We have a "Cadillac" plan as a benefit from my husband's employment. When his union was negotiating a new contract, the company threatened to drop the coverage. They sent us a letter stating that if we wanted to continue the insurance by self paying, it would be $20,000 a year. The contract was signed and we still have the insurance. No cost to us (though certainly part of the compensation package) and we have a $600 deductible, not including doctor's visits which are a $20 copay and not including prescriptions which are a maximum of $25. We also have a mail order pharmacy benefit for maintenance medications which cost $16 for a three month supply.
So, stay out of the hospital and don't need surgery and we have it really good (we don't even have to pay the deductible, just the copays)......until my husband loses his job or the insurance is renegotiated in a new contract.
By contrast, my brother has to pay in to his insurance at his job and he has a $3000 deductible...and they're getting ready to have a baby. So, there goes $3000.
This makes no kind of sense in a developed country.
In other ridiculousness, my husband hurt his back at work and had to have back surgery. It was covered under Workmen's Compensation, but they still sent the bills to us - $100,000 worth.
So, if you want to hurt yourself, try to do it at work.
Also, emergency departments , by law, have to treat everyone. That's why it takes 5 hours to get seen in the Emergency Department, it's clogged with uninsured people with ear infections. But, passing a kidney stone? Sorry, here's a gurney in the hallway so you can lie down while waiting...