If you've ever gotten an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) let alone a bill for a $108 application of NeoSporin to a cut in an ER, then this is an article you want to read from beginning to end. Ditto if you a two day hospitalization for chest pain, even if it turns out that your heart is fine, could wipe you out or cost you your home.
The author, Steven Brill, takes a very thorough trip through several patient experiences with astronomical and unpayable debt due to medical encounters from an investigative "follow the money" approach.
His summary and suggestions for resolving this problem are worth reading even if you don't read the entire piece. I agree that cost transparency is a reasonable expectation, that lowering MediCare age in many ways makes more sense than raising it and that the time for nation-wide tort reform is long overdue. (Yes, I am quite aware that I am agreeing with both the Democrats and Republicans on this. And why not? Any good ideas that can improve health care in our country without bankrupting its citizens should be welcome.)
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