We knew what we signed up for in the “high deductible” plan.

So we stay away from doctors now, as often as we can.

We barely saved enough for “out-of-pocket” in the bank.

But then, last fall, poor hubby feels some pain around his flank.

Although he recognized the pain – he’s had a stone before –

it still seemed like his world would end there, curled up on the floor.

Whimpering and writhing, he couldn’t wait ‘til stone was passed.

So we drove off to the ER, late at night, and very fast.

It wrenched my gut to think this night might cost a couple grand.

I could have guessed the outcome. So we sat. I held his hand.

The doc was quickly in and out, then we were left alone.

Three hours and one CAT scan later, out walks man with stone.

No pain relief or meds dispensed. It was just another bout.

A tiny stone confirmed inside, and he had to ride it out.

So, I think, maybe 15 hundred? But then we got the bill…

My guesstimate was far too low. And now I’m feeling ill.

What the heck is going on here? These numbers cannot be!

What value did they give us for the price they’re charging me?

I called to clarify, and yes, the price was really true.

That’s how much the ER costs when you’re not sure what to do.

One day there might be chest pain, maybe thinking death is close.

But fear of costs would make one pause, or try self-diagnose.

Debates over insurance aren’t needed if we try

just asking the right question: Why’s the cost of care so high?

We determined that the problem is greed, causing great inflation.

We cursed a while, and paid the bill. Now we can’t go on vacation.