“ When I see stuff like the $27K pill, I always remember my situation. In 2019 I had a serious procedure. I managed to come out mostly intact. I saw the bill the hospital submitted to insurance. It was something like $165K. The first thing insurance did was to apply the "contracted discount", and brought it instantly to around $39K. Right there, there's a problem. Did the hospital just eat $126K?? I don't think so. They would never have contracted to that. The hospital was able to accept $39K and still be in business. Somebody just made up that $165K number. That's a big part of what's wrong with care today.”

That’s why currently no matter how expensive it gets and how large are the deductibles, we have to buy an insurance policy. Otherwise we will be bankrupted by the ridiculous overcharging.

Yes, get insurance companies out of it. You realize that’s the GOP plan, though? Tax breaks to fund an HSA. Pay all bills yourself. Us rich folks will be fine. Guess I should stop worrying about it.

I am absolutely determined to stay under 400% FPL in 2026. Looks to be a great year for long cycling trips.