Paying More Because You Have Insurance - Chris Hamilton

Send us Fan Mail Your **medical bill says one thing**, your **insurance statement says another**, and somehow the **“cash price” is lower than using the card you pay for every month.** We wanted to know why, so we brought in Chris Hamilton, a Texas-based employee **benefits consultant** who deals with healthcare and insurance costs for employers every day and is blunt about what’s broken. We start with a real urgent care moment that perfectly captures the problem: a parent is told the **cash price is cheaper**, but because she has insurance the clinic must charge more to stay in-network. From there we break down chargemasters and the discount illusion, **why “allowed amounts” exist, and how Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement pressures can push higher prices into the commercial market.** We also talk **single payer, what drives wait lists, and why price ceilings can squeeze supply, staffing, and investment in care.** Then we get tactical. **Chris explains how vertical integration changes incentives, how PBMs can profit through spread pricing, and why consolidation gives hospital systems and insurers enormous leverage.** Most importantly, we lay out practical employer strategies that can actually reduce healthcare spending: direct contracts with hospitals, steering incentives that drop deductibles at preferred facilities, bundled payments for major procedures, and **self-funded plans paired with stop-loss coverage to cap catastrophic risk.** If you’ve ever looked at an **EOB (explanation of benefits) and wondered who’s winning, this conversation is for you.** Subscribe for more straight-talk interviews, share this with a friend who hates medical bills, and leave a review with your biggest healthcare pricing question. \--- Welcome to The Brad Weisman Show, where we dive into the world of real people, real life, and everything in between with your host, Brad Weisman! 🎙️ Join us for candid conversations, laughter, and a fresh take on the real world. Get ready to explore the ups and downs of life with a side of humor. From property to personality, we've got it all covered. Tune in, laugh along, and let's get real! 🏡🌟 #TheBradWeismanShow #RealPeopleRealLife  **Credits *-* The music for my podcast was written and performed by Jeff Miller.**