On social media, many viewers stunned after a viral video captured a momen showing how much American man was charged for calling an ambulance.
A California man shares his jaw-dropping medical bill
On social media, a user, who goes by @thesephew shared a video on Tiktok, revealing the shock cost of an ambulance ride in America.
The video has the caption: “that’s Healthcare in America baby!”.
The man, known as Robby on TikTok, shared his family’s medical bill experience.
His daughter needed emergency medical care, leading them to call an ambulance.
A California father was left speechless after discovering how much he had to pay for an ambulance ride.
Additionally, the amount was significantly higher because he had health insurance. His revelation has sparked outrage and confusion online.
Insured vs. Uninsured: A huge price difference
In the footage, Robby received two bills. The first was for an uninsured patient, totaling $600.
Additionally, the second, after adding his insurance details, skyrocketed to $1,264. His insurance covered $1,078, making the total bill $2,342.
The shocking part? If Robby had been uninsured, he would have paid much less. A law in California offers discounts to uninsured patients, which drastically reduces their medical bills.
A new law that changes medical billing
The confusion stems from California’s newly implemented law, AB716. This law, approved in October 2023 by Governor Gavin Newsom, took effect in 2024.
It provides significant discounts to uninsured patients while insured individuals pay higher amounts.
When Robby questioned the discrepancy, the billing representative confirmed the law’s impact.
The representative stated that being uninsured qualified him for a discount, but having insurance disqualified him from it.
Social media reacts to the viral video
Robby’s TikTok video quickly gained attention, with thousands of users expressing frustration.
In the comment selection, many questioned the fairness of the system.
One person said: So you’re penalized FOR having insurance.
A second wrote: Don’t be shy, name the insurance company!
While a third commented: That seems like fraud.
Another added: What’s the point of having insurance if they don’t cover anything when you need it?
Someone else said: America is an absolute joke when it comes to healthcare.
Another user added: $2,300? Are you actually buying the ambulance?
The cost of health insurance in America
Health insurance in the U.S. is already expensive. According to KFF, an independent health policy research group, in 2024:
– Single coverage costs an average of $8,951 per year.
– Family coverage costs an average of $25,572 per year.
With these high insurance costs, many wonder why insured individuals end up paying more for emergency services than those without coverage.
While, the high costs of medical care, insurance premiums, and unexpected billing disparities continue to fuel debates about reform.
For many, this viral video serves as yet another example of the financial burden placed on Americans seeking healthcare.