Jon,
Back in 1994 when my daughter Katie was born, I had a traditional insurance plan, not a PPO, HMO etc. I had my wife's OB/GYN charge out $2000. each month for three months just after my statement cutoff. I would the submit the claim to the insurance company, and actually get a check in less than 60 days. I then would pay the CC company without getting hit with any intrest. The hospital also took plastic. By 1997 when Sarah was born, we were in a POS plan, so no miles were possible as the doctor collected directly from the insurance company. Of course my wife and most of my friend thought I was nuts ( and probably still do ), but nobody laughs when the family flys for free !