I don't find that to be the case at all. I haven't had insurance for a couple of years, since my COBRA coverage expired. I have a couple of no-kidding serious health problems that would definitely kill me if left untreated, and as a homeowner, however broke, I don't qualify for medical assistance in my state. I've been getting along with the help of a doctor friend who continues to write prescriptions for my problems, the same drugs I've been taking for years. But the costs of most of these drugs are so high without insurance that sometimes, yes, it's a choice between eating and getting meds. I cannot afford tests or mammograms or Pap smears either. No entity, from the Walmart pharmacy to labs to clinics, have offered to lower prices because I am paying cash.
That is not, of course, to say I would ever sign up for Castrocare. I couldn't pay the premiums and deductibles, even if I were not morally opposed to it.
I don’t understand why you wouldn’t qualify for a big subsidy. Although they won’t let me purchase it(!), an exchange gold plan would cost me about$100/month after the subsidy. Rx would be only $5 mail order; $10 generics at pharmacy, no deductible. But if you won’t buy an exchange plan under any circumstances I guess there’s no reason to consider it. Have you asked the manufacturer for a discount? I had one go from several hundred dollars to $10 in their program. Also, Expanded Medicaid, if it’s going to be available in your state, doesn’t consider assets.
I am also a cash patient and have found the exact opposite, I pay MUCH
less by paying CASH! My mom and I see the same Dr. My office visit is
$60.00, she is on Medicare her same office visit is $160 .00 Medicare
actually pays $45.00. Target offers prescriptions for non insured at a very
low cost. I have an autoimmune disorder and paying cash has been much
less expensive than insurance!!
hehe. Very good. (: