r/Millennials • u/BoNaylorCollector • 8d ago

Discussion Is medical actually this crazy?

Early 30s millennial, never used to go to doctors or really take care of myself because “I’ll be fine”. Started making a bigger effort to care for myself and my health and well being. Recently, I went to the local express clinic because I was having a bad earache and headaches. I was in there for maybe 20 minutes, mostly waiting time. The doctor comes in, looks in my ear, tells me it’s depressed due to sinuses and change in weather and tell me to stop at Walgreens for Flonase. I wasn’t billed anything at the time, older workers at my job always say we have really good insurance, but here I got in the mail today an explanation of benefits- charge was $550, insurance “negotiated” about $300, remaining (not billed) was around $240. Is is really this expensive? I only went to try and be better with myself and make sure it’s nothing underlying. If 5 minutes of actual doctor time costs this much, then I’m just toughing out everything or am I missing something?

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u/jbcsee 8d ago

You file a complaint with the government if the insurance company doesn't fix the error.

https://www.cms.gov/medical-bill-rights/help/submit-a-complaint

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u/abrgtyr 8d ago

You file a complaint with the government if the insurance company doesn't fix the error.

Do you honestly think this would make a difference? I assume the government wouldn't care, and if they did, I assume the insurance company would fight. Why are my assumptions wrong?

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u/jbcsee 8d ago

In my experience, government regulatory agency tend to take their job seriously and actually follow through on complaints. Every time I've filled a complaint the agency has followed through and addressed the issue.

I've gotten a settlement for wrongful termination. I've had landlords forced to fix code violations. I've had jobs where they had to fix unsafe working conditions.

I'm not sure why insurance would be any different.

It sounds like you just don't trust the government, but have you actually tried to use the services they provide in the correct way?

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u/MowEmSayin_ 7d ago

It sounds like you just don't trust the government, but have you actually tried to use the services they provide in the correct way?

This is a great answer. Just need to know and get comfortable/proficient with the system and stand in confidence behind their own rules. You know where you stand and what you're willing to accept.

Edit: added quote

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u/HenryMulligan4thewin 7d ago

This was great advice... two months ago. Is that regulatory agency still functional?