More choice of health care providers, larger physician networks, fewer restrictions, more in-network co-pays … higher costs and higher premiums … ya pays your money and ya takes your choice.
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration and state insurance regulators are developing stricter standards to address the concerns of consumers who say that many health plans under the Affordable Care Act have unduly limited their choices of doctors and hospitals, leaving them with unexpected medical bills.
Federal officials said the new standards would be similar to those used by the government to determine whether Medicare Advantage plans had enough doctors and hospitals in their networks. These private plans, sold by companies like UnitedHealth and Humana, provide comprehensive care to 16 million of the 54 million Medicare beneficiaries.
via To Prevent Surprise Bills, New Health Law Rules Could Widen Insurer Networks – NYTimes.com.
On the other hand, the entire idea of networks and participating providers is outdated and inefficient. We need a better way to set physician reimbursement.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 