But they give us insurance for that now.

In July, I spent 3 days in the hospital.  A bill hasn't arrived, but a few days ago I received an "Explanation of Benefits" from my insurance company.  The charges from the hospital were $24,103 (this doesn't include charges from the emergency room's physician and anesthesiologist, physical therapy, follow up doctor visits, etc.).  The insurance provider discount for being in the network was $9,265 for a net balance paid to the hospital from my insurance of $14,838.  The first item on the insurance summary is "Accommodations - Room & Board" of $3,900.  $2400 after the provider discount.

I've read numerous stories of people born in the 1940s, 50s, & 60s finding the hospital bill from when they were born.  After a week long stay in the hospital with no insurance, their parents paid cash in the $50 to $60 range.  Adjusted for inflation that is less than $1000 to as low as $370 ($60 in 1940 to $50 in 1960).

I mentioned the above info to a friend to help illustrate how everything the govt does ends up leaving us worse off.  She stated, "yeah, but they give us insurance for that now so we are better off".

Some days it is hard to be thankful.  Happy Thanksgiving anyway!