I asked the director what an in-network insurance company would have paid for Dina’s bill. As I expected, he said he wasn’t allowed to disclose his discounted rate with any insurance company. “Look, if Dina can pay $30,000, I’ll write off the difference,” he said, trying to close the deal. “She can do $12,000,” I replied. “How about $25,000?” Surround him with camels and pyramids and he’d be right at home in the bazaar. “She can do $12,000.” “How about $20,000?” “She can do $12,000” “How about $19,000?” I said no, thank you, and have a nice day.
