Does anyone have real-world experience dealing with corporate American health-care on a cash basis?

I often hear that you can offer cash and get greatly discounted rates/fees, but that seems really sus. Is it worth me calling my local hospital billing dept about that?

I’m aware of CrowdHealth, but it’s not considered insurance so it’s my belief I’ll still be required to have additional “real” health insurance…?

My goal is to not have to rely on a job (or AMA) to provide my insurance, but since I’ve never actually had to deal with health insurance I don’t have experience in the IRL of saying “how much will this be if I pay cash?”

I appreciate any guidance in this regard.