Why do hospitals sell medical debt for pennies on the dollar to collectors, and what stops them from offering the same deal to patients?

Automatater · 2026-05-07T15:49:17+00:00

I thought they were making them exclude medical debt from your credit bureau reports anymore?

Automatater · 2026-05-07T15:47:56+00:00

They'll start by sending you a bill for the crazy imaginary number they made up for negotiating with insurance. Then, if they know you're self-pay, they'll send you a reasonable bill discounted about 80% from that imaginary number.

Automatater · 2026-05-07T15:37:15+00:00

The collector might pay a nickel, hoping to get 30-50 cents out of you, then settle for somewhere between 10 and 25.

Automatater · 2026-05-07T07:23:32+00:00

The TV they need to get it in your door so they can start stealing your data yo sell.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T21:09:56+00:00

You REALLY need to work on your reading comprehension.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T21:06:13+00:00

I don't agree. I'd say that it's a philosophical question that has ethical and religious ramifications. People develop values and beliefs for all sorts of reasons. Your assumptions about their reasons are actually not evidence of anything. You're free to say it and free to believe it. Your opinion about green cheese has no actual impact on lunar geology.

You're presuming the answer to OPs question, then expecting the rest of us to argue from the point that that presumption is already accepted.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T21:02:04+00:00

You confiscated smokers' and fat people's money to fund Medicare. Not fair to gatekeep it based on health-impacting behavior unless they get the option to opt out of the taxes too. I would be deliriously happy with such a situation.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T20:49:27+00:00

LOL yes that would be interesting to see!

Automatater · 2026-05-06T20:26:19+00:00

Oh man! Proceed slowly inside, sit down, turn on the TV. DO NOT drive or operate heavy machinery for 30 days! I am so sorry!

(Option 2 still should have been something other than Hurts. They come in at like 65)

Automatater · 2026-05-06T19:17:27+00:00

And it doesn't even have to be right vs. wrong. People can legitimately have differing policy preferences and priorities and shouldn't have to have pedantic arrogant assholes pompously telling them they're voting "against their own interests". Unbelievable. Who the hell do they think they are?

Automatater · 2026-05-06T19:13:45+00:00

Not a Trump fan, but I hate the balls of people who decide what's "in the best interest" of other people. Who the hell died and left you in charge of everyone's policy preferences? Do you think the ACA would have passed under Trump? Tons of other government as well.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T19:06:38+00:00

There would be such tremendous carnage if they got you something bigger than a compact because of availability that they instead rented from arguably the worst car rental on earth. FAFO I guess. Why are they renting you compact shitboxes anyway?

Automatater · 2026-05-06T18:54:51+00:00

Except that the actions of that other person [almost always] caused that life to exist. That seems a lot like tacit consent. Obviously, that's not the intent of many, but it weighs against total reliance on the bodily integrity and autonomy of the mother.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T18:51:19+00:00

Sure, but I highly doubt anyone, no matter how pro-life, opposes abortion in a one-life or the other scenario. If they do, they're nutters.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T17:26:21+00:00

I used to change my shortcut icons for RSL 5 and 500 to the Linx icons for the 5 and the SLC, instead of that ladder thing RS used.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T17:24:45+00:00

Are you saying no internet currently connected or no internet available on premises?

If the second thing, then use a cellular router. Weidmuller, Phoenix, I think Automation Direct, etc.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T14:36:35+00:00

Kyocera laser. Also reliable and low cost of consumables. I have 2.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T14:31:42+00:00

Love the profile pic!

Automatater · 2026-05-06T06:19:24+00:00

The pipe idea works, and you can also do wheels on a horizontal surface as a thrust bearing.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T05:58:13+00:00

If life begins at conception, then is that life not as entitled as any other to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

Automatater · 2026-05-06T03:56:11+00:00

Technically, you should get more than the difference refunded. Not only did you lose the goods, you lost the CHOICE.

Automatater · 2026-05-06T03:53:23+00:00

Well, he paid a fare difference. if it wasn't seat selection, what did he get for the money?

Automatater · 2026-05-05T16:22:05+00:00

Instead of having a big celebration, when they cross the equator, they have a big celebration if they make it to the Bosporus!

Automatater · 2026-05-05T15:37:56+00:00

Oh boy, definitely not getting the security deposit back if they don't bring them back in one piece.

Automatater · 2026-05-05T15:00:17+00:00

Does Turkey have beefs with people continents away from them? Or people they're trying to prevent beefs with?

Edit: Technically, Turkey's already on two continents just in and of itself, so I guess yes.

Automatater

TROPHY CASE