U.S. hospitals can now bill patients up to $100 million dollars

America’s national health care system, Medicare, is expanding its medical billing options. Hospitals can now bill clients for services rendered up to $99,999,999.99, which is only 1 cent less than 100 million. Previously, bills of no more than 8 figures were provided for physician and staff fees.

This news can be considered alarming for America, as drug prices are rising all over the world. For example, Lenmeldy’s gene therapy drug for children costs a fantastic $4,250,000. Previously, the most expensive drug was Hemgenix, a hemophilia B drug, which had a price tag of $3,500,000. There are other medications that cost more than the $1,000,000 mark.

A survey conducted in the U.S. last August found that 31% of Americans were unable to purchase their prescribed medications due to high prices, and 28% had difficulty obtaining them from pharmacies. According to a federal report for 2022, Americans overpay almost three times more for medications than citizens of other countries comparable to America in terms of standard of living.