Breathing problem needing a ventilator (up to 4 days) in Alaska
MS-DRG 208: Respiratory system diagnosis with ventilator support <=96 hours
$299,177typical hospital bill
$47,557typical amount paid
$37,498–$57,617range paid across 2 hospitals
Alaska hospitals billed Medicare a typical $299,177 for this stay in 2024, about 6.3 times what was actually paid. Medicare's payment depends mostly on the hospital's location and teaching role; the bill depends on the hospital's own price list, so bills vary far more than payments.
Billed (list price)Actually paid (Medicare + patient)
| Hospital | City | Medicare stays | Billed | Paid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence Alaska Medical Center | Anchorage | 24 | $233,079 | $37,498 | |
| Alaska Regional Hospital | Anchorage | 15 | $365,275 | $57,617 |
Medicare: CMS, 2024 (hospitals with 11 or more Medicare stays). Cash and insurer prices: hospitals' own price files, where read; insurer figures are commercial plans only, median and 10th–90th percentile across plans.