Questions about Self Pay vs Insurance in Illinois

I got UHC health insurance through my employer and need an upper endoscopy. After some research, I see that my co-pay for this procedure will be around $2,600 using my insurance (I have a $1,800 deductible that has not been met) vs $1,400-1,800 paying cash upfront.

I have a few questions regarding self-pay vs using insurance

Am I obliged to use my insurance or it is legal for me to opt for self-pay?

Is the provider obliged to use my insurance if they are in-network and know that I have one? If so, are they required to bill insurance by their contract with the insurance or by a state law?

Is it legal for the provider to refuse to tell me self pay cost if they know I have insurance?

Is it legal for me to not tell the provider that I have insurance if I want to pay cash?

Is there a way that the provider can locate my insurance without me telling them so?

If something unexpected comes up during or after the procedure, can I ask the provider to bill the insurance instead of self-pay?

Any advice would be appreciated. I do not anticipate any other costly procedures this year unless it is an emergency and at this point, it looks like just paying out of pocket is a better option for me.

submitted by /u/gudenes_yndling
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