured4 months ago

My family has been healthy, with two hospitalizations for procedures other than childbirth. We have high deductible insurance policies and were able to negotiate a discounted rate for the deductible on one of the hospitalizations by paying in full. Not everyone is able to do this and is at a disadvantage. We have refused prescriptions that were crazy expensive and had the Dr. rewrite with a more affordable option. Most times they don't even realize how expensive they are. Most recently an acne medication was over $550 for a small tube of ointment. The Dr. had no idea it was that expensive.

Kevin Wausau WIInsured4 months ago

Job changes require careful consideration. The business community needs to realize the labor market could be much more fluid with workers and businesses more likely to find good employment fits if family health care was removed from the equation.

Vinton E. Heuck Lancaster, Ca.Insured4 months ago

With Medicare and Senior Advantage my wife an I are pretty OK but one doesn't have to be a genius to understand that healthcare costs for my children border on the unaffordable now and will only get more expensive without major structural reforms. Obama was forced to make so many concessions to the corporations that healthcare is unlikely to be less expensive come January first.

Alex Los AngelesUninsured4 months ago

My father is on Medicare, and had to have two surgeries to remove some small cancer on his prostate and kidney. He went to UCLA medical center and had state of the art robotic surgery, costing well over $100,000 for both. Me being in my 20's I don't have the money or incentive to get medical insurance. I've been getting books at the library about medicinal herbs and remedies.

Anonymous Silver Spring, MDInsured4 months ago

We have really good health insurance and with employer covered premiums, so we're lucky we don't have to worry about it

Dianne Walsh Miami,FLInsured4 months ago

I am very lucky that my employer pays 95% of the cost of my medical insurance and I am in pretty good health for 60. When I had an unexplained fainting incident a while ago though and went to the ER for tests (as advised to do by my doctor) my out of pocket deductible and co-pay was over $3,000! I wasn't admitted to the hospital and ultimately never received a diagnosis or treatment for the incident. But it took a long time for me to pay off that bill from the hospital.

Anonymous California4 months ago

It limits my ability to choose which medical provider to visit. All are too expensive, so we visit the least expensive one as infrequently as possible.

Ashley Ontario, CanadaInsured4 months ago

Nil. I live in Canada and have full coverage for the extras (drugs, physio, dental, glasses) through my own and my husband's employer (which require a miniscule $15 monthly copay) in addition to free basic health care. We are so lucky. I can't imagine the stress of living with your (the American) health care system, even for the healthy.

Anonymous Texas4 months ago

Yes, my colonoscopy was expensive, but in the process of performing it my doctor found a neuroendocrine tumor in my small intestine. Worth every penny.

Anonymous New JerseyInsured4 months ago

Our medical costs are very high, with unreimbursed costs that really add up,in addition to copays and deductibles.

Anonymous Irvine, CAInsured4 months ago

This fall, I will have to find a new healthcare provider. On my own for over one year, I have five more months of COBRA coverage. Then? The good news is it looks like California's exchange will be almost ready to take applicants... For several years I have tracked the rise in healthcare costs with increasing alarm. Since Congress is largely funded by the insurance industry, I have despaired of anything ever changing. Inflation is down, but still higher than any other sector of the economy. We are pretty much doomed.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

I have a high deductible insurance plan which I pay for out of my own pocket. So I avoid medical treatments at all cost, and self diagnose. I haven't been to a doctor in 8 years.

Lin Tampa Bay area Florida Uninsured4 months ago

I don't have an employer to subsidize my health insurance and don't earn enough to afford it. I don't use Western medicine much anyway. However, there are times when I would like too and simply can't, because I couldn't pay the bill and would have to declare bankruptcy. I was middle-class and am now poor. I'm a college-educated woman, a journalist who is at that age where no one will hire me for anything. I haven't had money to see a dermatologist in years and must wait until age 65 and Medicare now to have my moles removed and biopsied.

Chipley Trombley Sebastopol, CAInsured4 months ago

I don't have a family, but I notice the increases every year through higher copays, less services offered...in short more of the burden being placed on the employee, who, if he or she's lucky enough to have a job with health-care, has had to endure in the face a stagnant wages, and increased costs, it seems everywhere else -gas prices, day care, food and on....and I feel fortunate. Thank you

Margie Determan Nevada City, CAInsured4 months ago

We are both self employed, so our insurance costs run $2000/mo, and our out of pocket costs for therapies not covered (physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture) run about $400, and then you add drug copays, deductibles, etc, and on a good year, we spend $40k. On a bad year, like last, we spent close to $80k out of our pocket. And we had to switch insurers in Jan, as blue cross of Ca increased our rates 13%, at the same time significantly reducing our coverage. We are counting the days till we can get on Medicare.

kumarappan indiaUninsured4 months ago

so far very minimal and manageable; but it scares me if I or my family members are to undergo costly operations or procedures; I will go broke in no time;I guess I will have to turn to government hospitals. my two children were born by cesarean section in government hospitals only;

Anonymous new yorkInsured4 months ago

Medical debt and constant healthcare expenses promoted the concept of "getting well and staying well"

Anonymous Alexandria, VA4 months ago

If I meet my deductible for the year, then I try to schedule everything else I need to have done within that year so that I don't have to pay out of pocket. I am becoming increasingly concerned about the cost of medical care.

Anonymous NJUninsured4 months ago

It's impossible. We cannot afford insurance, we cannot get Medicare. Yet paying for our own bills so far has been simple (we pay OOP for a family doctor and have needed no specialists, knock on wood).

Anonymous Lee County, FloridaInsured4 months ago

I own a small business with just one employee. My employee has coverage under her parent's policy. I have an individual policy with a high deductible of $3,500 annually. The monthly premium is $423, and I use a HSA through my credit union. The typical doctor's visit costs about $85-100 out of pocket. As a result, I only go to the doctor when absolutely necessary, which may be a good or bad thing depending on perspective. I am interested to see if my state's health exchange will reduce my costs. Florida has elected not to run its own exchange.

Anonymous New York4 months ago

I go to Alternative practitioners and take good care of my health.

Anonymous Columbus, OHUninsured4 months ago

Because of chronic and acute auto-immune disease I had to go on disablily, or medical bills would have bankrupted me. Now I have a choice, work, or health care.

Anonymous TexasUninsured4 months ago

I am 62 and uninsured. I have researched medical travel should I need it.

Felix Switzerland4 months ago

Last November, I got a colonscopy for USD 400 in the specialist's offfice (carried out by him and an assistant). 2 years ago I got a hip resurfacing (metal on metal) in a first class Swiss hospital, which cost roughly USD 5000 (included a 5 days stay and initial phyisotherapy). I got worried reading the about problems patients elsewhere face with metal-metal implants. The Swiss doctors said the problems mainly come if the geometry is not good (resulting in increased load and abrasion). So, in Switzerland we get better quality for the money (see report on web on "Americans have shorter lives than 17 nations).

Wearsie Briers Atlanta, GAUninsured4 months ago

In a nutshell, I have a very small income as a file clerk and can't afford health insurance.

AF Maine Insured4 months ago

It is devastating. I am over 60, am underemployed, have expensive monthly premiums for health insurance PLUS a $5000 deductible and a cancer patient. I live in a state (Maine) where there is virtually zero choice in private health care coverage so am forced to use the one provider (Anthem BC BS). It is a horrific situation.

Janet MinnesotaInsured4 months ago

I have high risk insurance because of a pure existing condition, and I am unable to retire because I wouldn't be able to afford the premium.

Wayne Brooklyn, NYInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are starting a business. She's been the main breadwinner while I am the thrust behind the business. We plan to offer health insurance to our staff, but whenever we look at the projections that figure is close to our labor costs themselves. For now, she has a temporary full time job that pays for some of our insurance but not all. There is no way we cost the system what we put in now. We are both active, healthy and lead fairly risk free lives.

Anonymous MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

I'm fortunate to have good insurance coverage, nevertheless, I'm sometimes shocked by the prices. I have been stunned by the very expensive procedures urged on my elderly parents.

Diana Scott San Antonio, TexasInsured4 months ago

You are not even mentioning the huge disparity of what lab tests are charged for different payors. There are different charges for private pay (the most expensive) Medicare/Medicaid, Insurance and Managed Care. You should be writing in-depth articles about that one.

VT Los Angeles, CA 4 months ago

We have a $7000 deductible and it only covers emergency care. I regularly go to a chiropractor 2-3 times a week and I choose to eat healthy. By making sure that my spine is aligned and there is no unnecessary pressure on my nervous system, I don't get sick and my body has full range of motion. I am preventing early degenerative problems such as, arthritis, knee and hip replacements and other problems people say - it comes with aging. I highly recommend looking into and practicing the chiropractic lifestyle...this is the way to slow down your early degeneration.

Anonymous Albuquerque.Uninsured4 months ago

I haven't seen a doctor in over a decade and expect to die before I'm 65. Too rich for Medicaid and too poor for insurance.

Peter Friedlieb Grand Rapids, Minnesota Insured4 months ago

I'm an internist in a small town since 1979 and trained during the HMO era. The lack of thought that goes into test ordering particularly by medical sub specialties such as Cardiology is very discouraging. The patient is at the mercy of the system that rewards tests and procedures without considering evidence of harms from false positive tests and unnecessary procedures.

Gary Harrisburg, PAInsured4 months ago

When I had cancer it could have bankrupted us if we hadn't had a catastrophic insurance plan.

Nancy Ellis Tesuque, NM4 months ago

The impact is that none of us go for healthcare except when we are bleeding profusely or have broken bones.

Anonymous TexasInsured4 months ago

I have in individual health plan that I've had for 15 years. It has a $3500 deductible and 70% copayment. Not bad, not great. But if I had to buy it today, it would cost three times as much ( I currently pay $240/month). Be ause I'm healthy, I rarely meet the deductible. So all my medical expenses are out of pocket, which can be difficult as I don't have a steady income.

Regina California4 months ago

I'd very much like to see a report on outcomes. Are Americans healthier because they pay more for procedures and medications? My intuitive response is, no. But, I'd like to see the statistics. Is there such a comparison available?

Anonymous INInsured4 months ago

My insurance premiums have gone up again -- this time by 20%. I have seen no benefit yet from the new health care laws. The insurance companies keeping winning the battles against the consumers, and seem to be winning the war.

Anonymous Nevada4 months ago

serious, we pay out of pocket. So we have to decide which procedures we can afford. Also, (and this is good and bad) we have to make sure the dr. understands that will not pay for any unauthorized tests and that we need to know how much things will be upfront. Prescription costs are the worst.

John J Atlanta4 months ago

We put off most things until we have ‘‘bad year’’ when we’ll cross our deductible, then we go whole hog (having a hernia repaired, as an example). Obamacare made it possible for me to have a physical and colonoscopy which was not afforadble without it.

Phil San Francisco, CAInsured4 months ago

Significant. I am retired on a very limited pension. There is no allowance for eye or dental procedures. Why? It's absurd. Aren't vision and dental health vital for survival? Aren't those two systems part of out bodies. We have been played for fools by the private insurance industry, and a government that has played footsie with that industry (including the present administration, who didn't stand on principal, and came up with a national health care program that leaves the private insurance industry in place). Disgraceful!

Kathy Hill WisconsinInsured4 months ago

As a paraprofessional in education in Milwaukee, WI it is a deadly fee each time I encounter a health concern. Our state governor took away union rights, increased our share of insurance premimuns, made us pay more in pension. I made $2,000 LESS last year than before. My base salary is $19,700 minus medical/pension share it was $17,00. Then the office visit copay increased + meds= I am below the provery line at age 58-- after 20 yrs service. I cannot afford to get sick or retire. My life insurance is due too! Cut the costs let me live!!

Ed Smyth JapanInsured4 months ago

Japanese National Health plan pays 70% of costs and I pay 30%. My premiums are set by my income in the previous year. If I make less, I pay less. 30% may sound like a lot, but the cost of a colonoscopy is about $250, so I pay $70. Doctor visits and drugs are about $10 or so. Everyone here has quality medical care. Supplemental insurance is available for a reasonable price.

Debbie Fullen Walla Walla, WAUninsured4 months ago

It is devastating. I simply cannot afford anything drastic, and pray for nothing critical. I have missed doctor appointments or delayed them due to just the office visit expense. I am on a low income fee as it is due to being on Social Security but no Medicare. But earn too much for Medicaid. It is a struggle that I have had to live with for the past few years. And I just never imagined that I wouldn't be able to take care of myself medically or financially at such a young age, baby boomer and all.

Anonymous White Plains, NYInsured4 months ago

As seniors, my husband and I spend far more on Medicare Supplement insurance than we actually use. But we need it "just in case." Some of our prescription drugs exist as brand-name only, requiring high copays. So we order those from Canada, where the retail price is lower than our copays!

CSB Highland Village, TXInsured4 months ago

We have a $10k deductible and basically pay out of pocket. For our family, that works. We are healthy and have the savings to pay the $10k if something dire happens. The "Obamacare" options are not appealing to me in the least. We need people to be concerned about the COST of their healthcare - not simply say, "I paid for my insurance - let THEM pay the cost." Big picture, "THEM" is "US" and we are currently being taken for an expensive ride by our "healthcare system."

Judy Schott Wapato, WashingtonInsured4 months ago

Our insurance is considered "catastrophic", with deductible of $7500 per person. It is the only type of insurance we can afford (we are self employed). Even with this insurance, a serious illness or accident will mean bankruptcy for us. We are just trying to hold on until we are eligible for medicare, though I don't think it is much better. This is a very stressful situation for us.

AC Raleigh, NC4 months ago

Until very recently, all of my previous jobs did not offer medical benefits, and because of that and constant worries of bills and the cost of living, I have had to choose to not go for even basic check-ups.

Anonymous Madison, WIInsured4 months ago

My wife and I (aged 58 and 63, respectively) are both self employed, so the cost of our health insurance is by far our largest expense.

Anonymous nycUninsured4 months ago

I have no health insurance, so I avoid going seeing a doctor as I would avoid the plague. I eat defensively (maintain a good weight with a vegetarian, near-vegan diet) and I am reasonably healthy. When I had health insurance, I never abused it: I would see my internist only when something was really wrong. Now that I don't have it and can't afford health care, I feel keenly how unfair and uncaring (not in an individual's best interest) to allow insurance companies to make money while people do without basic care.

Sandy New York CityInsured4 months ago

Last year, I had a gross income of about $35,000. Adding up health insurance, co-pays, prescriptions, and miscellaneous medical expenses, health care cost me almost $11,000. So health care comprised more than 30% of my gross income.

Anonymous WisconsinInsured4 months ago

My individual insurance premium has increased by 20% in each of the last three years, now at $200/month. I have a $5000 deductible that I rarely meet and no prescription drug coverage. I am a healthy female, mid-50's with no dependents and no employer coverage. Health coverage through the state program is unavailable unless one has dependents under 16, the waiting list is years long. My monthly income is $1500, so the impact of health care costs is huge!

Cheri Hahne San Francisco Bay AreaInsured4 months ago

Aside from having to sell my home to meet my out-of-pocket 20% from a major medical event, liquidating my retirement accounts because the meds that kept me alive (off formulary, on patent) cost over $800/month, and finally declaring bankruptcy in 2008, not much.

Krishnan Nambudiripad MinneapolisInsured4 months ago

I have a Health Savings Account so I consider the price always. My last procedure for the first time I asked the price before going in. It took them a while to get back to me, and their estimate was way off (they guessed very high). This was an optional procedure. Next time I may not be so lucky.

Mike Minneapolis, MNInsured4 months ago

Before I became eligible for Medicare, I had to spend very heavily to maintain insurance coverage at work and then on a COBRA extension, and finally on a high risk pool insurance program. My use of doctors (ophthalmologist and psychiatrist) was perhaps 4 or 5 times per year and the 3 drugs were generic. Insurance significantly reduced what I had available for retirement. Medicare costs about 80% less.

Rich Woller Lenox, MAInsured4 months ago

I could answer this two ways. The first is that it is low because my son has Crohn's Disease and he has, at times, taken drugs that cost $50,000 a year to use. With that in mind, our approximate outlay of $13,000 a year between copays and our share of the insurance premium seems like a bargain. Still, the rest of my family is incredibly healthy (we eat right and exercise) and interact with the medical industrial complex only as necessary or on a routine basis.

Anonymous HoustonInsured4 months ago

It restricts ability to spend on other items, such as home improvements, due to it's overriding priority in comparison.

Anonymous TennesseeInsured4 months ago

I have a good job (tenured professor) and good insurance. But I want to take a leave from my job to write. I am willing to take money out of savings to do this, but the cost of footing my own insurance bill scares me. The current system limits our freedom.

Donna New York, NYInsured4 months ago

The orthopedist I went to a week after I broke my wrist to replace the splint with a short cast charged $5,500. That is more than three times the emergency room visit with all the X-rays and "setting" the fracture. Dr Tejwani didn't even do it himself, he had residents do it. Apparently the bill is set by the diagnosis, not by what they actually do.

JJ6482 NJInsured4 months ago

We're covered by my employer. But concerned since retirement is near. Even with decent insurance, my wife has several times been refused reimbursement; they paid only after multiple appeals with the help of a Healthcare Advocate. It is silly to think of healthcare as a free market system. You never talk costs when you check into hospital and perhaps couldn't comparison-shop anyway if unconscious after a heart attack as happened to a friend. The system is broke but it won't be fixed because of intense lobbying by interested parties. It's like many other things. Washington is corrupt.

Jennifer Seattle Insured4 months ago

Our insurance for a family of three costs nearly as much as our mortgage, and we have only "negotiated rates." Last month we received a bill for our son's routine checkup -- which is supposed to be covered 100% (the only thing that is on our plan). Apparently his doctor's rates are higher than insurance will pay even though she's a preferred provider. Plus, our rates have gone up at least 10% every year for the past five years.

Darin WisconsinUninsured4 months ago

I choose to live outside of the United States and will not return. I make 3 times as much as I could back home and my health care is virtually free.

Anonymous FloridaInsured4 months ago

Zero, except for an affordable monthly Medicare premium. I have excellent health-care coverage from several sources due mainly to my military service, and I use them very rarely.

Brad HoustonInsured4 months ago

One thing that I've done due to my extremely high out-of-pocket expenses is that I've lost 30 pounds. I'm exercising more. The best defense is good health!

Fingerhut,Steven Florida and N.C.Insured4 months ago

Now that we have Medicare and a supplemental policy, our care is the best every. Our medical costs are still high because we always opt for the private room, the no waiting M.D. and medication co pays which can be ridiculous.

Renee & Dwight South of Seattle, WAInsured4 months ago

Medical costs impact us somewhat due to our ages. I'm 68 on Medicare, in good health and physically active. My fiance is 63, fairly healthy and somewhat physically active. He just retired from work and pays about $800 a month for COBRA (on his own would be a similar premium) until he gets on Medicare.

Ray San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

I constantly note it's a lot, and I manage it actively, including my insurance premiums. Mostly, I have accepted that I must spend the time to educate myself on the internet and not simply accept or believe what I am told by medical professionals. Too many times I have received a flatly wrong diagnosis and, ultimately, done the hours of homework a good one actually required (and wondered why my doctor didn't know or apply the information I had to look up). Once you have a highly informed and custom diagnosis, choosing treatments gets easier. And, often, the best treatment is far less expensive than other alternatives. Also, doctors are taught that surgery and pharmaceuticals are the only treatments. Often, these are inferior and expensive choices.

SLB Gray, Maine (15 miles north of PInsured4 months ago

As an older adult, I worry a lot about the cost of health care and spend a lot of energy and time dealing with the various aspects of cost control, from insane dealings with the VA for my veteran husband, to trying to "score" samples of very expensive asthma meds. Just got a bill today from my town for ambulance service. They billed Medicare for $952. ($952!) Not sure what Medicare paid them -- their invoices are confusing -- but the town wants $200 from me, which seems like a lot. Meanwhile, my insurer United Health says my town has been paid and that I should not be billed. It's enough to make me crazy.

Ed FloridaInsured4 months ago

I avoid all medical care possible. It is simply outrageously expensive, even with insurance.

C.A.C. Miami Beach, FLInsured4 months ago

Despite having insurance, opaque medical billing and after the fact co-pays add needless financial anxiety.

Anonymous MassInsured4 months ago

Substantial in the costs of insurance. The services are expensive with little relationship to earth's human physics, efficiency in maintaining quality of life and the expense of high error rates.

Anonymous Charlottesville, VAInsured4 months ago

not much; my family is healthy, and we have excellent insurance, access to the highest levels of medical care, and I am a physician. We are very, very lucky and I know it. I also know that all it would take is one devastating health care problem, and even with our blessings, it could quickly become an insurmountable financial burden. I see it happen all the time.

Joe West Myrtle Beach, SCUninsured4 months ago

I can't afford insurance. Due to preexisting conditions I’ve been rejected by every insurance company I’ve applied for. I try to stretch out my prescriptions. Take one every other day or take half of what I’m prescribed. I go without medications that I have been prescribed because I can’t afford them. I try to make it work. The blood pressure medication is less than the beta blocker so I’m going with only one of the medications for hypertension. I won’t go to the doctor even if I’m in significant pain. I’ll Google whatever symptoms I’m experiencing and try to find a solution in alternative medicine, Chinese herbs, anything I can do on my own or for a cost I can afford.

Anonymous Austin, TexasInsured4 months ago

My daughter, back from two years in India, cannot afford health insurance, and she pays out of pocket for healthcare. The irony is that she is starting up a small business. With healthcare assured, she could go at it with at least the anxieties about health minimized. She has chosen to continue even though she's flying without net. So she goes without care or consults with a nurse or uses a "minute clinic" in the local pharmacy for flu shots. I paid for tests she needed, but I am retired and have limited funds. We are holding on for Obamacare.

Lynn San Antonio4 months ago

We have insurance through the military. Care is good when you can get in. Though they don't like to farm you out to civilian MD's anymore for specialized services, which is a bit scary. A lot of the health care costs here are probably due to the high number of illegal immigrants and uninsured unfortunately.

Toni californiaInsured4 months ago

a large impact; insurance costs are outrageous, but without insurance, we would be bankrupted by the costs of hospital and doctor care

Anonymous San Francisco Bay AreaInsured4 months ago

We live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are covered by non-profit HMO Kaiser Permanente which is all inclusive & rated tops in the country. We have excellent care, no deductible, a low co-pay, no insurance-company to haggle with, excellent quality and an emphasis on prevention. They seek best practices and ways to keep costs in line. There are no profits made on tests and perscriptions. It's a good alternative to single-payer national healthcare. Really, what value do insurers bring? Insurers are a layer that adds huge costs and hassle. We need a national single payer system!

Anonymous ChicagoInsured4 months ago

I've got insurance through my employer but often feel scared to seek medical care because there is always some kind of problem billing the insurance, or the insurance tries not to pay for the expense. Not knowing the cost of procedures, or definitively whether/how much they'll be covered for makes medical care an exercise in anxiety for me.

Jonathan Segev CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

After my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer he was surprised how low his co-pay for his colonoscopy was (I think it was less than $1000). I was quick to remind him he has been paying well over $10,000 a year for him and my mom to be on that plan for the past 12 years.

Roger Bater MichiganInsured4 months ago

It is high: for my wife and I the monthly premium is over $500, our deductible is $8000, no prescription coverage, no dental and not eligible for Medicare because I have immigrated from the UK post retirement. Having been used to the (almost free) UK National Health Service, all this is quite a hefty outlay. We are in our seventies, both fit and well and, so far no claims.

Anonymous San Diego, CAInsured4 months ago

Minimal at this time, since we have excellent health insurance through my employer (Federal government, which BTW, is NOT free). However, when I retire it will be a very big bite.

RFM Washington, DCInsured4 months ago

I am a medicare subscriber with a free, pension provided, supplemental policy. Because of my family income, my medicare premiums are $2400 per year. Other than that, I have essentially no out of pocket medical expenses.

Anonymous Milwaukee, WIInsured4 months ago

As a retired person with Medicare and a supplemental plan for coverage of meds and other not covered costs, I worry that my fixed income may not be able to afford the health care costs of the future. I am hopeful that the Affordable Health Care Act will be fully implemented with the best results for all Americans.

Anonymous Kalamazoo, MI4 months ago

While I am fortunate to have good health insurance (by U.S. standards) through my employer, a state university, I feel bound to my job, unwilling to take the risk of no health insurance in order to do something more fulfilling. I read very little about how our pathetic health care system stifles entrepreneurship by forcing many people to choose between working for a large institution that provides adequate health insurance and starting their own business. Having had a chronic, but manageable, health condition for 40+ years, this has been an issue that has followed me my entire working life.

Ken Varee Anchorage, AKInsured4 months ago

Luckily, I have relatively good coverage through the insurance offered by my teacher union. We are self-insured. That way we have ready access to our usage rates and can adjust medical benefits to pay for the most needed procedures. However, the costs of our insurance continues to rise out of proportion to costs for services in the rest of the economy. I am going to have knee replacement surgery this summer and I'm having it done in Seattle instead of Anchorage because there is no deductible and all costs, including transportation and lodging are covered. Just the surgeon's fee for the operation here in Anchorage is 150 percent more than the surgeon's fee in Seattle. Given the somewhat higher cost of living in Anchorage, it still doesn't justify the higher costs here in Anchorage.

Anonymous WA4 months ago

I'm also a Canadian but now live in the US. I work for a large software company that allegedly has the best health plan going but it's still not as good as the coverage I had in Canada through the combination of provincial + employer's plan. In Canada, I never worried about health care. In the US, even with insurance, it's a significant concern.

Charlemagne GeorgiaInsured4 months ago

As a small business owner who buys private health insurance for my family, the cost of subsidizing everyone else's medical care is devastating: $800 per month with a $10k deductible. Everyone else gets a discount - big company employees, medicare, medicaid patients, the uninsured (who just can't pay) - and the cost gets passed along to the only targets left - us.

Anonymous New York4 months ago

We avoid seeking medical care because we know we won't be able to afford it.

Anonymous Northern California4 months ago

Healthcare is organized crime; health insurance companies and doctors have no incentive to do what is right. My insurance premiums have gone up at a 47% compounded rate for the past 15-years. We had to sell our home to pay medical bills when my wife got cancer; this is in spite of having medical insurance. It will get worse next year with Obamacare; with 30-40% of the population entering the system with government subsidies costs can only go up (increase in demand without an increase in supply).

cbw Kalamazoo, MI4 months ago

While I am fortunate to have good health insurance (by U.S. standards) through my employer, a state university, I feel bound to my job, unwilling to take the risk of no health insurance in order to do something more fulfilling. I read very little about how our pathetic health care system stifles entrepreneurship by forcing many people to choose between working for a large institution that provides adequate health insurance and starting their own business. Having had a chronic, but manageable, health condition for 40+ years, this has been an issue that has followed me my entire working life.

Anonymous IdahoInsured4 months ago

I am a teacher at a public charter school. More than half of my gross pay disappears before I even get my check and the biggest portion of it goes to pay my health care insurance premium. I am a 57 year old female and that accounts for part of the cost, I guess. For this coming year, our insurance provider raised its rates 66 percent. To cover me, my self-employed husband and our 20 year old son would have cost me more than $1,200/month. We decided I would keep my insurance and dump them off. We pray nothing catastrophic happens.

Jasmine Armstrong Merced, CAInsured4 months ago

As a graduate student for the University of California system, I have good insurance, but I still worry over costs of doctor visits. Dental care is a big concern. The Obama plan would have been better if it included dental care, and was a single payer system.

Anonymous New YorkInsured4 months ago

During a stretch of unemployment and lacking health insurance, I was diagnosed with cancer. This is ironic, as most of my working life I had supplemental AFLAC cancer coverage. I paid medical bills out of pocket until the Obamacare preexisting condition clause kicked in (6 months after the tumor was discovered). I'm financially ruined but so far I'm still alive. I'm not sure what to expect as the rest of the Affordable Care Act roles out.

Paige Atlanta, GA4 months ago

I'm not sure if I have breast cancer, because I'm still paying off the diagnostic mammogram and can't figure out how to pay for the next test. But does it matter? I've realized that if I do have it, I can't afford to treat it anyway. And I'm a fully-employed adult with insurance through my employer.

Steve Schwartz Greenville, South CarolinaInsured4 months ago

We are pretty well covered by Medicare and insurance. Dental is taking us for a ride and we found out too late about how greedy our dentist was.

Mary Owens BostonInsured4 months ago

Health insurance costs have become a burden. My husband and I are self-employed, and mid-tier HMO insurance for our relatively healthy family of four, with a $1000/2000 deductible, costs $1400 a month. How much more is it going to go up?

Bruce Allentown PA4 months ago

I retired from teaching in June 2010, and because my district does not pay teacher retirees' medical insurance (it does pay for retired administrators' coverage) I now pay $1756.00 a month for COBRA medical insurance for me, my wife, and one son. That's over $21,000 a year! It's quite a struggle to meet that payment every month.

Anonymous Cafifornia4 months ago

My brother and his wife, who have raised five children into socially successful children, delayed their retirement for fear of being bankrupted by medical costs. Their monthly premium is close $5,000 per month, eating up much of their take-home pay.

Viet Vet New Jersey4 months ago

I was billed $568 for a colonoscopy. This was in addition to the payment my health carrier paid. I'm not paying it because I wasn't told that by the doctor I would be charged the extra amount. He knew who my insurance is and how much they would pay so he should have told me in advance that I would be billed the extra amount. Had I known, I would have shopped around. I called his office and told him to sue me . By the way, this was a routine exam, not something brought on by symptoms.

Anonymous Albany, New YorkInsured4 months ago

Moderate at the moment but getting more serious every year. Premiums increase and co-pays increase. We have been able to save a little each year but if things continue, within 5 years that may not be possible. Of particular concern is the practice of "admission for observation" where the health insurance does not cover the cost.

Anonymous St. Louis , MO4 months ago

Due to my age I have Medicare plus a supplement and some doctors won't accept Medicare patients. Interestingly as a provider of psychological services some of the providers I work with won't deal with Medicare.

Anonymous Mountain View, CAInsured4 months ago

In 2012, I (and my wife) had out-of-pocket expenses of $2545, mostly for dental care, monthly Medicare payments (unknown amount) deducted from our Social Security checks, $5162 premiums to my former employer's health plan (FEHP) (plus an unknown amount paid by FEHP, and $3302 for Long Term Care insurance. And $833 for Medicare was withheld from my current employer's paycheck.

liz Houston, TexasInsured4 months ago

In the past it was the cost of medicine but because our family now has a medical provider in the family we are able to discuss, research and find meds that are as strong but not as costly. TOOO many people walk in with NO clue as to what is going on and how to get well. I hear too many stories of how medicaid patients will clog the office so that they won't have to pay for preventative meds--if they get a presciption. Sad, we are creating stupid, lazy patients that can't and won't do what they need to get well. I am looking forward to people paying more for insurance if they do things that harm their bodies.

Anonymous Richardson, txkathyUninsured4 months ago

I go to dr 2 times a year to get 5 prescriptions renewed. Am 62 yrs old & fairly healthy. Self employed, make ok money, but can't afford insurance or prescriptions or medical procedures. Just praying that no accident or medical emergency crops up, I wouldn't be able to pay for it.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Medical bills have broken me. I have ruined credit because of bills I could never afford to pay. I had to choose between paying for college, rent and food and paying medical bills. I chose the former and my credit got wrecked for it. I don't go to the doctor anymore, even though I have insurance. At this point, I would have to be literally dying to ever set foot in a hospital again.

Merilace Huff Dayton, OHqInsured4 months ago

The cost of our supplimental insurance ( we are on Medicare) has moderate impact. However, because both my husband and I have chronic medical problems the cost of the suppliment is relatively insignificant. Without the suppliment we would have a difficult time paying for our medical care even with Medicare.

PK Lucky in Australia4 months ago

People just want the right care, not more care or less care for the condition they have. This article unmasks the claims historically made in favour of managed care, that it reduces costs. Introduce a middleman and you have to pay him. It can only increase cost.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

It forces earners to take low paying jobs that aren't the best career fit. . .just to get "affordable" health insurance sooner rather than later. The risk of not having health insurance is scary--as bankruptcy seems to be the common result of not having health insurance.

Kevin Blake Kingsport, TNInsured4 months ago

I have only needed to be hospitalized once, for an appendectomy in 2007. The entire charges, for surgery, anesthesia, 2 nights in the hospital, etc., were approximately $25,000.

EGM Rockland County4 months ago

My son just had a strangulated hernia repair w/mesh as a hospital out-patient, a 20 min procedure. $11,985 hospital billed, after insurance, his out-of pocket cost $5747; anesthesia $1750 billed, out of pocket $1080; surgeon billed $3000, out of pocket $664, for a total of $8161 out of pocket. He had tried to get prices before the surgery, and only the surgeon complied with the request, so that he could price compare. Now , after the fact, had he had the information he could have gotten the surgery far cheaper had he gone out of the country, air fare included. And this is with insurance.

Sam A. New York, NYInsured4 months ago

I'm a single guy in my high 20s and have insurance through my employer. However, with its co-payments very high and its coverage limited, I consider it mostly a good thing to have in case of an accident or other life-threatening emergency that would require hospitalization and other expensive procedures. I'm very anxious every time I have to use medical services as I'm afraid that my insurance will find a way to say that the service is excluded from their coverage and in turn saddle me with the bill.

Ann Peoples MaineInsured4 months ago

My husband had a very serious stroke in early 2012. He was fortunate enough to have private insurance for the first two months of the year (he retired from the University of Southern Maine on 12/30/11) and I was able to buy AARP insurance in April. We were on the hook for the month of March and it was extremely difficult.

Gilbert Rose West Chester, PAInsured4 months ago

It's one of our biggest expenses and often limits our discretionary spending.

Anonymous PhoenixInsured4 months ago

Significant. I maintain healthy living habits, but high co-pays and increasingly high deductibles make routine prescriptions and procedures a burden. As for dental work, what were once the beginnings of retirement savings now belong to my dentist. The situation in the US is shameful.

Anonymous Seattle WAInsured4 months ago

Our daughter broke her wrist. The bill was over $700. The retail cost for just one of our family's prescriptions is nearly $3K. The cost of individual insurance coverage for our family is estimated at $2K per month. And the plan quoted does not cover pharmacy. Really? Something must be done.

JP Ft Lauderdale4 months ago

I just turned 50 last year had had the colonoscopy a few months back. Total bill $6K. Fortunately, my insurance covered all but the deductible. My parents both living in the UK have had hip replacements in the past 18 months free of charge. Our healthcare rates in the US are totally out of control. I don't see any way it's going to be fixed.

Autar Kaw TampaInsured4 months ago

A routine lab test cost me $125 because it was not covered by my insurance. If it had been, I and my insurance company would have to pay $10. This is the cost that needs to be reined in by putting a limit based on some multiple of Medicare reimbursement for a procedure for self pay individuals. But this is a small issue. Bigger issues are not having portable health care for all, obesity epidemic, automobile accident insurance abuses by hospitals (not just the pain clinics), unnecessary procedures, etc.

Anonymous Naples NYInsured4 months ago

We have health insurance and no chronic health problems aside fom asthma controlled by medication. The biggest impact I high copays for meds but we chose this to save on our monthly contribution.

Partha Neogy CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

I am on Medicare with secondary insurance provided by my former employer. So, the direct impact of medical costs is relatively small for me. But exorbitant, ever escalating medical costs are sapping our economy and impoverishing our society, and affecting every one of us.

A.M. Alexandria, VAUninsured4 months ago

I work as a "temporary" employee at my organization, so I don't get benefits despite working full-time for many months now (with plan for my employer to terminate the position). The paucity of employer benefits these days is a huge health care problem, as my peers and I, those full-time employees without benefits, have put off routine medical procedures and screenings to save on astronomical health costs.

Vladimir Knajtner brooklyn, nyInsured4 months ago

Administrative and legal hurdles must be lifted to allow insurance companies to cover US patients going to other developed countries for non-emergency procedures. My nephew, who is a Serbian citizen, had a surgery in Germany done by a well known orthopedic surgeon in one of best German hospitals, for less than half a price asked by a US hospital. We are getting ripped off by doctors and lawyers. Enough is enough.

James A. Long FLInsured4 months ago

Minimal. I and my immediate family are fortunate to be in excellent health. We are covered by Medicare but receive what little medical care we receive by paying out of pocket for services provided in Mexico where the service is better and far cheaper than in the US

Anonymous New Jersey Insured4 months ago

There is no tax credit for my healthcare costs. My insurance premiums are rising, as are my OOP expenses. If I don't make more money to offset these costs, I lose.

Mod Long Island4 months ago

Some medications I took are no longer covered by my insurance. I have to take drugs that are less effective with more side effects. Many products are now over the counter, not reimbursed. I have cut out some medications and supplies I can no longer afford. Doctors have no time to explain care, problems reoccur more often.

Anonymous Arlington, VAInsured4 months ago

Insurance (Medicare, BC/BS) reduces other discretionary spending options. Ditto for drug copays, dentist, etc. One just absorbs the cost.

Jim ColoradoInsured4 months ago

When I was cast onto the individual market at age 61 in 2010 after COBRA rights ran out, I couldn't get regular insurance and had to use the assigned risk pool in our state. My wife is privately insured at a high rate also but is insurable because she never gets ill (or sees a physician under any circumstances whatsoever.) Our insurance bills run $21,600 per year for 2 high-deductible plans where we have to pay the first $5,500 in aggregate before insurance kicks in (except for lower costs for prescription drugs.) I am fortunate that we're well off and can afford it but many -- most -- others in our age cohort can't. Medicare, here we come and we can't wait!

Ed Walker ChicagoInsured4 months ago

So far, the impact has been insignificant. We have always had excellent insurance, and we are now on Medicare and a very high deductible Medigap policy. We don't like going to the doctor, and we don't want to spend money on medical care. We'd rather eat well and exercise.

Frank Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

Last year I paid 6500 in PPO premiums for my wife and I, both early 60s. That does not include co-pays, supplements, RX and deductibles. My employer contributed 13K per W-2 statement. I could go on a cheaper HMO plan, but would have no access to top motch university medical care which is important for me as I am a 2 year colorectal cancer survivor. I had the HMO option at the start of my treatment and the available oncologists were a joke, compared to the treatment received at a top university cancer center in Los Angeles. I feel privileged to have a choice.

Anonymous seattleInsured4 months ago

My class: working poor. I have insurance at work but my deductible is $2500. Consequently I have very little in savings because I am of an age (63) where I use medical services more, even though I am healthy, eat carefully, and exercise. It has adversly affected my retirement savings as well,

cp Ohio4 months ago

I don't go to the doctor because I haven't had any major medical issues. I do have catastrophic health insurance in the case of a major illness. Dental care is my real medical cost problem ($2200 last year).

