Dark Future, you are right. One major benefit of having insurance is that the providers are forced by the insurance company to give discounts. When I look at my insurance Explanation of Benefits forms, I see that my insurance company (Blue Cross Blue Shield) forces my providers to give big discounts anywhere from 30% to 50%. So yes, uninsured people pay full freight.
Crowbar, I don’t have any providers who will give me a discount if I pay in full on the spot with cash, check or credit card. They only give discounts as forced to by my insurance company.