Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
High Costs After Treatment Blindside Patients
The Cleveland Plain Dealer: Cleveland Clinic Patient Says $30 Co-Pay Turned Into $3,000 Bill; Feds To Look Harder At Facility Fees
Before seeking care for a foot injury last year, Julie Beinhardt tried to do her financial homework up front. She said she contacted the Cleveland Clinic and her insurance company and was told her visits to a Clinic chiropractor in Willoughby Hills would be covered. She would only owe a $30 co-pay. (Ross, 2/2)
Kaiser Health News: Surprise! Here’s Another Bill For That 'Paramedic Response'
After Katie Gurzi woke in the middle of the night with excruciating chest pains, paramedics rushed her to the hospital. That part went smoothly: Gurzi, 85, was pleased with the care she received. And doctors determined she wasn’t having a heart attack, just a spasm in her esophagus. But then, in January of 2015, the city of La Habra, California sent her a $260 bill for “paramedic response” — after her insurers had already been billed for the November ambulance ride. That made Gurzi mad. (Gorman, 2/3)
