A Swiss man came to Pa. for his daughter’s wedding — and left with a $42,000 hospital bill

[Northeast Agent]

[EXTERNAL LINK] - A Swiss man came to Pa. for his daughter’s wedding — and left with a $42,000 hospital bill

Mr. Clarke, the cost-containment expert, said the “only thing” Mr. Comfort could have done differently was to purchase a travel health insurance policy before leaving Switzerland. While prices for health care in continental Europe are comparable to Switzerland, the high cost of care in the U.S. means Groupe Mutuel insurance is “insufficient.”

That is especially important for visitors to the U.S. since, as Robin Ingle, CEO of travel insurance company Ingle International, said: U.S. prices are “kind of crazy numbers.”

 

[kpbdy99]

I suppose he could have just died.

 

[somarco]

Many European countries subsidize (and control) health care via taxes while US health care is not subsidized. As the article mentions, he could have purchased an international travel medical plan which could cover most of his OOP costs and be a lot less than his outstanding balance.


"his Swiss insurance had no contract with the U.S. hospital where he underwent emergency surgery — or with any other provider outside Switzerland."

Mr. Clarke said he would expect an appendectomy to be priced between $6,500 and $18,800, based on his analysis of Medicare payments in the Pittsburgh area.

But . . . he didn't have Medicare so this is a straw man argument

 

[scagnt83]

while US health care is not subsidized.

That is 100% untrue on literally almost every level of US healthcare.

Medicare- gov subsidies
Med Sups- gov subsidies
Med Advantage- gov subsidies
ACA- gov subsidies
Group- gov subsidies (significant tax breaks)
Medicaid- gov subsidies

The only group that does not receive gov subsidies are high earners who have an individual plan.

 

[adjusterjack]

All Mr Clarke has to do is say "Can't pay, won't pay. Bye."

 

[somarco]

Medicare, Medicaid, MA . . . etc received funding to PAY for health care . . . which is not the same as funding health care.

 

[adjusterjack]

Medicare, Medicaid, MA . . . etc received funding to PAY for health care . . . which is not the same as funding health care.

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck.

 

[somarco]

If health care was funded gross billed charges would be lower.

In Canada and other countries, prescription drugs receive taxpayer funding, thus lowering the retail price of medication.

Neither of these are ducks . . .

 

[fed up]

He has been out of the country for 30 years and could not get Medicare registration to go through. No doubt.
My wife just went through registration. Made an appointment and took all of the documents requested. Nope, you forgot your marriage license. Wasn't on the email sent from SSA. Went back a week later with all required documents plus marriage license. 2 weeks later medicare card and new SSA card arrive, in her maiden name. 3rd appointment, "OH, don't know how that happened". Still waiting for correct documents with correct name.

 

[somarco]

He has been out of the country for 30 years and could not get Medicare registration to go through. No doubt.

He could have applied for Medicare @ 65 as an expat but doubtful he could qualify for "premium free" Part A.

Also . . .

If you do not enroll in Medicare during your IEP, you may have to wait until the General Enrollment Period (GEP), which runs January 1 through March 31 each year, with coverage starting the first of the month after the month when you enroll. Make sure you are aware of the consequences of choosing not to enroll during your IEP.

Note: If you do not qualify for premium-free Part A, you may only be able to enroll in Medicare if you live in the U.S.

[EXTERNAL LINK] - How to enroll in Medicare for those who first qualify when living abroad - Medicare Interactive