This falls into a greater pattern of behavior in the us that I have noticed where pricing for almost everything is completely opaque. The price on the menu for a burger is not what comes out on the bill (tax, gratuity).
The price for healthcare is beyond understanding for mortals. The price for drugs, again you and your neighbour could be paying something completely different for the same medication. The actual cost to your wallet for university? Who know, everyone seems to get different levels of subsidy and scholarship. Visa Cash App - you can make the same purchase on two different days and pay different prices, unique only to you.
I find it incredibly exhausting to visit the US and navigate all these pricing systems, I dont know how you have let this become a psychological status quo.