Anonymous MarylandInsured4 months ago

Minimal. We have two insurance plans covering us and we've had few requirements for extensive/expensive medical care

Anonymous San Diego CA Insured4 months ago

We're concerned whether Medicare will still exist in its current form when we reach age 65, as it seems impossible to continue. Yet, how will we pay for medical care?

Anonymous Connecticut4 months ago

Right now very little. Both my husband and I are gainfully employed. However, I would like to retire in 2 years and now my husband is thinking of changing jobs. If he does not find a job with affordable health care, it looks as though I can't "retire." But when I say retire I really mean work just part time.

Anonymous NYC AreaInsured4 months ago

Paying greater % of premium, insurance company requiring more prior authorization for Rx and using Rx by mail.

Anonymous San Francisco, CalifUninsured4 months ago

I'm a 59 year old Ph D Bioengineer who does consulting work for large corporations which design health care diagnostic products; but me, I have no health insurance. Why? I had a minor running overuse injury (runner's knee) which was diagnosed between coverage, and when I applied for new coverage, the health insurance companies said it is a pre-existing condition. Good thing I'm in good health, as I haven't seen (or paid a single dime to) a doctor, clinic, or hospital in 15 years. I do appreciate having the extra spending money , since I have no monthly health insurance bill.

Anonymous Santa Monica, CAInsured4 months ago

Minimal. I am a public employee and as such I am covered through PERS. I work for a college. My employer also provides $1500 yearly to compensate us for the higher co-pays and deductibles when we switched to PERS. I also have a tax deductible Health Savings Account of $2500 also through my employer. My major problems have been going to a doctor or facility that is in my insurance network and thinking my procedure was covered and then finding out that the emergency room doctor at UCLA was an independent contractor not in my network or an anesthesiologist my doctor used in an a surgery was not in my network or most recently the cost of the surgical facility (a room in his office) that my dermatologist used for my MOHS surgery, a ten minute procedure, was billed at $1000, when my insurance paid $300. I had a moment of panic until the doctor agreed to accept a $100 co-pay. In all of these cases I was eventually able to get the rate my insurance company pays for out of network, but I still don't appreciate these nasty surprises. Even though I have much better coverage than most people do, I am a strong supporter of single payer. It hurts me that people stress out, suffer or die because they lack adequate health insurance. Extending Medicare or the VA system to all would be a good way to start.

Anonymous Tempe, AzUninsured4 months ago

I'm on a tight budget so I may have to forego a medical visit for some complaint that may not seem so urgent.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

None, until this year when my father was hospitalized by a stroke and subsequent illnesses due to his advanced age and long-term institutionalization. When I started receiving his bills, I was aghast at the original cost of each consult visit and each procedure, which was cut in some cases down to 10% by Medicare. Where on earth did these original numbers come from? Clearly not from the physicians who ordered them.

Beth ny- Insured4 months ago

Living in a rural NY community the cost of health insurance in NY is 25% of take home salary. Why doesn't everyone want single payer healthcare?

NYT Colorado4 months ago

My wife had breast cancer and despite having "good" health insurance, treatments including reconstruction were routinely denied. I work at a hospital and fought the insurance company. Profit in healthcare? You bet: "UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen J. Hemsley had a 28 percent decline in compensation last year compared with 2011, according to documents filed Wednesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Hemsley's pay package was $34.7 million last year, not including $7 million in stock awards that will provide value in the future. His compensation includes a $1.3 million salary, $12.49 million in value realized on exercising options, $15.3 million in value realized on stocks vesting, $5.3 million in non-equity incentive pay and $287,443 in "other compensation."" Makes me sick. We need a single payer system.

Anonymous ArizonaInsured4 months ago

We have two adult children with health problems and limited incomes. Neither is eligible for a group health insurance plan. We pay for individual plans that have been skyrocketing in price--double digit increases year after year. For example, one just go a letter saying that the premium would go up about 12% . We are hoping that the insurance exchange that will become available for 2014 will at least get them into a group pool that will eliminate double digit price increases year after year. If not, within a few years we won't be able to pay the premiums.

Mike Independence, LaInsured4 months ago

Very high. My insurance has doubled since 2008 and I am told by my carrier will go up more in 2014 when more Obamacare hits. I pay about $10,000 a year for a $5600 deductible on my family of four. We have never had a claim that exceeded the deductible.

Lucky to be healthy ChicagoUninsured4 months ago

As an adult, I have only had steady health coverage when I was a student in college as you were required to pay for a university sponsored plan if you lacked any kind of coverage. I'm 30. I've looked into paying for my own plan but they outright refuse to cover anything until you've paid at minimum a $7,000 deductible AFTER your $150 monthly payment--this includes emergency care. None of them include reproductive care for women. If I'm going to pay out of pocket until a $20,000 emergency hits--why pay thousands a year for nothing when I I could just negotiate with the hospital or declare bankruptcy?

Anonymous HNL4 months ago

Prices keep us from seeing the doctor in other than emergency situations.

Anonymous New HampshireInsured4 months ago

As retirees, we are working more part-time jobs to help cover the costs of supplemental medical insurance.

Anonymous New Jersey4 months ago

I had a colonoscopy last year in South Carolina. The bills trickled in. I received one for the nurse anesthetist and one for the anesthesiologist. I never saw the anesthesiologist, but apparently the nurse anesthetist works under his umbrella. Needless to say, it was an expensive procedure for one hour of my time.

David Lubeck New JerseyInsured4 months ago

It is potentially bankrupting. This year my wife's contribution to her employers health care plan went up from $2,000 to over $5,000. We can not tolerate further increases of that magnitude.

jennifer charlotte, NCInsured4 months ago

In the past few years, I've had to go without food on occasion to keep my insurance premium paid, YET... I am perfectly healthy. But if I were to become ill, it would financially ruin me if I had allowed my premiums to lapse.

Leslie Neilon Scottsdale ArizonaInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are both retired, fit people. We are on no medications. We are both now on Medicare - the situation that ALL Americans should be in YET our Medical insurance costs are the largest of ALL of our annual expenses.Our mortgage, food, cars,holidays, travel, presents all cost less. And we are FIT.

Anonymous FairfaxUninsured4 months ago

Before insurance companies took over, back when doctors were in charge - our family had medical care when necessary. When insurance companies took over with "managed" care - we do not.

Brad CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Our family coverage is an "Exclusive Provider Organization" plan - similar to a "Preferred Provider Organization, but with no out-of-network benefits. In other words, we have co-payments and deductibles when we use in-network hospitals and physicians, and no ocverage if we use out-of-network providers. The biggest impact are pharmacy costs. The plan has a $10 co-pay or generics, $20 co-pay for prefered non-generics, and $40 for non-preferred non-generics. As between our 4 family members (2 have chronic health problems) we consume 20 prescriptions a month, our co-pays exceed $250. There is no yearly cap on pharmaceutical co-pays.

Anonymous Chapel Hill, NC4 months ago

We have private insurance and feel fortunate to be able to go to the doctor whenever we want. However, our deductible is so high that I've become very aware of things like facility fees and co-payments for drugs. We are very careful to ask to be referred to specialists without facility fees or to ask for a lower priced drug.

Anonymous Italy4 months ago

We live in Europe where our health insurance is covered by taxes. We took out a policy of $100K in travel insurance for our last trip to the States. While there my husband had an appendicitis with complications and spent 3 weeks in the hospital. The bill: $207K. We're hoping the hospital will forgive the extra uncovered debt but we're still waiting to find out. It's insanity.

Anonymous CAInsured4 months ago

Unspecified dread of future bills. Currently we have no impact, but fear something going wrong in the future.

Anonymous Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

I avoid going to the hospital or even to see a doctor unless I think I might have the funds to pay for it and I HAVE insurance. Great insurance, actually!

Aleco's kid OregonInsured4 months ago

We carry our own insurance -- high deductible ($10,000 per individual amx out of pocket $19,000). This year I broke my hip the total bill was something like $46,000. Our total out of pocket was $19,000. Thank god that we have a decent savings account! we were OK, many of our friends would pushed to the edge of bankruptcy.

Eleanor Santa monica, caInsured4 months ago

Negligible. We have Medicare, plus an outstanding supplement whose premium is 80 percent covered by my husband's former employer. Our out-of-pocket costs are almost nil. We are extraordinarily fortunate, but worry constantly about the plight of others.

larry p bostonInsured4 months ago

as the cost of copays for certain drugs went up, even though they were prescribed for me, I just declined the use of that particular drug and stayed with the generics. The copay was $50 for 30 pills of that drug.

Anonymous San DiegoInsured4 months ago

I went to a local hospital for a minor outpatient surgery. The procedure took about half an hour and I was in the hospital for less than three hours in total. I received a bill from the hospital of $13,000.00. This did not include what I was later charged by the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.

Anonymous Bishop, CAInsured4 months ago

Delayed immunizations for my children until we can pay our share of costs for past doctor and emergency room visits. I won't walk into an office knowing that I owe them money and demand they give my child shots. Many would argue that I should, but I won't. We have insurance.

Anonymous Austin, TxUninsured4 months ago

The cost of medical insurance makes it nearly impossible to get proper insurance for someone who is self-employed.

Dawna New Castle, VAInsured4 months ago

Living in a rural area, we rarely see the doctor for preventative care. It's burdensome to travel there and take time off, so co-pays and other costs make it even less likely for us to go other than for serious illness or injury. Fortunately many services at the little clinic 16 miles away are subsidized due to low income levels in the region.

Anonymous sacramento, caInsured4 months ago

My health insurance costs more than twice my federal income tax and has a $5400 deductible which I have never met. Consequently, I pay for all medical services out of pocket. This effectively discourages me from seeing my doctor unless I'm really quite sick or injured.

Lou SCInsured4 months ago

Somewhat bothersome, but as we age and have various tests, procedures, we increasingly astounded by what our out of pocket expenses are. This is amplified by my insurance as a state employee....which does not pay for physicals, etc.

Anonymous ChicagoInsured4 months ago

I am fortunate to have insurance through my employer, and my 27-year-daughter does too. Her 28-year-old friend, who runs his own business, cannot afford anything but catastrophic coverage, and he goes without the dental and vision care that he needs.

Carol Frandsen Fair Oaks, CAInsured4 months ago

I try not to go to the dr. When my husband was alive and self empolyed, I had, and could afford pretty good coverage. He had pre-existing ulcers and did not have insurance and dropped dead 12/19/09 because he was having seizures and no one would treat him without insurance. I only can keep my healthcare now because my mom helps me out with it. My daughter qualified for CA Healthy Families after her dads death, but the state dropped that great program and "threw many of the kids" under the bus and onto Med-i-cal of which you cant find a dr. The whole system is pathetic, cruel and uncivilized. And I have much anger towards it and I am exhausted dealing with it. Premiums--up, up, up.

Anonymous Canaan, NYInsured4 months ago

Medical insurance is a huge expense. My partner and I are self-employed (co-owners of an S-Corp) and pay 100% of the policy. We recently switched from a PPO to a high-deductible plan in the hopes of seeing some savings.

Anonymous Japan4 months ago

A combination of the weak yen, high costs of fertility care, and a saturated teacher market led my wife (Japanese) and I (American) move back to Japan. I found a prety good job, paid off my 40K graduate school loan, and we now have a beautiful kid, all of which probably wouldn't have happened by now in the U.S., at least not without being in even greater debt than when we started. Instead we have close to downpayment on a home saved. Some of the major issues in America caused us to leave.

Anonymous Lancaster, PA4 months ago

As a family physician, I am often bombarded by the legal ramifications of not recommending screening colonoscopy. I find myself in a catch-22 whereby I am trying to deliver cheaper care yet not get sued at the same time.

Anonymous Alexandria, VAUninsured4 months ago

I'm very sensitive to out-of-pocket costs; I have paid literally thousands per year in out-of-pocket expenses, especially for dental care

Anonymous Albany, NY4 months ago

I don't understand the need for an anesthesiologist for a routine colonoscopy. When I needed one at age 65, I learned that most colonoscopies in Europe are done without sedation, so I asked for and received no sedation, and talked about golf clubs with the MD while he was doing the procedure. The prep was annoying, but the procedure was much less painful than either an MRI or a typical visit to the dentist. (I don't know what the procedure cost to my insurance company--I paid a small copay.)

Marianne Gould falmouthInsured4 months ago

We have two insurance plans:primary is medicare and secondary is United Health care. To date Medicare has been the better insurer. United Health care(Empireplan of NY) has a huge deductible($1000 per calendar year) So unless you are hospitalized and meet your deductible quickly they simply won't pay for any of the services that are considered routine : physical exam , dermatology check up, physical therapy etc. I would estimate our annual out of pocket cost with two insurance companies is at least $1500.

Diego Buenos Aires, ArgentinaInsured4 months ago

I have a small mandatory deduction on my salary and I voluntarily pay a relatively low extra for my wife and daughter´s coverage. We get the best health care in the country, in modern and sometines luxurious facilities provided by well trained professionals.

Elwood Downey Tucson AZInsured4 months ago

We do not see a doctor until the situation is absolutely critical.

Gustavo Arcia Miami BeachInsured4 months ago

High. I pay 7,00/year in health insurance premiums (I am 62 and pay for 100% of my insurance) and have a 4,000 deductible. What hurts m,ost is that you get care and do not see the prices until after the fact. This is absurd. As a result, I have not gotten the prescribed colonoscopy or my optional visit to a dermatologist.

Juergen Oxford, MIInsured4 months ago

As Canadians living/working in the US, we've experienced both systems. Medical cost worries in Canada were nonexistent. Outcomes were excellent and the process seamless and efficient. In the US however, and despite what I'm told is good employer-provided insurance, our experience is 180 degrees from Canada. Outcomes were comparable, but out-of-pocket costs for recent surgeries, medical issues and prescriptions for us are worrisome. The entire process is frustrating/infuriating. Do hospitals in the US really need to look like 4-star hotels and have 50" flatscreens every 100 yards in the halls? The inefficiencies in the US are the most bothersome because we see too many players in both the front and back ends of the process (doctors, hospitals, labs, insurance, pharmacies) whose primary goal is profit

Roger Bosse Floresville, Texas4 months ago

Years ago, when we lived in California, I couldn't pay the medical bills for my daughter when they exceeded the $50,000 cap in our insurance. The only way I could get her the treatment she needed was to make her a "ward of the state." Its a big hint there is something wrong with our money driven "free market" oriented medical system when you have to give up your child to get her proper care.

NJB SeattleInsured4 months ago

Well I have a family with two teens and was laid off in February. I'm luckier than most because my employer was a foreign government that allowed me to take early retirement and my health insurance (they still pay the bulk of the premium). Without that, I would have joined the ranks of the uninsured and, at 60, with little prospect of employment. It really is time we joined the civilized world and provided universal health insurance.

jill blunt harwich mass 02645Insured4 months ago

i live in mass and i had to get insurance or i get fined. so because i make over 36k a year. i had to opt for a less than standard insurance. it only covers 80/20 . I pay 500 a month for this insurance and it is hard to find a doctor or will even take this insurance. Since I am a single woman this makes it so hard for me to be able to do anything fun. i just broke my wrist and now ,..i know the bills will flow. I had to have an operation when it happened and i am truly dreading going to the mail box everyday.

Anonymous LA, CAInsured4 months ago

The impact is high, even though we are " upper middle class" with a six figure income and insurance, we have to pay $3,000 every three months for a non-generic epilepsy drug our plan won't cover. And, because we're a gay couple (RDP) we are taxed on all benefits my partner receives.

Anonymous North Carolina4 months ago

My wife and I are over 65 so we have Medicare and pay $346. per month for AARP insurance which covers what Medicare does not pay. We also pay $5,600. per year for long term care insurance. We have never had any really serious medical problems.Our income is above average so it is not a major burden.

Anonymous Chicago, ILInsured4 months ago

We avoid the medical system as much as possible. It's not only the cost, but also the risk of acquired infections, drug side effects, poor diagnoses and the feeling of being treated like a number.

Anonymous Chicago, ILInsured4 months ago

Substantial. I pay over $2500/year for my spouse's medical insurance. Despite my employer coverage, my annual deductible is over $1500, before any part of expenses is covered. Drugs are at the mercy of the insurer's approved list. I avoid doctor visits.

Charlie Kehler Hanover, NHInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are about to retire, from public school teaching and community health care. We will have three children in college. We have enough for their undergraduate education, but future health care is a problem. Their school health plans will not cover dentistry, nor will medicare for us. We will not be able to afford much of a supplemental health care insurance policy or dental policy. We already plan to get medications in Canada and have already had good dental work abroad. The prospect of living out our old age in the country is full of difficulties because of the cost of medical care.

Ishtiaq Qureshi Peachtree City, GAUninsured4 months ago

I avoid doctors like a plague; they are the disease, not the cure. Retired, single, relatively healthy, watch what I eat, exercise (walking). Last month, I had Medicare paid physical. Good results, but strongly counselled to get Colonoscopy and hernia operation! My reaction: Thanks, but no thanks.

Pam Davis MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

My husband was charged a $1000 copay for his first (and only) colonoscopy. His insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield, called it a surgical procedure. He was shocked. He hadn't had a physical since he had been in the Navy back in the 60's. He makes $29,000 a year and he is 67 years old, trying to hang onto his job until he's 70 to maximize Social Security. He paid the bill and vowed never to use the health care system again!

Anonymous NYC4 months ago

A substantial but manageable cost. We have a high deductible plan with an HSA to cover out of pocket. We frequently negotiate directly with the docs for anything big. Its a pain. The prices that the docs ask are crazy and random and often reflect conflicts of interest.

Grumpy Seattle, WAInsured4 months ago

Family of four, both adults self-employed: We pay $12,000/year for high deductable insurance, and $4,000-$8,000 out of pocket. Health care is over 20% of our income.

A. Yelvington Russell, PAInsured4 months ago

It is not trivial. Better to say that we put off vacations to pay for medical issues. I'm retired military, and Tricare only pays so much. We are in a rural area with no HMO/competition to speak of.

Everett Ashland, ORInsured4 months ago

I had a colonoscopy conducted in 1992 by my doctor who had recently installed the equipment and means to do so. The cost was $56.00, It was not a complicated nor difficult test to perform. Anyone who is now paying more than $100 for this procedure is being robbed!!!!

Greg WashingtonUninsured4 months ago

Too high to even afford. $9600.00/yr Premiums + $5000.00 Deductable. That equals over $1200.00 a month before they do anything. That's more than I pay for rent!

Christie SeattleInsured4 months ago

I hope not to have a major illness in general. I hope that the ACA will stop families from going into long term debt over health care costs. This is a major loss of modest wealth transference giving away any asserts of inherited wealth to health care costs.

Linda Asheville, NC4 months ago

Because of the high costs of medical care and given the equally prohibitive cost of so called health "insurances", which generally have inadequate coverage and high deductibles, my husband and I are simply unable to go to a doctor or afford to partake of preventative care. It's frightening, but if either of us get sick we won't be able to get any help.

Linda Asheville, NC4 months ago

Because of the high costs of medical care and given the equally prohibitive cost of so called health "insurances", which generally have inadequate coverage and high deductibles, my husband and I are simply unable to go to a doctor or afford to partake of preventative care. It's frightening, but if either of us get sick we won't be able to get any help.

Anonymous Scarsdale, NYUninsured4 months ago

Being retired and on social security we - my wife and I - only have medicare, cannot afford supplemental isurance. A recent cystoscopy performed in a hospital, Lennox in New York, turned out to be an overnight stay due to complications, and produced a bill of over $30,000. I managed to get assistance to pay the bill, but what a frightening experience

Susan B. Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

Health care is through the union based on hours worked. Wages have seen little increase in recent years as labor negotiations have had to favor health care over pay.

Anonymous usa4 months ago

I'm 53 and have been running down my retirement savings to pay premiums ($1000/mo), but I can't continue that for long. I won't get any assistance under Obamacare. If I should ever learn I had a potentially fatal disease, I wouldn't treat it, because my insurance covers so little, and I just can't afford to keep going on like this. I try to assert this intention as often as possible on boards like this, so that I'll really have the courage to go through with it should the time ever come.

Anonymous Portland, MaineInsured4 months ago

My husband and I are semi-retired. We just spent $4,640.95 on medical and dental care in the last two months alone, not counting the surgery I need next week. None of this was covered by my health insurance which has a high deductible. Our current income is less than $2,500 per month.

James Wilson Northampton, MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

My mother is in assisted living. This costs us $5500 per month. Don't all people get old and need assistance? Surely there must be a way we can do this better as a society. I would do it myself, but I cannot leave her alone for the day and also work; I have no siblings or children. So the conservative argument that the family should do it, does not work for me.

Anonymous Metro BostonInsured4 months ago

It seems hospitals/clinics are trying to make a buck on everything from vitamins to medical tests. The doubt that profit incentive (and maybe defensive medicine) has made us question some of the tests that the tests suggested by the doctors. We would not have questioned some of these tests had it not been for cost charing insurance plan we currently have.

Ravi IndiaUninsured4 months ago

I was working in the USA in 2002 and came to India on vacation to visit family. My elder son was diagnosed with JNA while in India. I never returned, fearing the high cost of healthcare in the USA. I sold all my assets in the USA the following year, after keeping them in storage for that period, hoping to return once the JNA was cured. I now run a software products business from India, with customers in the world. My younger son is born in the USA.

TnVol Chattanooga, TNUninsured4 months ago

Medical Bankruptcy --- Could not purchase insurance in Tennessee because of a pre-existing condition. Had a swift recovery from severe heart attack that required emergency stenting... but cannot pay the $50,000 bill and buy medicines and schedule follow-up visits.

Anonymous Albuquerque, NM4 months ago

I priced getting pregnant beforehand because my husband and I were in grad school and my student health insurance was capped (and in NM there are no policies available for individual purchase that cover maternity care, even if we could have afforded it). I was fit and healthy, early 30s, and I'd done my homework. But then my very first pre-natal appointment with a nurse-midwife clocked in at over $16,000, mostly because of a cystic fibrosis test recommended simply on the basis of my race. I'd been quoted $180 by the lab for the test. I fought the number down (not exactly a healthful side project when you're pregnant), and my insurance covered it, but it put us very close to our insurance cap. Let's just say that I had my second child in Mexico.

Anonymous Allentown, PAInsured4 months ago

I've declined hearing aids and dental implants because of the cost. other costs of living are more important to me.

Anonymous Toronto4 months ago

As a Canadian, my primary healthcare is paid through my taxes. It's a single payer system. It's not perfect but it does manage to limit the fraud described here. Conversely my supplemental healthcare (drugs, dental, vision-care) are paid through my employer's insurance plan. It's not a single payer environment and strongly influenced by the American marketplace - costs are currently rising 3-5x faster than inflation.

Anonymous Texas 4 months ago

Our health care costs as two self-employed cancer survivors? More than $25,000/year in premiums, high deductibles and co-pays for screenings. We worked hard and saved more than necessary for retirement and this is how we are spending our savings..... so much for all the things we worked so hard to do.

Anonymous NYCInsured4 months ago

Huge. I am now paying $1,500 a month for COBRA and my doctor just informed me of an annual practice fee. I would say my health care costs for me and my daughter equal 20-40% of what I earn. Shocking and astonishing

Anonymous North DakotaInsured4 months ago

Until I got a job with a better and more affordable plan, I'd always worry about what would happen. I had a hysterectomy and the hospital tried to put in 2 surgeons fees because the assistant was also a surgeon. Well my insurance wasn't going to pay, so I was going to have to come up with a other $10,000. Fortunately I live in the midwest and the hospital stated that would be a hardship case and they wrote it off! I find it interesting that's even legal to charge 2 surgeons fees for a hysterectomy. Only in the US!

Ed Winston-Salem, NCInsured4 months ago

My employer-paid plan has a $5K deductible, so I just don't get med services or name brand drugs if I can help it. I forego BP meds and colonoscopy (last one found polyps, which make this one diagnostic, not screening, hence $1K+) and don't get any treatment my PCP can't provide. Don't know how I'll pay the bill for my last ER visit (kidney-stone). I'm 61 and mostly healthy, just trying to stay away from doctors till I'm eligible for Medicare.

Anonymous Upstate NYInsured4 months ago

So far, not too much. My husband and I have health insurance through our State retirement benefit, but neither of us has been acutely sick, and we have no chronic problems. But we are both in our 60's and sometimes I wonder when the axe will fall. Such as very recently we found my husband needs a tooth implant. We each have 32 teeth. If we lost them all the cost of the implants would eat all of our reserves. . .

Anonymous VirginiaInsured4 months ago

I pay very little in insurance costs due to good health and youth; my mom pays extremely high costs due to numerous operations and prescriptions and a bad immune system. I do not mind if I 'subsidize' her health payments in the broad scheme of things; those with poor health should pay less and receive more in care, while those in good health should pay as much to provide support for those in poor health.

JCS MinneapolisInsured4 months ago

Very little in terms of my household budget. I have good, employee provided health care with reasonable co-pays and deductibles. I am very concerned about the macro effect on our national economy and government budgets.

Jean San Francisco, CAInsured4 months ago

I am a single, self-employed, 40-something in good health. In 2008, my individual policy with a $5,000 annual deductible cost $144/month. I've had no major medical issues. One course of antibiotics in 5 years. Well-woman appointments. That's all. But the insurer, citing "rising costs" has steadily increased this. I now pay $289/month. No other householdl expense -- not gasoline, internet, cell phone service, groceries, rent, nothing -- has increased 100% in the same period of time.

Anonymous New JerseyInsured4 months ago

Another budget item. We have had health insurance through employment for decades, and although premiums rose, the deductibles weren't high until the past two or three years. As of this year, we have gone on Medicare. We are relatively healthy, so there are some years we don't see the doctor at all, except for a regular GYN visit.

Anonymous MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

As retirees on Medicare enrolled in an Advantage PPO we are paying much more for copays and out of pocket than we were when my employer was covering our insurance. ( I worked in hospital quality and patient safety for many years and pick providers based on the quality of care they provide and will sometime pick the costlier provider if I don't think the cheaper one is as good.)

Anonymous Clackamas, OregonInsured4 months ago

I don't make a lot of money, and lately it's been going to pay down $3000 I racked up in a single night's stay in the hospital six months ago. The bill to the insurers was over $8000, my share, a little under half of that. For one night and a CT scan. It's unbelievable.

Anonymous SeattleInsured4 months ago

I stopped going to the doctor a few years ago for fear of bankrupting the family over something silly/routine/unnecessary. On the positive side, not using a doctor meant investigating my own solutions.....for example, once thought chronic digestive problems and arthritis pain cured by stopping eating gluten rather than being prescribed some obnoxiously overpriced drugs with side effects that can kill. Being self-employed, we've been priced out of our health insurance plans twice and now have catastrophic plans. Our rule is only our son goes to the doctor routinely and we go if we are bleeding and can't clean and seal ourselves up with superglue at home. Nutty? absolutely! but the medical system is criminal in this country and we don't want to hand over our house some day to a hospital executive and a drug company in exchange for a colonoscopy and a few pills.

Richard Placone Sr Palo Alto, CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

I am 80 and my wife is 78. Our health is generally very good. We are covered by Medicare, the Drug Plan, and AARP suplemental J plan. All of our medical expenses have been covered by these plans including major shoulder surgery after a fall (wife) and total knee replacement (me). Our total premiums including long term insurance for both of us comes to a little over $14,000/yr., including out of pocket expenses for all services including dental and eye care, fees we can afford. We receive our care from doctors of our choice at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Stanford University Medical Center, both not for profit medical providers.

PJ Curtis Highland, CAUninsured4 months ago

I pay out of pocket,so do not use much medical care, even preventive medicine is too costly. I've had to change many prescriptions to cheaper less effective medications. I do not know what "Obamacare" will do to me, I cannot pay for insurance ergo I cannot pay a fine for not having said insurance.

Anonymous Canada4 months ago

I'm from New York and am currently living in Canada. The healthcare may be free in Canada, but the service is generally pretty terrible and the wait times are very long. When I needed to see a dermatologist, it was faster and easier to make an appointment back in New York during Christmas than to wait the 7 months for an appointment here. The low prices the Canadian government pays for procedures definitely affects the supply and quality of doctors here. Food for thought

Anonymous Belleville IL4 months ago

Even though we are insured through work, we still do not seek medical care when we should, because the co-pay is too high. The insurance company gets the premium, but we go lacking. I pay over 6$ an hour for coverage and work 2000 hours a year. This country needs a Canadian style healthcare system!

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

None. I have excellent insurance, can afford co-pays, and I do resist useless and expensive treatments. My doctors will accommodate my attitude.

Janet K. Schwartzkopf Palm Springs, Calif.Insured4 months ago

You have to be joking. My husband and I are self-employed and buy two individual policies. Our insurance costs on a monthly basis run more than our mortgage, condo fees, home insurance and property taxes. We are slowly going under as we try to launch our own business -- and it's health insurance that will take us down.

Anonymous New YorkInsured4 months ago

We are healthy, and covered, but the whole system is broken. I know what can happen if you lose your coverage and get sick. Which can happen to anyone, at any time. And I feel guilty and frustrated that I have good coverage while so many others go without, or go broke. And yet we spend so much more than other countries on our health care system.

Jon D Puerto Vallarta4 months ago

We were living in Mexico but visiting family in AZ. My wife was pregnant and needed an emergency ultrasound for what we thought was an abnormality. Went to the emergency room and the bill: $1700 for 15 minute check (all fine). In Mexico, same procedure, month later, 45 minute ultrasound with the Dr. explaining every nuance and concern: $28.

Tom Wilkinson Ann Arbor, MIInsured4 months ago

I am 63 and could financially retire now if I had reasonable access to health coverage. Instead, I will continue working until 65 when I can enroll in Medicare. My wife is only 52 and would like to stop work when I do, but we are confounded by obtaining coverage for her. We are hoping that the ACA may provide access to individually-purchased coverage for her. Otherwise, Ecuador is looking good.

Anonymous MinnesotaInsured4 months ago

Minimal. I have fairly good insurance through work, take care of myself, and do not have serious medical issues. Some prescriptions cost me about $15/month.

Edward G Delray Beach, FLInsured4 months ago

My wife and I struggled to obtain health insurance because of pre-existing conditions. We finally found $5,000 deductable policies for a combined total of around $1,200 per month. I will be old enough for Medicare in October, but she faces several years of high premiums. As she says, "Health insurance in America has nothing to do with health. It's really bankruptcy insurance."

Judith Campbell Madison, New JerseyInsured4 months ago

I had uncomplicated sinus surgery two years ago. The bill my insurance received was $90,000. Unbelievable! They only paid $5000. I tried to talk to someone at both the medical group where the surgery was performed (not a hospital) but no one could discuss the fee. My insurance company was equally unresponsive. So who is making all the money?

Anonymous VAInsured4 months ago

Cost of drugs has gone sky-high here in Virginia. More than $500 per month in out-of-pocket drug expense. And this is with Part D rather large monthle premiums

Sean Cambridge, OhioInsured4 months ago

We avoid going to the doctor as much as possible. The co-pays and deductible are too hard on our budget, even with insurance we do not feel like we can afford to go. Now, my insurance is threatening to raise our premiums really high if we fail to have "wellness checks" done. This feels a lot like extortion. If not for the fear of a major accident or illness, I would consider dropping insurance.

Anonymous Pennsylvania4 months ago

I'm helping my unemployed nephew with the cost of his health care and may soon be doing the same for my daughter. I'm retired and happy to have Medicare and a supplement and wish they had the same.

Allan 98368Uninsured4 months ago

We are both 62, healthy, retired, and uninsured because of preexisting condition exclusions. Out of necessity we are practiced medical shoppers, but still average over $5K per year out of pocket for recommended preventive and medical expenses. Double that if discretionary fresh food and regular exercise costs are added in. And then how much more, if the cost of lost time is added to overcome the near total lack of comparative cost and quality info to make informed decisions about doctor recommended medical care, devices or prescriptions? if only out of pocket cost is factored, its still 15% of disposable income.

Arthur Dieli SacramentoInsured4 months ago

I'm a widower retired from Jefferson Community College in Watertown, NY, with their health coverage and medicare. This year I've spent about $6,000.00 out of pocket for hearing aids and hormone imbalance treatment. Neither was covered by insurance.

Anonymous Basalt, COInsured4 months ago

Since my employer stopped providing health insurance and I pay for it out of pocket, I have virtually nothing left over after groceries, housing, gas and health insurance.

Anonymous Queens, NY4 months ago

My family has spent several thousand dollars this year, when we take into account premiums and co-pays. And we are mostly healthy! I've known too many people who lost everything because of a serious illness. Our system, as it now stands, is immoral.

Vanessa Cincinnati4 months ago

The pricing for medical care outside a doctor's office is scandalous. We recently took our 6-year-old to an urgent care center affiliated with our local Children's Hospital for stitches on his chin. The bill came to about $150 for the procedure, and $1225 for the facility. Crazy.

Anonymous OhioInsured4 months ago

I have pretty good health insurance through Anthem Blue Cross. My doctor has tons of little, in office tests that he says I "need" every year. I get stuck with a bunch of co-payment bills. Insurance pays thousands of dollars. But, they don't seem to care. They don't question the necessity of all these test and don't say anything to the doc. My doc says they are needed. I am not in position to argue. Maybe insurance providers should stop whining and pay attention.

Robert Washington, DC4 months ago

I am relatively healthy and have an insurance policy with a $3,000 deductible that cost me ~$200 monthly. I pay cash for all my meds at Costco and cash for all my medical bills. I believe this is better than sending in insurance claims because one's premiums go up after any claims. Insurance should only be used for hospital expenses. This would really keep costs lower.

Anonymous IthacaInsured4 months ago

I lived in the US for three years while working as a postdoc researcher at Cornell university. Coming from Brazil, at the same time I was impressed at how equipments, shipping and pretty much everything was considerably cheaper than Brazil, I was really stumbled by how expensive simple medical procedures were quoted in the insurance bill. Once I had a food infection and received buscopan, the bill was several hundred dollars. That was way beyond any reasonable cost.

Dave Detroit, MI4 months ago

increased premiums, higher deductible, increased co pays, less disposable income, increased inflation across the board, unstable stock market.

Anonymous Boston, MAInsured4 months ago

Medicare and my insurance company cover my medical costs, which generally only includes an annual physical. Although I have full coverage, it does not stop my doctor's office from billing me. I find this pathetic. His billing group also doesn't know how to bill. When I went for my first physical after turning 65, I told them that I was over 65 and on Medicare. They billed Medicare several times before receiving any payment. The first billing was done using a CPT code for a new patient under age 65. I was astonished. There are a some tests, like the colonoscopy, that I will not get. I suggested to my physician that he try the fecal blood test, but he said it was useless. Most Americans don't really know what a mess the U.S. healthcare system is really in. There needs to be more blowback to get real change. By the way, U.S. doctors receive four to five more in annual compensation then their European counterparts. They opposed Medicare since its inception, but it remains their main funding source, and the driver of innovative health changes.

Lancet New YorkInsured4 months ago

I buy most of my medications in France where they cost less than the co-pay for Medicare patients in the US. Since our Congress is influenced by drug company lobbyists, Medicare cannot negotiate the same discounts as the Veterans Administration and other hospitals and drug plans. In France prices are uniform in all pharmacies can be consulted at Eurekasante.fr. There are similar completely transparent references in many countries.

Anonymous Westchester4 months ago

I am unemployed/ COBRA was unaffordable. I purchased HealthyNY coverage & they only sell a plan with a $1200 per person deductible. I think long & hard before I go to the doctor. We are only entitled to a physical once every three years. The premium is $950 per month, up $100 per month in just a year. We are not old enough for Medicare. We need a single payer system that sets pricing for procedures, practitioners and pharmaceuticals. We need to get employment out of the picture. More people are cobbling together a living as part timers or 'independent workers'. I hope that the recently passed Assembly bill for single payer NY is brought to a vote by Sheldon Silver.

Anonymous Edison, NJInsured4 months ago

Access to health insurance, the costs, the complexity and the relatively poor quality of care I've received in return have been the defining problems of my work life. I'm terrified of getting sick in this country because it could ruin me. In 2010, when I was laid off in the publishing industry and had very skimpy high-deductible insurance, a terrible doctor ordered expensive tests that turned out to be unnecessary and didn't help figure out the problem. I paid thousand of dollars, and Beth Israel hospital is still spewiing out bills. This is the worst system in the world.

Tom Plattsburgh, NYInsured4 months ago

almost nothing, as I have Medicare as primary and a secondary ins. through a former employer. I unfortunately have little incentive to question medical bills, yet I know their cost is a tremendous problem.

Gerard Northampton, MAInsured4 months ago

Diabetic supplies and some other medications are of some, but not major, significance.

Don Round Cranston, RIInsured4 months ago

medical costs are becoming increasingly onerous: we are essentially a one income couple and, having gone to a higher deductible plan b/c we are healthy, we are finding the cost after insurance payments to be higher than expected and difficult to anticipate given the lack of info.

Anonymous San Diego, CA4 months ago

Thanks to Medicare and my union pension (which pays for both Medicare and supplemental health coverage) our costs are minimal. My wife has had both hips replaced, I have head three colonoscopies in the past five years (cancerous polyp removed) plus heart surgery which was all covered. We are pretty lucky compared to our children who don't have nearly the extent of coverage we have. Especially my son who is an independent consultant and must pay for his family's health insurance on his own.

Anonymous Albany NYInsured4 months ago

Being in relatively good health, medical costs are not high, and I have good insurance, and my employer really covers most of it. I am on the five year plan for colonoscopies (I am 56) so the cost to my insurance company would probably be high. I don't know how much my colonoscopies have cost (I've had two), but I'd love to know.

Anonymous IllinoisInsured4 months ago

I can't retire because we can't afford insurance on the private market, but that is really nothing to complain about. However, even after I wait to retire when I'm 65, my younger partner will have no health insurance and I'll be just on just Medicare. We are considering emigrating when we retire. We can't afford to keep all of these doctors in their Mercedes, McMansions and Mamosas.

John Nieradka Summit, NJInsured4 months ago

I am covered under my wife's company's plan. Neither one of us has ever been diagnosed with an illness and have rarely if ever used our insurance yet the company's premiums continue to escalate. I am a medical device/biologics executive and deal with the convoluted health care system on a daily basis. If you ever want to talk about how insurance manipulate coverage and come up with ridiculous guidelines for its subscribers give me a call.

S. A. Fletcher Salem, MAInsured4 months ago

The impact of medical costs? Frightening. Increases in annual premiums cut further into salary every year. And with no dental insurance (monthly premiums too high and services covered, limited at best, tend not to be covered completely), I live in fear of the cost of just ONE crown ($1300+). I realize that is just one small item--but it's a number of "small" medical crises that can push a family into serious debt. Cannot bear to contemplate cost of a catastrophic illness...By the way, I am not a smoker, not obese, and am employed full-time.

