system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why is it that hospitals can charge me an absurd amount without insurance, but with insurance those same numbers come down significantly? Isn't this discriminatory pricing?

I had a $2300 bill recently for blood tests that I wasn't covered for. I had to call the insurance and hospital wondering what the hell was going on. One of these tests, a comprehensive metabolic panel was billed for $999. After I complained to both the hospital and my insurance they talked to each other and billed me a second time. The comprehensive metabolic panel then came back for $36.33. Do they literally just make these prices up?
gpt
There's no law against discriminatory pricing as long as you aren't discriminating based on protected criteria (race, sex, religion, etc.).

Part of the reason insurance companies get lower rates is because hospitals know they'll get paid.  If you don't have insurance, it's sort of a gamble to provide treatment (and they aren't allowed to turn you away under most circumstances). Often they'll have a "charity" office to negotiate payments for those who can't pay (writing off the difference against their taxes).