OK, This has been stewing for some time. It is the horrible mark-up on Medical costs that are passed onto the insurance companies; which they pay and then moan that the cost of healthcare has gone up.
My thought: Why do I have to go through a company that marks the cost of Duriable Medical Equipment up to almost twice the cost of what I could buy the same stuff for online. Why not let your insured find the exact same supplies, maybe give them a debit card or something and let them purchase the stuff direct from a vendor. Heck, for some stuff I would be happy to front the cost (as long as I get paid back timely) for the supplies.
Recently I ordered a new CPAP mask, 6' hose, and humidifier chamber from the DME supplier that my insurance requires I go through. I will now go over the costs that they billed the insurance and what I could have paid for the EXACT SAME ITEMS! I will be using CPAP.com as the reference to cash cost.
CPAP Mask Fisher and Paykel Forma
DME Does not normally include headgear (black straps)
CASH COST: (entire set) $137.50, but on sale for $114.50
Savings $195.50 I could have bought 2 masks for what they nailed the insurance for
Humidifier Chamber Fisher and Paykel HC325
DME Cost: $30.00
Cash Cost: $14.50
Savings of $15.50 Again, I could have bought 2 of them for what they billed
Now here is the ultimate rape and pillage!!
6' CPAP hose
DME Cost $60.00 !!! OMG
Cash Cost $9.99 (house brand)
Savings of $50.01
DME's TOTAL CHARGE: $400.00 CASH TOTALCHARGE: $138.99
TOTAL SAVINGS $261.01
Now, I know I should not complain, cause the supplies cost me nothing out of pocket, but yet, that comes back around to the amounts of premiums that I pay out. Isn't it time we all start asking, what does the inflated cost of healthcare cost me.
What a way to enjoy a saturday night.... under the stars...
Just an update!!!
2011 Drive-in Season is getting in full swing!!
Mom and I have already been to the Hi-Road (Kenton, OH) Drive-in twice
Plans are to go to the Newly Re-Opened Field of Dreams Tiffin (formerly the Tiffin Drive-in) May 28th. We also plan to hit the Skyborn (Fairborn), Van-Del (Van Wert) with their new 3rd screen, and Field of Dreams - Liberty Center
This summer I have been going to the Drive-in theatres. There are still many around. It is nice to be able to sit in your car, and not have to worry about people talking during the movies. granted there are kids running around. It is also nice to be able to sit outside under the stars in your lawn chair. The Drive-In is a place for the whole family, cause most let kids in for a few bucks or less.
I was dragging my feet sunday, I don't preferably like going up to the north side of the lake in the tourist season, frankly i try to avoid Indian Lake when the tourists are there, a good bit of them are rude and drunk. But we did make it to Froggy's and saw a band called The P.W.D.K. - they were pretty good IMHO.. After hearing people who "can sing" butcher so many songs while doing karaoke - a lot of stuff sounds good.
While the band was taking a break this lady came out and was dancing, too bad I did not get the camera phone going when she was dancing to California Girlz, but here is her dancing to Billie Jean.