Anonymous North CarolinaInsured4 months ago

We are both on medicare but have no supplement so recent surgery was a large chunk of our living expenses. The younger members of the family have been far more impacted as we were when we were younger. Surgery for a child during the two weeks that we had no insurance took five years to pay for. At the moment our payment plan to cover the hospital cost for a simple surgery will take 3 years to pay for and we have not yet received the surgeons bill. We had no choice of what hospital to use. The charge for 4 hours of the operating room was billed at $30,000.

Blanca Perez Sa DiegoInsured4 months ago

Since the passage of The Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare) our health costs, mainly insurance premiums, have doubled.

Liam OrlandoInsured4 months ago

It can vary wildly from year to year based on what routine procedures are done or what unexpected trips to the emergency room occur.

Anonymous Texas4 months ago

We can afford it so far but the price tags are frightening. Even more since health insurance is tied to a job which I may or may not have in times of need.

Tom Hubbard Charlottesville, VAInsured4 months ago

Significant cash drain. Not a hardship, but a source of frustration, indignation and cynicism.

Anonymous U.S.4 months ago

Hospital "charges" aren't necessarily the actual reimbursement they receive. Hospitals may receive as little as 30% of the original "charge," depending on who the payor is (if any). And if the patient is uninsured, the hospital is completely in the red for that service, and needs to recuperate the costs from higher paying plans The automated message reminding the patient of his colonoscopy isn't simply for making a profit; it's to make sure that he doesn't fall through the cracks. Believe it or not, the screening guidelines (which get modified frequently) are based on health outcomes and cost effectiveness--not profit.

Anonymous Rural AmericaInsured4 months ago

In a word, high. Cost keeps me from getting the kind of care that my family needs and that rich people take for granted all the time.

Michael Santa Cruz, CAInsured4 months ago

Like everyone else, the higher the cost, the less likely services will be agreed to. I work In healthcare and frequently see the inflated charges on patient bills. I see the same on our statements from our insurer. It's like a shell game that defies logic.

Patricia Jing Bakersfield CAInsured4 months ago

My husband underwent TURP (transurethral resection of prostate) in January 2013. Our insurance carrier is Anthem Blue Cross. The hospital provided a patient out of pocket cost estimate of approximately $3,000 (based on negotiated rate of $12,000 less insurance payment of about $9,000). Then, the hospital submitted a claim for $33,023.20, an amount nearly three times the estimate furnished prior to surgery and ten times the negotiated amount which insurance finally paid, $3,019.20. Where do they get these numbers? And why was the hospital estimate so inaccurate, since they had already negotiated prices with the insurance company? Why did the hospital submit a claim that was so out of line with their own estimates & the negotiated rate? It's unlike any other market when the customer (& evidently even certain providers -- like the physician) is compelled to sign a blind IOU.

Anonymous Maryland4 months ago

Our bills for mental health treatment are high, but everything else is manageable because we have employer-sponsored insurance. I know not everyone is so lucky.

Harry New York, NYInsured4 months ago

I'm fortunate: I have one of those "Cadillac" health plans that "costs" me very little but costs my former employer a bundle. I try to be intelligent about the medications and procedures that are prescribed for various health conditions I have but other than a concern about what I put into or what is done to my own body I have very little incentive to minimize cost. That is insane. That is the American medical-industrial complex, which is corrupt, ineffective and built to provide everyone down the health-care food chain with nice profits. If you're poor, good luck...

Anonymous Plainfield, NJ4 months ago

Frequently, we put off looking at medical problems because they're simply too expensive to treat.

Anonymous Lincoln, NEInsured4 months ago

We are a healthy family with health insurance, but we have medical expenses every month, mainly because I have to make payments on a bill because I can't afford to pay it in full at once.

Steph San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

We have chosen not to have children due to the anticipated medical costs for our three aging parents, two of whom have not saved enough for retirement. Because we cannot know the prices of any medical treatments in advance, we can't even begin to plan for what they might be, and must assume the worst.

Richard BerkeleyInsured4 months ago

It lowers my standard of care since I have low-cost insurance through my university.

Andrew MinneapolisInsured4 months ago

Premiums are up. Quality is down. Every year it gets worse.

Anonymous NevadaInsured4 months ago

Medical insurance, like all insurance needs, are a priority expense in our family. The costs are paid for before new cars, TVs, electronics, vacations, movies, nights out, etc, and are second only to mortgage, utilities, and groceries. When prices go up, we adjust our lives accordingly. It is a personal responsibility. What this article conspicuously leaves out is the impact of litigation on all decisions medical! Get lawyers out of medicine and, I believe, you'd see costs come down dramatically.

Gabrielle Boston, MA4 months ago

I took a year off between college and graduate school and worked a tutoring job that doesn't offer insurance. For the most part, as I anticipated, it's been fine not having insurance for just one year because I don't have any prescriptions or chronic medical problems. However, I had one medical emergency this past year which sent me to the ER. My problem was urgent and potentially life threatening if left untreated, so I had to have emergency surgery, although the surgery itself was fairly simple -- a laparoscopy. I was in the hospital for less than 24 hours. My total bill? Nearly $50,000. Luckily, I live in MA where we have MassHealth, who will likely pick up the bill. Otherwise, hello, bankruptcy. To put things in perspective, the cost of one night in the hospital for me was the same as the total cost of attending one of the most expensive private colleges for one year, buying a luxury car, making a good-sized down payment on a mortgage, or paying my rent for 6 years. It's absurd that we don't have universal healthcare in this country, but it's even more absurd that the health care costs are so high.

Anonymous Houston, Texas4 months ago

Cost of care results in delay or refusal to undergo a test until absolutely necessary.

Barbara Richmond, CAInsured4 months ago

My 27 year old son has to pay over $600 per month for COBRA since he turned 26 on my plan--a "preexisting condition" that in no way affects him now. As for me I still have employer based coverage, but if I needed to pay for something out of pocket I would go to Thailand. I already have my dental work done there.

Matthew Hladik ConnecticutInsured4 months ago

My family's health insurance premiums (and the fear of not having health insurance in an oppressive health care system) make the difference between being able to raise our own children, and being forced to have a dual income life style. And on top of that, I am hesitant to use the insurance we have because the co-pay is so high.

Kris P Plattsburgh, NY4 months ago

I am divorced and because of that, got to enroll and pay full premiums under Healthy NY, an HMO. However, in the 6 years I've been enrolled, my premium has roughly doubled. Having had cancer and inching towards age 60, I worry what Obamacare is going to do costwise to healthcare.

Anonymous Lubec, ME4 months ago

I am uninsured and well over 50 and do not go to the doctor unless I am very ill, then I pay out of pocket for my bill. My preventative care is exercise, caution to avoid accidents,and eating the best food I can afford.

Anonymous Minneapolis, MN4 months ago

Huge. We are still paying off a sinus surgery that my husband had last summer. We have insurance. We did not realize/could not imagine that the surgery was going to cost $19,000 and we would be responsible for 20% of that. Those numbers were never mentioned and we did not think to ask. Lesson learned.

Anonymous Los Angeles, CAInsured4 months ago

Substantial. We have a son with cystic fibrosis. The cost for basic maintenance treatments is high because of the medications he must take. One of them costs over $30,000 per year and others in the pipeline may cost much more. Hospitalizations tend to be exorbitant, often way out of line for the services provided.

Anonymous 95060Insured4 months ago

We do less pre-emptive exams. We only seek treatment when there's a serious situation that requires immediate attention.

Elizabeth Seattle, WA4 months ago

Two years ago I had a tumor removed from my ovary that turned out to be benign. The surgery cost $40,000 and my insurance covered it. Had I been uninsured, I would have had to use my entire 401k fund to pay for it as the surgery had to be paid in full upfront if I was uninsured. Due to the tumor (even though it was not malignant, just required surgery) I'm unable to get individual insurance coverage. The tumor had to be removed to see if it was ovarian cancer that would need chemotherapy; I couldn't just leave it there.

Lauren California4 months ago

After my father died in an accident, his health insurer offered to continue my coverage for a year -- at $600 a month. At the time, that was more than my monthly paycheck, but after seeing how expensive emergency care was ($50,000 for the lifeflight, $10,000 for the ambulance and another $10,000 for going to the ER) I was terrified to go without. As a National Guard soldier, I was able to get decent coverage for $50/month, but I don't know what I would have done otherwise.

Anonymous CroatiaInsured4 months ago

We are currently based in Europe and hold an international health insurance ( whole world except US). The reason we could not take the US part of the insurance was because our premium would have doubled. We are struggling with the costs and when we, as American citizens, visit the US, we have only ëmergency coverage for up to a month of stay in the US.

david richmond virginiaInsured4 months ago

my son has a brain tumor (benign so far) that requires periodic MRI's to monitor for growth. The $500 copay isn't pleasant but more troubling is the extreme necessity of keeping insurance until the ACA is properly funded and implemented.

JFG Arizona4 months ago

Breast cancer keeps me from retiring. Employer health insurance much better than Medicare could ever offer. Work 'til you die.

Anonymous Kingwood, TX4 months ago

I have Medicare and BC/BS for which I pay a modest premium monthly as I am a retiree of the Univ Texas system, which subsidizes this cost. At this point, it has virtually no impact on me. I generally have no copay for visits. I am not a big user of medical care, however.

Anonymous South CarolinaInsured4 months ago

Medical care for the two of us at age 75 without hospitalizations for over 10 years costs us about $1500 per month. This leaves little for other expenses.

Steven M. Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

Even though I have what would be described as "cadillac" health insurance, my 10% co-pays for procedures other than basic exams and preventative care have gotten to the point where I now think very carefully about what any Physician tells me he or she "thinks" I need. I am fortunate that I have coverage which refers me to some of the best Physicians in the United States, but, alas, I am in one of the priciest parts of the country. My co-pays have sometimes been in the thousands of dollars - and I'm one of the fortunate few to have such comprehensive coverage! Were that not the case, and I wasn't as covered, due to previous bouts with 2 different, unrelated cancers, now both cured, I would have been bankrupted all simply because of greed and mismanagement!

Anonymous North Carolina4 months ago

I own a small business and insure a couple dozen people. I am looking forward to the exchanges. My staff is mostly young and healthy, and yet our premiums have doubled in the past few years. We got a nice rebate check last year, and that helps. I hate to tell the staff that their annual raise went into paying for their insurance ( which I pay 100% of)

Anonymous Western PAInsured4 months ago

Less spending on everything else; saving less; worrying about whether I can afford medical procedure if needed; considering putting off seeing a doctor or taking care of a health problem.

Anonymous Oakland, CAInsured4 months ago

Since I am almost 70, the share of my (reduced) income going to medical, drug, vision and dental bills has increased significantly with an unknown, but substantial, impact on my standard of living.

Anonymous Brooklyn, NY4 months ago

I am legally separated, but have not divorced in large part because of the cost of medical insurance. My ex is self employed, like me, so I pay the same for family insurance to cover her, me, and our daughter, as I would if I was divorced. The incentive is to stay legally married because of this. I have a high-deductible plan (an $11,600 family deductible) so we pay for most everything, though at least it is at our insurance company's negotiated rates and out of an HSA account, which saves on taxes. This is a huge expense, and MORE than my monthly mortgage payments. It is the most significant issue in my financial life, and all 3 of us are healthy and don't need a lot of medical care. The system is severely broken, and all we seem to hear from politicians is the republican mantra "repeal Obamacare." Really? You guys must be super rich or super lucky, because for average middle class people, this expense is the thing that's likely to bankrupt us if we're not careful. I have to acknowledge that President Obama is the first person to really make a dramatic effort to affect some change. I don't know yet if the new laws will solve so many of the problems (my premiums go up dramatically EVERY year) but it's a great start. Let's hope for much more. Thank you for this detailed and informative article.

Robert J. Irvine, CAInsured4 months ago

Last year, when I turned 60, my health insurance skyrocketed to nearly 1,200 a month. Three years before I was paying about half that, and getting better coverage.

Anonymous Oakland CAInsured4 months ago

The impact of medical costs on my family is significant. I have a son with many allergies, a daughter with Type 1 diabetes and a husband with prostate cancer, arthritic knees and trigeminal neuralgia. Oh, and by the way, we have a company sponsored high deductible HSA. In 2012, we hit our out of pocket max. Paying for college looms in the near future, so it's a significant impact!

ivan white Las Cruces, NM4 months ago

Say what you wish about the high cost of such procedures had my dad had a colonoscopy instead of disregarding his physician's suggestion he could possibly be alive today. He did not have the procedure because of lack of money but because of his paranoia of the entire medical profession. He saw all medical practice and those in it as a bunch of quacks who were only concerned about making money. When he finally became so ill that he went to the doctor, the cancer has metastasized to his prostate gland. His PSA reading was 956.

John Harrisburg, PAInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are retired (we both have part-time jobs) senior citizens. We both make doctor visits rarely and seriously question a recomendation for medical tests. I am 75 and my wife is 63. We both have adequate health coverage and we realize that having any health care bill paid for by insurance is not "free".

Susan Bucks County, PAInsured4 months ago

My husband and I have excellent medical insurance coverage, so the impact is slight. He is employed full time and covered 100% by his employer. I am on Medicare with the best supplemental plan, funded by money in my HSA. HOWEVER that doesn't prevent us from being dismayed at the costs of care. In particular, we have reviewed medical bills from hospital stays or outpatient procedures and find the costs both absurd and shocking. And we certainly think of others who don't have such comprehensive coverage. It's disgraceful.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

It's huge, and I was just notified of a 24% rate increase. My individual policy's current monthly premium is over $1,500--it will soon be $1,860. Thank goodness for Obamacare in California; it looks like my premium may be half that next year! Glad I don't live in Texas.

Anonymous Seattle, WA4 months ago

I am single and was diagnosed with a life threatening medical problem and needed to take a year off from my job. I had 3 months sick leave and when that ran out, I needed to pay $650/month COBRA payment for my health insurance plus be responsible the 20% balance of the medical services I received. Fortunately I had savings for a rainy day and, after 6 months, received short term disability. It was still an added stress when I least needed it. Our health insurance system is designed for insurance carriers to profit on disease treatment. It is not for the good of the public.

JR New York City4 months ago

Short visits to specialists, with a top-of-the-line insurance plan, cost $70 as copays. When I go for my yearly checkup, I ask to get earwax removed from my ear, and I am immediately referred to an ENT specialist. Then I ask my doctor why I can't get it done right then and there. The doctor says, "oh, sure, I can do it right now." Our health care system is infected with obscene prices for minor procedures and advertisements from specialists and luxuries that aren't medically necessary or can be done for far less.

Anonymous Los Angeles4 months ago

I have a friend who had a heart attack while uninsured because he couldn't afford insurance. So what he did he do? He married a much younger co-worker in a marriage of convenience -- they lived separately and were not intimate.

fbcstacy TexasInsured4 months ago

My wife is a school teacher. We participate in the largest insurance pool in the State of Texas, Texas Teacher Retirement System. Our Blue Cross premium will increase $398.00 per month beginning in September. We will be changing to a lesser policy option and potentially paying an increased share for any procedures. You cannot gain raises or promotions that match the increase in health costs.

Tom Bishop Colorado Springs, COInsured4 months ago

As a cancer survivor and self-employed, even having a discounted policy through the state of Colorado, my health insurance is my largest expense.

Anonymous FloridaInsured4 months ago

Full-service medical insurance is too expensive instead we have a catastrophe plan with a $10,400 deductible. This plan, that we have NEVER used, has increased from $249.50 a month in 2009 to $376.91 last October and I fully expect another whacking increase this October.

Anonymous Albuquerque NMInsured4 months ago

I tried to find out what the cost of a planned C-section would be months prior, in order to save money for the 20% co-pay. No one at the hospital would give me an answer or even a range because the price depended on my insurance coverage.

Anonymous PhiladelphiaInsured4 months ago

It changes the kind of medicine I want to practice when I graduate from med school.

Ron Bradley Memphis4 months ago

The impact is huge. I blame the US media. I have know about these rip-off prices for 50 years. You only got around to publishing it on your front page today. That is because our press are hopeless. Only interested in lining their own pockets. Our press are the worst in the world. That is why our medical costs are so ridiculously expensive.

Sidizen Strongsville, OHInsured4 months ago

The cost of my HSA insurance policy is less than $250/month and I am 55 years old. If people would stop buying maintenance plans and calling them insurance, but instead just bought insurance, then premiums would be reasonable. We still need to expose the hospitals and doctors for the depraved, greedy jerks that they are, if that is what it takes for them to finally be honest about health care prices, but please stop confusing your health maintenance program with my health insurance.

Kay Greenwood San Diego, CAInsured4 months ago

I am self employed. That means big bucks paid out. When I hit 55, up went my policy to $100 more monthly. I was told I have a 'rich' policy, so don't let it go, they don't offer it any longer'. Then I hit 60 in February and up went my costly monthly $150 more a month, to now $760. I would still pay 30% out of pocket after deductible paid. Now I'm with Kaiser Permanente. Everything is well laid out and computer driven with much reinforcement for appointments/reminders/prescriptions, etc. I love it. My old policy that was so 'rich', was on of the lowest tiers that Kaiser had at $275....vs.$760. The fellow who implemented Kaiser's computer system, was just hired to do all of Saudi Arabia's health care networking. I'm still paying bills from a dermatologist from last year, Anthem/Blue Cross did not pay.

Anonymous Bolivia (Berkeley, CA is my permInsured4 months ago

My sister cannot retire before age 65 because she cannot afford to pay for health insurance herself.

Anonymous Texas4 months ago

We have to realize that the only "market" where the consumer (aka patient) faces a huge dispersion of prices related exclusively of how he/she will pay is the Medical Services Market. This is why the first question when you want or need medical services is: "Do you have insurance" (How will you pay us?) If you do not have insurance at all you will pay an astronomic amount four or more times what would have been paid by an insurance company. If you try to know how much will the price be before receiving services, you will not have a complete answer. Even if you have insurance and you have selected a network provider (for example a hospital) it does not mean that the physicians are part of the "network" and you will be exposed to "out of network" charges. Is there a way for you to know it before, really no. And there are more details, the charges for anesthesia and the professional administering it, are not part if you were lucky to receive "estimated cost" and also the radiologist is not included in the "estimated cost" and in case you did not realize it they are not part of any given network. There is no way for any patient to know how much is invoice will be. If the patient is insured through Medicaid, the amount that the provider will receive is a tiny fraction of the total, the provider will receive a little more if the patient has Medicare as his insurance, and the provider will receive even more if the patient has private insurance and finally the provider will receive an high full -100 % of the "bill charges" when the individual lacks insurance (self insurance). Think about this, would you be surprised if you go to a restaurant and depending of how you will pay, you receive the same menu, but with prices tailored to your selected payment method? I have not seen a restaurant working with such a business model.

Anonymous Texas4 months ago

We have to realize that the only "market" where the consumer (aka patient) faces a huge dispersion of prices related exclusively of how he/she will pay is the Medical Services Market. This is why the first question when you want or need medical services is: "Do you have insurance" (How will you pay us?) If you do not have insurance at all you will pay an astronomic amount four or more times what would have been paid by an insurance company. If you try to know how much will the price be before receiving services, you will not have a complete answer. Even if you have insurance and you have selected a network provider (for example a hospital) it does not mean that the physicians are part of the "network" and you will be exposed to "out of network" charges. Is there a way for you to know it before, really no. And there are more details, the charges for anesthesia and the professional administering it, are not part if you were lucky to receive "estimated cost" and also the radiologist is not included in the "estimated cost" and in case you did not realize it they are not part of any given network. There is no way for any patient to know how much is invoice will be. If the patient is insured through Medicaid, the amount that the provider will receive is a tiny fraction of the total, the provider will receive a little more if the patient has Medicare as his insurance, and the provider will receive even more if the patient has private insurance and finally the provider will receive an high full -100 % of the "bill charges" when the individual lacks insurance (self insurance). Think about this, would you be surprised if you go to a restaurant and depending of how you will pay, you receive the same menu, but with prices tailored to your selected payment method? I have not seen a restaurant working with such a business model.

Anonymous Texas4 months ago

We have to realize that the only "market" where the consumer (aka patient) faces a huge dispersion of prices related exclusively of how he/she will pay is the Medical Services Market. This is why the first question when you want or need medical services is: "Do you have insurance" (How will you pay us?) If you do not have insurance at all you will pay an astronomic amount four or more times what would have been paid by an insurance company. If you try to know how much the price will be before receiving services, you will not receive a complete answer. Even if you have insurance and you have selected a "in-network" provider-for example a hospital- it does not mean that the physicians are part of the "network". The consequence is that you will be exposed to "out of network" charges. Is there a way for you to know it before? Really no. And there are more details, the charges for anesthesia and the professional administering it, are not part of the estimated cost, if you were lucky to receive an "estimated cost" and the radiologist is not included as well in the "estimated cost" and in case you did not realize it, they are not part of any given network. There is no way for any patient to know how much his invoice will be. If the patient is insured through Medicaid, the amount that the provider will receive is a tiny fraction of the total, the provider will receive a little more if the patient has Medicare as his insurance, and the provider will receive even more if the patient has private insurance and finally the provider will receive a high full -100 % of the "bill charges" when the individual lacks insurance. Think about this, would you be surprised if you go to a restaurant and depending of how you will pay, you receive the same menu, but with prices tailored to your selected payment method? I have not seen a restaurant working with such a business model. The Medical Services Market needs a real change.

Peter Dunedin, FloridaUninsured4 months ago

The first response is quite positive: I take very good care of myself. I get a lot of routine exercise, I have moved to a place with lots of outdoor recreation opportunities, eat well, don't smoke or drink, regularly donate blood for checkups and cholesterol testing etc.. The second response is to recognize how much medical costs are driven up by people who won't take care of themselves. The third is to be fatalistic about what would happen if I ever needed medical care: I'd be screwed.

Anonymous Bourne, MAInsured4 months ago

Our premiums have continuously gone up, but they are not as high as many others pay. We have lost weight and cut way back on the amount that we use healthcare.

Anonymous Carlton, WA4 months ago

In the 90's I owned a business and put an employee on a "company" plan. The next year she got cancer. After one month, they cancelled her, "because she was no longer a full time employee." (She was in the hospital, unable to work) She died the next spring and taxpayer's paid all of her care for the last six months. I called and talked to the state insurance commissioner, who said, "I don't make the laws, I only enforce them. The law in this state says they can cancel her." Now I don't have insurance. The insurance companies are dangerous predators. Only go the doctor or hospital in the most extreme emergency. Then, if the bill is extreme, we simply don't pay the bill. After six months or so, they give up trying to collect. No one where we live has insurance, unless they work for the government, school, etc. My medical plan is called, "Don't get sick."

Anonymous SeattleInsured4 months ago

Minimal. I am on Medicare and my private insurance covers everything else except for a $250 fee once per year. I have advanced cancer and my cost was the $250. I do pay $260 per month for medical AND dental insurance.

Anonymous Texas4 months ago

We have to realize that the only "market" where the consumer (aka patient) faces a huge dispersion of prices related exclusively of how he/she will pay is the Medical Services Market. This is why the first question when you want or need medical services is: "Do you have insurance" (How will you pay us?) If you do not have insurance at all you will pay an astronomic amount four or more times what would have been paid by an insurance company. If you try to know how much will the price be before receiving services, you will not have a complete answer. Even if you have insurance and you have selected a network provider (for example a hospital) it does not mean that the physicians are part of the "network" and you will be exposed to "out of network" charges. Is there a way for you to know it before, really no. And there are more details, the charges for anesthesia and the professional administering it, are not part if you were lucky to receive "estimated cost" and also the radiologist is not included in the "estimated cost" and in case you did not realize it they are not part of any given network. There is no way for any patient to know how much is invoice will be. If the patient is insured through Medicaid, the amount that the provider will receive is a tiny fraction of the total, the provider will receive a little more if the patient has Medicare as his insurance, and the provider will receive even more if the patient has private insurance and finally the provider will receive an high full -100 % of the "bill charges" when the individual lacks insurance (self insurance). Think about this, would you be surprised if you go to a restaurant and depending of how you will pay, you receive the same menu, but with prices tailored to your selected payment method? I have not seen a restaurant working with such a business model.

Anonymous North CarolinaInsured4 months ago

I am a retired lawyer, age 75, and my wife is a 62-year-old housewife. About $20K for medical insurance by United Healthcare through my former employer (but not subsidized by that employer). I pay an extra premium based on my income exceeding some threshold. Dental insurance is an extra $1,000 for both of us - not worth it because of the limited coverage. Importantly, I have had to resort to an "Urgent Care" clinic because many local MDs would not accept my insurance.

Anthony Knoxville, TN.Uninsured4 months ago

Minimal. I am poor and I suffer from an auto-immune disease. I am fortunate enough to be treated by a group of doctors who bill on a sliding scale basis. I pay a $15 copay per visit and my lab test are free.

Álvaro Malo Tucson, AZInsured4 months ago

Recently retired, now covered by medicare. Before retirement medical costs have been moderate, I feel safer with medicare, but that assumption has not been tested yet.

Anonymous Minnesota4 months ago

they have been profound... my brother's (in NH) daughter was born with a heart defect. The cost of the life saving treatment she was given at Boston Children's and in NH would have bankrupted his family had it not been for government help.

Anonymous KentuckyInsured4 months ago

We've had a very high deductible policy -- $5,000 -- for a number of years. Right now the policy for my wife and I costs about $700 a month. Insurance hasn't paid a claim for years, so it's basically a catastrophic policy. So far we've been lucky. We haven't had any really big illness in recent years, although when we had insurance through employers we did have some major illnesses that were paid for. Since we're the ones paying now, we don't go to doctors unless we have to.

Anonymous Starkville, MississippiInsured4 months ago

Medicare only pays about 20 percent of my doctor's charge for a colonoscopy. In fact Medicare sets costs for many procedures and also sets the length of time between tests. We need this operational procedure across the health care system.

Anonymous MinneapolisInsured4 months ago

My employer pays 100% of my premium (unusual I know.) That premium is $12,000. I am a healthy active female with no chronic or acute conditions, age 66. I pay $35 copay for my primary care doc and $50 to see a specialist. I am responsible for 20% of charges.

Dan Green Toronto4 months ago

Am an American ex pat. Pay Canadian taxes, so am entitled to a Provincial plan, Ontario's is OHIP. Most of my family is in the US., so we compare notes. I think one needs put this whole cost of healthcare in perspective. In Ontario we never see a bill, so we have no idea what a procedure cost. Doctors are in essence government employees, and I believe when their fees hit the wall for the discipline, enough is enough. All healthcare systems in Democracies, seem to be in deficit. A MRI machine in the US or Canada, is sold for near the same price. and has to be paid for. Taxes are what support healthcare systems. Can heath care be more efficient sure, run by governments , one doubts it.Constructive rationing is part of any government managed system, as many who use the system could never afford to use it if it were a private system. Canadians practice preventive healthcare as doctors can order what ever test they want. Is it saving money in the long run who knows. If a US patient has a solid insurance plan, doctors will order more procedures when they know they will get their fee.

Jerry Brooklyn, NYInsured4 months ago

We generally avoid healthcare, including preventive care, because of the absurd costs. Luckily, we are healthy and haven't had many expensive issues - but we are only one bad diagnosis away from serious trouble. We look for medical advice on the web and ask around for home remedies quite frequently.

Mleep2x Williamsburg Brookyn4 months ago

To say that Medicaid is for the poor speaks volumes to me about you. I work in Medicaid and meet hundreds, thousands even, that were struck by the economic woes brought on by greedy bankers. Affluent people, who went from six figure jobs to 405 dollars a week on unemployment. Many with children and 3 or 4 thousand dollar a month apartments on the upper east side of Manhattan. I am proud that I can get the cobra monkey off their back, where they pay 1,2, and close to 3 grand a month for lousy health insurance. I get them free health insurance and its very good health insurance. And even those less affluent that I help, single parents, newly arrived immigrants, etc. I would never describe as poor. Where do you want your money to go? Bailing out banks, or those that are far from poor but may for a brief period have low resources. Nobody wants hand outs but circumstances dictate need. And where there is need that's where you'll find me, Ma.

Anonymous OregonInsured4 months ago

We have dual coverage and pay very little out of pocket, but we are paying higher insurance premiums, which cuts into the cost of living and increases the costs of our benefits packages to our employers. That means our "raises" are often eaten by insurance coverage.

Anonymous Lansing, MichiganInsured4 months ago

I look for the most inclusive coverage. As boomers on the brink of retirement with several chronic conditions, my spouse and I see health care as the most important line item in our budget. We forego vacations and other less critical items to maintain the best coverage we can get.

Anonymous Seattle, WashingtonInsured4 months ago

Very little financial impact since we always have good coverage. We are more aware of the cost now since switching to using HSA with higher deductabile for the family. Still, with financial planning on our part, the cost is not a major concern.

Anonymous ChicagoUninsured4 months ago

Considerable. At present my income is lower than needed, and I cannot afford health insurance. So medical costs are dealt with on a careful basis. That's one key reason I haven't had a colonoscopy yet and I should have had one five years ago. If a major health crisis arose, I would definitely consider visiting another country to receive high quality and more affordable healthcare.

CDR Marty Washington DCInsured4 months ago

I am in the US Military. Our health care system is second to none; truly excellent care. We pay with our service, not with dollars. And the Military Health Care system is the least expensive medical system in the USA. It gives the best care and costs the least to operate. It is smart in being centralized, preventative and pro-active.I wish all US Citizens had the quality and cost-effective medical service that I get.

Anonymous Washington StateInsured4 months ago

I had to recently reduce my coverage because of premiums. My husband and daughter have some serious medical issues, and the cost of medication co-pays and premiums mean that my daughter is unable to be self-supporting. A recent MRI cost $1200 out of pocket. Next time I will ask more questions to see if it is REALLY necessary to have one. Doctors have no clue about the cost of what they are prescribing. Our friends in Canada and Australia look at the US as a third world country because we are so backward in our approach to health care.

Anonymous Santa Fe, NMInsured4 months ago

I use alternative treatments as much as possible when I have an issue as everything in the western medical model seems to be a knife or a pill. So I pay for insurance yet hardly ever use it supporting a system I don't believe in. Yet I know if some emergency were to happen, I would go bankrupt with it.

Anonymous Michigan4 months ago

I was in Malta (a little country in the middle of the Mediterranean) when something odd happened to my eye. I eventually went to the hospital emergency room. For the equivalent of $50 I got a check up from a resident and she told me to return a few days later to see the NY Board Certified eye doctor. I arrived at the clinic expecting a long wait. I only waited 15 minutes and the doctor saw me about 5 minutes later after I got to the examination room. He did some tests and told me what it was, that 17% resolve themselves, and what could be done for it. Then he walked me to another room and took a CAT scan of the eye to confirm it. I was lucky and the problem resolved itself (17% do, he told me). Cost for the second visit, including the CAT scan? $50. I think if I were to need elective medical care, it would be far, far less expensive for me to come to Malta for it. I have insurance, but the high tax that is going to go on high quality, employer-provided health care due to Obamacare means my employer will cut back the level of coverage. My payments for it will skyrocket. Haven't seen a pay raise in a number of years, only cuts due to increased medical costs. I wish Obamacare was single-payer: it does not go far enough in my view. I'm ashamed of the US health system. There is no need for us to live this way. The government needs to regulate prices, at the very least, and we should have an information exchange on where to get different kinds of care around the country.

Anonymous ChicagolandInsured4 months ago

I am a retired Infantry Officer; my wife is an executive working for a European Company. We have three children in grade school. We have no debt and a few rental homes. Our insurance is comprehensive with zero deductibles and low co pays but it is expensive. And it is the high price points of medical care in this country that make it so. Different price points throughout the globe should not surprise anyone. The same DVD for which one pays tens of dollars for in the U.S., one pays pennies for in Russia. And so it goes for all products and services distributed globally. Global Corporations gouge Americans more because they can.

Mark Williams Burlington, VermontUninsured4 months ago

I almost never go to the doctor. My wife recently broke her wrist at the gym and it cost $7,500. That is still cheaper than health insurance. Ironically, I am a mental health clinician, paid by my clients' health insurances at an average of $58 per client session for approximately 20 sessions per week, less my operating expenses. I can't afford to buy health insurance. I won't even be able to afford Obamacare.

Anonymous NYCInsured4 months ago

It has crippled us in many ways. While most routine office procedures are covered, dental bills and minor surgical interventions have practically bankrupted us in the last year. We recently determined that it would be cheaper to go to France to have the same procedures done (without insurance) and also have take a 2 week vacation. It would end up costing about 1/2-2/3 less than the same procedures here (dental and surgical). It's outrageous.

PH Long Island, NYInsured4 months ago

My wife has diabetes and recently had a hip replacement. In addition she was diagnosed with cancer. Total medical bills were approximately the value of my house. Without insurance we'd be homeless and in debt or she would be dead. Eve with insurance there are substantial, repeating medical bills.

Anonymous San DiegoInsured4 months ago

There is no financial impact currently. However, I worry about the sustainability of Medicare in view of current costs and the increasing number of retirements.

Anonymous Tulsa OKInsured4 months ago

Forces me NOT to pursue appropriate diagnoses. A retiree on a fixed income (just barely above poverty level) I'm stuck with :15 minute Medicare limit discussions with a PCP. We can't afford to get "outside the box" to really figure out what's happening with my endocrine system.

Dave chicagoInsured4 months ago

I was fortunate to reach Medicare age before developing a chronic and life threatening disease. My most recent hospital statement amounted to $9000 for two weeks of routine tests and near-weekly blood transfusions. Without Medicare and a private supplement there is no doubt that I'd be dead right now. The total billing for chemo and the routine tests comes to well into 6 figures. Of course neither Medicare nor the private insurer pay more than a fraction of the bills, but I keep thinking about how much is being spent on me, while younger people would either die or be financially ruined, with Medicaid remaining their only, unreliable, hope. I'm grateful that medicine has given me an extra couple years of life, but find it hard to enjoy the time when I think what would happen to my young relatives and all other young people who can only get poor insurance coverage and have no one bargaining down the costs the way Medicare and the Medicare supplement do. The system has been good to me, but has to radically change.

mary santa monica, ca4 months ago

For our family, dental care is problematic. My grade-school daughters do not get their bi annual exams; I haven't had a cleaning for 2 years, because we can never afford to pay up front before we are reimbursed, and the dentists we have tried within our dental plan have terrible hygiene. With two kids, I just haven't had the time to visit all the possible dental offices that are on our plan. My husband needs extensive work, and I'm not sure how we will pay for it.

Anonymous Kenosha, WisconsinInsured4 months ago

On a fixed iincome (Social Security), tight budgeting is critical to our ability to stay on top of mounting bills of all kinds. When inescapable and hugely expensive medical costs are added to the mix, more frequently as we age, even though we have Medicare the burden of co-pays ,etc., becomes almost more than we can handle. Having to ask our kids for money is very embarrassing. What else can we do? Die? It seems like Obamacare hopes we'll do just that. Medical costs in this country are way out of line. Has compassionate service been replaced by plain greed?

Anonymous Carson City, Nevada USA4 months ago

I am a retired Nevada State worker, not yet 65 and thus not yet Medicare eligible. Medical expenses currently eat up well over 15% of my yearly income, even with State of Nevada medical insurance, which now has a high ($2000) yearly deductible. Although my insurance costs me only $600 per year due to my many years of service, the coverage it provides has been drastically reduced in the past 5 years due to State budget issues. Coverage is now well below what I expected (and planned for) in retirement. Prescriptions are the major portion of my medical expenses, and I have declined an MRI because it would have been too expensive (although I could not find out exactly how much). My travel plans in retirement have been curtailed well beyond what I hoped due to healthcare costs and declining insurance value.

Carole Idaho4 months ago

I'm in my mid- 50's and lost my health insurance when I lost my job about a year ago. I am pretty healthy other than being overweight. Last year, I went to the Doc, had lab work, and filled prescriptions the same number of times as when insured. Paying out of pocket was not nearly as awful as I expected. In fact, I paid far less than if I had been paying insurance premiums and co-pays. Thank God I didn't have anything catastrophic happen, but it did make me think twice about the high cost of our 'system'.

Anonymous San Diego, CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

It's very important. Keeps us from taking vacations, eating out, etc.

Azar Roslyn, Long IslandInsured4 months ago

My husband and I buy "healthy new yorker insurance from Atena".We pay ~$750/month with no prescription drug and $2500 deductible. This is the cheapest ins. we can afford. Between doctors, insurance, and the services that they offer, we are very unhappy. I'm 61 and my husband 62 and both healthy.

Jackie Jackson WYInsured4 months ago

A risk that's always out there. As self-employed business owners, we buy private health insurance, a high deductible "catastrophe" policy. Even in a bad health year, we never come close to spending what the premiums on a traditional health plan would cost. Plus, when ill, I seek out alternative medicine anyway, clearly making this the best option. But if that bad thing happens, that lifelong disabling accident or serious illness, our annual cost out will be $17,500/year to meet deductible and annual out of pocket maximums. And that's assuming our insurer doesn't drop us once we actually need it.

Joe Markey White Plains, NYInsured4 months ago

This article does a good job pointing out the relatively higher costs of routine medical procedures in the U.S. vs. other countries but does nothing to explore the more important question of why the costs are higher here. If its were just of matter of doctors charging more to meet business revenues goals, the profitability (and pricing) would eventually be driven down by competition. Please delve deeper into the reasons for the higher rates. Does it have to do with higher malpractice insurance rates?

Anonymous Mid-Coast MaineUninsured4 months ago

Without insurance my husband and I don't make the regular visits to the doctor that we should nor have all the standard blood, and other, tests. Fortunately, we've had no serious illnesses, but we are definitely playing a game of roulette.

Paul Romney Baltimore, MDInsured4 months ago

Insignificant, so far. My wife and I are in our 60s but healthy (so far). We have good insurance. I've had two MRIs, both of which were arguably unnecessary -- a matter partly of physicians not trusting the patient, and partly of MRI machines being available.

Discouraged! New York City4 months ago

I can barely afford to insure my wife and my child, and I go without. I rarely see a doctor, and when I do the care I receive is minimal and temporary because I can't afford procedures or prescriptions.

Anonymous MontanaInsured4 months ago

Due to an accident at the beginning of the new year, but just a few weeks before a transition to a new employer's insurance, we paid the co-pay, deductible and co-insurances for one policy and seven weeks later for another policy for the ER, surgeries and rehab, totaling many thousands, and the bills are still coming. This is on top of paying nearly $16,000 in premiums. This has been financially devastating. I truly pay insurance premiums and all the costs of my healthcare because of deductibles and co-insurance. What's the point of insurance? We should go back to major medical only.

