Here's a story my wife just told me.  This may shed some light on part of the problem with our insurance and medical system.

My mother-in-law has pneumonia.  She needs a nebulizer.

My wifes goes to the pharmacy.  Pharmacist asks her if it will be covered by insurance .  "Yes".

Ok, you'll need to wait until the insurance company gives us the ok...........or.....

If you'd like to pay for it on your own it's $35.

"Ok, I'll pay for it on my own".

She gets to the register, they ring it up....... $189.

My wife says...."I thought it was $35?" 

"It is, the $189 is what we would charge the insurance company "