Medical pricing available online a big help to consumers BY MATTHEW PERRONE The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Consumers are increasingly turning to the Web to compare medical fees as the economy and less generous health benefits squeeze household budgets. Shopping around for lower-priced medical care has never been easier. More than 30 states have passed laws that require online publication of medical fees by hospitals and other health care providers. But combing through often confusing and overlapping Web sites set up by doctors, hospitals, insurers and state officials can be daunting. And even when patients think they know exactly what they’ll be paying, unexpected fees can quickly inflate medical bills. That’s why doing the research is just the start. Patients should also ask plenty of questions to avoid surprise charges. Rising health care insurance premiums, co-pays and deductibles, as well as the growing number of uninsured, are creating new demand for data on the cost of medical services. Traditionally, the vast majority of insured patients had little incentive to shop around because their plans protected them from the brunt of health care costs. Of the 170 million Americans with health insurance, only 8 million, less than 5 percent, are in high-deductible plans, which require patients to pay a couple thousand dollars or more out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. But that figure is growing as employers look to rein in rising health care costs while still offering some health benefits. Meanwhile, as unemployment rises, experts estimate that 50 million people lack health care coverage. ...........................>>>>....................>>>>.................http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....r00802&AppName=1
First, for the most part, if one is lucky enough to work for a business who offers health care, it is the employer who seeks out the best plans and offers them to their employees.
Second, why doesn't the government just allow everyone from any state to check the net for an insurance policy that fits their needs and they can afford? Open the state boarders for more competition.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Logged
