Doesn't stop the hospital from turning around and gouging their patients and leaving them a ridiculous hospital bill which seems to be the norm in this country[1].
[1]: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertpearl/2017/09/05/3-ways-h...
[1]: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertpearl/2017/09/05/3-ways-h...
It's a system designed to help only the wealthy with costs to match.
Example:
Hospital price for a bandaid: $100
Blue Cross says they want 80% discount
Hospital says ok
Blue Cross looks good because of how much money they saved
Hospital still makes good profit
I’ve talked to hospital administrators about what price they think is fair for a new drug. They say “$100”. I asked what about a higher price and a discount ($200 and a 50% discount). They tell me “Even better! I can go to my boss and tell him I got a lower price which is great since that’s a big component of my bonus!”
[1]: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2015/1...
Non profit's still need to play the game to stay in business because their costs are no lower.