Lots of blame for health costs

A recent writer claimed that insurance companies were motivated only by greed and that doctors should have free reign in decisions about patient care. Here is my anecdote: As a newlywed, I was employed but had no medical insurance, and my wife was looking for a job. She had a skin condition that was driving her crazy. We knew that a dermatologist visit would be expensive, but we decided a few more bologna meals wouldn’t hurt us. The doctor made an examination and wrote a prescription. She then asked us if we had insurance. I replied no, it would be out of pocket. She said, “Oh, OK, I’ll take it easy on you.”

While I appreciate her help, since I had no insurance, she shouldn’t have a double pricing system for people with insurance. Does she gouge people with insurance? Is this fair to insurance companies? Is this one reason insurance is so expensive? As far as insurance companies being greedy, when was the last time you went to a doctor and had free health care? My point: The health care issue is very complicated. If you naïvely point fingers at only one participant, don’t expect improvements.

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Lots of blame for health costs."