Do you think High Deductible health plans are working?

Question

I am getting so frustrated with our High Deductible Plan. Everything is so difficult to figure out how much services are going to cost. I ask the healthcare provider, they tell me to ask my insurance company for the negotiated cost. I call my insurance company, they tell me to ask my healthcare provider. My husband's Dr. ordered some tests for him a couple of weeks ago, it took a week for us to find out how much they were all going to cost. The negotiated fee was $2,200.00. So much for getting the tests done, we just don't happen to have that kind of cash right now. Based upon the reaction I got from the testing facility, I think healthcare is one industry where you are expected to just go in blindly and later just accept what they decide to charge you. What happened to these plans helping consumers get affordable healthcare? What happened to the idea that these plans were to encourage transparency in pricing? Anyone else out going through this?

Answer 1

High deductible plans are working just fine if they meet your needs and you can meet the deductibles.  It sounds like it isn't a good fit for you.  Is this a group policy though your husband's work?  If it is, there isn't much that can be done except for declining the coverage and seeking your own private policy.  Since you can't afford the deductible, however, you probably wouldn't be able to afford the premium on a private plan.

Have you tried to set up a payment plan with your providers?  They are normally pretty accommodating.  If that fails, see if there are any social service or charitable organizations that can help out.  It has been my experience that when there are medically necessary treatments, there is a way to get them paid for.  Be persistent and don't fore go attention when if it is going to be detrimental to you or your husband's health.

Answer 2

You should definately be able to get the cost from your doctor. If he doesn't know his contracted rate, who would? Once you get the rate from him, I would definately CONFIRM it with the insurance, however they will probably ask for specifics about what exact tests will be run.

As far as getting affordable coverage, having a high deductible plan IS more affordable than a plan with a lower deductible, which I'm sure you found out when you purchased your plan.

You might also think about opening an HSA (Health Savings Account) if your plan is eligible for one. That way you can put money into the account (when you have some) and there are good tax breaks available as well.