[BigBubbleButt]

You're assuming the hospitals don't all do this. You're basically discussing market dynamics with a legalized cartel.

This is like when people point out problems with fiat currency which are very real, and then people suggest theoretical solutions from cryptocurrency. It doesn't actually help solve the problem in any meaningful way, and you are living in an alternate reality from the problem space we are discussing.

[88913527]

People say it's impossible to negotiate prices at modern grocery chains. They only had brand name lactose supplements. The manager gave me a hard time about it, I asked about a price matching policy, shrugged, and let me pay the generic price. I'm sharing this anecdote because I don't think people try hard enough and you might be surprised if you do. You won't win every time, but try asserting some authority.

By assuming markets are so rigged against you, it discourages people from even trying. Price discovery can only happen if you attempt to be firm. If you'll roll over instantly, then sure, they can do as they wish.

[BigBubbleButt]

I've had the misfortune of suing insurance companies in the past; I'm very aware of how the system works. You are technically correct. It's just that you're grossly exaggerating exceptions as though they will ever be useful to a majority of people.