Anonymous AlabamaInsured4 months ago

Our medical insurance alone costs more than the mortgage on our house. And we are thin and healthy; just over the age of 60. It is a disgrace.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

I just had a c-section. The cost of my bill for the hospital to have my baby was $10,000. Thankfully insurance coverd most of it but I still had to pay $1000 and that did not include what I paid the doctors.

Robert Cosgrove Sacramento, CAInsured4 months ago

I had to get an MRI for a dislocated shoulder that needed surgery. I was scheduled to get the MRI at the hospital where I would be having surgery. Several days after the MRI referral was sent to my insurance company, they called. They notified me that the MRI at the hospital was $2.5k. 1 mile down the road it was $1.5k. I mile further $1k. 1 mile further it was $500. I have an 80/20 plan, and I'm a law student with $225k in debt. I took the $500 MRI.

Marie TexasInsured4 months ago

My husband retired 4 years ago. While he was of age to enroll in Medicare I was not . Although he worked for the same company for 30 years, there were no retirement healthcare benefits for either him or me. We naively thought that I would be able to get survival-level coverage through an individual policy. Its unthinkable for me to go as uninsured so I paid my own monthly premium in full through the COBRA program for 3 years, as legally entitled to do when a spouse goes into Medicare. Once I was no longer legally eligible, my husband's former employer cancelled me from their group insurance even though I paid my own premium. Living in Texas, I could legally be turned down for individual insurance with the sole other option being a state "high risk" pool which was approximately double the monthly cost of my husband's group policy with far fewer benefits. Thankfully I was able to enroll in the Affordable Care Act's "pre-existing condition insurance plan" before new applicants were no longer accepted.

MD Virginia4 months ago

There are a lot of aspects to this. I am a medical specialist in training. Medical school tuition has tripled in the last 10 years. I am 35 years old, have 3 kids, and have been in school or training for the last 10 years. I earn less as a trainee than a teacher (40K, at 80-90 hours a week, 51 weeks a year). I will start my first real job this year and I worry about earning enough to pay for my own student debt (much less save for my children or a mortgage). When these cost comparisons are made, they are always done comparing doctor's professional fees to those fees in other countries where doctors go to medical school directly out of high school or where education is paid for by the government. I am not looking for sympathy. I love my profession, but everyone of us is to blame for a share of the high costs.

John Minneapolis, MN4 months ago

I can't get a colonoscopy, because I'm underinsured, and can't afford it. Many people who are "insured" can't get medical care, because of large deductibles, and large additional out-of-pocket expenses.

Grigsby Wotton Asheville, NCInsured4 months ago

Fear that if I needed real care for a serious medical problem, I wouldn't get the care because the price is absurd or it would ruin me financially. Anger that certain interests groups are allowed to have their way in making medical care so unaffordable and out of reach for so many. Makes me very disappointed with this country. I consider this criminal activity, even if legal, and that many of those profiting from it are basically criminals, even though they may consider themselves successful people.

Anonymous Winchester, MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

Cost of insurance premiums is manageable. Deductibles and copayments are annoying at their present level, but the rate at which they have been increasing is very alarming.

Anonymous NYCInsured4 months ago

We shop around for services when we can (like vaccines for travel to developing countries) and hold off on procedures unless they become necessary. We are upper middle class, but we hate to see thousands of dollars go to procedures that, in reality, do not cost what we're charged.

Walt Marriott Summerfield, FLInsured4 months ago

Just showing costs for the US and other countries doesn't really show the reason for the differences. It would be more informative is you could show an itemized account for the US and other countries. Then we may see and really understand the differences of why they occur. I know I would like to understand the billings

Natjanel Salt Lake City, UT4 months ago

My co-pay for my colonoscopy a few years ago was over $400. I am suppose to have one every 5 years, according to my internist, but I will not have another one. I will ask instead about the other less expensive screenings for colon cancer.

AF Seattle4 months ago

It's out and out fraudulent. This is why we need a public option for both insurance and health care, so private providers cannot engage in such practices. The problem with Obamacare is it didn't go nearly far enough. Instead people have to pay thousands in premiums for insurance which covers next to nothing after deductibles and exclusions.

Anonymous Texas4 months ago

I feel it is necessary to point out that not one place in this article does it mention Malpractice. I am a medical student and I have taken on the mindset that it is necessary to double-check my work because I am only human. Maybe if Americans weren't so hasty to sue doctors who make mistakes, as everyone does, doctors wouldn't be compelled to "over treat" patients. Most malpractice suits are thrown out of courts and result in unnecessary time and money lost.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

My doctor's been pestering me to get a mammogram but the last time I did it, I was billed $900 because I hadn't said "as part of my routine annual physical exam" when I booked the appointment. If I'd said the magic words, it would have been free under the plan's covered preventative care procedures, but since I didn't say them, it became an elective procedure and I had to pay the entire tab. So I'm putting off the mammogram until 2014 when the ACA exchanges go into effect. Thank goodness I live in California! I'm proud of the way my state's stepped up to the plate vis-a-vis the Affordable Care Act.

Eileen SeattleInsured4 months ago

Our employee medical insurance through Boeing was, in the past, great. Now, prices increase every year, as Boeing seeks to peg its benefits to those of old-line U.S. manufacturers. More and more of our budget is devoted to medical expenses, especially after my cancer treatment last year.

Anonymous Houston, TXInsured4 months ago

I turned 26 this year and was removed from my parents' insurance plan. I am now insured under an individual plan, but I was not issued a Rx card because "the cost of my Rx are too expensive for the insurance company." So, I currently pay $500/month for one Rx and another $100/month for a second. Oh, and my deductible is so high that I won't even meet it with these out of pocket costs for medicine.

Anonymous Portland, OR4 months ago

So far, at 74, I am healthy. I have PERS insurance and Medicare, but I fear long term care costs. The American antipathy toward Obamacare, health care for everyone without the involvement of insurance companies, and Canadian or UK type medical plans seems unenlightened, to say the least. We need single payer.

Anonymous connecticutInsured4 months ago

There is little current impact. But I am deferring some other expenses, over-insuring and saving more for anticipated outrageously high expenses in later years.

YD Washington DC Insured4 months ago

Approximately 2000$ a year even though we are, thankfully, in excellent health. I can imagine the bills mounting if either of us were unfortunate enough to have serious issues. My parents are physicians in another country, where the same procedures cost a fraction of the US.

Babs Dallas4 months ago

I am self employed. Pay 7000$ in health insurance premiums/year for family. My out of pocket is about 1st 6000$ before insurance pays. So I don't really have any medical care. My last physical was 10 years ago. So I basically have catastrophic care and worry that if I or any member of my family have to go for emergency care , it will cost me atleast 2000-3000$ for a hospital visit. I have paid for 3 MRIs out of pocket this yr. I would any day welcome 'socialized' medicine of Canada, Germany, France over the current non-medical-care that I have. However GOP is in the pocket of the medical profession who make trillions , so no chance of any reform.

Arie Avnur BostonInsured4 months ago

We just came back to the US after living for 6-1/2 years in Switzerland, considered an expensive country, right? I have Colonoscopy bills of CHF594., about $600.- Health insurance there is private (but mandatory, Obama care used that model), but there are deductible and people care for the cost. However, I think that the main reason for the price difference is simply morality and civility. A physician there would not dare charge 10x for a procedure, its disrespectful. If prices here were reasonable, we should have insurance premiums that are half or a third of what they currently are, it will improve company profitability and will go a long way towards the solvency of Medicare. It would have many benefits. We don't have that because there is no incentive, to any part of the healthcare system to bring cost to reasonable levels. Providers - its clear. Insurers make profit proportional to the funds that go through them, so they also benefit from high prices. And the government that was supposed to protect the people - well, I don't believe that so much money is being made so easily without some falling into some pockets. I also have more bills and examples of medical over-charging in California.

Jim C Park Slope, BrooklynInsured4 months ago

I have seen my out of pocket expenses increase to 25 percent for the annual premium with my company paying the remaing 75 percent.

Anonymous Newark, DEInsured4 months ago

We are fortunate to have excellent health insurance through my job as a university professor. We do not experience any direct impact of health care's escalating costs, except insofar as our co-pay for some drugs has risen.

Susan Salt Lake City4 months ago

It is a major factor in why I stay at my job - because of the health benefit!

Gregg Spearfish, South DakotaInsured4 months ago

With insurance the major part, my wife and I spend over 32% of our only income (Social Security) on medically related items. Being retired and without other sources of income, and no savings, payin for and worrying about health care is a major part of our lives,

Meredith IndianaInsured4 months ago

Because we are currently healthy, we opt for a high deductible to keep our insurance costs manageable. However that can bite as it did last year when I unexpectedly developed an arrhythmia. So, this year we are paying more for the premium. Insurance is a big chunk of my monthly expenses, especially now that we (spouse and I) are nearly 60.

Robin BrooklynInsured4 months ago

My biggest fear is losing employment & therefore health insurance. The cost would be insurmountable

Anonymous Houston, TXInsured4 months ago

Increasing premiums and out-of-pocket costs means my husband and I postpone preventative and non-emergency care in order to pay for our necessary prescriptions and medical expenses for our child. We contribute toward our parents' living expenses so they do not have to choose between necessary medication and food or electricity.

Anonymous Austria4 months ago

We pay high taxes in Austria. But I do not lament because of the excellent medical services. My husband had a colonoscopy done before minor surgery for a hernia. cost for us: $0, which included an overnight stay at the hospital for the prep (colonoscopy). That is with standard, single-payer type insurance. (No, he did not have to go on a waiting list for the procedure). I do not unerstand why Americans are so afraid of a single-payer type system...

Anonymous Austria4 months ago

We pay high taxes in Austria. But I do not lament because of the excellent medical services. My husband had a colonoscopy done before minor surgery for a hernia. cost for us: $0, which included an overnight stay at the hospital for the prep (colonoscopy). That is with standard, single-payer type insurance. (No, he did not have to go on a waiting list for the procedure). I do not unerstand why Americans are so afraid of a single-payer type system...

Anonymous vermont4 months ago

My wife and I spend more time trying to live a healthier lifestyle - eating right and seeing our doctors and dentists regularly. By being proactive we hope to avoid excessive medical costs.

Anonymous Asheville NCInsured4 months ago

Significant. My monthly payment for my family takes over 10% of my gross pay, and though we are extremely healthy, regular check-ups and exams and a few prescriptions take another 2-3% per month.

Anonymous Boston, MassInsured4 months ago

I have begun to refuse standard test recommended by doctors--my co-pays were often staggering last year. When I ask what something costs--an MRI or physical therapy, no one knows. I read how often physicians in other countries order tests--and it is much less frequent than in America and yet people in those countries often live longer.

MrK MDInsured4 months ago

Me and my wife are in mid-seveties, and even when with Medicare and Gap insurance and Drug Part-D insurance our insurance premium payments are about $ 8,500. Our Drug Payments are about $ 3,000+. Other payments for dental and hearing are seperate. When I retired in year 2004, I never thought medical will cost so much. Something is out of control and ultimately medical will ruin this country for good. Let us have lawmakers take care of this hugh problem from coming generations.

John Simko Alajuela, Costa RicaUninsured4 months ago

fifteen years ago my wife and I made a wise decision to move to Costa Rica and take up residence here. For $60. per month we have complete medical and dental coverage - no deductibles, no co payments, no maximum - nada. All procedures, all prescription drugs. Each of us has spent two weeks recently in hospital with surgical procedures all included for nothing beyond the monthly charge.

Tom Colorado Insured4 months ago

We have a HSA, high deductible plan, the only option available from our employer. I just paid over $5000 dollars to diagnose sleep apnea, all out of pocket. Very fortunate to have savings otherwise would forgo treatment.

Larry B Seattle, WA4 months ago

Basically, it means that we have to be prepared to pay COBRA premiums at any time because employment is so insecure, even for highly-educated people like my wife and me. We need a system that better manages costs and regulates pricing.

Anonymous Albany, OregonInsured4 months ago

Luckily, the impact of medical costs to me and my spouse is minimal because the medical center/hospital where we go has financial assistance to cover our insurance co-pays because we are low-income..

Anonymous Las Vegas, Nevada4 months ago

Thank God I don't have a family. It would cost too much to insure them. I do have adequate health insurance through my job but I am wary of going to specialists who often charge astronomical fees. For an asthma/allergy evaluation I was charged over 700 dollars. Insurance paid about 300 and I paid 432. I think I actually saw the doctor for ten minutes.

Cathhy New York4 months ago

Devastating. My son is in critical condition after a motorcycle accident with multiple injuries and a long rehabilitation ahead. We have no health insurance and he has no accident insurance. After a week, the bill is higher than he can earn in a year.

Anonymous Charleston, SCInsured4 months ago

As an unemployed 56 year old female, I pay $4,000 yearly for health insurance (with a $2,500 deductible) My husband is on Medicare, thank God. Because he is a retired physician, we often get work done for free by his former colleagues, although both of us are in excellent health and have only had screening procedures over the last 10 years. I do not know how the uninsured survive!

Anonymous Tucson, AZInsured4 months ago

I am single, and insured; I work in the healthcare field and have watched the disintegration of our healthcare system over the last 10-20 years. My retirement plan (mostly based on healthcare costs and services) is moving to another country ~ lots of expats with limited finances live well and receive wonderful healthcare that doesn't drain your retirement funds dry.

David SeattleInsured4 months ago

If not working a full time job with benefits, regular health coverage is out of reach. It limits my ability to be a freelance worker.

Anonymous Brooklyn, NYInsured4 months ago

Right now I can afford insurance and am healthy (knock wood), but a major medical cost would knock me and my husband out. I'm hoping the insurance costs will go down in 2014 with the advent of the new health care system - that would help us out on a daily basis.

Carolyn B. Evanston, ILInsured4 months ago

My husband and I are retired and fortunately our heath is good. Health insurance is our largest monthly expense, eclipsing food property taxes combined. With limited savings and fixed incomes, we worry about covering the 20% portion of some large medical bill that is our obligation. Dental bills are also looming as we age.

Anonymous CaribbeanUninsured4 months ago

It is a central reason I do not wish to return to the US. Unemployed, my savings would rapidly vanish in order to pay for insurance. I made a brief trip through the US two years ago, and wound up paying 250 for 30 flomax in total at CVS, which cost me only 60 in Peru. Now I saw a price of 12 online. It's criminal.

Richard Davies New York City - Manhattan Insured4 months ago

We are very lucky and can afford to pay for health care. I want good care and get it. But nothing comes with a clear price tag. If we are going to have a "free market" for health care I would like to be presented different price options.

Anonymous Ann Arbor, MIInsured4 months ago

Minimal. My wife and I are physicians and have the necessary income and insurance to live comfortably. While there is no doubt that the US healthcare system is at a point of crisis, two important facts are worth emphasizing. (1) Most of the excess cost is due to insurance companies and other commercial entities that make excessive and largely unregulated profits. As others in this forum have stated, I believe the time has come to insist that the healthcare system should operate in a not for profit mode. (2) For those who can afford it, the quality of healthcare in the US is the best in the world. I would not want to be a patient in the EU. I have personally experienced the difference.

Donald Green Reading, MaInsured4 months ago

It shows up in the rise of premiums. It questions whether enough has been set aside for retirement. Also true expense is hidden since the price of a procedure reflects what is possible reimbursement that can be shifted to expenses for which there is little return.

Charles DeBoer ithaca, NYInsured4 months ago

I have a new medicare savings plan. It means my own money is at risk. So I insist on knowing what I am going to pay before a procedure is done.

Fed up with Heath Care costs New York CityInsured4 months ago

Its between paying for insurance and buying food for my family. And I make what would otherwise be described as a good living ($70,000/year). Insurance costs are too high and purposely obscure to confuse consumers. Health care costs are too high and arbitrary. Doctors and Health Care Administrators should be forced to live on my salary.

Anonymous Michigan4 months ago

Moderate. I spent enough to max out on my deductibles and co-pays last year at about $2,500, and my contribution to my insurance deducted from my paycheck is another $1,500/yr. My employer pays the rest of the premium. I grossed $40k last year. I'm in fairly good health, single, no kids.

P.W.Whalon Paris France4 months ago

When our daughter went to study in the United States, she needed a medical exam to register. Doctor required a 24-hour heart monitor, though she had never had any heart problem previously. One test, $4,000. Of course she did not have American insurance. Later, with student insurance, she needed treatment for a bladder condition. The urologist's $8000 bill included two prostate exams! That one we refused to pay. All the hype about free-market medical care is a lie. The situation in America makes the country look ridiculous.

Joe Oakland, CAInsured4 months ago

At the moment, I have federal health benefits and can afford the copays and deductibles. This will change in September, when I qualify for Medicare and hope by then, to put my partner on my health plan. after 40 years already.

Anonymous Spokane, WAInsured4 months ago

Although with insurance and a high income I am able to cover the costs of my daughter's Type-1 diabetes, I am afraid for her when she goes out on her own. I cannot imagine how she will manage to pay for her insulin and supplies in addition to starting out in life.

G NYInsured4 months ago

Thinking about moving abroad. Cobra from my former employer for which I'm paying almost $600 monthly is up this year and I have no solution in sight as I can't find another job. It's absurd that my health depends on being employed, this should be considered and treated as a basic human right.

Jacob Sommer Medford, MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

Medical costs have been a significant portion of our family budget--sad to say, somewhere around GDP percentages. Between insurance payments, premiums, co-pays for medicine and visits to various doctors, we easily spend between $800 and $1000 a month. As our income is under 200% of the poverty level, this is a tremendous percentage of our gross income, let alone net after taxes. It's a huge burden. Thankfully we get state help to mitigate some of these costs now, but it took a lot of jumping through hoops to get it.

Anonymous Midwest Uninsured4 months ago

I closed my 16year business and have a new $10/hr. job. They wanted to charge me 20% more for eye and dental insurance than I pay out of pocket. Then they wanted to have me sign papers authorizing health insurance but no cost info provided. I declined. I go to optometrist yearly and dentist semi-annually. Only go to doctor if pain discoloration or fever lasts more an three days, seven for cold like symptoms. Our country is not the greatest in the world in any area. Everyone else even with their system problems has it so much better.

Anonymous Rural MinnesotaInsured4 months ago

As an adolescent and young adult, even though my family had insurance, I learned early on that our copays were high enough to be a burden on the single earner, blue collar budget that my family lived lived on. Knowing this, I tried to go to the doctor as little as possible. This has created a habit in me that persists to this day - I see a health care professional less than once a year.

Sharon Seattle, WAInsured4 months ago

It is huge. We are self employed and pay extremely high premiums for almost catastrophic coverage. And every year there is an increase and we need to decide if we can manage with less coverage.

Eilene Stevens Bayside, WisconsinInsured4 months ago

When my children were little, I went back to work sooner than I would have liked so that we would have insurance. I stayed at that job longer than I should have because I was the wage earner with insurance for my family.

Anonymous Palm Springs, CAInsured4 months ago

I have good insurance partially paid by a previous employer as part of an early retirement package. Yet in December an endoscopy bill arrived with a $1500 non-covered pathologists fee. Reason? He was out of network. I was careful to choose a network gastroenterologist, but I was unconscious at the time the decision to take five biopsies and send them to an out of network pathologist was made. How am I supposed to be a rational market player in a system that's so riddled with 'gotcha's' and predatory business practices like that? Markets don't work when consumers cannot have complete information.

Alberto Hayek MD La Jolla, CAInsured4 months ago

Impact reflected in insurance premiums going up every year. Nothing the public can do about it. Not mentioned in the article, the cost of medicines from brand to generics: it seems now that some generics are almost as expensive for the deductible portion as when they available only as brand names. Only way out of this mess is National Health Insurance with gvt negotiating prices for drs care, procedures and drugs in competitive bidding .

Anonymous San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

We are a healthy family of 4 - see doctors very rarely, and pay $24k per year for healthcare coverage. Which is $48k in pre tax dollars. This is insanity. Having lived in Europe I realize the American public has been sold a big lie about the benefits of 'private' healthcare - free care in europe is often superior to 'premium' care in the US. When is America going to finally wake up to this issue? And given more than 75% of responses here appear to feel similarly when will the representatives of the people do something about this - or will this be another 'gun control' vote?

Barbara Rachko New YorkInsured4 months ago

For me, none. I have excellent insurance and am healthy so far. When my mother was alive, she had Medicare. My sisters and I bought additional coverage for her with United Health Care through AARP. UHC took care of 100% of her bills, which were substantial during the last three years of her life. It was excellent coverage and not very expensive.

Anonymous Oregon4 months ago

The impact is huge. Three doctors have tried to put me on $1000/mo. intravenous medication (indefinitely), insisting it was necessary. Luckily, I remained stubborn in my decision not to and my symptoms have since almost disappeared. I no longer take doctor recommendations as absolute and believe that my healthcare is my responsibility. Doctors inevitably always want to give you the most advanced (expensive) medications/procedures without regard to cost and often are just "throwing" medications at the illness. Knowing that they are fallible/biased and medicine is a consumer product like everything else, I've become a discriminating shopper.

Anonymous OregonInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are employed, insured and in relatively good health. Medical costs don't have a significant impact as yet. But as we think more and more about retirement in 20 - 25 years. We wonder how we are going to afford it.

Anonymous West St. Paul, MNInsured4 months ago

I currently spend $300.00/month for health insurance for my family. In addition, I'm paying $210/month for the next six months for ONE night in the ER for my 1 year old daughter. It's unbelievable.

Peter Andover, CT4 months ago

I am a retired nurse anesthetist. I began my training by becoming a nurse, gaied 2 years of experience, and a large part of that was working in an ICU. After that I did my anesthesia trainiing for 2 years reading, studying the EXACT same texts that a med school grad uses in his or her training. The standard of care is EXACTLY the same for you, the patient no matter who gives you the anesthesia. On reflection I am sure you can see the logic of this. Now, anesthesiologists want to make money..BIG money. I know, I know that where they work can definitely determine exactly how many thousands of dollars they make, but rest assured, none are starving and even the poorly paid have their Porsches and the second homes, and some, in private practice make MANY hundreds of thousands of dollars. We could save hundreds of millions of dollars in this country if we relied more on CRNAs..they are so much cheaper than anesthesiologists and the anesthesiologists know the safety record of CRNAs which is exemplary and the bottom line is that your safety is equally assured with either provider. I have had 5 surgeries for afib, these are called ablations and are dome by feeding catheters ibnto the inside of the heart and using radiofrequency to ablate the source of the problem. I ALWAYS asked for a nurse anesthetist to deliver the anesthesia, including the last surgery that lasted over 12 hours. I felt 100% safe, and in fact, I was 100% safe! In the hospital in which I worked, as testimony to both my skills as an anesthetist and those of my fellow CRNAs, every nurse or scrub tech in the OR, when they or a family member needed surgery, they specifically asked for a CRNA. And, I did the anesthesia for most of their cases, I am proud to say. If America could give up its worship of MDs and recognize the cost savings available through he use of CRNAs and APRNS and PAs, giving the same quality care, we could save so much money. I want to say that I worked at one of the most famous academic institutoins in the world. Every time I was hospitalized, I was cared for by APRNs. I had a stroke, I was completely seen by an APRN..I never ponce met the neurologist. We need to use mid level providers to provide the relief to the financial burden of our health care costs.

Anonymous AlabamaInsured4 months ago

We can afford to buy insurance, but finding an insurance company to sell us an individual and family plan is a real challenge. We spent time in 2012 uninsured not for lack of money, but because we're over 45 and have (minor) pre-existing conditions.

Anonymous Ohio4 months ago

High. We have health insurance through my employer and we rarely use it because of the high copayments. The plan does not pay for things that we need, like dental and vision. We have dual citizenship so every time we visit our home country we go to the dentist and the eye doctor. Last time I went home I had a mammogram for $5.00 .

Edward Lloyd Illinois4 months ago

I believe if all politicians were forced to obtain medical care like the rest of us the system would be changed overnight. It is morally rehensable that the Republican party is against affordable health care for everyone. In our seventies now, both my wife and I are covered under medicare, however we pay 6,000 dollars a year for a supplemental policy through Blue Cross, which we can ill afford ( no pun intended ).

Anonymous Indiana4 months ago

We avoid going to the emergency room like its the plague, trying to use urgent care centers or not go at all. My wife and I both need crowns for several teeth, but at $1500 a shot after insurance, that's not going to happen.

Harold Meisterling MichiganInsured4 months ago

As long as a subset of our economy - think employees at blue chip companies like GM, or government workers like teachers - have cadillac plans, and can hide behind government protected rhetoric like "I'm happy with what I've got" and others at Walmart can go to the back alley with no coverage - the haves and top 1% will continue to be happy. Tax health insurance benefits and let's hear what the haves say then. My employer provides no health care benefits and the cost to me and my family is opressive - and the irony is that tax deductions still benefit the "happy with what I've got" health insurance haves.

Anonymous Santa Fe, NMUninsured4 months ago

I choose not to have medical insurance because the doctors I see do not deal with insurance. Because of the economy, my architectural practice is limited, income is down and insurance is expensive and does not cover everything. I am also very conservative about medical procedures, tests and medications as I feel that many are unnecessary, costly and potentially health damaging. For example, I refused to get a colonoscopy this year unless my stool test showed signs of blood. My reasons being that I did not want to spend around $8K for the procedure and also because a friend ended up with major medical problems when the colon was punctured during a routine test. I tend to look for doctors who also practice a more alternative based medicine.

Jeanne Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

Minimal, but we are all healthy and have no ongoing medical issues. The only interactions we have with the medical community are yearly check-ups. However, though our health insurance premiums are low, we have a $7,000 deductible per person so it is essentially catastrophic care insurance. On the plus side, preventive care is covered including colonoscopies. I'm very fortunate to have found a primary care physician who is extremely cost-conscious; for example, when I needed an MRI for a knee injury, he negotiated a reduced rate for me with an imaging clinic.

Beth New YorkInsured4 months ago

My daughter is finishing her dental residency (but has yet to find a job). Her husband is an attorney at a large corporate firm. His health insurance costs him $30/MONTH. If he adds her to his policy, it will cost them an additional $700/MONTH. They are young, healthy non-smokers and she cannot find health insurance coverage for less than that. They are putting off starting a family until she finds coverage. What is wrong with this country?

Anonymous Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

It hasn't been a major problem in previous years, but now that I'm in my 50s with several risk factors for major disease, I'm significantly reducing my spending in anticipation of rising medical costs.

Anonymous PennsylvaniaInsured4 months ago

It's bad. I have a preexisting condition and just turned 26. I am a grad student but school insurance does not cover what I need so I am on Cobra, which costs almost 700 per month. Even so, I still have to pay a 30 dollar copay for doctor's visits, 50 dollars for medications, and 20 percent of the cost of medical procedures. My parents help with some of the costs, thankfully, otherwise I couldn't be be continuing my education. Even so, I can't save anything because everything I earn goes towards rent, food, and medical costs.

Anonymous FranceInsured4 months ago

Health costs were the ultimate reason to come back to Europe. I had some severe gastrointestinal issues while living in the US. Even with a very good (for US standards) health insurance, I couldn't bear being treated like a cash machine and not a person. Doctors seemed only happy when getting more $$$ and doing more tests, I hadn't seen so much greed before. Back in Europe, things are not perfect, but I feel treated like a person again. Ah, my doctors here were shocked at the amount of "unrelated" tests they made in the US just to bill more.

Anonymous Potomac, MDInsured4 months ago

Given by level of income, not generally a factor. The concessional shell shock is more likely to be the costs of drugs. I have traveled a fair amount and have often obtained drugs abroad for a small fraction of their cost in the US.

Anonymous NYC area4 months ago

Little until this year when cancer hit our family. Now one of is trapped in a hostile work situation, unable to leave because then we would deal with pre-existing condition exclusions until January and having to pay a huge sum out of pocket for basic insurance. It is very scary.

Anthony new jerseyInsured4 months ago

Our family of 4 pays $8,000 for medical and dental + all the deducatables and co pays a year.

Anonymous arizonaInsured4 months ago

Cost of health insurance is highest monthly payment and can barely afford it.

Anonymous Canada4 months ago

I am American but each year am more and more thankful that I have chosen to live in Canada. I pay my fair share of taxes and receive excellent medical care. It is so nice to know that friends, family, and complete strangers will not be devastated financially by a medical problem. Regardless of what people do for a living, we are all able to receive proper care. I like knowing that collectively we all care for each other.

LM Los AngelesUninsured4 months ago

We simply cannot afford medical care, period. We live in fear of an accident or serious illness.

Anonymous San Diego4 months ago

If I were to get insurance, at my age, it would cost a minimum of $500 a month for decent coverage. As an unemployed recent graduate with student loan payments, there is no way I can afford that. I'll get insurance when I get a job; until then I look both ways when crossing the street.

Sophia Clearwater, FLInsured4 months ago

The impact of supplemental med ins. (to my Meidcare) is very expensive, and I don't think I should pay so much. I seldom get sick, have no long-term illnesses, at 70, and wish I could lower my out of pocket expenses. I could use the $100 on other expenses.

Anonymous Santa Fe4 months ago

Right now with Medicare as our payer, our medical costs are affordable as the co-pays are reasonable. But that is because my husband and I are very active and healthy. I'm not sure how we would cope with long term care if needed. Right now, I am more concerned for my children (late 30's, early 40's) and grandchildren who live on the edge. One health care crisis would send then over the edge. They sometimes forgo doctor visits because of the expense involved, especially when the procedure, visit or service is not covered by insurance.

Marty Gloucester, MAInsured4 months ago

The high cost inhibits me from pursuing expensive treatment that I need, e.g., for dental work, which is mostly uninsured.

AC Boston, MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

It affects our budgets and finances in negative ways. Having extensively travelled overseas, I know what these medicines and procedures cost in other countries. Healthcare delivery and insurance system in the US is biggest scam in the history of this great nation, and it already bringing our national and household finances to their knees. With their powerful influence and strong lobby in national politics, I see no light at the end of ths tunnel.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

I had a high-deductible plan from Kaiser Permanente, and they boosted my monthly premium by 25% in just 18 months. Under the plan, I was on the hook for paying the first $5,000 in medical expenses each year. The premium hikes were a shock -- Kaiser is supposedly a "non-profit" company, but it makes more than $2 billion in profits a year.

Anonymous Deerfield Beach, Florida4 months ago

It has a great impact. Being retired, but not yet of Medicare age, my medical costs affect my life style greatly and there is always a fear of being wiped out financially. Fortunately, my cardiologist told me about PCIP and I was able to get insurance even though I had pre existing conditions. Currently, my greatest short-term goal is to make it to 65 without a major medical problem. That's not much of a creative goal, but it is essential.

MB Vermont4 months ago

Our family's policy for 4 people costs the university where I work $18,000/year. Of that, I pay about $2000 in premiums and, on average, another $300 in copays.

Anonymous TexasInsured4 months ago

I am very healthy and have minimal medical costs, and have a reasonably good insurance plan. I had my first colonoscopy this year, and two small polyps were found. The MD wants me to return in 3 years, when the recommended length is 5 years. I will not return until 5 years. I will be talking with my referring physician about a different MD next time. The cost, covered by insurance, was ridiculous.

Anonymous New York stateUninsured4 months ago

Medical costs are so oppressive that I forego care and treatment when I can -- including many, many times when I should not.

Anonymous Massachusetts Insured4 months ago

Self-employed, family of five and we pay more than 18,000 a year for insurance with high co-pays and deductibles. Reading this article reminds me how much we in America are treated as suckers, overpaying to fatten corporate coffers (and/or to subsidize lower prices overseas??)

Anonymous MarylandInsured4 months ago

So far it is minor, because we have Tricare Prime through USFHP with Johns Hopkins. For me and my husband, that comes to $538. (five hundred thirty eight) a year. His generic lipitor is $12. for a 90-day supply. I assume that when I'm 65, our costs will go up due to Medicare part B requirement.

skier Vermont4 months ago

It's maddening that when you need a medical procedure, the hospital/practice won't tell you what it will cost. In 2003 I needed back surgery, after two medical opinions, one from a Neurosurgeon. I could not get a price quote for what this surgery would cost at the local hospital. I also discovered that my small, non group private insurance plan had not "contracted" with any local hospitals for a reduced fee schedule. So I would likely be held responsible for the full "rack rates" after my surgery. I went and got a second opinion, and price quote, in advance from a Canadian Hospital, and Neurosurgeon. So I decided to have the procedure (an 8.5 hour operation) in Montreal, Canada. My US insurer paid ALL the expenses after the surgery, saving them thousands of dollars. Best of all, I never received a single inflated bill, or collection phone call. I paid for the surgery in advance, with a written price quote to my insurer. Now we are buying our own insurance again, and the preliminary monthly premiums posted for our State Insurance exchange are very high!

Anonymous San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

My wife took a staff medical position (vs. per diem) 3 years ago due to the high cost of private insurance (I'm self-employed). She likes the job less, but our premiums went up over 10% per year on the private plan, EVERY year. I waited til I was 57 for my first colonoscopy (in an outpatient center). It was ridiculous. The nurse couldn't find a vein. They sedated me so heavily they couldn't wake me by closing time, so just poured me into a wheelchair and rolled me onto the sidewalk. I'll be looking for alternatives next time.

Anonymous Albuquerque, NMInsured4 months ago

I have good insurance (Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield supplementary), but one of my daughters has poor insurance and a number of medical problems and it has been devastating for her. She almost lost her house.

Anonymous NYC Insured4 months ago

My husband needed specialized ankle surgery. After 3 other surgeons we found someone at HSS. Hospital for special surgery does not take insurance but they also could not give us a quote of how much the surgery would cost beforehand. How would we know if we could afford it?

Anonymous mars hill nc4 months ago

It is a concern to keep everyone adequately insured

Jean TexasInsured4 months ago

When I get the flu in the winter (often) & it turns into bronchitis or pneumonia, I stay in bed & pray not to die. I can't afford to be going to the doctor all winter long with a possible hospital stay. The deductible would be impossible to pay! I need an MRI for my ankle & have cancelled due to the co-pay required. Might have a hairline fracture in it but it will have to heal on its own.

Andrew M Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

My father is 58 and has no health insurance. He has type II diabetes, atrial fibrillation and COPD. Maintaining his health and considering future complications, his medical costs have a significant impact on our family. He left his health care plan 3 years ago when he lost his job and could not afford the automatic payment increase to roughly $2000 a month. Currently, obtaining a new healthcare plan is not a financial possibility. We are hoping for the best.

Timothy Colman SeattleInsured4 months ago

We're a healthy family but our insurance is a second house payment. And as soon as we start using health insurance, the hidden costs not covered, the deductibles and all the other BS start coming out of the woodwork. No wonder medical bills are the number 1 reason people go bankrupt. Criminal. The solution is to expand Medicare to 55 year olds and give the bloodsuckers running the insurance business time to wind down there businesses. Then expand it to 45 year olds after 5 years-- and everyone after that.

MC TexasInsured4 months ago

We pay $12,000 a year in premiums for two people. And, it goes up 20 percent each year. The co-pay is $5600 per person. So, although colonoscopies are "covered" under the policy, unless you have had other major medical problems that year, they really are not. The premium goes up each year (the cited reason: "rising health costs") even though we have not reached our deductible in 5 years. That we are being gouged by the insurance company is proven by the fact that they were forced to refund over $1,000 to us last year under the 80% rule of the Affordable Care Act.You multiply that by millions of people and you can see how much they have been over-charging for years.

John C. Lafayette, Indiana4 months ago

Not much. We have excellent coverage through our workplace--although both the deductible and copay having been going up in recent years. Nevertheless, I am always struck by the very high charge for all procedures that are then negotiated down by the insurer to usually a third of the original bill. Why can't we start with the negotiated price to begin with--and for all people?

Don Beltsville, MDInsured4 months ago

It's the second largest expense for my family, after housing. It had been rising for about 10% a year for the first couple of years. In December 2012, I was notified by my insurer, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, that my premiums would increase by 19.4%. My family's primary use of health care is annual physicals for my wife and myself, plus vaccination shots for my daughter her first two years of life. The government doesn't need to run healthcare, but it probably should regulate healthcare pricing because it threatens to undermine the economy in the name of capitalism.

David Toledo, OhioInsured4 months ago

We're lucky: healthy and with subsidized insurance, Medicare next year. But I've seen expensive defensive medicine, an unneeded "sleep study" covered by insurance, and basal-cell skin cancer surgery that lasted 20 minutes and cost many thousands.

Anonymous Pacific North West4 months ago

I went from full time to on-call at my job (hypertension-inducing work) and my COBRA payments were $800.00 each month. More than my rent. So I am insurance-free. Healthy too (hypertension now under control) thank goodness, and putting money away for when disaster strikes but at the prices listed here no amount of money that I have will be enough. So I'll probably just toddle off the mortal coil. My family is all raised so its okay with me.

Jim Boslough MontanaInsured4 months ago

Impact is significant because of increasing health insurance premiums associated with higher deductibles and more out-of-pocket payouts to doctors, hospitals, clinics, ERs, etc. for all medical conditions, emergent or not. One must not forgot the outrageous costs for ambulance services making taxis and personal transport the most efficient way to get to the hospital, if at all possible.

Anonymous VirginiaInsured4 months ago

Medical costs only range from expensive ($150 for ped visit w/ antibiotics) to catastrophic (cancer). We have insurance, and I am convinced it will not help in case of catastrophic illness. I am 36 and already have a chronic health issue not caused by lifestyle. I will already have to pay for at least 2 prescriptions for the rest of my life. Our healthcare system is a farce.

Jessie Reykjavik, Iceland4 months ago

I paid $1,100 to give birth to my daughter in Iceland (in a hospital, including one night stay in a private room). The only reason I had to pay any out of pocket expense was because I had recently moved to the country with my husband and was not yet in the insurance system. We would have paid at least ten times that if we had her in the US.

Rick Gilbert Lake Arrowhead, CAInsured4 months ago

I am healthy and don't go to the doctor very often. Yet I pay $5K in premiums to my HMO. It seems that I pay more for health insurance every year and get less service.

Ethan Palo Alto, CA4 months ago

This analysis does not take into account that the US needs to pay for the research that then benefits the rest of the world. The majority of the best hospitals in the US are university/research centers. So it is not doubt that an MRI at say, Stanford or UCSF, is more expensive than at non research centers as are the majority of hospitals in those other countries. Their research output is laughable both in terms of quantity and quality compared with their American counterparts.

Roman Battery Park City, NYC4 months ago

I am young and well to do, didn't need to go to a doctor in years. But last year I caught the flu, I was prescribed Tamiflu. With my insurance, Aetna PPO, it cost me $90 at the pharmacy. The prices make me really worried as this was for some simple flu medicine, which probably costs retail $30 everywhere else in the world.

