Amid raging debate over US‘ dwindling healthcare infrastructure, a viral post on X has reignited the debate over the matter.

A widely shared post showed a purported hospital bill in the US, totalling up to $41,297. The user who shared the bill’s clip alleged it belonged to a person who had visited a healthcare centre due to blood pressure concerns and spent less than two hours in the ER room.

“An American goes to the ER for high blood pressure. He’s there less than TWO hours. No surgery. No scans. The bill comes back at $41,297 — even AFTER he’s paid his FULL out-of-pocket max, the post read. The post also highlighted how the dismal state of affairs had likened the healthcare situation across the country to “extortion”.

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How did netizens react?

Several users took to X to express their frustration. “We blame insurers for this but it’s really the providers,” wrote one user.

“Insurers have profit margins of just 2-5%. The “non-profit” hospital systems make $$$$$. I’ve had my share of bills like this for ER,” a user wrote.

“As a foreigner from Canada I’ve gotten sick and went to hospitals in the USA – With insurance it wasn’t that bad. I think a lot of these posts are from people who don’t buy insurance and get screwed,” another wrote.

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What are the healthcare policies in the US?

The United States has a complex healthcare system with policies shaped by both federal and state governments. Most Americans access healthcare through insurance, which can be private or government-run. Private insurance schemes are usually provided by employers or purchased individually.

Public insurance schemes are government programs, which provide coverage for specific groups. These include Medicare, a federal program for people aged 65+ or with certain disabilities.

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program for low-income individuals and families. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

The ACA (aka Obamacare) aimed to expand coverage and reduce costs. Its key features include prohibiting the denial of insurance for pre-existing conditions.

What is the healthcare situation in the country now?

According to NBC News, a major health care divide is coming in 2026. Some Americans may finally catch a break on rising costs, as the first negotiated Medicare drug prices go into effect. Others will end up paying more, as Affordable Care Act tax credits expire and Medicaid coverage becomes more uncertain amid drastic cuts in state funding.

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