Remember the days when most hospitals were not for profit?

Question

and run by nuns or some religious organization? seems like the more for profit they became, the higher the cost of health care went. Is there a corelation there?

Answer 1

My sis-in-law just underwent a major surgery. She was in isolation and ICU for over 10 day. She received the EOB (explanation of benefits) from her insurance co. and was shocked to see the insurance had paid over 1 million dollars! She had accrued over $178,000 in supplies. I find it hard to believe that a plastic bed pad cost $140.00. I also find it difficult to believe that her meals (liquid diet only - soup, jello, etc.) cost close to $16,000. How can the hospital justify that?

Answer 2

No I don't remember, but don't remember the 1800's either.

But you're right- profit shouldn't be the driving motivation behind medical care. Supply and Demand doesn't really apply, because there's just no limit to what a consumer will pay for necessary medical treatment. If the option is sell the house and live on the streets, or watch your child die, you'll sell the house every time.

Answer 3

Not really. The not-for-profits these days tend to have CEO's, CFO's and such that are paid money that makes the highest income physicians look poverty-stricken, and they charge just as much as the for-profits. The reasons for the high costs of medical care are complex, and you won't find a simple reason. One of the largest, though, is administrative costs, and handling a zillion different insurance policies each trying to save money is very costly.

Answer 4

No, I don't remember those days. That was back in the 1800s I believe. But since 50% of medical bills is just malpractice insurance I would say that would be good way to start cutting cost, by stopping frivolous lawsuits and cut some of these stupidly high payoffs.

Answer 5

Before Pres. Reagon there were a whole lot of wonderful things in this country not for profit, taxpayer funded, city science museum, parks & hosp.

Answer 6

I'm afraid that I'm not that old. However, non profit hospitals still exist...and they aren't cheap either. I guess doctors make more money these days.

Answer 7

That must have been before Wall Street and corporate greed ruined healthcare in America and made it so unaffordable for average people.

Answer 8

The two largest hospitals in my city are nonprofit.
Healthcare costs have sky-rocketed due to the need for
tort reform for curbing ambulance chasing lawyers, and
to make up for treating a massive number of illegal aliens.

Answer 9

I sure do and also remember Doctors making house calls. Whether you could pay or not ,they would treat you.

Answer 10

Ah the good old days when an average American could afford to get sick, I remember it well.