My husband used to also tally what our old health insurance in the US would pay. It's beyond ridiculous! I say "US" because the United States is unique in NOT negotiating prices with pharmaceutical companies. Most all other developed countries (most all with universal health coverage, unlike the US) do. In fact, it is currently still illegal for the US government to negotiate prices with pharma companies. This includes for Medicaid and Medicare. That decision is because the government made it so, not necessarily based on the will of the majority in the US (about 80% are unhappy with the high prices). More minority rule and obstruction and the excessive power of lobbyists. Only insurance companies can negotiate, and most all don't. Those that do, such as Express Scripts, actually pocket the savings rather than pass them on sufficiently to consumers. Insurance companies also make huge profits from the money they get from individual corporations who use their services for employees. No tears for the corporations, especially their executives. "Real wages" of employees have barely budged in decades (against purchasing power). Employees pay the price again.

Almost a couple years ago I read that Amazon will be getting into the pharmaceutical industry racket. They will surely offer consumers slightly lower prices in order to take over business from other companies. They will also likely include mail delivery. One may see this as a potential good thing, but really it would represent an even greater increase in the power and wealth of the Amazon corporation (and Jeff Bezos). In the end, the US consumer will still be in a much crappier situation than most all people in other developed nations. Could/will this ever change positively in the US? We'll have to see, but if it does, it will be nothing short of a revolutionary change in the US.

I have discussed the US health insurance industry with many people in Czech Republic. When they learn about it, they shake their heads in awe how scarily unfair it is to the American public. This is a reality. Unfortunately, in the meantime, Americans just continue to lament and lament and accept and accept the current reality.

@Mountaindewed, I think it is great for you that 100% of your recent surgical procedure was covered by your insurance. I've been a bit surprised by that when way way too many people have far less coverage for more life threatening illnesses and many types of hospitalizations for psychological emergencies. I'm not implying that yours shouldn't be 100% (or at least sufficiently) covered, but just sad that others aren't as well.