tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27951078.post9076174988547587105..comments2024-02-02T05:45:33.724-06:00Comments on Incoming: John Phippshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03245790061133614986noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27951078.post-39299254290327971922013-04-01T10:35:59.428-06:002013-04-01T10:35:59.428-06:00Yes the statement should read "Individuals wi...Yes the statement should read "Individuals will NOT (or cannot) bargin well with health care providers".Davenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27951078.post-56689798588261047012013-03-29T15:23:02.269-06:002013-03-29T15:23:02.269-06:00Dave:
I think there is a "not" missing ...Dave:<br /><br />I think there is a "not" missing from your first statement in order for it to scan for me.<br /><br />It is my hope as people see what their coverage costs instead of having buried as a paycheck deduction they will opt for less first-dollar coverage. The throw in some cut-rate retail PA-type clinics for routine stuff and we could begin to make economics work a little better. <br /><br />It's the high-cost stuff that will be the challenge, IMHO.<br /><br /><br />Karl:<br /><br />Fair point, but I suspect the obvious identity and esteem of the Amish aids their bargaining power. I doubt if others would even be allowed to pay with currency (if that's what you mean by cash).<br /><br />Also since the Amish are outside Medicare (I think), the hospitals have fewer alternatives.John Phippshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03245790061133614986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27951078.post-63524370423640341262013-03-29T06:36:19.321-06:002013-03-29T06:36:19.321-06:00I have the chance to observe the health care of th...I have the chance to observe the health care of the Amish in Lancaster County Pa. When surgery is needed they prenegotiate, if possible, with the hospital as to cost and 'prepay' the cost at time of admission. If surgery is an emeergency, they pay the bill cash before discharge. The cost reduction is VERY LARGE. Who says you can not negotiate with big hospitals. I observe 8 grade educated people successfully do it all the time. To borrow a recently reported phrase, 'it is not brain surgery'Karl M. Hessnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27951078.post-84526142356870297712013-03-28T10:33:10.954-06:002013-03-28T10:33:10.954-06:00I agree with most of your last paragraph--individu...I agree with most of your last paragraph--individuals will bargin well with health care providers--if at all. On the other hand look at the receipt you get back from your health insurance, it DOESN'T say "this is what we paid and you owe no more". It say "this is what we paid and this is what you owe the provider". When they start saying the former we'll see health costs come down.<br />One weekend my wife had to go to one of these Urgent Care places that have sprung up and the bill was horrible. The insurance company paid what their standard rate was and that place came back twice asking for more $. As you can guess we will not be going back!<br />The only other solution is to, on a national basis, establish price tables and ridgely enforce them. YES price fixing! Not something thought highly of in a capitalist country BUT greed has been in control for so long that it will take something like one of these to break this over pricing.<br />One of these two solution has to go in place soon if we want quality care to continue.Davenoreply@blogger.com