Insurance.

I am a co-owner of a small business in California. Our insurance rates have gone up significantly over the past several years, almost tripled. I have a Blue Shield PPO with a $3500 deductible. "Young healthy guy with no medical issues" blah, blah, blah

Last year I was in a bad bike accident:
Ambulance to the ER - $2,200 (insurance paid nothing since it was below the deducible)
ER/Hospital: head, neck, chest x-rays, CAT scan, 6 hours in the bed, supplies, etc. - $22,900 (insurance paid $21,200)
Plastic surgeon: 90 minutes of surgery, 100+ stitches, local anesthetic, etc - $4,200 (insurance paid $3,300)

Total: $29,300
Out of pocket: $4,800

I know Brianrunsphilly was in a similar accident last year, it would be interesting to see the differences (California vs Pennsylvania, and small business vs corporation)

I used to go to an ART doctor for my foot and I just paid the $20 copay each time. We don't have deductibles, which is nice. If it's covered under your plan, I'm pretty sure they'll just pay it.

I have a BCBS PPO as well - mine for Chiro, I pay out of pocket the first $250 (about 6 visits), and then after that its a 10% co-pay (which is like $5). But I also do FSA through my employer which helps

specialists is a $50 co-pay ($25 for a normal preventative check) - I haven't had anything major happen for estimation

After I meet my $5000 deductible (easy to do with 2 kids) my plan pays like 90% of everything. I love United Healthcare- they are wonderful to deal with (although I'm sure the fact that I work for a Fortune 15 company might have something to do with that).