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submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by Beep@lemmus.org to c/nottheonion@lemmy.world

A couple were told they faced a $200,000 (£146,500) medical bill when their baby was born prematurely in the US, despite them having travel insurance which covered her pregnancy.

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[-] Randomgal@lemmy.ca 61 points 19 hours ago

I love the 'Achually, you are supposed to beg the hospitals and rely on your insurance shady deals." Comments in this thread.

Just so we are clear, you know the US is the only country with running water that also charges it's citizens to remain alive, right?

This is NOT normal. Not the amount, the situation.

[-] captainlezbian@lemmy.world 3 points 2 hours ago

Listen, I think we're as barbaric about this as any reasonable person, but we really aren't unique. Mexico, Egypt, and the Philippines aren't doing so great, but they're all modern nations with modern infrastructure in their urban areas. India has even worse health insurance than the US and while yes they're still building out their plumbing systems, Mumbai and New Delhi are modern megapolises.

[-] freddydunningkruger@lemmy.world -4 points 1 hour ago* (last edited 1 hour ago)

LOL not unique! Where exactly do you think the US stands when comparing their nominal GDP per capita with Mexico, Egypt, the Phillipines, Mumbai or Dehli?

US: #9 out of 193

Mexico.. 71. Egypt.. 134. Phillipines.. 126. India.. 140

Why don't you take a look at the healthcare systems of the countries in the top 10 GDP per capita and make an actual apples to apples comparison, hm?

[-] captainlezbian@lemmy.world 1 points 1 hour ago

Yes, we're a profoundly broken country in how we use our wealth. But you were over here acting like no other country that isnt entirely and devastatingly impoverished is failing it's citizens this way, and I'm pointing out that no, once again we fall in line with developing nations rather than developed ones. And for those of us who wish for it to be a functional country, I think my framing is much more useful.

And i apologize for assuming you're a European who knows nothing of anywhere beyond the Eurosphere and assumes developing nations don't even have running water.

[-] freddydunningkruger@lemmy.world 1 points 18 minutes ago

I'm saying it's ridiculous, stupid and confusing to say "we aren't unique". The US is in the top 10 in GDP per capita but is ranked in the lower 50 when it comes to Healthcare.

But "we aren't unique".

[-] VitoRobles@lemmy.today 14 points 4 hours ago

This is what's so fucked up about being an American. Every time there's a complaint about the system, some "good soul" comes out to explain how you avoid it.

Healthcare is expensive? Oh you have to negotiate with your doctors, your hospital, your insurance, and get it fixed.

Internet is too expensive? Oh you're supposed to call them every few months to have them lower the prices by threatening to quit.

Oh, fast food is too expensive? Oh use the mobile app and take a picture of your butthole to get it back to normal!

this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2026
879 points (99.0% liked)

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