Anonymous Portland, OrgonUninsured4 months ago

I can't get insurance because of a pre-existing condition and because I live in a vicious country where it is deemed a sacred right to profit from the illness and misfortune of others.

Joe Pittsburgh4 months ago

We pay more than $15k per year for insurance and never get sick, and rarely use any medical services. We are completely subsidizing hospital & insurance company profits, as well as emergency room care for those without insurance.

Anonymous Santa Fe, NM4 months ago

I'm enrolled in a sliding scale high-risk plan and my premiums are $165 per month. But the co-pays and deductibles make me think twice about actually using the insurance. I do not get insurance through my work and make a small income teaching at the community college part-time (even though I work full-time). I'm just hoping not to get sick.

James Kalmer Margate, FloridaInsured4 months ago

I am a teacher, and my wife does not work. I support two children (one in college) and pay at least 13% of my salary to provide health coverage for my family. The addition of doctor and prescription co-pays easily eats another 2-3%. This is money I cannot save for retirement or spend on other quality of life needs. We eat cheaply, don't go out much, and buy only necessities. I'm sure that all of us together in this boat is harming the U.S. economy for the sake of enriching the medical community.

Anonymous Columbus, OHInsured4 months ago

An angiogram is priced as a major medical procedure here. In Canada, it's what you'd pay to take your family to a movie. In Canada, it's preventative medicine. Here, it's out of the question unless you are already really sick.

Paul AtlantaInsured4 months ago

I often delay treatment because of budget concerns. If a doctor recommends a test or procedure, I typically won't act on it because of how much it's going to cost me.

Anonymous Brooklyn, NYInsured4 months ago

I'm concerned for the future---right now I have excellent health care coverage, but I can only hope nothing changes with our plan. It's completely out of my control and that's troubling.

Rich Harrison, NY4 months ago

My copay for an appointment has gone from $10 to $25 to $35. My copay for my colonoscopy was $635 which is what it cost in lots of other countries. My wife's percentage of paying for healthcare has gone up 10% for years on top of salary freeze so we're hit twice: Take home goes down every year and copays go up. The entire family no longer goes for dental checkup twice a year. Maybe once every other year now since it's out of pocket. I cracked a tooth and it took me nearly a year to pay off the dentist .

Charles Morgan New York CityInsured4 months ago

Inflated medical costs raise the insuring costs for everyone and, because I am covered in Medicare, they raise both my premium costs and the tax costs which I and everyone else pays.

Anonymous minneapolisInsured4 months ago

an increasing, but affordable cost.

Tom Williams Laguna Beach CAUninsured4 months ago

Last year I had to have a quadruple bypass, which I was told would be over 400,000 including the hospital room and extras. I have no insurance. I went to Hospital Angeles in Tijuana Mexico and had it done. State of the art equipment. 4 doctors that came to examine me every day. Great room with Wi-fi, DVD and a daybed if my visitors needed to stay overnight. Wonderful nursing, food and support staff. $42,000 all in. This was absolutely the best hospital i was ever in. the insurance companies and for profit hospitals are sucking the American Health care system dry

Frank Minutillo Manchester, CTInsured4 months ago

As low income seniors, my wife and I have Medicaare and "extra help" which means our out f pocket costs are near zero. However.the amounts paid to our providers and for drugs are outrageous and would be better controlled by a single payer system administered by the government. We both eschew many of the tests and procedures that our providers suggest since we know that most are just designed to produce revenue for the "medical industry".

Janet ArizonaInsured4 months ago

My deductible has more than double in the last five years and I pay more per month for an employer sponsored policy. I've had to decline a referral from my physician to another doctor because that doctor is out-of-network and I don't have the cash to pay him or the ability to wait to see if I'll be reimbursed. So I'm looking for someone in-network on my own with no way to know if they are good. Prescriptions are impossible if you don't do mail order because they are too expensive. Tort reform would cure some of the problem.

Anonymous Boulder, COInsured4 months ago

Very disturbing. I have been over-billed by doctors and hospitals more than once. I have never caught an under-bill. Some won't take Medicare - which is hardly egalitarian. Which medical school class teaches ethics? Of course I suspect doctors compare themselves with the CEOs who make obscene sums of money and really help no one but themselves.

Phyllis Culp San Miguel de Allende, MexicoInsured4 months ago

In our late sixties, my husband and I are generally healthy. We each see a doctor about once a year, get flue shots, have Kaiser Medicare Advantage, and pay about $330 a month in medical insurance (Medicare deducted through Social Security and about $50 additional). We pay for dermatology and dentistry out of pocket in Mexico. Rates are reasonable in Mexico and quality of care excellent. This is a huge issue, however, and I thank NYT for doing this. We need changes. We need single payer. We need to level the cost and care and provide quality care for all Americans.

Anonymous los angelesInsured4 months ago

I pay little because my company only provides HMO services.

Anonymous San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

During a period of unemployment, I could not continue paying for COBRA medical insurance and went uninsured for over a year. As a result my hypertension went untreated; when I came down with bronchitis I had to pay a large sum for a basic antibiotic; and I had a regular, constant fear of any activity that might suffer a fall or accident that might require an emergency room visit.

Elisabeth ChicagoInsured4 months ago

Our medical costs are not insignificant, but luckily we have good insurance and they are manageable. My husband is a state employee and has diabetes, so we do worry that our benefits will erode as Illinois' fiscal situation continues to decline.

Diane Crowne 89511Reno, NVInsured4 months ago

My daughter and family are living with me because the medical costs of their two children is so high they cannot afford their own home...this despite the fact that my daughter's salary is above $100,000 per year. I find this appalling. dec

Paul Rosovsky Queens, New YorkUninsured4 months ago

The "retail" charge for my father's hip surgery in 2010 was over $91K. The hospital (North Shore LIJ) settled for the $11K that Medicare said it should cost. Until there is total price transparency and some sort of public option (with the power of the government behind it), medical care costs will one day reach 100% of GDP.

Phillip Tucson, AZ4 months ago

We have insurance and the ability to pay deductibles and co-pays. I had an aortic valve replacement a year and half ago at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona. The operation and related procedures were billed at over $120,000. We didn't see the statement until after the operation and a follow-up visit, and we never thought to inquire about prices before the procedure. Our primary focus in selecting a provider to perform the procedure was on the reputations of the surgeon and the facility where the surgery was to be performed. Cost didn't factor in because under our health insurance plan we were able to obtain the services of one of the best CT surgeons to perform the operation at a hospital with an excellent record for minimal post-op infections. The recent investigative reports describing the wide variability of costs for the same medical procedures and services at different facilities even within the same city has made me more interested in including cost as a factor in making health care decisions for myself and my family.

Anonymous Greenville, NCInsured4 months ago

We are unable to pay the co-pays without assistance from church, friends, and family.

Anonymous Phoenix4 months ago

Very little. I am self employed. Even though I have leukemia ( now in remission), I manage with a high deductible plan linked to an HSA account. In addition to a low premium the HSA has tax benefits and I can roll over the balance (unlike Flex Health Plans). Over all I pay around $10,000 per year, including premiums,deductibles and out of pocket expenses, in post tax dollars.

Anonymous New York, NY4 months ago

As someone with a chronic medical condition who has gone back to school, even with insurance, just paying for my medications has exhausted years of savings. For the time being, my parents are helping me meet these costs, but they won't be able to for much longer and I'm looking at taking out loans to pay for my copays and medications so that I can stay healthy. And that doesn't even include the cost of doctor's appointments.

Anonymous Jupiter, FLInsured4 months ago

I am currently paying for COBRA since I lost my job at our local hospital when I was sick long enough last year to use up all of my Sick Days as well as all vacation days. I have been denied insurance from 3 national insurance companies because of my weight. When my COBRA ends in December this year, if I cannot afford insurance thru the National Healthcare Reform Act, I will seriously consider moving out of this country. If I become seriously ill without insurance I will go bankrupt.

T. Zumbo NH4 months ago

We're bankrupt. No job mobility or creation because of the "slave" system of healthcare.

Anonymous MinnesotaInsured4 months ago

I am a physician in training who cannot afford to be evaluated for a painful hip injury which has bothered me for over 5 months.

AET BaltimoreInsured4 months ago

They impact how I think about the future. I assume I'll take care of my mother in her (fast approaching) old age and that it will cost a LOT to keep her healthy, comfortable, and out of the hospital. I'm saving for that the way most people my age save to send their children to college or to retire.

Anonymous Wisconsin4 months ago

I'm single, 63, own a small business. Money is tight for me. As a retired state employee I have decent health insurance for $760/month.Common health conditions (all under control) mean I can't get private insurance. I keep thinking how I could grow my business if my premium were even half that. Not to mention my need for a new car (driving 12-yr. old beater), new roof and other household repairs. Forget travel, new clothes, etc. Health insurance premiums significantly lower my quality of life and hurt my business. Fuming mad after reading this article. Thanks for the enlightenment.

Anonymous Massachusetts4 months ago

As an employer I pay for my and my employees' healthcare, which ends up being in the tens of thousands. In my household we simply do not go to the doctor.

gk Santa Monica, CAInsured4 months ago

Who knows? You never know up front what something will cost or whether you'll get a bogus "bill" from someone involved trying to cash in on an already covered procedure. A simple blood test could result in 3 different bills: one from the lab, one from the lab doctor and one from my doctor evaluating the results. Which is legitimate? How do I know?

Amy Starke Beaverton, ORInsured4 months ago

It has determined when we can retire. If not for the question of medical insurance, we could retire today.

Anonymous California4 months ago

This relates to how European medical costs helped me not have an impact. My husband and I travel internationally for his work. In 2007, I had a medical emergency in Germany. I was admitted to a hospital, and had two emergency surgeries, one minor, to drain an infection inside my neck, and the next one more major when that was not sufficient--it opened up my neck and removed necrotic tissue, including over 40 lymph nodes. I was in the hospital for three weeks, and they did many tests to try and find the cause, including x-raying my teeth. I was tested for TB, cancer, and had 2 MRIs and a neck-and-head x-ray. The cause was not found, but I am healthy today six years later. The cost for all of this care came to $9,100, which thank God I had available. I did not tell my US insurer for fear of being dropped.

Anonymous Oakland, CA (Sutter PPO)Insured4 months ago

The impact is such that I'm afraid to use medical services at all. Each time I wonder: is the financial damage done by the bill going to be worse than leaving the medical problem untreated? Of course, it's hard to say when they won't tell you costs up front. Republicans want us to be rational consumers in a free market, but it's hard to be rational when you're in pain and worried you may be seriously ill - and you don't have time to shop around when you're bleeding to death.

Thomas ManhattanInsured4 months ago

I once had a CAT scan of my jaws. I thought my insurance didn't cover it, and I feared being accused of trying to commit fraud, so I just paid for it. One facility quoted $1350, another $1250, and a third $1150 (all in Manhattan). I chose the third; when I arrived the desk reminded me that it would cost $1050; after the procedure they gave me a bill for $950 (this is true). After paying it I learned that I was in fact covered. My insurer paid the facility their negotiated price, which I believe was about $250; my co-payment was $65.00 (I got a refund from the facility). The facilities get money where they can, and those without insurance are out of luck.

Anonymous Southern CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

None. Having that said, we have comprehensive HMO coverage. Our son was born with a congenital heart problem. He's 5 year-old and he has had 3 open heart surgeries, with itemized bills in the range of $500k. I don't know what was negotiated between the insurer and the hospitals. We both make 6 figures, but if it's scary. If we had PPO, we would be in the hole for $100k, 10-20% of what's the total amount settled. My wife and I are 45 years of age.

Anonymous San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

I work as a special education paraprofessional. Beginning in April, I have had additional insurance premiums to cover my daughter and myself deducted from my paycheck to cover the 3 summer months when I do not receive a salary - as a result, I netted around $300 every two weeks for the past 2 months. The school district notified me that I am not eligible for unemployment insurance during the summer, although they do not guarantee me a job in the fall. I am healthy and so is my daughter, but I think it would be unethical for me not to cover us both in case of accident or unexpected illness.

Anonymous MadisonInsured4 months ago

I am a grad student on the Univ. of Wisconsin's Student Health Insurance Plan. It is expensive ($2600/yr for an individual over 26). And yet I have a $500 deductible AND huge copays. Mental healthcare is literally unaffordable. I made the mistake of having a dozen appointments and the bills skyrocketed to $2000! I've had trouble even getting SHIP to cover what they should. Seriously, a disaster. And if I were ever hospitalized for something, I think I would be in debt for a decade. It is really, really bad for me and my relationships.

Anonymous Honolulu4 months ago

My doctor told me that I should get a colonoscopy because of my age (over 50). So, after a few months of putting it off, I called the doctor's office and told them to call HMSA (my insurance company) to get the approval first and then to call me back before scheduling the procedure. I wanted assurances that my insurance company would cover part of the costs. The office employee of the clinic called back and said "they would cover." She made an appointment, I had the procedure, and 3 weeks later I received a statement from my insurance company that they would not cover the procedure. I called the insurance company and the clinic to correct the situation. After a few months of calls back and forth and with the clinic assuring me that they will get the right clinical documentation to my insurance company, I still had to pay for the entire procedure (approx. 3,000) out of pocket. When I received the bill from the clinic there was a sentence on the bill that said if I did not pay in time it would go to collections... Three days after I paid the bill (on credit) I got a desperate phone call from the clinic nurse who said that she had replaced the person who kept sending the wrong "medical codes" to the insurance company and that she was here to help me. I informed her that I paid the bill, she was upset with me and I never heard back. I learned two things. Never trust what someone from a medical clinic tells you over the phone. Get a written verification from the insurance company that they will cover before any medical procedure.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

I work part-time, and more than half my take-home pay goes to health insurance. I can't wait for the New York health insurance exchange to get up and running.

Patricia A. Joseph Cranberry TWP--suburb north of PInsured4 months ago

It's just me. I took early retirement after 41.5 years of teaching public school & university students. Although I consider myself an intelligent person, no one could have prepared me for how much Medicare and supplemental health insurance (including an enhanced Rx plan) costs. I actually have a state teachers' pension (thank God), and started drawing Social Security benefits as soon as I retired, so I consider myself blessed.

Marilou Libertyville, ILInsured4 months ago

My last two doctors dropped patients like me with (expensive) insurance, because they grew tired of being pawns for the insurance companies. 'Not why I went into medicine' is what they all said. Problem is, only the %1'ers can afford the personalize service they will provide. Government needs to step in and set fair prices. But then we as a nation would have to recognize that this would benefit the 'general welfare of society,' a concept apparently abandoned by the most people here in the USofA, but embraced in other countries. This explains the disparities illustrated in this illuminating article.

Anonymous Westchester County, NY4 months ago

I had surgery a few years ago. Although I had adequate insurance, the anesthesiologist sent me a bill for $2000 in addition to what they had received from the insurance. I was still recovering and unable to deal with fighting the charges so I just paid it. I called the hospital to see why I received this bill and they said the surgery took longer than expected so the anesthesiologist was needed longer. When I asked for my records, it said the surgery was routine and normal. So someone is not being truthful or accurate. I lost respect not only for the hospital but my surgeon and anesthesiologist. If any other business owner operated like this they would be investigated.

Anonymous Westchester County, NY4 months ago

I had surgery a few years ago. Although I had adequate insurance, the anesthesiologist sent me a bill for $2000 in addition to what they had received from the insurance. I was still recovering and unable to deal with fighting the charges so I just paid it. I called the hospital to see why I received this bill and they said the surgery took longer than expected so the anesthesiologist was needed longer. When I asked for my records, it said the surgery was routine and normal. So someone is not being truthful or accurate. I lost respect not only for the hospital but my surgeon and anesthesiologist. If any other business owner operated like this they would be investigated.

Anonymous new yorkInsured4 months ago

I have insurance, and a good job, but try to avoid the healthcare system, in part because I have little need, in part because even though I have insurance, it feels hard to get service, and when I get it, I do not understand yet when I get charged for something and when not. I have paid about $1500 for inspection of an external hemorrhoid (1 night waiting in emergency room, quick look, then short follow up with a doctor, prescription of a cream) at CU presbyterian, felt totally overpriced, while in Switzerland I have had one surgically removed under insurance coverage without extra costs to me. Felt like less service for more cost here vs. Switzerland.

Anonymous Charlottesville, VAInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are recently married, we each work two jobs and my wife is finishing school and working on her master's degree. We have separate but equally terrible insurance, mine from a part-time job, hers mere catastrophic insurance, which is all we could afford. Medication costs us a few hundred dollars each month, and if I don't get hours at my second job, my insurance -- offered therethrough -- goes unpaid, with uncertain results. We're banking on both of us getting insurance through her university, which would allow us both preventative care and the hope of having children.

Anonymous New JerseyInsured4 months ago

Higher insurance premiums led to a switch in insurance companies for our family.

Concerned San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

We are insured and can afford the care; we know that is very rare.

Anonymous Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina4 months ago

Don't mean to be flip about this topic but this article may end up being the single biggest boost to medical tourism since the Brazilian butt lift. Every individual has their own circumstances and health profile so the answer to the question will vary but the obvious conclusion is that our current business model for health care is going to bankrupt the nation sooner rather than later. I recently signed up for "concierge service" from my doctor; that means for $1,55 per year up front I get the priviledge of using his services..

Anonymous Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina4 months ago

Don't mean to be flip about this topic but this article may end up being the single biggest boost to medical tourism since the Brazilian butt lift. Every individual has their own circumstances and health profile so the answer to the question will vary but the obvious conclusion is that our current business model for health care is going to bankrupt the nation sooner rather than later. I recently signed up for "concierge service" from my doctor; that means for $1,55 per year up front I get the priviledge of using his services..

Frances Carlson Los Angeles CAInsured4 months ago

My insurance premium is the greatest hindrance. As a self-insurer it was astronomical from $938 to $1684 in 2.5 years since initiation of Obamacare. Got it down but had to give up tons. Cannot save for retirement and sons have had to go to less expensive colleges.

Anonymous massachusettsInsured4 months ago

My husband's portion of the premium However, as I am70, I have had expensive proceedures anduse a lot of intellectual effort to be sure the work is necessary. I hate spending my fellow-insured's money on me, since that makes premiums higher.

DavidZ CincinnatiInsured4 months ago

Each year more procedures require coinsurance and then a deductible raiding our family's medical bills.so far they are affordable but worry about the total costs if a serious illness such as cancer.

Frank Lee Wash DC Metro AreaInsured4 months ago

I am a dialysis patient and covered by Medicare and Care-first Blue Shield. As a result, the cost to me directly are manageable. The cost to the taxpayers however, are astronomical. Some of the the drugs I have administered and take are - I believe, vastly over priced.

Anonymous Rye Brook NYInsured4 months ago

It is reaching a point where it is having an impact. We are considering switching to another GP because the one we use has gotten ridiculously expensive. He is a fine doctor but every illness or flareup that can be treated with a prescription seems to require an expensive test or a visit to a specialist, with the result being the same prescription. It is all in the name of money.

Kevin Gillan Hayward, CAInsured4 months ago

Despite having medical insurance our entire lives and being in good health, my wife's broken knee cap from a fall cost us more than $5,000 out of our pocket.

Anonymous Santa Rosa , CaliforniaUninsured4 months ago

I do not go to the doctor, period. My last office visit for a simple evaluation ended up costing me over 1000. dollars out of pocket. And now I no longer have insurance.

Anonymous BostonInsured4 months ago

One of my best friends lost his insurance when he and his wife separated. He needed expensive care but opted to die instead so his daughter would have an inheritance. About ten percent of my income goes to health insurance and deductibles.

Anonymous Brooklyn, NYInsured4 months ago

I am single, in my early 30's and am in good health. My co-pays tend to be relatively high, but seeing as how I do not use my insurance often, the cost on me is not overwhelming.

Jesse Albert Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

Family of four in Los Angeles. To insure my family was $32k a year with deductibles on cobra (we could not obtain an individual policy because of very minor pre-existing conditions). My wife went back to school so we could get university health care. The savings paid for her schooling.

T.R. Ellis White Plains NYInsured4 months ago

For the first time, I will be paying medical bills by borrowing against our home. I am a freelancer who pays my entire insurance tab since I have no employer contribution. I'm a healthy 54 year old, with two healthy teenage daughters. Last year I had to increase my deductible because the insurance had gotten too expensive. But now I am slammed even more because of the high deductible and higher copays. A recent colonoscopy will cost me at least $2500 out of pocket (and the bills are still coming in on that). I cannot continue to borrow against my home equity, so the impact will be opting not to take my dr.'s advice on routine testing. I don't think I needed that colonoscopy -- I had one 5 years ago-- but the doctor insisted. Later he admitted I probably could have waited another 5 years! Who can we trust in this profit-driven health care system? Bring on National Health Insurance PLEASE. This is insanity.

Anonymous New YorkInsured4 months ago

I won't seek medical care if I know it will put me in debt.

Anonymous British Columbia, Canada4 months ago

I moved to Canada from the US 8 years ago. My partner and I visit the doctor regularly and have had hospital visits, with no direct out of pockect costs before or after treatment (read: $0). I have family and friends in the US and hear about monthly payments in the hundreds of dollars just for basic medical coverage, not to mention out of pocket costs for procedures. It makes no sense that profit should be involved in the provision of health services. It's wrong that an individual stricken with illness should carry the financial burden of their treatment. Caring for your fellow citizen is surely a basic tenet of a civilized society; that's why most countries pool their resources to pay for healthcare. I hope the Affordable Care Act works, and I hope in ten years time we will look back at the current US system as a great and cruel injustice.

Niko EnglandUninsured4 months ago

Seeing as i live in the United Kingdom and have 'FREE' health care the costs are minimal to me or my family. In the U.S., you like to consider health care a free market, well you're welcome to it.

Anonymous Madison, WIInsured4 months ago

We delay going to a doctor or getting basic preventive check-ups. We have a high deductible, and end up paying virtually all our basic medical expenses. It is very, very hard now to determine the cost or quality of any procedure. It is typically based on trusting the doctors.

Anonymous VirginiaInsured4 months ago

Significant. I live alone, but have multiple chronic medical conditions. I have excellent coverage through my employer, but estimate that between premiums, co-pays, and deductibles, medical care still costs me more than 10% of my gross income.

Seth Cagin Telluride ColoradoInsured4 months ago

Our biggest expense, even though all three of us are basically fit and healthy. Very burdensome.

Andrew Los Angeles4 months ago

We need Obama care, without socialized healthcare there would continue to be no control over the fraud that exists in the American Health care system.

Lorena San Jose, CAInsured4 months ago

Huge. While my husband and I provide double coverage through work, I often opt for alternative medicine given the risks of "general" advice. At 53, my doctor wanted me to rip  & replace my knee. I'm too young and too active. Instead, I used a stem cell approach, had great results, but paid $10K out-of-pocket. Knee replacements cost $35K, and won't last for 15 years. Forget costs, I don't trust the initial advice without doing research on alternatives. Medical treatment needs to become less invasive, with a focus on enabling our body's natural healing mechanisms through diet, exercise, vitamins and positive thinking.

David Lindsay Hamden, CTInsured4 months ago

I feel like I'm being taken to the cleaners. Many of us are not rich, like our medical doctors are.

Anonymous Washington State 4 months ago

We live on a fixed income. I am disabled. One drug co-pay for me is $589.00 a month, the other is $113.00.00. I can go to the doctor but I can not afford any of the treatments for my RA that are prescribed. I am on Medicare. I can not even afford a MRI that I need now. Our income is $50,000.00 per year our potential medical costs for both is $25,000.00 per year? We are one major incident away from complete destitution. As are 90+% of Americans.

Anonymous Fitchburg, MAInsured4 months ago

The impact is great. We eat healthy and exercise, and chose our doctor after a thorough search to determine if he would be focusing on costly procedures. (He doesn't) health care is slowly changing in MA, and we go to a community center for our care.

Anonymous Austin TXUninsured4 months ago

US Healthcare costs are outrageous and intolerable. We have given up on US medicine and now travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for most of our healthcare--an excellent value and affordable (we pay out of pocket). The professional attention of our bi-lingual physicians is remarkably generous, and thorough. Combined with the costs of laboratory tests enable us to have regular checkups, preventative care, and extensive health screening performed.

J.C. Naples, FLInsured4 months ago

Devastating to my daughter who has no insurance. The price of health care rose astronomically as soon as the companies went public with stock. About 1999. Then the rise went off the charts. Straight Up. Shame on our Congress for being 'on the take' with all these giant companies. Shame. Shame. Shame. We are rapidly becoming Third World. The best Congress money can buy. Great health casre is only for those who can afford it. Shame.

Mike Altadena, CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Here in California, the rate of increases in my premiums has been so rapid and costly that I forsee this eventually making me sell my home, just to pay for medical coverage. I am a 50 year old white male.

Valentino CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Had a mild heart attack was in hospital 2 and a half days. Had stent inserted, was billed 89,000$ by hospital plus another 10,000$ by doctors, ambulances and labs. No insurance at the time because of pre-existing condition (a diabetic episode from 10 years before). Still negotiating with hospital, got a reduction of bill to about 47,000$ which is still more than I make in one year. Was rejected for further financial assistance but still trying to get bill reduced. I buy insurance now through Obamacare, and will have it as long as the Republicans don't manage to kill it.

Anonymous MarylandInsured4 months ago

Short answer: too much. I can afford it but as I work in a medical school I am keenly aware of the irrationality at multiple points of our health-care system.

William H. Burling Ledyard, CTUninsured4 months ago

it prevents my wife from receiving medical care

Anonymous ConnecticutInsured4 months ago

My husband and I are covered by my employer who offers several plan options. They do not however, disclose the cost of the plans, so not only do we not know the cost for the procedures we have but we don't know how much our insurance costs.

Anonymous OhioInsured4 months ago

My third year Anestheology resident grandson, in a family discussion, ( his, father was present and is also an M.D. Specialist ) said with regard to our high medical costs: " In ALL aspects the answer is: MONEY ".

Anonymous seattle.waInsured4 months ago

The impact of medical costs on me? Increased cortisol, blood pressure and other stress-related symptoms. Reading articles like this just makes me mad at the medical industrial complex.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

Counting health insurance especially, it is one of the three largest expenses I incur and has consistently gone up in price far beyond the rate of inflation and in spite of the large profits my health insurance--the aforenamed Oxford, in fact the Freedom Plan, with a high deductible. Oxford establishes prices it pays for services outside its network, and yet there is no attempt at cost control for consumers. The profit motive seems to have figured only into viewing individuals, families and medical providers as equal sources of incomes and people from whom to minimize the corporation's costs. For consumers, this means the relentless attempt to minimize coverage, deter efforts to secure payment or coverage for that which is clearly stated (through bureaucratic, cumbersome ways to receive reimbursement, even when Oxford makes a mistake), and pass on co-pays that are increasingly a means to put-the-lie to any limitation on costs beyond insurance premiums.

Phyllis Chandler, AZ4 months ago

I can't buy a new car because my monthly health insurance premium is $670. My prescription co-pays average $150 a month. That's $820 a month that goes for medical costs. Couldn't that money be better spent to improve the economy? I certainly think so!

Steve Santa FeInsured4 months ago

Fortunately, none at all, despite my spouse's numerous chronic health issues. Why? Because I am a retired law enforcement agent with great insurance through the California Public Employees Retirement System.

Anonymous Miami FLInsured4 months ago

At this time, I can afford it. I read all the whinning and complaints but every time I see canadians flocking to this country to get an elective procedure done that it will take one year or more in Canada to get scheduled, I think that we have something worth keeping and that there is room for improvement.

Steve Central TexasInsured4 months ago

Another angle on the medical costs are found where businesses and other institutions are self-insured. My university is self-insured and uses BC/BS to administer the plan. Since BC/BS only administers it and does not pay the cost, they are less serious about holding down costs. They let my university pay nearly $3,000 for a simple shoulder MRI, when it turns out the going rate in our region of the country is closer to $1200, which is still higher than many other places. When I asked my orthopedic surgeon's office staff if my MRI was of better quality than the cheaper ones, they answered that they had no idea and had recommended the more expensive one without knowing the cost. When encouraged to check out various providers' charges, they then had trouble getting a clear statement of the fees. Clearly, there is no market in this so called "free-market" health care system.

Anonymous seattleInsured4 months ago

We are lucky because we have great insurance and can pay the co-pays but it is absurd the burden that is put on people for health care. I come from UK where we have the National Health Service. I have noticed in the US that people do not go to the doctor until it is too late and that the ones that do are privileged or struggle to pay. I just had shoulder surgery. The cost was $33K followed by a 3 month PT program. As I went through the bills one of the ones that struck me as most absurd was a $120 bill for a simple cotton sling that the hospital put on my arm while still under anesthetic. $120! For a $5 product.

Kevin State College, PAInsured4 months ago

As a college student, I recently had to go to the cardiologist to confirm and check on the effects of a pre-existing, congenital heart condition. As I already knew it existed, going directly to the cardiologist was most efficient. However, this turned out to be a bad choice, since my insurance requires a referral to cover my cardiologist visit even though I already knew I was headed there. In the end, I did two visits to the doctor, which I had to pay ~$550, where the cardiologist filed for over 3,600 dollars for 1 echo and roughly less than 30 total minutes with me. My insurance only lowered the price, because I did go to an in-network provider. Those $550 took a toll on my pockets, and were a sacrifice financially as a college student.

Mikaela Albany NYInsured4 months ago

My fiance and I are healthy young adults, but we recognize the need for insurance. That said, the $400 a month insurance premium we pay would go a long way to paying off student debt and realizing our dream of home ownership.

KC Canada4 months ago

I am not affected because I have access to universal health care! A few years ago, I had a serious bike accident requiring an ER visit, several X-rays and follow-up doctor's visits, consultations with a plastic surgeon and months of physiotherapy. How much did I pay for all this? $32 for a custom splint. America, you're doing it wrong.

AF Phnom PenhInsured4 months ago

A contrast chest CT scan plus the cost of physician in Cambodia using the exact same Phillips or GE equipment costs $131 total. Same reading; same diagnosis.

Anonymous Redmond, WAInsured4 months ago

Quite large now - for years as a Microsoft employee, 100% of our health care costs were covered until January 2013 - the plan all employees get was defined to be a "Cadillac plan" by the ACA that passed, forcing the company to look to new options, and now starting the trickle of making employees share in those costs. Redmond, WA doctors are not happy now that people are refusing more services and work than before.

Marc Colorado4 months ago

I'm 54. I quit smoking after 38 years, I exercise regularly and watch my diet well enough to have lowered cholesterol below levels requiring drugs. The response from my "not-for-profit" health insurer was to raise my monthly premium from $330 to $505 for a $3250 deductible HSA plan. At $3250 deductible + $ 6060 a year premium I dropped health insurance. I've never spent $9310 on health care in a year and I simply can't afford $6060. When I was at the local clinic trying to assemble the 10 years of medical records now required to apply for insurance, (and be sure you've forgotten some unrelated, obscure issue which will be the basis for denial of all claims), I looked the administrators right in the eye and told them that the next time I got hurt or sick I was coming in, getting treated and that they would not be paid. (I live in a rural area and pay a property tax line item to have a clinic in town). I'm trying to pay my own way but the system won't let me. I am semi-retired living on the hard earned gains of building a small business. A good chunk of my income is from a rental property I own free and clear. That's 'rich people's' income and so is not taxed the way ordinary working peoples income is. When the affordable health care act kicks in next year I will show them my tax return and get a big subsidy for some shoddy silver or bronze level plan. I'd really rather pay a couple or three hundred a month in income tax and have it pay for well regulated health care in stead of going to pay off some lobbyists.

Kameron Seattle, WAInsured4 months ago

It makes me incredibly angry to see the cost of routine medical, dental, and other checkups. My dental bill jumped $500 for "periodontal planing" of 1/2 my teeth---which was performed with a water pick in under 20 minutes.

Pete Missoula, MontanaInsured4 months ago

My wife and I, both self-employed, pay about $10,000-a-year in health insurance We both have high deductibles, so end up spending about $20,000-a-year, total, in health care expenses. That's about a quarter of our combined income in low-wage Montana.

Anonymous California4 months ago

I am self employed and over 60. I pay 10,000 a year for private insurance.

Andrew New JerseyInsured4 months ago

Several years ago I went to see a shoulder specialist to consult on an old weight-lifting injury. He saw me for 15 minutes. The bill was $500. No price was quoted up front, of course. My insurer (Aetna) negotiated it down to $275 and paid all but $50 of the bill, but he settlement took weeks of negotiation and multiple letters back and forth. This system encourages fraud and waste on a massive scale. What incentive could the specialist have for charging a reasonable price for his time? None.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

We are fortunate to be able to afford top quality health insurance, but the cost is one of our highest monthly expenses, close to $2000 per month for 2 of us before Medicare, and now approximately $900 per month for 2 of us on Medicare with top of the line supplemental.

Anonymous Baltimore MDInsured4 months ago

I am fortunate to have health insurance (at a reasonable premium) which has kept my family from bankruptcy: my late husband had multiple serious medical conditions which we could not have afforded to treat without insurance. Lately my insurance (I am a retired State employee) offers less in the way of co-pays and hospitalization coverage. But the deductible means I will never have to pay any more than $1,000 out of pocket unless I exceed the catastrophic limit -unlikely. In short, I am fortunate that insurance is a hedge against any rising health care costs; however, I never feel entirely comfortable that my good fortune in having insurance will last.

Mike Des Moines, Iowa4 months ago

We call it industrial medicine. Here in Des Moines, Iowa there is a mile or so of assorted clinics offering assorted services. Most are owned by hospitals and the rest by doctors. General practitioners are no longer available except in clinics where the "family doctor" is allotted ten minutes to deal with what ails with you. It is not quality time - it is quantity time. An office charge is now, I believe, $136. More often than not one is referred to a "specialist" who makes a lot of money. For an allergy diagnosis I suppose I saw the doctor for less than ten minutes (no time for pleasantries). No indication that anyone cares. One can get lost in the system, but the bill always arrives.

Anonymous new jerseyInsured4 months ago

over the last three years, our insurance payments have risen by 50% and our deductibles and copays have risen. coinsurance is the straw that makes our medical costs untenable. the whole idea to me is to get coverage for the drastic, not the routine. with the cost of care so high, a ten percent coinsurance bill can easily run into 5 figures. that must go.

Anonymous Cinnaminson, NJInsured4 months ago

A family member, out of work for 2 years, is now employed. He has a high deductible policy for which he pays. Past experience has led me to ask more questions of physicians when tests or drugs are prescribed and to request that alternatives be explored to costly testing and expensive drugs. We need to be better informed about the reasons for tests, the effects of drugs on our bodies so we, as patients , can make informed decisions about our care.

Anonymous Western WisconsinInsured4 months ago

Preventive services are fully covered by our insurance, and we stay up to date with guidelines. Our deductible increased a couple of years ago, so we hesitate and consider carefully before seeking care for other needs. However, we do have the resources to cover smaller expenses, and our insurance would cover catastrophic events. We are currently healthy, and paying for healthcare does not weigh on our minds. Medical costs do not limit our family's access to care.

Anonymous AZ4 months ago

We are self-employed and have paid more than $80,000 in monthly health insurance premiums since 2005. Our only claims have been misc doctor visits; the insurance is basically for anything catastrophic. To keep costs down, our policy has $10,000 deductibles for each family member. Except for our child, we avoid doctor visits unless absolutely necessary. This has gotten past the point of being absurd.

Rohit New York4 months ago

I am personally covered by insurance but a recent out of town visit to a Boston doctor caused a bill of $566, of which insurance paid only $57. And what was the bill for? For a cough, for heaven's sake. But the high medical bills cause me concern for another reason. They result in less social expenditure in other, just as crucial matters. We must fix this problem!

sm Tallahassee, FLInsured4 months ago

Now that I am finally on Medicare -- having paid over $20,000 a year for basic coverage with huge co-pays for year -- I realize I cannot think of retiring that would leave my wife without coverage (she is 5 years younger). We do not have health insurance in this country. Insurance means spreading the risk. I needed virtually no medical benefits for the first 55 years of my life. Once I turned 55, my premiums shot up because "I was a greater risk." There was no concept that I had paid into the system, taking out almost nothing, for at least 30 years. The medical/insurance industry has turned our bodies into profit centers. Once we become a threat to that profit, i.e. get older or unwell, we are cast aside. No wonder the rest of the industrial world thinks we are immoral.

Anonymous Bear, DelawareInsured4 months ago

Minor impact. We are both in our 70's and in poor health but, with good insurance including Medicare. Without Medicare we would be bankrupt.

Anonymous manhattanInsured4 months ago

not a factor because we have awesome insurance (in academia) and no medical problems. we also get paid very little but we do have awesome insurance (that we don't use). very frustrating - would rather just have the money

Anonymous Minneapolis, MNInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are self employed and we can no longer afford health insurance for our family of four, we are now on Minnesota Care which allows us to pay a small monthly fee for health insurance. If this option was not available we would not be taking our prescriptions because medications such as Flomax, even generic substitutes would not be affordable.

Anonymous ManhattanInsured4 months ago

after rent I pay insurance that uses up almost everything I have earned leaving me to draw on life savings for other basics

Per Norway4 months ago

Reading this from Norway, I'm just shocked. The American medical system seems strange and overpriced seen from the other side of the Atlantic...I pay my taxes, probably higher than yours, but then again, healtcare is free, amongst other things...

R San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

Mostly psychological at this point. My PPO goes up almost 20% a year. I'm 46 and pay 700/month. If it continues at this rate, it'll be $1500/month when I'm 50, and will continue to climb. Scary.

Anonymous Wisconsin4 months ago

We are currently uninsured, paying off med. bills from when we were. Had been on Badgercare, but I finally got a job with health ins. which ended after 5 months. Now we don't qualify for Badgercare until we've been uninsured for a year. But, our idealogue of a Governor is not accepting Medicaid expansion under the ACA; he doesn't want my wife and I "depending" on it. I wish he could walk in my shoes.

Anonymous Rhode Island4 months ago

Having just completed my internal medicine residency I learned very early on to steer clear of the medical complex unless you are truly sick.

Anonymous Detroit areaInsured4 months ago

Virtually insurmountable. Scary doesn't even begin to describe it.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Significant. Our insurance premiums have risen dramatically over the last several years and our benefits have been reduced. It is a constant challenge to manage the costs.

