When our mom passed away a couple years ago, when cleaning out her things, we found a rec’t from hospital for birth of our oldest sister in 1956.
$250 - for 7 days in hospital, including attending OB/GYN and anesthesiologist. Also included treatment of my sister for “jaundice.”
We estimated that Dad probably earned $4500-$5200 that year year as a white-collar manager in the personnel office at a large industrial plant.
About 5% of yearly average income to have a child. Seems reasonable.
Any guesses what a hospital would bill directly for same service today? I bet would be close to 100% of an average American’s salary $40-$50K.
We live in a corrupt world and country.