7 chapters across the catalog
Medical Billing Inflation, Outpatient Surgery Costs
Adam Curry details a recent $119,000 hospital bill for a family member's outpatient meniscus surgery. He explains the discrepancy between the "sticker price" and the $20,000 settlement paid by insurance. The hosts describe the modern American healthcare system as a "scam care system" driven by insurance bureaucrats and contrast it with the cash-based "house call" era.
A discussion regarding the rental car industry focuses on the proliferation of non-negotiable fees, including concession recovery, vehicle license, and tire disposal charges. Personal anecdotes involve past vehicle accidents in Hawaii and Arizona, specifically criticizing the braking performance and safety features of a Nissan rental vehicle.
Pharmaceutical Supply Limits, Insurance Scams
A discussion on the frustrations of the healthcare system covers 30-day limits on thyroid medication and the rising costs of veterinary care. The hosts argue that the introduction of insurance into any market, including pet care, inevitably leads to price inflation and "scam" behavior.
Breast Cancer Previvors and Insurance-Funded Reconstructive Surgery
The term "previvor" is identified as a label for individuals with a genetic predisposition to cancer who undergo preventative surgeries. The hosts critique advertisements for the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, suggesting that legal mandates for insurance to cover reconstructive surgery have created a loophole for elective cosmetic procedures.
Typhoon Haiyan, Philippines Disaster Relief, Global Warming Narrative
The hosts analyze the media coverage of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, predicting a "Typhoon-a-thon" celebrity relief effort will soon follow. They discuss how the storm is being linked to global warming and compare it to Hurricane Sandy, noting that Sandy was reclassified as a hurricane in public vocabulary to affect insurance payouts.
Immigration Medical Exams, Oregon Firearms Legislation
The hosts discuss the bureaucratic hurdles of immigration medical exams, including the requirement to prove childhood vaccinations. They also touch upon proposed firearms legislation in Oregon that would require gun owners to carry insurance, which they characterize as a "scam" to restrict ownership through financial pressure.
A story regarding a $380 traffic ticket for an illegal U-turn leads to a discussion about the predatory nature of traffic school fees in California. An anecdote describes a traffic school session in Oakland's Chinatown where the instructor was arrested by undercover cops mid-class. The instructor had been claiming that insurance companies use a centralized system to prevent drivers from switching providers for better rates.