Anonymous Los Angeles4 months ago

As a 3rd generation Americans, we just obtained dual citizenship with another country to obtain healthcare. Earning $40,000 a year, our $2,000 a month premiums went to $4,000 per month at age 60. We refused to play the game any longer, using our retirement savings for premiums, leaving us broke in retirement. Single payer is urgently needed now. Healthcare is a right not a luxury. Other countries realize this. Profit should be out of medicine. It's a basic necessity, like food and water.

suzinne bronx4 months ago

My mother exploited her Medicare benefits to the max. She had heart surgery and then her doctor talked her into having a pacemaker implanted even though she was in her late seventies. I strongly questioned surgery of such an invasive nature at such an advanced age. My mother happily proclaimed she paid all of $10.00 a month on her huge medical bill. So, when she died, age 80, much of the money that would have been my brother and my inheritance went to the outstanding bills.

Kevin Florida4 months ago

I'm 23, and my brother and I used to have health insurance through my dad's union, guaranteed until we turned 27. However, about half a year ago he went on Medicare, and he -- and, by extension, my brother and I -- were dropped from his plan. I'm very fortunate that my mom's side of the family is otherwise very well-off and has no problem paying for our insurance.

Anonymous CT.Insured4 months ago

I am in an income bracket that can afford insurance but also pay far more than my wife would for the same procedures done in her native England. Cost are clearly out of control.

Walt WisconsinInsured4 months ago

Because both my wife and I continue to enjoy (and I mean that literally) medical and prescription coverage provided by our pre-retirement employers (except that now the medical is secondary to Medicare), medical costs do not have a major impact. Yes, premiums have risen, but they remain reasonable. Most important, prescription costs are negotiated down (way down, in many cases) by the large mail-order houses (we’ve used both Medco and Caremark) and those also remain reasonable. It is outrageous, but not surprising that the slaves of wealth who call themselves members of Congress would have forbidden Medicare to similarly negotiate drug prices.

John Bay Area, CA.Insured4 months ago

I have Kaiser Permanente and it has been affordable until I lost my job. Now, I have an individual plan. The co pays and deductible have increased. I am wary to go to the doctor, even for my chronic issues. My monthly payment is $450 and I believe my out of pocket deductible is $2,500/yr.

Anonymous San Francisco4 months ago

I'm still young so medical costs remain low. I worry as I age though the continued pressure on medical costs will lead to drastic changes that will negatively impact young generations just to not raise taxes today.

Anonymous Woodland Park, NJ4 months ago

Thanks to health insurance while I was working, Medicare now, and my present financial ability to buy supplemental insurance and the prescription drug plan, I am doing all right. But potential future uncovered needs can pop up at any time, and are a big worry.

Dan Torre Dayton OhioInsured4 months ago

I have put off an MRI to rule out a serious eye problem, and a CT scan due to my father dying of pancreatic cancer, cue to the enormous costs and the high deductible of my insurance coverage. I have also put off procedures on my hand and feet for the same reasons. This will all come back to haunt me & the health care system later.

Anonymous central New Jersey4 months ago

Luckily I have decent insurance through my former employer so my costs have been reasonable. However, I am very upset about the high cost of health care in the US and the lack of availability for all those who do not have health insurance. If the information on costs of procedures, meds, etc. were more available, I would definitely shop around. However in an emergency situation, that probably would not be an option.

Michael FloridaInsured4 months ago

Very little. As a MD I know that 75% of tests are unnecessary, so I refuse tests routinely suggested by my physicians, as well as the medications they want to prescribe. I also know that generics are the drugs of choice and I have already made my family aware of "end of life" care wishes, ie DNR, Death with dignity (early dementia--> suicide) no nursing home care =time to get off the planet, thanks for the time spent and the education into reality I received. Love to my family and friends.

Jean TexasInsured4 months ago

Very large impact on me. I live on disability as a widow. Medicare premiums high enough. Can't afford co-pays required for tests I need. So I don't have them.

Anonymous IcelandUninsured4 months ago

I now live in a European country with socialized health care; the impact of medical costs on my family is negligible. Still, last year, I braced myself before receiving a hospital bill for a LEEP procedure (to remove precancerous cervical cells) under general anesthesia. I had read horror stories online of LEEP costing women up to $8,000. There was no need to worry: I was charged the equivalent of about $30.

Anonymous Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

They are relatively low because I work for a big institution which has excellent health care coverage.

Anonymous ColoradoInsured4 months ago

Destructive. Prices are obscene and rarely available. Health care insurance is more than a house payment and Obamacare will simply increase the cost more while providing nothing except more paperwork. The insurance companies are a total rip-off. They don't care what the actual costs are-they just increase premiums to cover any cost increases. One big, bureaucratic mess.

Walt Quade Portland, OregonInsured4 months ago

It's a major concern! The entire health care industry is out of control! It's a system that's designed to keep us in the dark and uninformed and to profit insurance companies, doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. This has to end, it's unsustainable, we are on our way to a major train wreck. Every day we suffer from healthcare that is designed to do nothing more than provide profit and coincidentally keep us fat, happy and in the dark.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

Insurmountable mountains of debt that we will never in our lifetimes beat down. And the scary thing is that we have never faced something as catastrophic as cancer or a terrible auto accident. Just a son with epilepsy, a husband with heart disease and various and sundry (and relatively minor) other health situations like sports-related injuries for our other kids. We are sunk, quite frankly and college for all three kids looms closer by the day.

Michael Manhattan 4 months ago

1. If we all decide NOT to pay our health insurance tomorrow, wouldn't that theoretically reset how the process works? 2. If given the choice; I'll go with death. 3. Remind me why I remain in the United States? I was born here. Healthcare was the last remaining reason I didn't want to leave. This article validates that rational is wrong. I pay $300.00 per month with a $10k deductible. It's the cheapest plan I could find being self-employed in NYC. Thank you to the person in the sky (Aliens?) for my general good health.

Anonymous minnesotaInsured4 months ago

We have less food, watch the heating, don't go out for any meals. It stops us putting money back into the economy as we are so tied by our health costs and nothing else. Dental fees are too high as well.

Anonymous Canada4 months ago

Well, I pay my taxes and I get the medical attention I need. Not everything is excellent, but it usually is easy to get the services. Oh, I forgot to tell you, I live in Canada.

Mark AtlantaInsured4 months ago

Kaiser has gone up consistently, 15% compounded as I approached and now am in my early 60's. I may not make it to Medicare at this rate. Georgia rubber stamps every price increase - with their eyes closed - so I feel my state is letting them put the burden on me when other states don't let them get away with these increases. Worse, Kaiser considers a colonoscopy that finds a polyp a procedure for the entire diagnosis and removal, not just the removal. So it gets away with not having to consider the procedure "preventive" in that case, which at this age usually does find a polyp. Not seeing prices in this world is corrupt and I think the Justice Department should indict all of these providers who don't post their prices under the RICO statute.

Anonymous VermontInsured4 months ago

In Vermont we are lucky that is affordable health care available through the state for a variety of income levels .... but lack of dental coverage prevents us from seeking the care we need.

Anonymous TexasInsured4 months ago

It determines the type of work we can do and ties us to jobs that aren't the best for us. It means both parents need to work full time for an employer so that we are safe if one of us ever loses a job.

Vlad ChicagoInsured4 months ago

To avoid paying our insurance deductible twice in case there are complications, our next child will be born after May.

Anonymous Martinsville, NJInsured4 months ago

Minimal, at least thus far.

edith bartlett Buffalo, New YorkInsured4 months ago

I am 76 and have a limited income so I try very hard to do whatever I can to stay healthy. My PCP says I am "fairly" healthy as I have one chronic illness (Rx arthritus). Even so in 2012 I spent approx.$1100 on medical bills.

Doug VTInsured4 months ago

We have been fortunate up to this point. We are covered under my employee plan and we are healthy. What irks me is that we use a lot less than we put into the system, by a long shot. I'm fine with the principle of risk-pooling on the whole. However, I could pay in for years, lose my job, and then get sick the next day- guess I'd just be screwed. It's a poor and unfair system by any account.

Anonymous Grand Rapids, MI4 months ago

I was fortunate to tear my achilles tendon and need emergency surgery in Guatemala. I say "fortunate" because I was a student in the San Francisco area at the time and if I had to pay for that surgery in the US it would have required another student loan, and that was with insurance! Now my husband and I both work and have good insurance, but even then we have a $1000 deductible each and usually one or both of us reaches it each year. I hesitate taking my daughter in when she's sick because just a short office visit with the physician's assistant costs $90, and if we haven't met her deductible yet that's all paid out of pocket. $90 for someone to look in her ear and say, yes it's an ear infection or no, it's not an ear infection. We're not rich and $90 is a lot of money for us!

Anonymous Portland, ORInsured4 months ago

Like many Americans, my grown children and I have had to significantly factor in health-related costs in every life decision we make: Where we'll live, what job to take (or remain in, even when the job is nearly unbearable), whether to have a child. These are all quality of life decisions. I cannot believe the so-called American Dream has come down to this.

Jim W. SacramentoInsured4 months ago

Who needs a boat anyway?

Anonymous Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

I feel most medical tests and procedures are for the benefit for statistics in the medical world, that also includes a lot of surgeries and medicines. It is out of control. People are hesitant to go to a doctor or hospital when something is actually wrong with their health due to high cost. If the ailment does not kill you the medical debt will.

M New York CityInsured4 months ago

The medications that I take for a chronic immune condition, as well as annual quarterly exams and lab-work, are prohibitively expensive. Without supplemental federal assistance, I'd be unable to afford care even with comprehensive insurance. The financial aspects of disease management in the U.S. are incredibly stressful--and place the burden of coordination on patients who already suffer from very real physiological challenges. In Britain, where I once lived, the health system recognizes a patient's personal agency but also provides real support without any of the anxiety and fear that accompanies American insurance and benefit schemes.

Anonymous St Louis, MOInsured4 months ago

we only go to the doctor's office when we absolutely must. We forego all but the most necessary visits. This is also due to physicians ordering so many expensive tests, often to rule out the 1% chance diagnosis, to avoid future malpractive claims. I work with an MD who was sued for malpractice 10 years ago (case was dropped), but she tells me that she now orders every conceivable test. Female patient comes in with back pain: she'll get an MRI to rule out metastatic ovarian cancer.

Anonymous rochester ny4 months ago

we need an updated marcus welby tv show. the impact of medical costs on our family is to transfer our savings to the bank accounts of doctors and health care organizations.

Cara Goubault France (Brittany region)Insured4 months ago

Not much, we live in France. Our son was hospitalized last year for an appendectomy. He was in the hospital four nights, because the doctor wanted to keep him there - not for any complications. In the States this would have been unheard of. We never received a bill, it was covered through public and private insurance (the private covers what the public doesn't). Reading this article makes me want to remain in Europe. I really don't get the inhumane logic of the US "health system" if that's what one could call it.

Anonymous Providence, RIUninsured4 months ago

Right now, nothing.

Anonymous BostonInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are both self employed and pay a little over $20K for our healthcare. This for a policy with $1K deductible per medical incident and a $6K yearly cap. That represents roughly 25% of our income so the impact is significant for us.

Anonymous ChicagoInsured4 months ago

We have high deductible plans that include some preventive care. The high-deductible forces us to ask the price of procedures. Routine exams like ob/gyn exams are extremely expensive, $400 for a bone density scan seems insane. A cardio stress test was priced at $5000 (!) for a test with typically ambiguous results. My husband and I undoubtedly ration our own care because of the costs.

Alain Ades, M.D. New Castle, NH4 months ago

I am a gastroenterologist. This report is totally correct. Hospital charges in Seacoast NH are outrageous for a colonoscopy. Even though I own part of a small Surgical Center, we have set our prices at a quarter of the hospital. Despite that, Primary Care physicians rarely refer to me, Why? They are owned by the hospital. Instead they are being done by by hospital employed surgeons with NO GI or specialty training at 4 times the cost. A Single payer plan will eliminate the overpaid $1,200,000 accountant/hospital CEO. It is so obvious and correct that it will never be adopted.

Frederico Versiani Brasília, Distrito Federal, BrazInsured4 months ago

My family does pay for medical insurance and, from my point of view, it works pretty well. Surelly I had already to pay all by myself for medical services which were not covered by the insurence company. Anyway, I was lucky because they werent expensive at all. I never paid more than 250 dollars for it. Moreover, I'm a young and healthy person who don't smoke, exercise regularly and have a balanced diet, I couldn't state an opinion about how does it effect the personal finance of older people.

Anonymous MarylandInsured4 months ago

We try to take better care of ourselves: more veggies, fruit, exercise. Fewer doctor visits.

MD CAInsured4 months ago

I routinely forgo medical treatment, even though I have insurance. I currently have six active payment plans for previous treatments for my family.

Kathleen Connecticut 4 months ago

This is a necessary investigation. After my mother spent nearly 4 weeks in a Catholic hospital in Connecticut last year dying (I begged for hospice) she died 3 weeks after she was released at home. No follow up, except $1,750 owed. So I asked and pressed for a complete bill and after much push back, I got pages of prices. For instance, the average cost of an over-the-counter pills, such as an aspirin, $3 per pill. I called them and said why should I pay this bill. Reply: Medicare paid these prices. Something is terribly wrong. Thank you.

Antonio Martinez Lawrwenceville, GaInsured4 months ago

It is huge. The ones that abuse the more are insurance companies if you have a long term care insurance. I have never made a claim on my long term health insurance, but shortly after tuning 78 years old my insurance premium went up by 56 percent annually and my wife went up by 75.3 percent annually. All these people involved in health care are blood suckers. I took my wife to the emergency room one morning, after a few tests they insisted that she spend the night at the hospital for another test in the morning. The hospital charged us $16,000 for all this stuff. She could have done the final test outpatient, they insisted in that she should stay in the hospital. Significantly, the test was not done in the morning but late in the day. I believe they did that to charge us for two days in the hospital. Excuse me the typo errors. I am still sick and mad of this type of chicanery. 

Anonymous Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

Bearable. I am retired and have Medicare but the Anthem Blue Cross policy for my wife and 22 year old son is about $7K per year with $5000 deductibles on each. Health care is the single largest perentage of our family annual expenses and growing.

Henry Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

Fairly small, as I have Medicare and both my wife, who is insured privately, and I are healthy. The major expenditure is the private plan health insurance, which costs $300 per month with a $5,000 deductible.

Chuck Hardy Hawaii4 months ago

Medical costs - including insurance (we pay 100%) is 16% of our annual household budget

Anonymous Dallas, TXInsured4 months ago

I haven't had a "regular" doctor for five years, which means I don't receive preventative care and I'm in my mid-50s. My health insurance is so complicated and poor, I'd rather take the risk. Luckily, I've only had one instance when I needed a doctor. It cost me $100 for the visit and when the doctor suggested expensive medications, I ask for generic antibiotics. It may have taken longer to get well but the drugs only cost $4. Our medical system is a BUSINESS and it's a business of illness not wellness. That conflict is such a serious issue for me that I chose not to be a party to it unless I have no choice. The only reason I have medical insurance at all is if something happens, I don't want to burden my family with a catastrophic medical bill.

Anonymous AlaskaInsured4 months ago

My adult child is not insured;he does not get the care he needs for injuries or infections. We have skin cancer in the family and he cannot afford the +/- $800.00 dermatology check up to see if any need to be removed...let alone the costs if they did need to be removed and biopsy. He is fully employed;but no insurance. He has asthma and we can only buy over the counter inhalers which do not work as well. We hope that the 2014 affordable care act will help when it goes into effect. COST? Stress and Worry

Anonymous Boulder, COInsured4 months ago

They can be significant - especially when things like lab tests are not well-covered by insurers. These costs add up and impact our spending decision for the household.

Ron ChicagoInsured4 months ago

Delay noncritical treatment or look online for natural or traditional treatments.

Mike Collins Glastonbury, CTInsured4 months ago

The impact on me is the same as on every family in the united states. I pay more for health insurance than I should and my employer pays more than they should, so they pay me less. Also care for medicaid and medicare pt is more expensive so my taxes are higher. In multiple ways through a convuluted system my money is wasted so I have less for other things. However at least I have health insurance so it is not endangering my health or potentially killing me like it does to the uninsured or underinsured who don"t get care because of costs.

Anonymous New York, NY 4 months ago

My employer pays for most of my premiums. My annual costs are within my budget at $2000/year. However, I recently had an accident which required that I pay approximately $13,000 out-of-pocket initially. I am hopeful that I will get reimbursed but this is worrisome nonetheless.

Anonymous Venice, FL4 months ago

Not significant. We are a family of two, retired persons with Medicare and supplemental insurance and we are fortunate to have excellent health.

Down in the Carribbean Puerto RicoInsured4 months ago

It's almost none because the company which I work for covers almost everything. I only pay a monthly fee of $45.00!!!! which I know it is ridiculously low but I realize that this will not be forever.

Steven Ross, MD, FAAP Steamboat Springs, CO USA4 months ago

Our family's Cigna health insurance lapsed June 1, 2013 after our insurance broker informed us that our premium went up 33%, despite our healthy medical histories and zero visits to the hospital. The awkward problem is that in my profession as a pediatrician, my staff and I work a great deal to encourage our parents to sign up for insurance. Like many families we will put our money in a medical health savings account, rather than pay Cigna 33% more for a 20,000.00 deductible policy. Perhaps if Colorado politicians show the intelligence and courage of their California counterparts, Colorado families might see affordable insurance this winter.

Anonymous 33467Insured4 months ago

The costs (although a VA recipient of free care) effectively shuttle me into the less-than-reputable health providers. More or less my chief characteristic regarding America's health care is cynicism. It is criminal to practice medicine as a market. Morally indefensible.

Robert Manhattanville, UWS, NYC4 months ago

The deductibles for colonoscopies are daunting, particularly at the beginning of the year. Also, I didn't know, until I read this article, that there are other, less expensive, and less invasive diagnostic tools than the cscopy. My gastroMd never mentions them. And, he's an office service guy (i.e., cheaper than the other two facilities described). Great article. I'd like to see the Sunday talk shows take this up as opposed to Benghazi, etc., blah, blah, blah.

Anonymous Royal Oak MIInsured4 months ago

A large percentage of my budget and a great worry.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

Minimal, because we have good health insurance through my husband's employer and are both healthy - for now. I dread the future if either me or my husband have a health crisis. And then there's the health challenges that come with just getting old... A long life used to be something people wished for. Now I'm not too sure.

Anonymous Oklahoma4 months ago

My dad was in a nursing home for two months. He was in that unfortunate situation where he made too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to play for the nursing home. My sister stole his entire life savings and disappeared, leaving me to bear the emotional and financial costs of my father's illness and death. I owe the nursing home 16,000 dollars for two months and I owe 5,000 dollars to the pharnacy they used. Eight thousand a month for a nursing home that did not include specialized care.

Gene Spinner Grand Junction, COInsured4 months ago

Negligible. I am covered by the VA, and Medicare if I decide to go outside the VA. My wife is covered by Medicare. A friend of mine is not so lucky. His 15 year old daughter was just diagnosed with leukemia and is not insured. They may lose her and all their assets.

Anonymous HawaiiInsured4 months ago

I am staying at a job I do not like in a city I can barely afford because my current job offers medical insurance and I am afraid to lose it. My father had to close his engineering business because he could not afford medical insurance for my mother and himself. My boyfriend cannot get his bad teeth pulled because he does not have insurance and cannot afford it. And most families I know are much worse off than us.

Anonymous PennsylvaniaInsured4 months ago

Right now very little as we have an excellent plan. My husband works for a pharmaceutical company. When he retires later this year we will have to use Tricare and pay more in copays and deductibles. Then it will be a bigger impact. We will have to buy a supplemental plan to help offset the copays.

Anonymous Los Angeles, CAInsured4 months ago

Cutting out other expenses, like a new car or a vacation.

Peter Honolulu, HawaiiInsured4 months ago

I have Medicare and supplemental insurance that keeps most of my costs very low for covered services. My wife has private insurance that costs about $600 a month and has a high deductible. Consequently, her expenses are very high and a major problem for us.

Angelo Messa greater Los Angeles areaInsured4 months ago

at this moment, the impact of medical costs on our finances is low, luckily for us.

Trish HonoluluUninsured4 months ago

I have no insurance, though I can get a plan thanks to the new health initiative signed into law by Obama, there is a waiting period. That means I go without routine medical care, and rely on the Internet chat rooms and so forth for advice. Surprisingly, much of the advice offered is quite good. Of course, that would not apply if I were to suffer a significant health issue. Luckily, that hasn't happened yet.

Anonymous WyomingInsured4 months ago

We are a family of two academics, two kids, & everyone is healthy. We have good, stable University jobs. Still, deductibles are so high we forgo preventive care and we have no dental insurance to speak of -- the premiums do not justify the reimbursement proportions. We detest that we do not know the cost of procedures beforehand; no other service exists where a customer shows up, and a few weeks later they get a surprisingly huge bill. The health care situation is truly upsetting to us.

Anonymous Rhode Island 4 months ago

My health care at the moment is free as I'm enrolled in a low income program. But your article has inspired me to do some asking as to the amount of the bills which this program is receiving from the doctors who have treated me. That way I can see how much I'm costing myself and other taxpayers who foot the cost of this low income program. And it will act as a disincentive to get more procedures done, when suggested by a doctor, if I don;t feel they are urgent. I should add that the "impact of medical costs" in my lifetime has been long stretches in which I had no coverage and seldom stepped through the door of a doctor's office. Recently, a sore on my neck was diagnosed as cancerous, and I wish I had been seeing a doctor regularly over the past 10 years as the sore would have aroused my doctor's suspicion when it appeared over a year ago.

Larry Lundgren Linköping, SwedenInsured4 months ago

We live in Sweden so in principle this is not a question we face. Larry Lundgren

Jack Denver Co.Insured4 months ago

Way to high-$750 per month

Carol EU4 months ago

I am from a country with a compulsary insurance so all basic care is practically for free. But some service like psychologist, physiotherapist or modern drugs, more quality hip etc. requires to spend some money. Especially elderly people outlay a considerable part of their pensions. Insurance companies motivate people so that they care for themselves, manage stress and other psychological issues (there is a very good and free mental health test Mentalfit at psychance.com which looks for psychological problems and wrong stress coping), get some movement, stop smoking and emphasise prevency.

Anonymous Winnetka, Illinois4 months ago

None

Anonymous Baltimore, MD4 months ago

Our cost is $15,000 per year for premiums and deductibles.

Anonymous AltantaInsured4 months ago

I make $130K per year and have insurance yet I forgo treatment for a chronic neurological disorder because I just cannot afford the costs. Every year my insurance (Aetna) covers less and less. Used to be 100%, but now less than half. When an MRI is several thousand dollars there is a limit to how many tests you can agree to, even if by most standards you are financially secure. I try to manage my symptoms through lifestyle and diet changes. Some days it works. Others, not so much.

Marc West Orange, New Jersey4 months ago

Sadly, there is no body or agency that can impact this pricing. The various lobbying firms control every aspect of our lives. I entered Medicare today and know that, at least now, my medical costs will be negotiated down. It is a hopeless feeling knowing that the lobbyists own our country.

Anonymous New MexicoInsured4 months ago

Principally, the costs of medical insurance premiums.

BKeil Topeka, KS.4 months ago

I work for government and our wages have been frozen but health care premiums were not frozen and deductible keeps increasing. Since I am a vet I use VA for routine check ups and care. Save insurance for big stuff or emergencies. I had colonoscopy at VA and it is a medical procedure not surgical.

Rick TampaInsured4 months ago

I assist my parents and sisters with bills. Their co-pays for them keep rising

Anonymous Oak Park, IL4 months ago

Although we are a double income lawyer family, the cost of insurance, and of medical care without insurance is a significant factor in my husband's decision to keep working when he would otherwise consider retirement.

Anonymous pennsylvaniaInsured4 months ago

We are fortunate to have decent coverage through our employer, and sufficient funds for co-pays, etc., but we also feel tied to our employer for healthcare insurance coverage. It would be a good thing in the US if we could get to more uniform availability and level of coverage, independent from employment, so that employment and career decisions could be made on their own merits.

Anonymous Annapolis, MarylandInsured4 months ago

Not directly significant

Anonymous SF AreaInsured4 months ago

I am disabled. Before I became eligible for Medicare, I paid over 60% of my income for one year for COBRA insurance and out of pocket costs. It is better now that I am on Medicare.

Anonymous massachusettsInsured4 months ago

We pay premiums, but not much out of pocket, but of course, we could be paying lower premiums if there was any rationality in pricing.

Anonymous Westchester, NYInsured4 months ago

I try to avoid going to the doctor. Period. I go only when absolutely necessary.

scooter mctooter new orleansUninsured4 months ago

i go to a free clinic for artists

Anonymous Los Gatos, CAInsured4 months ago

During my last job search, I picked the job I liked less because of the better coverage they offered.

Steve DenverInsured4 months ago

I have a chronic disease and I have trained myself not to call the doctor or go to the emergency room regardless of my pain level. I purchase services that can impact my condition and minimize tests designed to monitor. I am going to be miserable anyway so I increase my risk level

jacqueline berry cleveland ohioInsured4 months ago

devastating I am a breast cancer survivor and when my premiums went to 1200.00 per month with united health care I switched to Kaiser with a 5000.00 deductible fortunately I am healthy and in the medical equipment business so I know where to shop get medicines that are generic and ask a lot of questions about any procedures conditions physical therapy Kaiser is the future they don't do anything that isn't proven and they keep there costs and premiums low

Anonymous MichiganInsured4 months ago

They are the most costly of all my expenditures, easily over $10,000, with high deductible insurance.

Anonymous rural south dakotaUninsured4 months ago

My husband's insurance premiums are now more than the family plan was five years ago, and he's never sick...I have medicare, and just pay the remainder, although I am going to start asking for additional discount due to my fixed income...without the health care costs, we could afford a new car or a vacation each year...

Bob Aceti CanadaInsured4 months ago

I don't pay for medical doctors, specialists or hospital services, including CT scan and similar diagnostic services. I am a member of an insurance scheme that is funded by taxpayers' income taxes and healthcare taxes geared to taxable income.

Robin Arizona4 months ago

We have had several job changes due to the economy in the last several years and went from excellent insurance to terrible insurance. We paid $600 per month premiums and had an additional $6,200 out of pocket expense in 2012 - and we were healthy! We took huge pay cuts during this same time and the increased expenses are definitely hurting us financially - for the long term. In addition I feel the medical profession doesn't treat the cause - only symptoms. They only know medicine - drugs. I have absolutely no faith in our poor medical / health care system.

Anonymous Illinois4 months ago

I think my partner is legitimately afraid to go to the doctor because she doesn't know the price, and she knows, from all her friends, it will be something very large. It's worrisome, I know that she has put medical check-ups because of this.

Anonymous Oslo, NorwayInsured4 months ago

I live in Norway. My last two visits to the doctor cost about $30. They included an asthma test and several blood tests. That's pretty cheap. I must be insured by the government or something. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but... it's nice not to have to worry about medical costs.

Geo New York StateInsured4 months ago

22.5% of my monthly income goes for health care.

sajid khan Cranston, RIInsured4 months ago

Not much right now. I am healthy. The only drug I use is the eye drops to prevent Glaucoma. But if I have a serious medical condition I will not seek treatment in USA. I know other countries where the health care is good and the cost is a fraction incurred here.

Joanne Kantrowitz ChicagoInsured4 months ago

minimal. We have very good secondary insurance and Medicare.

Anonymous SF Bay Area4 months ago

None so far. I live alone, age 63, female, have Kaiser Permanente coverage through work, get only routine screenings (e.g. mamorgrams) & have no illnesses, so seldom go to the doctor. I pay zero premium and a $15 co-pay per visit. For me, medical costs are a non-issue. But I'm worried that in future the totality of healthcare costs for others WILL impact me financially via higher premiums and/or taxes and/or lower quality of care.

Anonymous ColoradoInsured4 months ago

Extremely important. It forces me to work past my retirement to make sure that my spouse is covered.

Chris RIInsured4 months ago

I pay large insurance premiums and the company I work for has higher costs (potentially negatively impacting hiring) since it pays a large chunk of costs for healthcare.

Anon8 New YorkInsured4 months ago

It's very worrisome. I have a chronic condition and have to take expensive medications in order to survive, not to mention frequent doctor visits to monitor my health. I have insurance, but the anxiety about losing my job and the insurance is always with me. Not to mention that I feel like I can never even think of retiring.

Anonymous Ithaca, NYInsured4 months ago

Directly, it is minimal- I have good insurance from my employer. But who knows how much it impacts my salary, since it adds so much to the employer's costs??

Anonymous WV4 months ago

Large. I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease after the birth of a child, then the next year my husband had to have his gallbladder removed immediately. We keep on saying that we will be able to finally have some savings if no one gets sick; our catastrophic limit is $5K (yes, we hit it multiple years in a row!)

W.A. Morgan PA4 months ago

I am one of the lucky ones who is covered by Medicare, Supplemental which I pay for and prescription drug coverage where I have a 20% co-pay but some reductions in usual costs.

Anonymous Arlington, WA Uninsured4 months ago

If the drugstore clinic can't cover it, it is catastrophic. No health insurance.

Anonymous PittsburghInsured4 months ago

So far, very little. But when I think about the money that is taken out of my salary for health insurance compared with the health care that I actually 'use,' I turn over far more money to the insurance company than I would spend if it was out of pocket. And when I think about my money going for useless overpriced procedures or for care for people who choose to smoke and over eat, well, it troubles me. It is out of control. We pay too much and value specialists and technology too much.

Glenn Silbert Marlboro, NJInsured4 months ago

As a self-employed family, health insurance has easily become my largest single out of pocket expense. The monthly cost adds a real level of stress! Will be able to afford this much longer?

Anonymous Athens, GAInsured4 months ago

Spouse and I have Medicare and good supplemental insurance. Recently, when I found at pharmacy how much a med for toe fungus would cost to Medicare, I refused it. At first I refused when thinking we would pay, then later refused it anyway. Atrocious cost for a minor problem that is growing out & healing on its own, as I no longer wear sneakers and sox for more than an hour or so at a a time.

John Laaper Coshocton, OhioInsured4 months ago

We are both on Medicare, but think that United Health's AARP supplemental insurance is ridiculously expensive

Mary California4 months ago

Modest - we have employer medical insurance. But the key thing is belonging to Kaiser, an HMO with an aggressive stance on preventive care. They minimize their costs by keeping us healthy and giving us the least invasive, most cost effective treatment that gets us better fast when we are sick or injured. I don't understand why all Americans aren't clamoring for this health care model.

Birgir IcelandInsured4 months ago

Minimal.

Ludmilla San Francisco, CA4 months ago

Even though I am healthy, employed, and insured, I know I am only one bad car accident away from financial ruin. And so is nearly every other person I know.

Anonymous nokomis, flInsured4 months ago

minor

Mark Packer Spartanburg, SCInsured4 months ago

Before we hard employer-provided insurance, health care costs for my wife, who has fibromyalgia, were devastating. The pharmacy bill along consumed more of our income than almost anything else.

Fed Up NYCInsured4 months ago

I postpone care, treatment, doctors appointments due to deductible, and huge costs despite my $600 monthly premium. One would think that such a huge premium would result in only needing to make a $20 co-pay for all medical care, but one would be wrong to think that.

Anonymous Truckee, CAInsured4 months ago

The costs are very high. I have a private plan with a high deductable that I only would use in emergencies. The plan offered to me at my work is too expensive. I am seeking financial aid for/ disputing a recent ER visit. The bill was full of arbitrary, unexplainable costs that even the billing department was unable to decipher. If health care was more affordable, I would have been able to simply pay the bill and move on.

Jim Matthews Fort Mill, SCInsured4 months ago

Huge. I am 60 years old, a self-employed optometrist. My BCBS policy for me and my wife is $26,000 a year. And that comes before a $3,000 deductible. That makes it difficult to save for retirement. I am lucky, I can afford it. Many of my older patients not yet on Medicare can not. Now I am going to wear my optometrist hat. Your article misses a huge cost to our system....the insurance middleman. It takes more time to deal with all these insurances that if does to offer care. I have run out of space!

Pawn Boston, MA4 months ago

Health costs are moderate, about 5% of our family income. Sad to read this article. Why is Lipitor so high? Because someone has to pay for the commercials shown during the Superbowl. Until the US Congress is no longer servant to the AMA, Big Pharma and Health Insurers, the costs will continue to rise. Every people deserve the government they elect.

Anonymous OverseasInsured4 months ago

We have good I insurance as Foreign Service employees - still the monthly payments are substantial and we still have large co-pays until we reach our deductible. I worry a lot about the period from my late 50s util Medicare kicks in....

Anonymous Rome, ITALY4 months ago

Negligible, fortunately. That said, as American expats who have lived abroad for most of the past 26 years, we never cease to be amazed at the utterly ridiculous cost of health care in the United States. We know from personal experience that the very same medical procedures that carry unquestionably reasonable price tags--performed by the hands of skilled and well-trained physicians and specialists in South Africa, Switzerland, Germany, France and Israel--are priced "out of the stratosphere" back home in the U.S. While not proposing regulation simply for its own sake, there clearly must be a better way to resolve this problem.

Anonymous Fort Lauderdale FLInsured4 months ago

By far the highest cost item is the price of individual insurance - even though its a high deductible plan. I'm healthy and take only a few inexpensive generic drugs.

S Ramanathan. Morganville,NJInsured4 months ago

I am a retired physician and being relatively healthy have very little impact , I have supplemental insurance and have to meet the deductibles only. All the same, medical care costs are so high, we have to confront the medical costs and 1) patients and the insurers should know the approximate costs before care 2)The government or some entity should fix at least upper range of costs for the total bills. If not the costs would swallow our GDP and still will be hungry for more!!

LeoK San Dimas, CA4 months ago

Huge impact. Mostly because of having solo health insurance of $860 a month, soon going to $940. But I have a couple ongoing conditions and would pay a fortune in prescription costs without it. WHY in God's name do drugs go for such drastically different prices in the US vs Canada. Methinks we're being screwed!

Anonymous New York City4 months ago

I live in Manhattan and have been paying my own health insurance for 29 years. I am considering returning to my home town of Toronto--Canadians just don't have to worry about the burden of health costs and the prospect of bankruptcy. No wonder the U.S. doesn't make the list of the ten most happiest nations . . .

Paul MichiganInsured4 months ago

Not a lot. We are a healthy family. We have a high deductible health plan by our choice. Health insurance, for us, is to cover the really big expenses. One issue is that Medicare does not cover costs overseas. Making it an issue for travel, and for potential relocation overseas in retirement. Not to mention that you cannot go overseas for a lower price and have Medicare pay.

RS Downey michigan4 months ago

As is said by practitioners, "worth $250 if you do it right, $2.5 million for the plaintiff and lawyers if you do it wrong"

Colleen Patterson Anchorage, AKInsured4 months ago

My impact? Right now decductible and copays approx $1,000 per year. What is out there waiting as I age? Anyone's scary guess. I have had to stop having a perior supplemental coverage in addition to Medicare as its costs hit $2400 per year. I watch how the costs of my simple office visits compute - many clinics/hopitals do not even itemize and attribute their total cost for a visit; or how they have determined what my cost remaining is wonder why? Why is it so hard to shop drug costs from one pharmacy to another? Why is it legal for doctors clinics t sell / profit/ from drugs? If our legislators had a nichol's worth of caring and courage, they would campaign on these realities. I thank you absolutely for running this very strong presentation of information today.

Anonymous Kansas CityInsured4 months ago

I am self-employed. I ultimately signed up for an on-line college course to have access to student health insurance. My husband refuses to take a class and is now uninsured. We hope he doesn't get sick.

B. OStroska Los Angeles, CA4 months ago

Huge: my grand daughter has a seizure issue along with a compromised immune system which demands very expensive blood product infusions each month. The insurance coverage for this 5 year old baby is astronomical and eats up any savings that her mother and father might be accuering towards becoming homeowners. The treatments she receives are the parents' priorities, of course, but it is an incredibly difficult financial situation for them and of course, as grandparents, both families are called upon to help out from time to time.

Anonymous ChicagoInsured4 months ago

We have a high deductible insurance plan. I have not been to the doctor in over eight years, and don't plan on going soon.

Anonymous Utah 4 months ago

I am a Type 2 diabetic, and like most diabetics, I take Metformin and Januvia. These are both "maintenance drugs" -- meaning that I will take them every day the rest of my life. Metforrmin is generic, and I can buy it in the U.S. for about $4 a month. But Januvia is more than $300 per day, and I cannot afford to buy it in the United States. Therefore, I travel twice a year to San Diego, walk across the border to Tijuana where the IDENTICAL pill of Januvia costs about 40 CENTS per day -- thanks to Mexican government regulation of pharmaceutical companies and drugs. This price differential is the direct result of the U.S. government NOT being able to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies (who evidently OWN Congress) so that pharmaceutical companies can and do gouge Americans.

Anonymous Fitchburg, MAInsured4 months ago

Our biggest costs are insurance premiums:$25,979.16 (including $3,262.50 for long-term care insurance). We also had out-of-pocket expenses of $5,266.93, including $1,226.75 in co-pays for prescriptions (insurance paid $11,002.18 for prescriptions). That's for two of us, one over 65, the other under.

Anonymous Lake Stevens, WA4 months ago

I have a friend and an uncle who both got admitted and worked-up in the regional medical center north of Seattle. For a 24 hour admission, they were both billed in excess of $25,000 which included a stress test with nuclear imaging and other initial work-up. They were sent home the next day with a diagnosis of atypical chest pain and no obvious cause of symptoms with no medications prescribed. Follow-up care was also not properly addressed. Something is broken in our healthcare system.

Anonymous OHIOUninsured4 months ago

I have heart damage from Rheumatic Fever. I cannot get insurance. I pay cash for major medical cycles. This year I could not get a biopsy / D & C as a cancer check because it cost $20,000 as a cash patient. I have stopped even going to doctors. I have a good income (over $150K), but it's not enough. I now rely on good life-style as a preventative.

Anonymous New JerseyInsured4 months ago

Very little at this point as we have Medicare and a good secondary plan paid for as part of public service retirement. We worry however about the future as the state may have to cut these benefits.

Jim Los Angeles4 months ago

Most developed democracies have huge government bureaucracies that provide employment for a giant chunk of the population. As big as our government is, we don't come close. Instead of paying high taxes to support such a bureaucracy, we pay for gigantic military expenditures (essentially a government-paid-and-operated jobs program) and for health care (employing many more people than necessary for a given result). It all comes out in the wash.

Anonymous Illinois4 months ago

Insurance premiums alone are the highest business expense for my husband's small business. Couple that with a high deductible, and the main reason for having it is in case of catastrophic events.

Lew TennesseeInsured4 months ago

Currently there's little impact. I'm covered by Medicare, and I can afford a supplement and a drug policy.

Isaiah SeattleInsured4 months ago

Instead of getting ripped off by my insurance company and pharmaceutical companies, my wife and I glue lacerations with super glue and take copious amounts of vitamins. I have stitched myself with dental floss previously soaked in alcohol. I will do anything possible to not let myself be at the mercy of my insurance company; they have no mercy, and they lack humanity.

