clearhealthcosts

OMG, there are so many it's hard to say. I think the worst thing we have seen now is the price of insulin, because it is a medication that was invented many years ago and has not required any upgrading. jbp

Also we are hearing a lot about women who are being asked to pay extra for screening mammograms, which are supposed to be free, because they have dense breast tissue or have a history of breast cancer in the family. So they think of it as a penalty for having cancer or having dense breast tissue, which affects 40 percent of women. Some of these women say they're no longer having mammograms because it's too expensive.

Good on you, US health care system! jbp

We're seeing that it's becoming more and more common unfortunately. We did a story with CBS News back in October about its rise: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cost-of-mammograms-preventative-breast-exams-leave-women-with-unexpected-bills/

We're also seeing that women are refusing to get tested because they're afraid of those surprise bills. slb

Todd, you are so right, there should be a requirement that these be ironclad. But they aren't. I wonder if the reason there isn't a requirement to do this has something to do with pay for play politics: As you know, the campaign finance wings of the health care industry make the military campaign finance wings look like the Little Sisters of the Poor. Since legislators depend on that money, this theory goes, they're reluctant to rein in abuses.

Also: There's a revolving door between industry and government. That plays a huge role.

How do you think we could get legislators to pay attention to this? I mean -- good journalism does it, but any other thoughts? -jbp

Unbelievable. You should know, by the way, that you might be able to get that ultrasound cheaper at a self-standing radiology center or a breast center -- instead of at a hospital. And you should ask "what will that cost me on my insurance? what's your cash price?" You might save a ton of money . -jbp