Health care is a business. However, for folks who have lost or been denied insurance coverage, the bills should be realistic. I have a friend who works in medical billing, she estimates most medical costs are multiplied by a factor of 10, possibly more. Why in the world should anyone be paying $15-$35 for one pill?! $800-$3500 per day for their bed?! (Yes, I have the itemized bills.) I have no idea what certain tests and procedures actually cost but over $1000 per day for "general supplies" seems a bit steep.
Furthermore, I've been told bills, for the uninsured, are actually "marked up" above insured rates so, when the facility writes them off, as a business loss, there is a greater tax break.
I cannot say enough to praise the health care professionals we have dealt with, in the last few years. The people on the "business" end of things, (insurers, office managers, lawyers, collection agencies, and other "bean counters") are another matter.
Regards