Anonymous BrazilUninsured4 months ago

My wife is from another country. When we decided to be together I moved to her country because I was too worried about how we would be able to afford medical costs. She's in her mid 50s and I'm in my upper 50s. The monthly cost is already too high. And she has high blood pressure. With "pre-existing conditions" we didn't even know whether we could find her coverage.

Anonymous TexasInsured4 months ago

Our medical bills, monthly, outnumber our utility bills, monthly. Having a chronic autoimmune disease leaves me with no alternative when it comes to seeing a doctor regularly. We do have insurance, but the deductible is the real issue for us. There are times that I wish we could be in another country for the care that I'll require for the rest of my life. I've been repeatedly harmed in the care of doctors and hospitals, which has cost an unnecessary extra expense on top of everything else. And, I know personally that physicians make an exorbitant amount off people and their insurance. I have a relative that is an anesthesiologist. He makes enough money to take family trips all over the world 'at least' twice a year. That seems absolutely wrong to me when people are suffering and can't get affordable care.

jim busch louisville, kyInsured4 months ago

we decided to change our health care insurance to a high deductible plan ($5000/person) with a health savings account (HSA) in hopes that our premiums would stay low. in the six years since changing to the high deductible and HSA our premium costs have increased on average 22.5% per year. i cannot continue to afford the luxury of a private health care plan. i will likely apply for Medicade when Kentucky expands the program at the end of this year. i too have not been able to get prices from providers prior to service. i tried to "shop" for the cheapest MRI but no providers could or would give me a price. That should be legislated into a health care bill of rights. As it is we do not have a free market in health care, we have a pluralistic monopoly that immorally uses fear of poor health, pain and death to manipulate pricing.

Simon Hova Throggs Neck, NYInsured4 months ago

We've delayed starting our family for many years until I found a job that provided me with health insurance. It's been very frustrating trying to make long term plans around our career.

Sue Ellen Collins Asheville, NCInsured4 months ago

Health care is outrageously costly for everyone and yet we do not have the best health care. We need to eliminate the greed in the health care system including physicians, pharmaceuticals and insurance companies.

Larry New York CityInsured4 months ago

Minimal...I have Medicare plus Empire/BC supplement. But recent hip replacement -- at NYU Hospital for Joint Disease -- plus physical therapy cost more than $150,000. Almost none of which I paid. I was staggered to see that my insurance covered most of these costs.

Kelley Providence, RI4 months ago

I am fortunate to have an excellent employer-based insurance plan for which I pay a very reasonable amount, based on my low salary. However, I have a brain tumor that requires quarterly MRI surveillance, and my wife is self-employed. So if I were to lose my job or if I were unable to work because the tumor grew, we would be in dire straits. I went through emergency surgery and radiation in New Zealand, where my oncologists (who had US experience) said that the cost of my care was probably about 1/5 of what the US would charge.

Anonymous Berkeley, CAInsured4 months ago

The monthly premiums take up a large part of my disposable income, reducing my ability to purchase other items. I have to prioritize purchases based on need vs. want. There are so many things I want...

Jason Hawaii4 months ago

A wonderful article and always great to spotlight healthcare inequities, especially between the U.S. and other countries. I lived in the Philippines a few of years ago and after having an accident, needed an MRI (which cost $250 there) and back surgery (which was billed at roughly $5000 all inclusive). The hospitals were much nicer than those in the U.S. and the doctors and surgeons were all U.S.-trained. If you don't have insurance, I would strongly encourage medical tourism especially to the Philippines as they have an amazingly cost-efficient and effective healthcare system. More recently, I slipped a second disc in an unrelated event while here in the U.S. My doctors ran a collection of tests totaling over $10,000. $1000 of that was merely for blood work, a portion of which my insurance company would not cover after the fact, citing that the tests were typically performed for organ transplants and therefore, falling under the transplant category, were not covered. I now take Celebrex as an NSAID with a prescription copay of $150/month, knowing that I could walk into the pharmacy in the Philippines and buy the exact same medication for $1 a pill. Something is really broken when only U.S. citizens are getting price gouged by the pharmaceutical and medical industries.

Katherine M. MAInsured4 months ago

Like most people, our family income has not increased at all (no raises for 10 years, lately minor increases of 2%, which do not catch us up at all.) Meanwhile, our medical premiums have gone up every year. The deductible has gone up every year. The procedure "costs," which are extremely opaque have also risen every year. Even with both an HSA and an FSA, medical costs are about 15% of our income.

Karen Boston4 months ago

In the last 4 years my employer has shifted healthcare plans 3 times, with each new offering shifting more and more of the cost burden to me. Though I am grateful to have employer-sponsored insurance (and coverage of 80% of the individual premium), I've seen a significant increase in out-of-pocket costs, from 100% coverage of costs outside of office visit fees to $100 here and there depending on services needed. I'm currently sitting on a $266 bill representing my portion of a diagnostic scan that was billed at $1,560.

L C Hinkley Denver, COInsured4 months ago

Chaotic! I paid nothing for a complex spine surgery (9 fusions, pelvis through T10), but expenses for my aging mother in law, who has Alzheimer's but is otherwise healthy, is extremely expensive.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

Extremely frustrating. We enjoy great health yet pay $1291 per month for a family of 3. The entire system is an outrage. Great point in the comments regarding the cost of education in the US as an additional reason doctors want to continue to charge excessively to pay back student loans. Thank you to The New York Times for exposing this and continuing this series. I believe the awareness from these articles can build momentum for real change.

Anonymous Bay Area, CA4 months ago

I opt out of meds where I determine they are optional and that there are other options.

Anonymous Fresno4 months ago

We can ill afford to be ill. We only seek medical care in case of emergencies, rather than preventative health care.

Mark Bangkok4 months ago

I live in Bangkok and have access to a wide range of healthcare providers. If it is something serious we have more reputable hospitals that I can trust, for a fraction of what I'd pay back in the US. I have a health plan from my Thai employers and I have private, catastrophic health insurance for $550 per year. Please listen to me everyone: don't waste your money on $1400 a month health insurance. Put that money in your own health savings account and if anything big happens fly to another country and get it done.

Suzan Lineville, ALInsured4 months ago

Well, actually- my husband (69) and I (64) take no prescription medications. We are both extraodinarily healthy. My observation is that I have seldom seen folks on one prescription medication. Usually, a "side-effect" develops and one or two other prescriptions are recommended. Most folks I know are taking up to six prescriptions at our age. When a prescription is recommended for us, we usually find a healthy alternative. We have a physician and get regular check-ups. We also see an acupuncturist, when we feel it necessary. We question our providers about how we can manage our own care.

Barbara Kemery St. Louis4 months ago

It is huge - I buy my own insurance, and I have a high deductible. When I add the problem of being unable to determine the cost of a procedure in advance, the whole thing is just a nightmare. As a result, I do not seek medical care unless I think I have a serious problem. I am looking forward to Medicare.

Lia Healdsburg, CAInsured4 months ago

It is significant -- even more so now that my husband and I are both recently self-employed. We're considering changing to a deductable-based plan, but it worries me because the pricing is so inflated and opaque. I don't want to have to say no to care, either for myself or my family, because a particular treatment is just too costly. The market-driven healthcare system in our country is truly insanity. There's no conceivable way it CAN work ... for the patient, that is.

gail morris sparta nj4 months ago

Massive...son had severe Traumatic brain injury at 17. He is now 29. Private health insurance picked-up most of hospital..months in ICU. but specialists bills, wheelchairs specialized, renting hand splints, etc.

Expat Prague, Czech Republic4 months ago

I'm a U.S. citizen with a visa to live in the Czech Republic, where we have universal single payer coverage. Because I'm self-employed, in the U.S. I didn't have (couldn't afford) health insurance. Here I can because the monthly insurance payments are low (and so are medical costs in general).

Charles San Jose, CA4 months ago

I was misdiagnosed (w/ no MRI) w/ "stenosis", and got 2 new disks in my neck. But a tumor was on my spine in mid-back, it soon was Stage IV. I sued (age 50, divorced) & was dropped (a $250K cap in CA) when the lawyer left the firm. I held back $51,000 of the $151,000 Blue Shield sent me to reimburse (non-subscriber) Valley Med. Center, San Jose. That was in 2003. My income is SSI and they can't touch it, nor my inheritance. They sued, I ignored them, and bought 5.5% CDs.

Anonymous Bronx NY4 months ago

For nearly 6 years I lived and worked overseas in a country that has a national health care plan. It was devastating to come back to the U.S. and no longer have access to the kind of medical care I had previously. I am older and try to eat healthy and exercise and not worry about what may never happen. Still, I am pretty much on my own and any kind of serious illness would probably leave me completely within the social services system as I have no other support whatsoever. It is not a pleasant thought but something I've accepted.

Anonymous NYC4 months ago

Making it impossible to save for a family or old age. Moving abroad soon.

Calpurnia Salt Lake CityInsured4 months ago

It's not just the medical costs, which are obscene, it's the price of insurance premiums and publicly-traded insurance companies' need to make profits for their shareholders. I am a year and a half away from Medicare; for now my COBRA payments eat more than half of my Social Security monthly benefit. My savings are bleeding out.

Anonymous Fort Lauderdale4 months ago

Have to use savings to pay for health insurance.

will segen san franciscoInsured4 months ago

So far it's been negligeable. If a procedure would cost me over a grand, well, that would be a plane ticket to paris or cologne. No, it's not about subsidies or social med, this is about actual cost. I have received social med treatment abroad as well. Same same.

James Arizona4 months ago

I think the cost of healthcare in this country is insane. But the insanity is rampant - when I mention this to my friends, they have a blank look on their faces like there is no problem here. I think you should poll the public on this. I'll bet that fewer than 10 percent think health care costs are a significant problem in this nation. Your article is a too rare attempt at education.

Anonymous boston, maInsured4 months ago

Less visits for minor ailments, injuries, pains or dental work and care. Result can be non-existent or infrquently, a condition worsens and care is required but now possibly more expensive. A gamble.

Anonymous wynnewood paInsured4 months ago

none

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

We all pay high premiums but don't use our insurance/the doctor very often. The actual cost of my health care is about 2% of what I personally pay for health care insurance.

Lito Hernanz Oregon, USAInsured4 months ago

Higher premiums meant lower wages. Higher costs overall meant higher taxes on top of the lower wages.

Srini Tyler, TXInsured4 months ago

Fortunately, we are young and healthy - so it is not a big burden yet. But I worry what would happen once we get older. The philosophical underpinnings of health care delivery in the US bother me just as much. It needs to change both for financial and humane issues.

Anonymous MinneapolisInsured4 months ago

Someone in my family had a two second procedure--two squirts of nitrous oxide on a wart and was charged $800.00 medical bill plus a $500.00 facility fee. How is that for ridiculous!!

Anonymous Albany, NYInsured4 months ago

I've never tallied the total amount, but I'm grateful my husband is healthy because I see many physicians and am constantly paying copays. I thank God I have very good health insurance coverage through my former employer; I'm retired now, at age 66.

Anonymous Slidell,LouisianaInsured4 months ago

Since I am a medicare recipient and I have purchased a medicare supplement from among those 10 kinds of supplements approved by medicare when I became eligible, and I have required very few hospitalizations since then, my costs have been mainly confined to increases in my supplement insurance premiums and the costs of office visits to primary care physicians. Therefore the impact of rising medical costs have been largely minor, on my current relatively solitary life style of life as a full-time trailer park resident.

Anonymous CT, USA4 months ago

My wife spent 12 days in the hospital due to complications from my daughter's birth. The bill from the birth and hospital stay at Yale New Haven came in at around $150,000. Insurance paid a negotiated lower rate and we paid a couple thousand out of pocket due to the way our plan works, which really wasn't a problem for us overall, but I can't imagine what we would have done without the insurance. As it stands we decided to take a plan that came out of pocket more, because we would be paying thousands a month out of my paycheck with a no-deductible plan. We still pay upwards of $1200 a month for this family plan.

Anonymous New york4 months ago

My sister died a few months ago (viral infection) due to my family hesitating to take her to the hospital in fear of not being able to afford the bills. The people running this country are out of touch with the reality of many people who simply can't afford these outrageous bills. It's funny that many of the countries we condemn (Iran, Cuba, etc...) provide free medical care to their citizens and yet we presume our country superior.

Anonymous New York City4 months ago

Thanks to insurance, not much. But even though I also have a dental plan, I don't really use it because twice I have been to dentists who performed unnecessary procedures. Can't trust them.

Cynthia SyracuseInsured4 months ago

The higher the costs of medical care the higher the cost of insurance premiums and the higher our nations debt.

Anonymous Tennessee4 months ago

My husband has a high deductible plan from his employer. We buy all our drugs from Canada since the cost for 3 months is far less than the "discounted" price we get through the insurance plan mail pharmacy. Same drugs- we can even get brand-name cheaper than US generic.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

My budget is tight, I am nearly always worried that an unexpected medical cost (accident, unplanned appointment etc.) will throw off the balance.

Lucinda Piersol Manhattan in winter, Long Island4 months ago

;My husband and I are personally OK, except for dental expenses. Our daughter, age 44, and a free-lance art teacher (meaning she is not certified and does not have an affiliation with a single school) in the public system, living with a free lance musician who works selling at flea markets, says she will not be able to afford Obamacare, much less weather severe unexpected medical expenses. She now has some insurance.

Anonymous Canada4 months ago

I suffered a V-tach event while on vacation in California. The hospital charges amounted to more than $26,000 for some tests and an overnight hospital stay. Thankfully, travel insurance paid. Months later the genetic cause of my heart problem was found by doctors in Canada. I now have a Medronic ICD/pacemaker. I wonder how I could have afforded the necessary health care if I lived in the States and did not have insurance. My genetic condition might make getting health insurance in the U.S. difficult. (And, Canadian doctors were amazed at the size of my California bill.)

Anonymous San Francisco Bay, CaInsured4 months ago

We are one of the lucky ones. For both of us, Medicare premium is $2496/yr, my retirement healthcare premium is $3720/yr (as supplemental) plus $15 copay for office visit. Then there are various medicine copay with an insurance clerk between us and our doctors. As I said, we are one of the lucky ones since we can comfortably afford that price tag.

Anonymous Bethesda, MDInsured4 months ago

Nil. We have military health care, courtesy of the generous US taxpayers. We receive services equivalent to those of a pretty good, second rate, HMO and never see a bill or a salary deduction. The current patchwork of subsidies and commercial interests is manifestly unsustainable and ripe for exploitation. As a physician with weak, leftish predisposition, I prefer the single payer solution, but I would readily support a consistent, market-based approach to rationalizing the system, reducing the number of hands in the pot, and cutting costs.

Anonymous Staten Island, NYInsured4 months ago

Starting last year I now have to contribute towards my medical costs, but it is not causing me any financial problems.

Rahul Dhingra Bangalore, IndiaInsured4 months ago

Very Less. Since Medical costs for me are covered by my employer. My parents now retired are covered by Low premium insurance policies.

J. San George Mesa AzInsured4 months ago

My wife is a Nurse Practioner. Our health insurance thru a large kidney practice has a $5000 deductible. This is in addition to our monthly contribution. Last year we didn't qualify for any actual coverage until late December and that was for only a few prescriptions. In effect, the only real coverage we receive is that of being billed at an insurance rate of which we have to pay 100%.

Anonymous New Hampshire4 months ago

Medical costs are a big expense even though we are insured. Our out of pocket share is quite high this year:we already owe nearly $1000 for eye exams & routine stuff. We remain healthy by exercise & eating right: real food, mostly plants, not too much (and cross our fingers!) I'm in my 50s and will not go in for a checkup because I'm sure they will find "something" to fix...and the fix will be costly. of course our children get regular vaccines and eye exams so we can't totally avoid the medical care racket.

Anonymous usa4 months ago

we have no insurance - that is what has happened and we will go overseas for our care.

Glenn New Brunswick, NJ4 months ago

We are covered by a good insurance plan by my employer and we have been in good health so the impact is minimal. We started paying a share of the employer's insurance cost 2 yrs ago, but it is not an unreasonable share.

Kathleen Camarillo, CA4 months ago

I had a colonoscopy at age 35 because of IBS. Yes it was expensive, I paid out of pocket for anesthesia. The doctor found a precancerous tubulovillous adenoma. If I waited until 50, I may never have survived to see my kids graduate from high school. My sister also had a colonoscopy because of my results and her doctor found precancerous polyps. Its a colonoscopy every 3 years for me. My kids are worth it.

Lee Northern VirginiaInsured4 months ago

LUCKILY I am still working (66) and have Kaiser Permanente through work. I may have to work forever.

Barbara Baird Rolling Prairie, INUninsured4 months ago

I am unemployed, and for the 3rd time in my adult life (55 years old) am without health insurance. My husband is disabled, has Medicare and uses the local VA Clinic. I have no insurance, and this week I negotiated the cost of the doctor's office visit, made follow up calls to obtain prices and selected a laboratory for blood tests based upon costs. My family physician's nursing staff's new routine is asking if I have ever had a colonoscopy before saying hello and asking what my ailment is. I became irritated and received a tongue lashing from the doctor, stating that the question has nothing to do with the care I would receive during my visit. Why are they suddenly so concerned about it, and that being said, don't read the chart to get the answer themselves? I am still paying for last July's scope on my stomach. The cost of one test determines if you can afford your annual physical - when you are still in debt 1 year later!

Anonymous Boston, MAInsured4 months ago

When we lived in Finland for 2 years, the procedure was performed in a Doctor's office, without anesthesia. The patient could get up and go back to work, quite easily, afterwards. From that point on, we choose to avoid the anesthesia,which lowers the cost, and quickens the recovery time. The doctors here were initially opposed to this, but have accepted the choice. The title is misleading; the truth is that colonoscopies WITH anesthesia, performed in a hospital with high overhead, are expensive. The analogy would be to get a dental screening in a hospital with high overhead and anesthesia, that took hours to recover from.

Anonymous Durham, NCInsured4 months ago

Now that my husband and I have individual policies, the impact of the monthly premiums alone makes me catch my breath.

Anonymous Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

My wife and I are 66 years old. We are both fundamentally healthy - proper weight and diet, no smoking, no drinking, physically active our entire lives. Yet in the past 6 years we have spent tens of thousands of dollars on my health care - all from retirement savings, which were also depleted by the stock market crash (twice). Most of the money was spent when we had no insurance at all. Medicare saved us, beginning only in late 2011, but still we have over $2,000 in bills from my recent melanoma surgery for two small and uncomplicated lesions on my back. During the time we didn't have insurance, a similar small lesion on my leg cost us more than $16,000. I still have prostate cancer, which alone has cost us at least $50,000. And those tens of thousands of dollars would have been far, far more had we not strenuously bargained with the providers to pay no more than they would have been paid by insurers. That process was beyond stressful. It's been a nightmare to say the least, emotionally and financially. And among the emotions is a large dose of anger, even fury, at the sheer stupidity and unbridled avarice of the entire system, along with fear for our later years, for we will only become less healthy and poorer.

Sharon AtlantaInsured4 months ago

We have insurance through my husband's employer, but will soon begin to lose coverage for our children. We are careful to use only in-network providers and maintain good health habits, but we got slammed by one ER visit ($8000 to say they didn't know what was wrong!) and 2 colonoscopies. Our country needs single-payer insurance and caps on pharmaceuticals!

A. Watts Atlanta, GAInsured4 months ago

I am on social security and medicare. When I hit the donut hole, which will happen very soon, I will not be able to aford my insulin.

Anonymous Rochester, NY4 months ago

I am retire from Xerox Corp (laid of at 60). I have pre-65 retiree insurance. It is a high deductible policy that was suppose to cost about $1700.00 per year for my wife and me. It went up to $4700.00 in the first year I applied for it. Fortunately my wife's part time job supplies a similar plan for only $500.00/year. My single plan that provides eye and dental for my wife as well is $1800.00/year. I just had a colonoscopy and polyp removed last year, that was no cost to me.

MJ Miltner Vienna, Austria4 months ago

fortunately, it does not impact our family.

Anonymous San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

Although I have medical insurance through work, my out-of-pocket expenses in 2012 were well over $5k.

Kristin MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

My health insurance costs are shared by my employer and my contribution is about 12,000 a year.

Glenn New Brunswick, NJ4 months ago

It is a limited out-of-pocket cost as we are covered by a good health insurance plan. We started paying a share of my employer's insurance cost 2 yrs ago, so this has increased costs, but not to a burdensome level.

Anonymous NJ4 months ago

Recently, my mother was into the ER. I wanted to try to keep her at home, but her doctor and the visiting nurse persuaded me. The ER doctors told me she needed to be admitted. My mother came out 4 days later without any improvement and with a urinary infection picked up at the hospital. We just received a copy of the billing and payment information on the 4 days. The hospital was reimbursed by Medicare just under $64,000. $12,000 a day! So many things wrong with the incident, and probably repeated thousands of times a day.

Caroline Burbank, CA4 months ago

I have Medicare and a secondary insurance (AARP) for which I pay a total of $395 per month. This is a lot on a low fixed income but I have been sick and this guarantees that all will be paid. My children and their families are going broke I think!

Ron Pittsburgh, PA4 months ago

Some years ago, both my wife and I were freelancers. We had a good client base and weren't tied to a clock. When we worked, we worked long and hard, but we also had a lifestyle which appealed to us and which was, for the people who hired us, the best possible option. Everyone was happy. However (you knew it was coming...) we could not sustain that model for one reason; the limited health care options available to us and their high cost. So essentially we were forced to make serious career decisions based on that single factor. We hunkered down and took full time jobs which offered a health care package. This is not how this should work. The stranglehold which insurers and hospitals (increasingly they are the same company) have over our well-being and our financial resources is shameful. No, worse, it's sick.

Anonymous Columbus, OHInsured4 months ago

Very little, due to insurance coverage. However it is obviously a profit mill as the article describes.

Adrienne Atlanta, GAInsured4 months ago

I'm lucky to have great insurance coverage, but I still elect to forgo some procedures with higher co-pays.

Steve Littlefield Chenango County, NYInsured4 months ago

Thank you for your articles on the screwed up American Medical Care System. We need more of these articles. I landed in the hospital without insurance in the 1970's and needed 10 years to pay off the bills. It caused me to live in poverty as I began my career. Today, it would be much worse. Between over diagnosis, over treatment and over billing, our medical care system is a mess.

Anonymous Miami, FLInsured4 months ago

Marginal for parents (both on Medicare), extremely crucial for uninsured son. He had better not suffer anything catastrophic before 2014.

Anonymous ri4 months ago

significant. we purchase health insurance privately. mine is $400/month and my husband's is near $300. They want an 18% increase in rates for next year. $700/month for health insurance for 2 healthy people (we are normal weight, take no prescriptions) is already too much. also, why should mine be so much more? because of maternity coverage? shouldn't i get a discount for having my tubes tied?

Eric Knibbs Williamstown, MA Insured4 months ago

negligible; my wife and I are young and healthy, we have no kids and don't plan to, and we have amazing insurance through my employer.

Anonymous New YorkInsured4 months ago

I have Medicare. My secondary insurance is Blue Cross/ Blue Shield. My husband and I, though in our 80s have very good health. Taxes have a much greater impact than our medical expenses

Anonymous San Francisco4 months ago

I never had health insurance until I went to graduate school at the age of 34. This includes the time when I worked for an ERISA attorney managing corporate health plans. Most of that job was figuring out how to exclude people from their health plans. I guess it's no small surprise that I had no health insurance myself working that job.

Paul Davidson Urbana, IL4 months ago

I just spent two days in the hospital undergoing two tests, including a colonoscopy. They found nothing and they did nothing. Nonetheless, the total bill was in excess of $32,000--for a couple of tests and a couple nights in the hospital. My insurance covered it, of course, but it is still an outrageous amount to charge for so little. People complain about the rising costs of higher education. That hospital just charged more for two days of tests than the local state university charges for a full year of education (tuition, fees, room & board). Something is terribly wrong with that.

Anonymous Seattle, WashingtonInsured4 months ago

I cannot afford to go to the doctor, so I just don't go. Thankfully I'm young and healthy, but I'm worried about my parents who are getting older. How will I be able to support them if they get sick? The reality is I will be unable to help them.

Anonymous Houston, TXInsured4 months ago

Generally, I am a healthy, non smoking, average weight twentysomething. My medical costs impact me through less take home pay. I have employee provided insurance, but would opt for a cheaper, better tailored plan to match my healthy lifestyle if one was available. Hopefully, employers will respond to Obamacare in a positive way - encouraging employees (through cash / financial incentives) to leverage plans offered through the exchanges and get them off the expensive (though tax free) employer backed plans.

Anonymous Nashua, NH4 months ago

We pay $200 each for AARP Medigap and, except for the size of that premium, all our medical and hospital charges are covered, so we are not affected by the inflated professional fees. Remind me not to get an angiogram in Canada, for the same reason I don't fly in non-jet commuter flights: if the pay is too low, the quality of the work has to be suspect. I wouldn't have any problem in Switzerland, though.

Anonymous Philadelphia, PAUninsured4 months ago

Debt

Anonymous Massachusetts4 months ago

Left to die - literally rot in bed. Nursing home care is a big factor. Especially once a person exhausts Medicare, loses his entire life savings and home to qualify for Medicaid, nursing homes can get away with charging $300 a day - or more - for merely keeping an elderly person in bed.

Martin Brown San Francisco, CA4 months ago

We have insurance and that creates a stopgap each year at a $5,000 deductible per individual. Still, it sickens me to see the damage that runaway healthcare pricing is creating in the lives of average Americans. Hopefully the persistence of a major news organization like the NY Times can help to reform this badly broken system.

Fed Up NYC4 months ago

Between the premium $600 a month and the deductible $1250, there is little money left for actual care and doctor visits. The American people need to understand the truth: We don't have the best healthcare system in the world, we have the MOST EXPENSIVE healthcare system. The U.S. is around 37th as ranked by the WHO (World Health Organization), below Costa Rica.

jmact Camden, MEInsured4 months ago

We are going from an excellent international med insurance plan after working for a military contractor in Germany back home to a high-deductible plan and no dental coverage, so our med expenses will be a much bigger chunk of our expenses.

John Kingston ON 4 months ago

I'm a Canadian with Medicare coverage. However, I still pay $310 a month for extended coverage. I have no coverage for dentistry. For 2012 I was out- of- pocket $16,000. All of this was for dentistry. However, I am fortunate that anything else is covered by my health plan.

demetroula UK4 months ago

I'm a chronic migraine sufferer dependent on sumatriptan tablets for relief. For a pack of 6 tablets I pay £7.85 ($11.93), thanks to the UK's National Health Serivce, instead of $25 PER TABLET if I still lived in the States. (I go through at least one pack a month.) My husband, who is British, and I retired to the UK because we couldn't afford medical insurance in the States unless one of us remained in full-time employment. I can never understand why Americans buy into the propaganda against nationalised health care.

Anonymous Colpitts Settlements N.B. Canada4 months ago

I am a retired Canadian who pays about $6000.00 in income tax a year. If I am sick I get good medical treatment. I had a colonoscopy 3 years ago and it was paid for by Medicare. The system in Canada is about peoples health not making money.

Mark Near Boston MA4 months ago

I'm thankful to have very good insurance but I still try to be prudent with services. I'd like to see prices laid beforehand out like they are for any other service so they can be compared.

Anonymous FloridaUninsured4 months ago

It makes it impossible to be treated. I will not become an indentured servant to some for profit hospital.

Ruth Portland OR4 months ago

I have employer covered health insurance but every year the deductible goes up, fewer procedures are fully covered, copays for drugs go up. Two years ago our plan changed with the result that we had to change many of our doctors or pay the full cost as they were out of the new network. Last year employees started having to pay a portion of our insurance costs. The result is that my paycheck is lower and my family's medical costs are much higher.

Ken PhiladelphiaInsured4 months ago

It's clearly not as big as the impact on doctors' families! Private schools, BMWs, luxury homes!

Mahesh Dasari AtlantaInsured4 months ago

As infertile couple trying to conceive we find that medical care in US is pretty expensive. The procedures and medication which are not covered by Insurance have really pushed our savings to nil. I don't quite get it why the cost is so high. Is it the education, facilities, research or Mal-practice insurance?

Barb Minnesota Insured4 months ago

Hospitals recoup lost revenue from uninsured patients by raising costs for everyone else. Years ago when setting the price for cardiac stints they put it at half the cost of open heart surgery so the insurance company's would pay.

Anonymous MarylandInsured4 months ago

Not too bad, so far. I'm just hoping I'll make it to 65 without any major medical expenses.

Anonymous NYC4 months ago

We are relatively healthy at the moment. We pay a hefty premium for a family health insurance policy through my husband's company. The premiums have gone up every year. We own a small retail business in NYC.

Lisa LaPlace Virgin IslandsInsured4 months ago

In my family of six, we have three chronic diseases. Two of which are rare ones,ALS and FAP. We had excellent health insurance through our jobs. I am an RN. The two factors knowledge and access, I believe is the reason that my family members have thrived as well as they have.

Anonymous San Francisco, CA4 months ago

I don't worry about it. I have Kaiser Permanente, the original accountable care organization (ACO): integrated insurance, doctors and hospital. One monthly premium with very affordable copays. I have a colonoscopy coming up. It will be a $50 copay.

Anonymous San Francisco, CA4 months ago

I don't worry about it. I have Kaiser Permanente, the original accountable care organization (ACO): integrated insurance, doctors and hospital. One monthly premium with very affordable copays. I have a colonoscopy coming up. It will be a $50 copay.

Anonymous MexicoInsured4 months ago

Our private ins (we are not eligible for Medicare outside country) is half or less what it would be in US. It will cover non-emergency treatment anywhere in the world except the US, because of high US costs. If we had non-emergency issues while on our frequent US visits, well, too bad.

Anonymous Santa Cruz, CAUninsured4 months ago

Not great, largely because we are healthy, low income, and use medicare.

Paul Palm Desert, CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

You think twice before getting a service or procedure, because after the "facility fees" (charged by many hospitals), the co-pays, and the co-insurance the cost can be astronomical. So you only seek what is absolutely necessary. And you put off preventative health care -- services and procedures that, in the long-run will reduce your total out-of-pocket medical costs, improve your health, and prolong your life. Sad state of affairs in America. The system is broken. And it ain't getting fixed anytime soon, so long as the insurance industry is in control.

Aaron M San Francisco, CAInsured4 months ago

The utter unpredictability in what my insurance will cover prevents me from having a reliable savings plan to buy a home. How can I know I'll save $800 this month if every bill is a surprise?

Anonymous hood river, or.Insured4 months ago

medical costs are outrageous. we will have to do without as we age, we simply cannot afford the cost.

Mike San DiegoInsured4 months ago

Last year we paid 60% of my wife's before tax salary for medical insurance.

Anonymous Chicago ILInsured4 months ago

I have very good insurance being employed by a large company and a very healthy family so fortunately not a factor at this time. I realize that removing either of those variables would change the dynamic.

Anonymous AlaskaInsured4 months ago

For-profit medicine (and insurance) is out of control. I am healthy and have "good" insurance, but I am always worried about something happening that isn't covered, or adequately covered. 25 percent of my income goes to health insurance, and I often end up paying anyway. It is absurd; one significant event and I'll be on the street.

Anonymous VirginiaInsured4 months ago

We have paid over $3000 out of pocket in medical bills for our child who is 5.

Anonymous Prescott, Arizona4 months ago

My wife's parents, who were born in 1900 and 1906, handled this problem thusly: "Why go to the doctor if you're feeling well and aren't sick?"

Bobby SarasotaInsured4 months ago

I have fairly decent insurance. Medicare with additional coverage. Still finding a GP has not been easy. I have been refused at several practices. I saw a Urologist for aprox. 14 min, and was billed $425.00

Anonymous HoustonInsured4 months ago

Significant -- on dialysis for a decade, I have paid close to $30,000 on 'out-of-pocket' prescription costs; another $15,000 in medicare premiums; My home dialysis (Peritoneal) monthly treatment bill was ~10,000!, Fortunately I did not pay a dime because Medicare did.

Anonymous Michigan4 months ago

It's mostly hidden, but occasionally strikes like a snake. My husband must have colonoscopies every two years. Each time, I must spend hours making sure that the gastroenterologist and the facility are both still in network, and inquire about other possible billers such as anesthesiologists. We have insurance that is supposed to fully pay for the procedure, but it seems like a casino game where the house usually wins by refusing to pay something because of a loophole. For other matters, like the zoster vaccine that I knew was not covered but wanted to get, the desk staff of my doctors office did not have a price list. For anything. And they refused to give me a quote before service - then they submitted it to my insurance through their larger organization, which billed me when it bounced back. All for something I wanted to pay for in cash at the time of service. This system is insane.

Judith TennesseeInsured4 months ago

Spouse and I are safe . . . retired with very good benefits plus medicare. However, those we love are at risk, serious risk. They live out of state and some have no coverage at all, though they work strenuous jobs. I worry constantly about them. Grew up in a family of six kids. It does not seem right that we should not be able to share and share alike this basic human need.

Anonymous Southern CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

I work for a small company and they can only afford to provide coverage for myself, not my wife and son. Each of them have individual policies that I have to pay for out of pocket.

Marti Mount Desert, MaineInsured4 months ago

My insurance is $725 per month and I am a very healthy 61 year old, I.e. No diabetes, heart problems and no cancers. I very rarely meet the $1500 deductible!

Anonymous Charlotte, North CarolinaUninsured4 months ago

My brother and I are 18, and my parents are in their 50's. We aren't poor, but nobody has health insurance and my mom has told me that if she or my dad get sick, they can't afford to seek treatment. High medical costs make the word "hospital" a frightening word; it shouldn't be this way.

Anonymous Cliffside Park, NJ4 months ago

I just qualified for Medicare and it is saving me about $800 per month. Before turning 65 I paid almost $1,000 per month for very mediocre insurance, paid it all myself because I was self-employed.

G. L. Russell Pottstown, PA Insured4 months ago

The cost of medications to control my atrial fibrillation has gotten to the point where I have had to settle for rate control instead of rhythm control, a less satisfactory situation in my case. The one medication I had been taking increased in price (instead of decreasing) every year with incremental increases twice every year. This resulted in a 30% increase which I could not sustain.

TCM Republic of Panama4 months ago

$100 for a 10-minute ice pack in physical therapy?? My husband is currently getting physical therapy for a ruptured Achilles tendon. His 90-minute PT sessions which include the ice pack, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, laser treatment, whirlpool and massage cost USD 17. Yes, that's $17.00 for 90 minutes. And we have health insurance ($160/month) which will reimburse us for part of that. We live in Panama, enjoy fabulous weather and top-rated health care for a fraction of the cost in the U.S.

Anonymous texasInsured4 months ago

very high

Anonymous Bozeman MTInsured4 months ago

Because we live in a town with one poorly rated hospital, we travel outside the state for major consultations and care. The obvious mediocrity of medical care impels budget choices & we choose higher quality at higher-rated facilities. The sacrifice in other household budget items is worth it.

Anonymous Austin, TexasInsured4 months ago

A couple hundred a month covers me and my partner; he recently retired from a major corporation where I have worked for more than 20 years. Our health is good, checkup expenses covered, but we do not closely read the receipts for medical costs because there is only a small office visit copay as an expense other than the monthly premiums. We have had no major medical problems or recurring prescription expenses. We are middle class, fortunate and definitely not the norm.

Angela Peoria, ILInsured4 months ago

Our rates have increased substantially and our coverage has gone down. Our teenage daughter required an appendectomy on Christmas day. The procedure was done laparoscopically, she was home the very same day, even joined us for our holiday dinner. Even though there was no overnight hospital stay, the hospital billed $19,000. I think hospitals generally charge what they can get away with, and not the actual cost of the procedure.

Amy formerly New York, now abroadInsured4 months ago

We were billed over $7000 for the birth our first son. I was given emergency c-section that potentially saved the life of my baby and myself, only later to find that my anesthesiologist did not accept our insurance. We were young college graduates beginning our family on a humble income. I remember holding my baby while opening those bills and wondering how on Earth we would pay that debt. What was the point of insurance?

Dave Boylan Tullahoma, TNInsured4 months ago

We are retired and both on medicare and medigap. I have kept a careful record of all medical related cost for the last six years and have been amazed at how high the percent of our gross income was for this category. Will be glad to send you specifics if you wish.

Galen Santa Cruz CA4 months ago

Medical costs make it so that I don't get medical care. Thankfully I am young and healthy, but I cannot swallow market price to even pay for health care. I have gone to the hospital once after a car accident and was billed over $14,000 for what amounted to a black eye. There is something wrong with that picture (and it is not my vision).

Anonymous Lexington, MAInsured4 months ago

It's always rising. I had a plan with a high deductible, and I needed an MRI of my hip to diagnose a labral tear, and I chose not to do it for years because with a $1500 deductible, I would end up paying for virtually the entire MRI out of pocket. That had already happened with a shoulder MRI, which the ortho MD wanted, and I also delayed for a year. Eventually my hip pain became more of a problem and I had to have the MRI, and eventually surgery, but I really waited until I was having pain every day, even just walking around at work.

Anonymous metro MilwaukeeInsured4 months ago

My colonoscopy in the fall of 2010 cost well over 4000 and I had to pay the a sizable deductible and 20% As I have mentioned to others on several occasions, the powers in Washington D.C. should have allowed Hillary Clinton to fix our ever rising medical costs back in 1990's as at this point it has raged for far too long.

Anonymous new mexicoUninsured4 months ago

Suicide by No Medical Care - But thank GOD that our medical system is making huge profits off the lives of the American people.

R. White North CarolinaInsured4 months ago

We go to the Dr as little as possible--for checkups and something serious and we have a gross income of well over 400K. We are insured by BCBSNC and have a very high deductible. HC is expensive! One of our kids is in HC and the other is a prof of Molecular Bio. What will happen to HC for them?

Kirk British Columbian, CanadaInsured4 months ago

I live in Canada where health care falls under provincial jurisdiction. The provincial government is the single insurer for residents' health care, and the government sets fees for all providers that deliver publicly-funded services. Many of these providers are private for-profit companies that do very well financially. This system ensures price uniformity, universal access to services on the basis of need (not ability to pay), and it minimizes administrative costs because there is just one insurer for providers to deal with. This system is not perfect, to be sure, but we spend less and have better health outcomes.

Anonymous Ely MinnesotaInsured4 months ago

Very little impact on me, retired, good health, and a good inexpensive supplement premium because of my union negotiated health plan. Huge impact for one of my children with financial problems and 3 children.

RB Stanfield Pipersville, PA 18947Insured4 months ago

Minor financially. We are an affluent senior couple, 80ish, with modest medical problems. Lyme, coronary and COPD issues. However, we have friends, 50ish, who have disabling issues, marginally able to cover expenses who I cover with charitable "payday loans". My retirement package cover 80% of my drug costs that still amount to $200/mo. Impact emotionally (politically) is very large. My anger is covered by the rubric of corporate influence on government. Medicare Part D is outrageous. Costs should be negotiated with particular targets of pharmaceuticals, insurance providers and equipment vendors.

Francis Mead New York CityInsured4 months ago

We married in order for my new wife to be covered under my employer's health insurance - so a significant factor!

James NYInsured4 months ago

Not obvious. Because of colon cancer in the family and high cholesterol, Colonoscopies and statin costs are big factors. But we don't see the costs.

Anonymous Flower Mound, texasInsured4 months ago

We have insurance with my husband's employer, but are still very conscious about going to the doctor due to varying and unpredictable expenses.

Anonymous naples, floridaInsured4 months ago

high co pays, expensive doctor office visits-a tendency for everyone to upsell you

Alfonso P Duncan Houston, TXInsured4 months ago

It is a large part of our expenses. And it is too much to pay vis-a-vis what we spend in other countries

Anonymous San Diego, CAInsured4 months ago

Heavy impact particularly when the doctor orders a lab test which is not covered by Medicare. I often suspect that they do it knowingly to improve their bottom line.

Fred BelgiumInsured4 months ago

Almost none. Belgians are automatically insured by our government and most companies offer an extra health insurance.

JmF wellington, NZUninsured4 months ago

Frankly, I moved to New Zealand four years ago

k new york4 months ago

Self employed. I pay nearly $3k/month for my family insurance a month, but still have $9000/year deductible! Can never meet my deductible, which is very high. I get to pay the negotiated down rates by the insurance company, which is the only savings. Don't understand why the insurance companies pay less for the same procedure, than an uninsured person by the way. Got sick ones in France, a doctor came to my hotel. I was charged only 50 euros! And that was WITHOUT the insurance. Healthcare should not be a privilege! It's every human's right!

worried ChicagoInsured4 months ago

I have a real fear of doctors ordering more tests for more kick backs from hospital, etc and it makes me suspicious and doubtful about getting straight answers about even minor issues. I suspect more of us will die, because we just won't go (to the doctor).

Joel Goldberger ChicagoInsured4 months ago

Medicare and a good supplemental which has an Rx service has been a godsend. Everyone in the country should have what I have. Hopefully the Affordable Care Act will bring us closer to that goal.

dr urology mass4 months ago

I am not a gastroenterologist but I am a urologist. I can tell you that setting fees, at least in Massachusetts, is like the scene in Casablanca where the Claude Rains character tears up the bill he is presented with. In 30 years here I have revised my fee schedule several times but have NEVER entered into anything resembling a true negotiation with any payor, private or governmental. We are free to charge what we wish--but will get paid only what the insurers allow and by law cannot bill the difference

Suzana New York City Insured4 months ago

The most stressful set of payments each month.

Anonymous Santa Barbara, CAInsured4 months ago

My wife and I have good coverage in a group plan at work. Between us we have had several outpatient surgeries, two major inpatient surgeries, plus ongoing care by more than 3 physicians, plus . We are on at least six prescriptions for chronic diseases. Overall, we are thankful that economic impact has been minimal so far. Our monthly premium is reasonable. We both think that there is no good excuse for high medical costs in this country and support efforts to broaden coverage and bring costs into alignment with those of comparison countries.

Dwight Bobson Washington, DC4 months ago

Having a wife with a chronic illness requires an expenditure of approximately 36% of annual income, and that is with insurance since her policy rose 366% last year and another +126% this year. The illness, MS, has unknown origins and only symptoms are treated. Her monthly infusion alone is $8870.00 on top of a broad array of expensive drugs and the need for constant physical therapy to keep her from atrophying.

A. Sifuentes Los AngelesInsured4 months ago

I struggle to make my monthly premiums, often putting it on a credit card.

Anonymous TexasInsured4 months ago

Not significant as long as we are covered by employer's insurance. I was drawn to read this article because I was extremely dissatisfied with the money making machine I ended up on when I visited a gastroenterologist for some issues I was having. The doctors owned the facility where colonoscopies were performed, and it was like a mass production factory. I ended up with a colonoscopy and endoscopy and only saw the doctor for a few seconds before the anesthesia took effect. My issues were never addressed. His whole focus was on getting as many people through as quickly as possible.

Anonymous Los Angeles, CA4 months ago

I think I am fortunate because I receive medical care through the Kaiser Permanente system. Kaiser is both my insurer and my medical provider. I wonder whether Kaiser is more effective at managing costs because its business model is integrated in this way?

Erik New York, NY Insured4 months ago

minimal impact. Ive been diagnosed with a chronic condition, but my health care coverage provider has been excellent.

Jim Lein North DakotaInsured4 months ago

minimal, so far. We have always had pretty good insurance. We now have Medicare and a good supplement plan.

Anonymous Tucson AZUninsured4 months ago

I don't have insurance (too expensive) so I try and live a healthy life -- I worry a lot.

JJ British Columbia4 months ago

Well, my wife and I pay $98/month medical premium. We also pay $100/month for extended care which, after $1000 deductible, pays for our prescriptions, $300/2 years for eye glasses, hearing aids, and other benefits over normal care. My wife recently had a hip replacement and, with pre-conferences, exercise class, 2 home visits from a physio-therapist, crutches, and other aids the bill was $0. Our medical costs have no impact on our lives, except, when compared to the US, allow us to spend more money on other aspects of our lives and to never fear a catastrophic medical event.

Anonymous ann arbor, mi4 months ago

i have been wrestling with the health insurance aspect of retirement planning. i have the means to retire with a good income in every respect but covering health care expenses until age 65 (67 under plans currently being considered in congress) . obamacare may help but my state is trying its best not to participate and my congressman is trying his best to kill it. in some ways i feel i am an indentured servant to the healthcare/insurance industry.

Anonymous West VirginiaUninsured4 months ago

I can't afford to go to the doctor. I'm on the "don't get sick" health insurance plan.

Amy Brooklyn4 months ago

The US is subsidizing the cost of research and development on these drugs for the rest of the world. With the US charges these drugs would not exist. It would be better if the rest of the world paid its fair share.

Anonymous South Bend, INInsured4 months ago

Too high...hard to justify the co-pays for certain prescriptions and procedures. Doctors deserve to earn a good living, but, too many are just in medicine to make a lot of money. The use of NPs, billed out like doctors, is an outrage. Associate attorneys are billed out at less than partners...why is medicine different?

S. I. Levy, Ph.D. South Hadley, MAInsured4 months ago

Between my self (Medicare Plus from HNE) and my wife (a high deductible HNE plan) we spend over $500.00 per month on insurance. My wifes policy is more or less a catastrophic plan. I have paid every health related expense she has had out of pocket since I retired, Not exceeding the deductible is a good thing and I still have come out ahead by not going for a lower deductible plan. On a fixed income it is still a tough nut to crack.

Lisa Hill CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

With a son in college and retirement planning being a major priority, we have considered dropping our standard medical insurance coverage and taking out a catastrophic only policy. Our premiums are $1,400.00 per month with $40.00 - $200.00 co-pays depending on the doctor or facility. It is a scary roll of the dice, but something has to give. It is stunning that we do not have price regulations for medical care in this country.

Mary CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

huge

Anonymous San Diego, CAInsured4 months ago

Fortunately not high. Both my husband and I have insurance thru our employers and very low payments.

Anonymous New York CityInsured4 months ago

Significant at present and I have gone without insurance for many years.

MN MinneapolisInsured4 months ago

It's becoming more of a concern as we grow older and are trying to figure out when the other of us can retire.

Anonymous New Jersey4 months ago

Must delay retirement. Must help out adult children with medical expenses because their employer-paid coverage is so minimal.

Sam Ossining, NY4 months ago

As an underemployed recent college graduate, I have no coverage because the only policy my contractor parent can afford has a $12k deductible when you add a family member. Medical expenses account for about 50% of our net household expenses. I'm not going to be able to move out and start a life, because medical emergencies eat u what little savings I am able to make.

Dick Melvin Ewing, MissouriUninsured4 months ago

As much as we can, we work on natural cures. We raise and eat large quantities of garlic that we consume as an antibiotic. We used to always get colds and the flu. Not so with garlic consumption. Cayenne pepper powder clots cuts quickly and kills the pain. Comfrey tea cures bug bites and eczema. All of these things are free out of our garden and we haven't had to see a doctor in years, except for my migraine medication. And, we cringe whenever we see that bill.

Sam Ossining, NY4 months ago

As an underemployed recent college graduate, I have no coverage because the only policy my contractor parent can afford has a $12k deductible when you add a family member. Medical expenses account for about 50% of our net household expenses. I'm not going to be able to move out and start a life, because medical emergencies eat u what little savings I am able to make.

Shannon Stoney Cookeville, TNInsured4 months ago

I recently had to pay a bill that took six months to pay off. It was for imaging, when I fell and sprained my wrist. I had no idea how much the scan would cost when I got it, and I didn't know that my insurance would not pay for it.

D Rochester, MinnesotaInsured4 months ago

Significant. Less than mortgage and infant daycare but more than auto payments or utilities.

Jim MA4 months ago

It's making me worry about retirement, both because I can't save as much as I'd like and because costs will certainly rise as we get older.

Robin McDuff Santa Cruz, CaInsured4 months ago

So far, a minimal impact. Our (me and partner) insurance costs about $6,000/year, which is easily affordable for us. When I had throat cancer in 2010, my share ended up being about $1,500. I can't even imagine what those 35 radiation sessions cost the insurer, not to mention 5 PET Scans, MRI, 3 CT scans, etc.

Anonymous VermontInsured4 months ago

We have a very high deductible ($10,000/person) so we think about each doctor visit we take. I have a torn rotator cuff but have elected not to have surgery because of the cost. I have 6 & 8 year old boys and I can't throw a ball to them because of my injury.

sav Providence4 months ago

I have lived in Australia at times and some drugs there are ridiculously cheap due to the government drug subsidy program. Occasionally I need a drug called Lamisil and the most I ever paid there was $130 for a 30 pack. That drug is not on their subsidy list. Recently a generic form has become available for $60 - $70. Way back in 2007 I was in California and had to buy a 30 pack from a Longs Drugs. They charged me $660. Enough said.

sav Providence4 months ago

I have lived in Australia at times and some drugs there are ridiculously cheap due to the government drug subsidy program. Occasionally I need a drug called Lamisil and the most I ever paid there was $130 for a 30 pack. That drug is not on their subsidy list. Recently a generic form has become available for $60 - $70. Way back in 2007 I was in California and had to buy a 30 pack from a Longs Drugs. They charged me $660. Enough said.

Anonymous Philadelphia, PA4 months ago

I have a care at home contract that I now pay $720. per month for so my children will not have to bear the cost, if it becomes necessary. So far the care organization has more than $135,000 in payments and delivered less than $11,000 in services. Also, to the point in the article, when I asked the price a recent dermatology visit for which I received a prescription for dry skin, I was told they did not know what would be negotiated and could not give me any information about the bill.

Anonymous Richardson, TXInsured4 months ago

Significant but easily manageable.

Anonymous Canada4 months ago

As a holder of dual-citizenship including the USA, I would like to return to live in the US from a universal-payer country listed in this article, but the cost of private health insurance and incalculable costs for care described in this article,seems prohibitive as I fear what would happen if I had a sudden illness or accident while living there. what to do?

A.D. Boston, MAInsured4 months ago

None; I have solid insurance through work.

Anonymous Litoměřice, Czech Republic4 months ago

Very little, I live in a well integrated post-communist country. Services still aren't the most wonderful, but that which is prescribed is done well. A co-pay equal to a little more than a dollar keeps the old and bored from socializing in doctor's waiting room and thus keeps waiting times low.

Anonymous Wickenburg, AZInsured4 months ago

It has been a significant struggle to pay $1000/month for health insurance from age 56 to 65. I'm lucky to have had insurance, but it's been such a struggle. I look forward to being on Medicare soon!

Anonymous Corrales, NMInsured4 months ago

Even though we are well off and have good insurance, I try my best to keep our costs down. In my case, I have diabetes and Januvia is a drug that is prescribed. I have Medicare Advatage and Part D (drug coverage) and yet my copay would be almost $150 per month. I can buy the same drug in India for $35 per month and so I do that - saving Medicare Part D and also reducing my out of pocket expenses.

jim canadaInsured4 months ago

pay 170/ month. for extended health coverage. Our share of costs for prescriptions runs around $1000 each per year, including insulin. It is just NOT a major stress issue.

Jim Bridges Arlington, WAInsured4 months ago

If not watched carefully, they can take a sizable chunk of my limited income, especially now that I am retired. I view them as a senior citizen wealth transfer system, from me to the health care system.

Anonymous WVInsured4 months ago

I will sometimes defer care or look at complementary alternative medicine. I also try to take good care of myself eating mostly vegetables, only a little meat and avoid sugar as much as possible.

Martha TexasInsured4 months ago

My husband works for himself, so our family has individual insurance. Our deductible is outrageous, and we have to pay for sick visits out of pocket. I get a knot in my stomach every time my children feel ill, first because I hate for them to be sick, but also because I know it will cost us hundreds of dollars to acquire something as simple as an antibiotic for strep. When I was a child, my own parents had a medical bankruptcy despite having insurance, so I know firsthand the horror of our healthcare system. Single payer is the only way.

Robert Branford, ctUninsured4 months ago

Massive. While in hospital for my second hip replacement, I missed one ins. Payment and was cancelled after 18 yrs of paying for individual ins. I an uninsurable now.. Wretched.

SewFreakie Oregon4 months ago

My money or my life...... piracy and exploitation

Anonymous DFWUninsured4 months ago

I'm an unemployed 50-year old male without health insurance. Any encounter with the health care "system" beyond a minimal doctor's office visit would wipe me out financially!

-- Bethesda MD4 months ago

Basically the impact is a mysterious unknown quantity. Patients are frightened into consenting to the service with no information or even a rough estimate of the cost.

Anonymous CaliforniaInsured4 months ago

Medical costs have a dynamic impact on our ability to budget for all needs. For the past two years my Husband's employer has charged us a premium to keep our healthcare providers because of a sweetheart deal favoring the facilities associated with the university he works for. I view it as extortion of a legal variety. Having worked for the university healthcare system I am aware of its gross shortcomings and poor care and refuse to be treated in that system.

Anonymous New JerseyInsured4 months ago

My husband and I are senior citizens in our eighties. We live very conservatively as our income is not great. We have a large family of children and grandchildren who we try to help especially for education expenses. We are paying almost $1,000. per month for our health insurance. Since we have Medicare it is outrageous that we should have to pay so much for our health insurance.

Nina North CarolinaInsured4 months ago

I'm a very healthy self-employed 59 yr woman w/ catastrophic coverage. No family history of cancer or colon disease. Under better insurance 7 years ago, I had my first colonoscopy, which yielded a very small pre-malignant polyp. I've read 30-50% of adults have them. Fast forward - Affordable Care Act is supposed to cover colonoscopies. Since I had the polyp, BCBS of NC will not cover it - says it is not a mandated preventive benefit - so I'm on the hook for the full charge. My yearly deductible is $10,000. No way I can afford it, so I'm playing the odds that another will not appear, or if it does, it will not go malignant, and if it does, it will be slow growing - slow enough to get me to Medicare age

Anonymous Michigan4 months ago

I never visit the doctor anymore--I don't get checkups or blood tests or anything. I'm almost 21 and I don't have insurance, so anything that's non-emergency, I try to deal with it on my own. My family is poor and so my parents don't have insurance either. My father has needed a cochlear implant surgery for years now, but he can't get it. He doesn't have the best job, but he can't get another one because no place wants to hire a deaf, 61 year old. A few years ago, my mother was in constant, unbearable pain because she needed a surgery done on her spine, and the hospital refused to do it because we didn't have insurance (they wanted a 20,000 dollar down payment). They would not negotiate a payment plan or anything. Eventually, we had to take my mom to another country to get the surgery done, because it was that much cheaper. Medical costs are a constant worry in my family, and I just hope none of us gets seriously sick again, because I don't know how we would be able to afford it.

Tim Leary Nova ScotiaInsured4 months ago

Not much. Up to about $800/year for pharmaceutical insurance and co-pays. Other than that, I'm a Canadian, so costs just don't show up on our family radar. Up here we are appalled and amused at the costs you incur, and at the blatant lying by the healthcare and pharma industries.

Anonymous Tucson arizonaInsured4 months ago

since my husband and I are covered by Medicare plus we purchase supplemental insurance we pay nothing out of pocket. However, when we see our billing statement later we are truly shocked to see the charges for things as simple as an x-ray or blood screenings. They are usually adjusted so payments to providers end up being far less but it seems someone is getting ripped by this obvious over-billing.

Anonymous BaltimoreInsured4 months ago

Single; insurance $6,300; out of pocket $5,200.

Monique Oregon4 months ago

When my husband was employed (he's now retired) we had excellent insurance and doctors kept trying to push for more tests, more procedures, more expensive drugs. Now we're paying $12,000 a year for insurance with a high deductible and isn't it interesting that, after I remind the doctors about my high deductibles, their recommendations change to something less expensive. Hmmm.....

Anonymous Lansing, MichiganUninsured4 months ago

I have not had insurance for the last three years since losing my job because I can't afford it.

John Clarke Woodsboro, MDInsured4 months ago

Extra concern about finance as we age. Less now to spend on other items.

Anonymous Leesburg, FLInsured4 months ago

It is by far my largest monthly expense because I'm self-employed. I'm counting the days until I'm eligible for Medicare (and can swim in a larger risk pool).

donna brooklyn4 months ago

excellent all this is true and affecting everyone price of plans is prohibitive and new strategies for copays makes using plans unaffordable. routine meniscus tear in knee generated co pay charges which i think exceeded what entire procedure should have cost. this is driving many to drop coverage costs. major problem but still not one government in any form should be involved in "fixing" a 60 year failed experiment across pond shows its unsustainability in a ageing low population growth culture. They are all 'in the red".

Anonymous Vancouver, Canada4 months ago

I am Canadian and though I love the States I am gladder and gladder that I decided not to move there. Shortly after we decided not to accept an opportunity in New York, my husband was diagnosed with failing kidneys. Had we moved there, we would have been wiped out. Canada's health system has its flaws but is justifiably loved by Canadians. I see the problems of the American health system as part of the corrosive social darwinism that contorts your entire social system even though individually Americans are among the warmest, kindest people I have met in travels to many countries.

Anonymous Buffalo, NYInsured4 months ago

Like the family in the article, we are VERY healthy. However, I rarely go to the doctor now because we have a high-deductable plan. There are probably some things I have have checked out, but I don't because I am unwilling to pay the >$150 per visit cost.

Anonymous PhiladelphiaInsured4 months ago

Small

Anonymous WisconsinUninsured4 months ago

We stay away from doctors and hospitals

Anonymous CAInsured4 months ago

Deprives us of 8% of GDP that we spend more than other western nations for no better outcome. Cost effective care will only come when we have govt set the price for all common procedures and pay the free market world price for US Pharma products

Ted Ithaca4 months ago

It's easily 20 percent of our income every year.

Jeremy Bowman Washington, DCInsured4 months ago

It's hard to not to think of health care as anything but a scam in this country. I still owe $1,500 for a colonoscopy that my insurance to pay for. Before the procedure, I made multiple calls to all relevant parties and was told by my insurer that as a preventative screening it would be paid for. Well, my doctor took biopsies for no apparent reason other than standard procedure and it was coded as diagnostic instead of preventative. The worst part about being sick in this country as not the disease - it's dealing with doctors and insurance companies.

Anonymous San Francisco Bay AreaInsured4 months ago

It's hard to pay for medical costs sometimes. I have an 80/60 PPO plan, and I always contribute $2,500 to my Health Care Spending Account, but I always end up having to pay more than $2,500 for medical costs and it's a strain. I hope you're going to write about dental costs too! I had a tooth fracture four years after a root canal, so I had to have it extracted and am waiting to get an implant. The root canal cost (including crown) was $2,000; the cost for the extraction and implant (including crown) will be about $5,000 (assuming all goes well). $7,000 for one tooth!

Anonymous New OrleansInsured4 months ago

Serious. We will both be 64, and will soon be on a retired employee group plan that will cost about $13,000 year. My wife plan was so bad, many of the local doctors would not use it.

Alan Chaprack New York CityInsured4 months ago

Not being a member of the 1%, it's been significant. Fortunately, my wife's monthly Medicare/supplemental premium is about $300. Three years ago, she battled - successfully!!! - endometrial cancer. A four day hospital stay - without insurance - came to a shade over $55,000. With all the pre-surgery tests, her deductible was met. Without coverage, we'd have been sunk! For coverage not quite as good - her deductible is $2,000, mine $2850 - I pay just under $600/mo. As we're both in our 60's, I can only see it getting worse. Last year, in addition to a colonoscopy, I needed an MRI and two epidurals to treat a bad back. But, as much as insurance costs, the prospect of meeting bills without it is unthinkable.

Anonymous central MaineInsured4 months ago

We're self-employed and carry a high deductible plan. Would love to have better insurance ... but it is not affordable.

Anonymous San DiegoInsured4 months ago

These days negligible, we have good insurance with low premiums and co-pays and we are lucky to all be currently healthy. However, when I was in grad school and living in NY, I experienced three fairly common issues in close proximity (a sports injury, positive pap and a need for some counseling after 9/11) and the resulting $30,000 medical costs nearly sank me. A foreign student, my only option to pay those bills was the kinds of credit cards (with >25% interest) that you can get with no credit history. The result was an out of pocket cost (bills + credit card interest) of just over $70,000. All this would have been almost free in my home country where we have a mixed public/private health insurance system.

Anonymous salem, MAInsured4 months ago

crippling. It is a very large portion of my anual budget.

Anonymous Seattle WAInsured4 months ago

not major -- we are very fortunate

Robert E. Olsen McLean, VAInsured4 months ago

Especially when the cost of insurance is ignored, medical costs are not a significant portion of our budget because we are generally healthy. However, I recognize the truths that this article points out.

Anonymous Bridgehampton, NYInsured4 months ago

Just received a hospital bill for a routine (i.e, annual checkup) blood test that was done at an outside lab, evidently affiliated with the hospital: $1,066.00! Medicare first denied the coverage, then hospital said there was some mistake. There's no way I could have paid that - nor would I have gone for the test which the doctor insisted was part of an annual screen, had I known the cost.I am finding that the co-pay on my basic Rx pills are skyrocketing this year - up close to 100% from last year.

Anonymous BostonInsured4 months ago

I have insurance with a $2000 deductible. I am putting off what I expect to be a major medical intervention because I don't have the $2,000 to pay the deductible, but also because I don't have any paid leave from work with which to recover from surgery. And we're supposed to be the greatest country in world? Maybe for some people. Not me.

ward ann arbor MiInsured4 months ago

unaffordable, we have started to do w/o certain medical; interventions.

Anonymous Fort Gordon, GA4 months ago

The author may want to write more about the details of the procedures regarding Colorectal screening. Compared to other diagnostic procedures, colonoscopies can also be interventional, meaning that if a polyp or malignancy is detected, then it can be biopsied and/or removed. This is what makes it such an important procedure in our country. In other countries, it may only serve as a screening procedure. This may be an important consideration as the NY Times continues to discuss this issue.

Anonymous New York stateInsured4 months ago

Usually not critical, but some months I have to temper other spending. I often find myself using the services of doctors "out of network," because they are better or more appropriate, resulting in more of my income going to health care than one might expect given the fact I have a highly rated insurance plan from work. And non-generic medicines, when needed because others aren't working, cost a lot. One time, I turned down general anesthesia for oral surgery because of the cost, opting instead for novocaine. I was fine, the dentist was freaked out.

Greg ConnecticutInsured4 months ago

Went bankrupt from Cancer Treatment even though we had insurance.

Anonymous Gaiole in Chianti, Si, ItalyInsured4 months ago

I have private health insurance in a country (Italy) that has a national health service. I use the health service for basic needs, while the insurance is reserved for catastrophic events.

E. Forte Oak Park, ILInsured4 months ago

Since our family has regularly had fairly reasonable, employer-provided health insurance, we have not had any drastic costs or denials of coverage. We don't "shop" for health care, but we did switch from my wife's employer's insurance to my employer's since the coverage was almost identical and my premiums were lower.

Anonymous tampa, floridaInsured4 months ago

I am in my 50's and have decided to forgo any type of medical screening, because of belief that it is mainly promoted to enrich the medical establishment and because of the expense incurred

Jeffery Maui, Hawaii4 months ago

Again, America leads the world in all the wrong areas. The new Hippocratic Oath seems to be to wring as much profit as possible out of the suffering of sick people. Who is to blame? Doctors? Lobbyists? Drug companies? Let's find out and put an end to this travesty.

Anonymous Chatham, NJInsured4 months ago

I lost track of the dollar costs last year, because Hurricane Sandy caused such damage to my house that I haven't found all my records.

Leslie Akron, OHInsured4 months ago

There are many times when I bypass tests or physical therapy. I can't afford the deductibles and copays.

Rob Land O Lakes, FloridaUninsured4 months ago

At $1,440 a month for an individual policy with an annual $10,000 out of pocket, it is unaffordable. I now use the VA because I can and it is largely free.

Lynne Weber Merdingen, GermanyInsured4 months ago

As a resident of Germany, minimal.I have a good health insurance plan which also encourages healthy life style choices. Training sessions are offered for spine strengthening, yoga, aerobics; which lower insurance premiums.

Anonymous PennsylvaniaInsured4 months ago

Not much. We are covered by Medicare plus corporate retirement policies with manageable premiums.

Jonathan Wong San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

I switched to Kaiser to avoid the high cost of medical procedures.

Anonymous North IdahoInsured4 months ago

I provide mental health services in an extremely underserved community. I do this because I love it, not because of the money. However, I simply cannot afford to make less than 100K because I pay well over half my income to my student loans (and at this rate I'll be paying them for another 25 years and not buying a house, a car, or anything else that's not absolutely necessary). I am by far not the only healthcare provider in this predicament. I wish someone would analyze the extent to which healthcare costs are inflated by increased salaries needed to cover providers' student loan debts (I'll bet it's a huge fraction), and then figure out a way to fix it.

Anonymous Greensboro, NCInsured4 months ago

This, along with other unfair practices of today's American business community, keeps us on a very tight budget, without funds for some of the pleasures of life. We haven't had a vacation in 13 years.

Anonymous North Carolina4 months ago

While using Medicare to pay for preventive care services such as a colonoscopy, there are still hidden costs that can not be known until after the procedure. How can anyone plan? How do we know which provider will charge the least amount? They do not disclose the patient portion until after the service has been provided. Then collection process begins.

Anonymous north carolina4 months ago

nada I am 90 years old and on June 1, 2013, I haven't met the Medicare deductible.

Sue Eugene, ORInsured4 months ago

It has been the sole deciding factor on my family for the last 7 years. My retirement is gone, savings gone. All in medical bills while having insurance. Husband had devastating illness, and we will never recover from the out-of-pocket costs that it incurred.

Anonymous Oakland, California4 months ago

I have Medicare health coverage as well as supplemental so medical costs have little or not impact on my finances. There is a per visit co-pay plus the monthly supplemental payment. I have had a hip replacement and cataract surgeries at no additional cost to me.

j lock LouisianaInsured4 months ago

It is very little since I have Medicare and a supplement from AARP. However the supplement cost us $334.00 per month. Plus we pay SS 180.00 per month. Not cheap.

Frank Santa Cruz, CAInsured4 months ago

I'm a physician (retired). I buy my medications from a pharmacy in Canada for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost in the US. Same manufacturers. Yes, technically it's illegal but this law is seldom enforced for small purchases for personal use. Thank goodness!

Anonymous Queens, New York Insured4 months ago

My family is healthy so there is minimal impact in cost. Preventive care is worth every dollar spent. Screenings are necessary to diagnose properly.

Padfoot Portland, OR4 months ago

Two words: Single Payer

S F O MichiganInsured4 months ago

Of course, we spend less on our home, clothes, gifts for our children and more. But then this type of health care is a "job creator," particularly in our family..

Laura New Hope, PA4 months ago

Some anxiety: Prior to Obama's fix related preexisting conditions, we had to hunt for medical coverage for a dependent who needed private insurance coverage when either the job or internship didn't provide it. Some contentment: For myself, a retired public school teacher whose lifetime retirement benefits includes subsidized medical coverage for me and my spouse at an affordable rate (excluding dental coverage), the impact of potential medical costs at this time feels manageable. In addition to our subsidized and affordable medical insurance, we have personal savings AND two long-term health care policies to address aging and lifespan needs that are very costly: nursing home or in-home care. Personal savings, publicly subsidized medical benefits (including prescription costs), and private, long-term health care policies for nursing home or in-home care makes the impact of medical costs on my family appear manageable.

Anonymous New York, New York4 months ago

Because I can't afford to buy insurance outside the group plan offered by my employer, I stay in a job I dislike instead of starting the business I've dreamed of starting for years. In other words, the current system is anti-entrepreneurial.

Anonymous New York 4 months ago

For the moment there is none. Both my husband and I are employed and both of our employers pay for our healthcare with no contribution by us. It won't last, of course, and we are worried about the future. It also helps that, for the moment, we are both healthy. But we are in our 60s and are not sure what the future looks like, medically speaking. It's a worry, and one we discuss often.

Anonymous 80403Insured4 months ago

Ever increasing premiums, higher deductables and copays. At least 20 percent of costs goes to enrich CEOs and shareholders of Healthcare companies. Medicare for All, Single Payer, Government Option are the only ways to bring down costs.

RobL SCInsured4 months ago

Enormous because I live below the U.S. poverty line. Even the 20% Medicare costs are onerous to my budget.

Anon California4 months ago

Americans are being legally "robbed" by the medical profession. Thanks for a great article. KEEP publishing costs. Helps everyone.

Anonymous Arizona4 months ago

medical cost are the lowest for the one family in the extended family uses a Medical Savings account. Two families have medicare where the out of pocket cost consume most to all of SS payments. No doubt these are the most costly. Why? The MSA requires one to manage their care and watch cost. The others have no such incentive.

suzinne bronx4 months ago

My mother used her Medicare benefits to the max. She had bi-pass surgery and a pacemaker installed in her late seventies (which I strongly questioned). So when she died all that medical debt (on which she proudly proclaimed she paid $10.00 a month) sucked a good amount out of the any inheritance coming to my brother and I.

Ann FloridaUninsured4 months ago

As a 58 year old unemployed and uninsured boomer, I don't go to the doctor. I can't afford it. If I have an accident or get ill, it will bankrupt me.

Anonymous Oakland, CAInsured4 months ago

Severe. Our insurance almost gets cancelled every month because we cannot really afford it. We have high credit card debt because of it. It will take me 18 months to pay off the $5500 copayment from the brith of my son.

Michael S. Cullen Berlin, Germany4 months ago

While I can't say that I've read it all, I think we should remember that in most cases, foreign countries such as Germany, where I live, and France, train their doctors at the expense of the state, i.e. the taxpayer -- no beginning doctor in France or Germany has to gouge patients in order to pay back what was borrowed or invested in medical school. Perhaps something should be done about reducing or eliminating the costs of a medical education. After all, the US trains pilots at public expense (air force) to provide a public good.

Anonymous Ann Arbor, MIInsured4 months ago

It is currently minimal due to good health AND good health insurance attached to my and my spouse's job. I do not expect this state of affairs to be permanent, and fear greatly for my family's future and for those in less privileged circumstances.

John Lane Oakland, CAInsured4 months ago

Not much yet. I pay a $60 monthly premium, $15 co-pay for office visits and a $75 co-pay if I go to emergency room. Of course, I'm a union worker, which is why I say "yet." What happens when the union-busting law firm that crafts UC Berkeley's bargaining strategy finally succeeds in breaking my union? I'll be in the same leaky boat as all those who envy me and my fellow custodians now.

Anonymous New Orleans4 months ago

My partner had lung cancer and died at age 52. She lived 18 months and was vibrant up until 2 weeks before death. I think she got too much treatment (she did not think that). She wanted all of it because she so desperately wanted to live. She, me and all the doctors were in denial and all were expecting her to be that one in a zillion miracle. Her insurance company paid every bill after the $5000 per year deductible. Of course, we paid for seven or eight trips for 2 people to MDAnderson to be in a clinical trial. I was not able to write off any of that expense because we were a same sex married relationship. People without means would not have been able to do the clinical trial.

Anonymous New Orleans4 months ago

My partner had lung cancer and died at age 52. She lived 18 months and was vibrant up until 2 weeks before death. I think she got too much treatment (she did not think that). She wanted all of it because she so desperately wanted to live. She, me and all the doctors were in denial and all were expecting her to be that one in a zillion miracle. Her insurance company paid every bill after the $5000 per year deductible. Of course, we paid for seven or eight trips for 2 people to MDAnderson to be in a clinical trial. I was not able to write off any of that expense because we were a same sex married relationship. People without means would not have been able to do the clinical trial.

Melissa MassachusettsInsured4 months ago

I save very hard. But there is a monster in the room; the skyrocketing health care costs. I never feel I have enough protection for my old age; knowing it only takes one major illness to wipe out my retirement fund.

Anonymous San Diego CAInsured4 months ago

Medicare is being robbed unnecessarily. It will affect me more as time goes on and will dramatically affect the boomers following me

Gary Detroit suburbInsured4 months ago

so far no impact, hopefully never

Mario A. Miami, Fl4 months ago

For a world leader in health care we trail behind the industrialized world in its delivery. This tells me some are getting rich on the backs of the working class. I have suffered for many years before Medicare kicked in because I couldn't afford the mkt. inflated prices and that is with insurance.

Mario A. Miami, Fl4 months ago

For a world leader in health care we trail behind the industrialized world in its delivery. This tells me some are getting rich on the backs of the working class. I have suffered for many years before Medicare kicked in because I couldn't afford the mkt. inflated prices and that is with insurance.

Anonymous Los Angeles4 months ago

Not much because we have both lifetime insurance from a union plan and Medicare. But stories like this outrage me.

John San FranciscoInsured4 months ago

None, but my wife is a Kaiser physician and so we never see the actual bills for medical care or insurance

A.D. Boston, MA4 months ago

None; I have solid insurance though work.

Anonymous Northern Virginia4 months ago

Although I have Medicare and good secondary insurance, I try to be prudent.

Steve Bolger New York City 4 months ago

I had a colonoscopy with either a lousy or a lazy anesthesiologist who was lax about loosening the blood pressure cuff frequently enough to allow sufficient blood to flow to my arm while I was under anesthesia. It took six months for my left arm to fully recover. The test found nothing. I hate for-profit medicine.

Anonymous Newton, MAInsured4 months ago

Its largely hidden. My employer offers good insurance, I rarely know how much something truly costs.

Anonymous midwest4 months ago

I am deeply worried about increases this year to $9000 of deductible- this is a disguised pay cut and where will it stop? My son is 26, full time employment but a modest salary. What kind of health care will he be able to afford? I'm afraid to go to the doctor to reveal my problems since I will be labeled as a non cooperative patient because I do not want to take certain medications and he will have pressure on him to make me conform. I am overweight and worry about institutionalized stigma and pressure by insurance companies.

Anonymous Columbus, OHInsured4 months ago

Not too much but we are young and relatively healthy. The future is scary though.

Anonymous IowaInsured4 months ago

My husband just lost his insurance through work, so he had to buy a scaled down version and hope he doesn't get really sick. Putting him on mine is too expensive. So now we have less money and less medical care.

Anonymous Charlotte, NCInsured4 months ago

Our family of six has cut back on doctor visits and spends less on other goods due rising premiums and deductables.

Anonymous Greensboro, NCInsured4 months ago

Not financially much because of Medicare and secondary insurance. But the high costs bother me greatly from a moral/societal perspective.

Anonymous Long IslandInsured4 months ago

Varies. Often little beyond premiums, but occasionally a major expense consideration that has to be balanced against other needs.

Anonymous sonoma county, caInsured4 months ago

All the 'alternative' care that I use successfully for treatment of routine ailments has to be paid out of pocket. I can't even use my own FSA $$ for it.

Henry NYCInsured4 months ago

Frankly, it is hidden. I have a no copay, no deductible policy for me and my wife thru my employer. I suspect I will have to pay a 'Cadillac' tax soon, then I may feel it in my wallet. i lived most of my adult life with no insurance at all, so I do know what exposure feels like in a 1st hand way.

Pat Montana4 months ago

Significant. Although I am 76 years old, I must continue working to pay for supplemental health insurance. I have Medicare and live on Social Security income and my part-time earnings from employment. When my job goes, which it well may, I will have to seek subsidized housing and possibly drop my supplemental health insurance. I've worked all my life.

Gary Ossining, NY4 months ago

Paying our own health insurance since my job was terminated last September, my wife and I are making good use of the Healthy NY plan. Once that ends (because of my wife's part-time earnings), we'll likely be paying $12,000 a year. We eat and exercise well, don't smoke or drink, and only go to the doctor for yearly checkups. So why should our attempts to be responsible and limit unnecessary expenditures go unrewarded? Put low-risk people in the same pool, and charge them accordingly. Now THAT would be fair!

Anonymous League City, TXInsured4 months ago

They are very high and worrisome.

Anonymous CaliforniaUninsured4 months ago

The impact of medical costs means canceling the insurance, eating healthy, avoiding possibly dangerous activities for fear I'll have to go to the doctor and pay up... I can't get my scoliosis treatments or my anxiety medication anymore. Anything that's a non-emergency means no doctor visit.

Anonymous Chicago, ILInsured4 months ago

I have medical bills which I am simply unable to pay. I worry because I don't know when I will have the money to pay these bills.

Anonymous New Jersey4 months ago

The difference between life and death.

Anonymous OregonInsured4 months ago

I spent 25% of my net income on health care costs last year - and I have good insurance. I make a good living but I pinch pennies because of my health care costs.

Anonymous Bethesda, MD4 months ago

I try to go where the best doctors are, and live in an area with a lot of good ones. But I investigate carefully before having any procedures done to make sure they really *are* the best way to go. At 51 I haven't had a colonoscopy yet because I have no risk factors, and am worried about the invasiveness of the test compared to alternatives that may work as well. But when my husband had cancer we paid out-of-pocket sometimes because what was best wasn't always covered. Bear in mind that we are financially secure. Top 10%, although not in the 1%.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/health/colonoscopies-explain-why-us-leads-the-world-in-health-expenditures.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/us/the-soaring-cost-of-a-simple-breath.html?emc=edit_na_20131012&_r=1&

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/01/health/american-way-of-birth-costliest-in-the-world.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/health/for-medical-tourists-simple-math.html