I am writing this message to you in order to stop this insane and yes, criminal high cost of medical care in this country.
In March of 2005, I ended up in the emergency room at COX HOSPITAL in MONETT, MISSOURI. They were told twice that I did not have medical insurance and stated that it was okay. I spent about one and a half hours in the ER. I later got a bill from them for over $1100.00. They said if I didn't arrange for payment within 10 days, they would turn my bill over to a collection agency. I told them that if they bothered me again, I would contact my CONGRESSMEN. I haven't heard from them since.
In January of 2006, I ended up in the ST. JOHN's HOSPITAL in AURORA, MISSOURI. I spent about one and a half hours in the ER. Nobody said anything about payment. I received a bill of over $1600.00. I was contacted by the hospital and told them that I couldn't pay the bill. They offered to see if they couldn't get me some assistance provided by several areas including the U.S. Government. I received a letter stating that if I didn't pay the bill, they would turn it over to a collection agency. I haven't heard from them in a month, so I don't know what they're going to do.
I am accusing the medical system in this country of price gouging people. For instance, a person with a broken arm due to an accident, of which I have had, has to have medical attention and worry about costs later. He can't afford to shop around for the best deal. Several years ago, the hospital at MONETT, was run by nuns. When my father had to go to the ER, his bill was only $75.00. Had COX and ST. JOHN's sent me a bill of $100-200.00, I could have afforded that, even though I might have had to make payments. But, these bills of over $1100.00 and $1600.00 are nothing more than criminal. My father was on dialysis for 5 years and spent the last 5 weeks in a hospital suffering and dying. We figured the costs to us and the insurance companies was over $100,000.00. The point being, that my family has paid enough to these hospitals, which are nothing more than rackets, just like drugs and gambling.
The CONSTITUTION protects people from excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment. I am requesting that you launch an investigation into the high costs of ER treatment. For instance, figure what it costs to run an ER for 1 hour, taking into account employee salaries, utlities, etc. Then, just charge the patient by the time they are actually in the ER. Also, charge a fair price for tests, such as EKG's, etc. For what the hospitals were charging me for 1 1/2 hours in the ER, I could have stayed a week at a 4-Star hotel and brought in a private doctor and nurse.
With all due respect to your office,
GARRY DASHNER
587 Old Aurora Road
Verona, Missouri 65769
(417) 498-6586
[email protected]
[email protected]