My Hospital Bill was $119,000 for 5 days

I just got the itemized bill from my hospital stay last month. It is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. Now mind you I had a wonderful experience while I was in the hospital. My husband had the same surgey (GallBladder removal) at another local hospital and he had the absolute worst experience. My husband was in the hospital for 3 weeks. I was there for 5 days. But our hospital bills were exactly alike. How is that even possible?? His bill was $110,000 in 2005. I can't believe the costs have gone up that much in 7 years.

Here are a few items I found interesting:
* Accomodations - $4500 (I could have stayed at the Breakers for less money)
* Pharmacy - $35,000 (I know I had some good drugs, but WOW)
* OR Costs - $30,000
* Sterile Supplies - $7500

And here is the kicker. I have insurance, so these items were all negotiated down to 1/10 the cost. My insurance company paid $11,000 and the bill is done. So those people without insurance don't get a negotiated rate?? How can someone afford that without insurance?? And how are they allowed to get that much of a discount??

At the end of the day, I've met my deductible for the year ($2800). Still not sure how I'm gonna pay for that, though. But hopefully I can make installment payments . . .

And finally I want to thank the Affordable Care Act of 2010. My company before 2011 had a lifetime limit on medical of $100,000 and a yearly amount of $20,000. I might be paying a ton more money out of pocket without ObamaCares!! If more people would actually read what is covered they would see that this is a good thing for this country. If people would stop listening to Talking Heads who know nothing and actually learn for themselves, this country wouldn't be as angry as it is.