Reply #8: So how's a person making less than $10K a year going to have savings accounts, pay for [View All]

catastrophic insurance, and have money to pay routine costs?

To answer your question. Because health care costs have been allowed to unlimitedly increase for the past 40 years without any government controls, very few people can afford to 'routine stuff'. I used to have a family doctor that charged $15 for an office visit. He drew blood, took X-rays, set broken bones, stitched up cuts, delivered babies, etc. for his costs and a few bucks. I challenge you to find a doctor who will do that today. Most primary care doctors will send you to a lab for blood tests, somewhere else for X-rays, etc. When I grew up, people only carried what was termed 'major medical' insurance for hospital costs.

P.S. What will $10,000 in a health savings account pay for? I've had over $126,000 in medical bills so far this year.