Trump tries to flip the blame for skyrocketing healthcare premiums - The 11th Hour - MSNBC

[Rhiannon12866]

The pain of the government shutdown is starting to snowball as federal workers try to scrape by and food aid for millions of American kids could run out in a matter of days. Meanwhile Donald Trump is doing his best to place the blame on Democrats for skyrocketing Obamacare premiums. David Drucker, Jon Ralston, and Jake Lahut join Stephanie Ruhle on The 11th Hour. - Aired on 10/30/2025.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

1. The guy who wanted to end obamacare??

[A_Steel_Magnolia]

2. Great timing!

I was about to post this video. Last week I received a summary of my insurance "bills" (not a statement) in September. Charges included a total of $5500+ for a prolia shot for osteoporosis at the local hospital, which had been approved by the insurance company, but was denied on the summary. Naturally, I panicked (not really). I called the insurance company to find that the charge had been paid ($1100 allowed by the insurance company), and that I would have a bill of $324 for this biannual treatment (manageable), most likely for the rest of my life. This was my first prolia shot, so I remained for 30 minutes to ensure there would be no reaction. Those of us who have medical issues who actually look at the insurance report or who get a bill from a hospital or doctor know this is not unusual. I have asked to have this shot at a smaller medical facility next March, both for convenience as well as cost.

The rhetorical question is (at least to me) obvious. Why the exorbitant charge from the hospital and why does the insurance company get discounts that uninsured people would have to pay unless they can "negotiate" payment with the hospital or doctor, etc? It's all about "for profit" healthcare. There are millions on the ACA plan who cannot afford the premiums (hence the subsidies that allow them to have insurance), much less these ridiculously high medical bills.

Medical professionals are among the most caring people with whom I have dealt, but the patchwork medical/insurance system in this country is preposterous. Who would have guessed it would be so difficult to "fix?" (Not the present administration!)

This situation is not new. This example is relatively minor, and it is a symptom of a much greater illness (sorry, I couldn't resist). Adding insult to injury, in Georgia, if an insurance company does not cover certain procedures, they do not negotiate prices when that care is prescribed or performed.

I am extremely fortunate to be in generally good health, but we all know there are no guarantees. We boomers are fortunate to have Medicare, but your children and grandchildren need a miracle.