Hospital, Blue Cross impasse leaves many in doubt
The Citizen.com, GE -
So many more people are affected by this other than just the county employees and the Fayette Co. school system. I hope it's settled soon. I don't think this is to the doctor's benefit at all. It's more for the BC/BS's benefit. They are always changing things, fees, rates, what they will pay for different procedures etc. They are driving up the costs of healthcare with all of this junk. What BC/BS is doing is ILLEGAL. The doctors are really at their mercy. The way I see it is that Piedmont Group is trying to take a stand against this. Insurance companies are controlling your medical care, not the doctors.
2006-06-20
Insurers Expanding Public Access to Medical Costs
Insurance Journal -
"While purchasing health care is a much different decision than buying a house or a car, we firmly believe that consumers should ultimately have access to exactly what they're demanding _ the same kind of objective cost and quality information that is readily available when making other significant purchases,'' Ronald Williams, chief executive and president of Aetna, said in a statement.
2006-06-19
HSAs are gaining traction in Colorado
Rocky Mountain News, CO -
The deductibles on HSA-compatible high deductible health plans range from as low as $1,050 for an individual to a high of $10,500 for a family plan. The savings accounts mirror the deductible. With the exception of some preventive care, employees pay up to the deductible for doctor visits and pharmaceuticals out of their personal health savings account. Health insurance kicks in after the deductible is met.
2006-06-18
Sullivan gives health insurance contract to CIGNA
Kingsport Times News, TN -
While it is "suspect" that Blue Cross only offered lower rates "that were previously non-existent" after Cigna entered the picture, it is even more suspect that our County Commission and leadership was going to force the initial Blue Cross offer down the employees' throats as the only option available. It is a shame that Cigna had to request multiple times to even be allowed to give a proposal. I think that the County Commission has some "ANSWERING" to do come election day.
2006-06-16
Mayo Clinic says yes to insurance, OKs Cigna deal
Bizjournals.com, NC -
"Our goal is to try to provide the best access to the highest quality care to our members," Weimer said. "Mayo fits another part of that objective in this marketplace. I would not contract with them to get an extra 10 members. That's not what I'm looking for. It's a quality issue."
2006-06-15
CVS adds MinuteClinic in Pickerington
Bizjournals.com, NC -
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2006-06-14
Patients get new tools to price health care
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA -
Charles Murray, a human-resources manager at a South Milwaukee, Wis., manufacturing firm, used Humana's hospital-cost tool before his knee replacement in March. The hospital he preferred turned out to be among the least expensive listed. Humana says the tool shows that a knee replacement at that hospital costs $18,150 to $19,650, taking into account discounts the insurer has negotiated with the hospital. When Mr. Murray received the bills, he says, the cost totaled $20,220 (though insurance did cover most of the costs). Costs can fall outside of the range for a variety of reasons, Humana says, for example if a patient stays in the hospital longer than others typically do.
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