single citizen of this nation pay money to buy it? Why did the great Democratic president who is adored with such fervor by Democrats support such legislation?"
Because they're corporate whores and don't represent us. And I don't know many people who are hailing this as "the greatest liberal legislation since FDR" - and you'll find a lot of people on this board who are less than impressed with having the Heritage Foundation's plan shoved off on us.
The hospital may bill $1800 for a colonoscopy but that's not what the insurance company pays. I know with my broken wrist and surgery last winter the doctors/hospital and therapists billed nearly $26,000 - my insurer paid about $14,000 (of which I paid about $600, mostly in copays for therapy). I imagine, when rates are negotiated, the doctors come in asking for way more than they know they'll get - just like in any negotiation. And, at least the medical personal are providing a service, the insurance company is nothing but a middle man who, in the case of the for profits, looks for ways not to pay anything if they can weasel out of it.
BTW - are you a wheel at UnitedHealth Group (or other for profit insurer) or just a stockholder?
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