Brett
Guest
I believe what she was saying, and I found the same to be true, was that often (for me always) self pay customers pay less out of pocket than insurance covered people. Obviously, depends on your co-pays, deductible, etc. I was uninsured a few years, and paid doctors less than I paid out of pocket on BCBS. Yes, I did negotiate and tell them I was self pay and it did matter. Now, if I would have needed surgery, could have been a different result. But, going out of network will not always mean paying more and I agree with her comment as I experienced the same thing.
some believe they have more negotiating power (lower prices) than major health insurers. And the prices quoted for certain medical procedures are lower for individuals without insurance than those that have health insurance but I believe an individual will ultimately pay less if they have health insurance. ( ... except for dental 'health' and if one never has a major medical issue )