Mass. Patients Can ‘Shop’ For Health Care — At Least In Theory
Part of the state's health care cost control law requires hospitals and doctors tell patients how much things cost, if they ask.
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Part of the state's health care cost control law requires hospitals and doctors tell patients how much things cost, if they ask.
Reaching that number might give Democrats bragging rights and make it more likely that state pools are big enough to keep down premiums.
Chicago-area consumers navigate the health law's new insurance exchanges.
Former Health And Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt says officials could learn from similar, albeit smaller, problems he and his staff had implementing the Medicare Prescription Drug Program in 2006, and that he doubts the Obama administration will meet its goals for enrollment in the health law's insurance marketplaces.
Experts say that potential trouble spots for out-of-pocket spending include prescription drugs; specialist care, including that provided by academic medical centers; and services such as physical therapy.
Plan seeks to close gaps for more than 30,000 kids in the state's child welfare system.
As modern technology has ushered in more convenience and flexibility for users, it has also burdened victims with one worry: Identity theft.
Patients face serious challenges, however, including a shortage of dentists and restrictions on treatment options.
Proponents say new gadgetry could transform medical diagnosis and treatment, but critics worry about commercial uses and possible breaches of privacy.
"Churning" may cause gaps in coverage and require switching doctors and hospitals.
"Sustainable Williamson" campaign includes 5K races, a community garden, healthier food and cancer screening.
Shifting Medicaid enrollees into private plans could mean less money for clinics treating the poor.
Insurers say that safety is their No.1 concern, but consumer advocates and nursing home owners are wary.
Hospital executives will list adjusted charges to more accurately reflect what Miami Children's collects from insurers, so consumers can estimate their out-of-pocket costs.
Patients sometimes find that they are expected to pay for associated services, such as facility fees or anesthesia, and health law advocates say more federal guidance is needed for billing the procedures.
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