Healthcare Cost Transparency

There's a slow but steady push to open up the ledger on healthcare costs. States are slowly passing legislation enabling consumers to gather costing information online before choosing where elective procedures are performed. It's pretty sad but most states have an F ranking. There's only 2 states with an A and 5 states with a B ranking. This could be one of the main reason healthcare costs will continue to climb.

http://www.hci3.org/sites/default/files/files/Report_PriceTransLaws_09.pdf


AZ is attempting to pass a bill to open up healthcare cost information to those paying direct out of pocket. It only helps a small percentage of healthcare consumers but it's a start.

And I should add this is a prime example of where well thought out government legislation is sorely needed.

I have always had a problem with health insurance and the way the money trail flows. 1st you, I, our companies shop insurance companies for the lowest rate/best value. 2nd when someone with insurance gets sick, they go to the 'best' local hospital for minor procedures or nation hospital for cryonic illnesses. Regardless of cost.

I think insurance should run more like AFLAC. You break a leg, you get $xxx to fix it. You can spend more out of your own pocket or less and pocket the difference.

That would work for simple things like that as long as procedural costs were known. But hospitals and healthcare providers hide behind the chance of some unforeseen complication possibly making the costs an unknown.

Complex procedures or ER visits are where you get ripped a new one. Even though hospitals verify your insurance coverage, they quickly disregard your insurance plan as they assign "in" or "out of network doctors" for your care.