Why allow hospitals to inflate charges?

When my husband was treated at St. Luke's Hospital in June 2010, he stayed all night and was billed for all medications he received as a patient. After receiving the statement of charges, I forwarded the same to his insurance company. They paid what was considered a feasible charge and I sent them a check for the deductibles.

That left a balance of more than $400. I made a few phone calls to find out what we could buy the same drug for. For example, the hospital charge was $12.45; the retail cost for the same drug was $1.97.

It is not that we can't pay the bill, it is a matter of overinflated prices. What about the people who live day to day? It has been common knowledge that insurance companies and Medicare have contracts with hospitals to pay a reduced price, but the patient often is billed the full price. We also are paying for those who do not have insurance. Yes, some of these people cannot afford insurance, but there are many who can. They would rather spend their money to keep up their lifestyle.

Now, I realize that modern equipment and better medications save lives, and for that I am thankful. There is still no excuse for any organization to be untouchable.

Bettie Helm

Cedar Rapids