Medical Costs

[blondie]

I'm working toward my BSN. A young college student in my Statistics class said today he doesn't believe health insurance is the right way to go for someone his age. He believes he's better off just saving his money, and paying for any bill himself should the need arise. He says he doesn't think it matters until you hit your 30s.

I couldn't really argue with him because I work in LTC and am not familiar with hospital costs these days. All I could do was smile and say to myself, "He'll find out."

Got me curious. Just what is the average cost of a hospital stay these days?

Thanks.

[CountrifiedRN]

The only hospital experiences I've had recently were an out patient surgery for my son and having a baby back in 2000.

The outpatient surgery cost totaled about $1800. (In North Carolina)

Having my baby by C-Section (in California) was about $12,000. I remember the breakdown of costs, I was amazed that a 1 liter bag of NS was $96, and that didn't include the cost of the IV stick! (Was glad insurance covered 100%!)

My friend that had a baby at around the same time, but lady partsl birth, had a $6,000 bill.

I guess if you're pretty healthy and don't see the doctor very much, it would be cheaper. But if you had an accident, or needed, say, an appendectomy, the hospital costs would be outrageous!

[raiderron]

If the kid would put his money that would normally be spent on insurance premiums into a savings account and let it accrue interest, then he would have more then enough to take care of his medical costs barring a major illness such as Cancer or Heart Surgery. Yes, it is a gamble but a normal person will usually come out ahead.

Now, Did I do this? No.

In defense of his thought process....when you are young you are bullet proof and invincable. When you get older you get wiser.

[Mijourney]

Hi. If this young man is not going to invest in health insurance then at least he should consider disability insurance. As most of you have pointed out, there is a great chance that at some point, we will become disabled on a short or long term basis. Having disability insurance helps supplement our income and savings, if we have any.

Like many of you, I'm concerned about not having some type of health insurance backup when I get into dire circumstances. I hope this person not only has a coat of armor, but that he has squeaky clean health and safety practices.

[OBNURSEHEATHER]

My hubby took a trip to the ER once. Couple of Prednisone, a few breathing tx's, chest xray, and some O2. 3-4 hours tops. Almost $2,000. (He didn't have ins. at the time)

Although I did have coverage, my ins. company sent me a "copy" of charges for my son's delivery, a little over $4,000 (in 1994).

Heather

[mattsmom81]

Just had a thyroidectomy 6 weeks ago. 23 hr obs out patient surgery and hospital charges $1500. Surgeon charged about the same. 3K...not bad. Good news too, just a benign goiter. :)

Now the anterior cervical fusion I have coming up is a lot higher....I've been researching: 16K for the surgeon, 7K for hospital /surgery charges, and 2K to the anesthesiologist....all payable up front mind you. Add another $1500 or so for physical therapy... yeesh, I'll be putting close to 30K on plastic.

My neck injury was due to an MVA so my health insurer will not help me with costs.... I just hope my attorney gets it back for me in court All prayers appreciated!! :) for me and my attorney...LOL.