Submitted by Arlene M. Fauteux, Sep 27, 2007 14:19

Mr. Stossel is right!

I went for an eye exam a few months ago. I was told the cost of the exam would be $105. When I got there, the young lady proceeded to call my insurance. It was determined that it was not covered. Therefore, the young lady told me the out-of-pocket cost for me would only be $85 at a " discounted price".

I paid the $85 and returned home. I then called my insurance to find out why, in the past, they covered my visit and this time, they did not. I was informed that they had made an error and to resubmit my claim. I then called the eye doctor's office and told her they would have to a submit the claim to my insurance company. Hence, a few weeks later, I received an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from my insurance company only to find that the charge was now $105!!

In my opion, this a fraudulent (but legal) way to "wrip off" insurance companies. No wonder we are all paying such high premiums. My question, why was it okay for me to pay the doctor $85 and not okay for my insurance carrier to pay the doctor $85? I don't feel sorry for the doctors who are also abusing the system. They are like the rest of us. Paying for all the fraud that is going on, which I may some bring on themself(ves).

I could also give you an earful of what goes on in Canada, but if I did, I'd be able to write a book. I can tell you, based on what my in-laws in Canada have told me, socialized medicine doesn't work.

Someone, somewhere should take a better look at what I deem to be price fixing. I look with a jaundiced eye at the doctors who are abusing the system, and moreso, the insurance commissioners who are supposed to be the watchdogs looking out for the people !!

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