How somebody without insurance would deal with such expense is a frightening prospect.

I moved away from USA in 2004 and when I hear stories like this it reminds me that I may have made the correct choice. The system is well and truly broken over on that side of the pond. I have spent time in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand mostly since then and they don't have "free" health care over here. However, the drugs that you need to get, such as your eardrops (or were they eyedrops?) could be purchased for exceptionally low prices. I've never heard of any medication costing more than a couple of dollars over here even if it is the same stuff and the same brand that people are paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for in the States.

How is it possible that the exact same product costs hundreds of times what it costs here over in US and A? I would understand if USA had better drugs, but they are the exact same product.

I'm happy that your insurance ended up footing the bill in the end. I can't stand insurance companies.