Chapter 12: Healthcare: The Great American Anxiety

In India, if you get sick, you go to a clinic, pay ₹500, and see a doctor. In America, healthcare is a Financial Minefield.

12.1. The Profit Machine

America has the best medical technology in the world and the worst payment system.

A 10-minute ambulance ride can cost $3,000.
A night in a hospital can cost $15,000.
The Insurance Trap: You must have health insurance, usually provided by your employer. If you lose your job, you often lose your insurance. This is why many Americans are terrified to quit their jobs.

12.2. The Vocabulary of Pain

You must learn these three words:

Deductible: The amount you must pay (e.g., the first $3,000) before the insurance pays a single cent.
Co-pay: The small fee ($30) you pay for every visit.
In-Network: A list of doctors the insurance company likes. If you go to a doctor “Out-of-Network,” you might have to pay the entire bill yourself.

12.3. The “Uber over Ambulance” Rule

Many Americans will call an Uber while having a minor medical crisis because an ambulance is too expensive.

Preventative Care: Americans are obsessed with “Checkups” and “Wellness” because catching a problem early is the only way to avoid bankruptcy.

Practical Takeaway for the Indian: Never walk into a hospital for something minor. Go to an “Urgent Care” clinic instead. And always, always ask: “Is this covered by my insurance?” before you say yes to any test.