One Night Stand is $53,103!

I recently reviewed a good friend and client's EOB - Explanation of Benefits. The insurer's form showed charges for a minimally invasive knee replacement in an Illinois hospital (where costs are allegedly lower). The in-patient charges for this one night stay were $53,103. I repeat and clarify: exclusive of the surgeon, this procedure was $53,103!!!

Several weeks later, the other knee costs 'only' $51,000. As this was an In Network provider for the insurer, the amount was discounted and paid at $36,110.

[Note to certain pandering politicians: My client owns a small business with only 20 covered employees, but this 32% negotiated discount is the same given to the insurer's largest national account - but I digress to dispel a myth.]