Patient Rights Advocate’s Post

Evidence continues to highlight the influence of prices on the healthcare spending crisis in the US. It doesn't cost this much elsewhere. My daughter's 5-day inpatient stay in Hamburg, where top-notch surgical care cost $7000. The accommodation was modest, lacking the opulence of a spa. The reason behind this affordability? Germany's regulation of healthcare prices. On the flip side, despite boasting the highest bed capacity in Europe, hospitals in Germany face financial challenges. Germany recently introduced a guaranteed income for hospitals to sustain their capacity. This raises the question: could a similar solution be effective in addressing the financial struggles of hospitals in the US? And would doing so alleviate the pricing pressure on commercial insurance alone to make providers financially whole? (Source: Wall Street Journal - American Healthcare Spending Charts Explained)

**Support the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act 2.0: A Bipartisan Push for Transparency and Fairness** I stand firmly with Patient Rights Advocate in supporting the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act 2.0, introduced by Senators Braun, Sanders, Grassley, Smith, and Hickenlooper. As Americans, regardless of political affiliation, we are all affected by the lack of transparency and the erosion of capitalism within the healthcare industry. Consider this: in no other aspect of our lives do we make purchases without knowing the price upfront, whether before or after the sale. Yet, in healthcare, we are often left in the dark about costs until it's too late. This bill aims to change that by demanding clear and accessible pricing information for medical services. **Key Highlights of the Bill:** - **Transparency in Pricing:** Requires all negotiated rates and cash prices between health plans and providers to be published, starting with 300 shoppable services and expanding to all services by 2025. - **Enforcement and Accountability:** Imposes stringent data-sharing standards and significantly increases penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to $10 million annually. - **Consumer Empowerment:** Provides patients with the tools to compare prices and make informed decisions, fostering true market competition and driving down healthcare costs. The upcoming testimony in July is crucial, and I urge every U.S. citizen to support this vital legislation. Together, we can pull back the curtain on healthcare pricing and ensure a fair, transparent system that benefits all Americans. For more details, visit the official press release here -> https://lnkd.in/ebYBZZyg #wefixyourhealthcare

American healthcare is broken. In what working market do prices vary by 30% between Wisconsin and Iowa, or New York and Massachusetts, or Georgia and Tennessee? Why are groups and their members always the price takers and NOT the providers? How do we fix this? Apta Cash is one way. Message me to learn more.

When's the last time you looked at your organization's claims data 👀 If it's been awhile, you might want to add a review to your list—because you just might be overpaying for your employees' healthcare. And we could all use a break on expensive medical bills ✔️ Learn more:

With 90% of Americans supporting more transparent hospital costs, legislation like the SITE and FAIR Acts are crucial. These bills will clarify hospitals' opaque billing practices, helping patients make informed choices about where they receive their healthcare. Congress should pass these vital reforms! Read more: https://bit.ly/3Tp3EF4

A compelling read forecasting what could be an extremely interesting year in healthcare policy, regardless of the election outcome. One specific section references the potential for the site neutral payment policy to finally be approved, which has had bipartisan support since its inception in 2017. With that said, the American Hospital Association is fearful this may further hamper struggling rural hospitals. This policy most recently was added to the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which passed in December; however, the Senate then stripped the Act of the ability to enforce these site-neutral payments in late February. What do you think? Has the time passed for these policies, or will 2025 be the year we finally see it pushed through? #Coker #HealthcarePolicy #HealthcareConsulting https://lnkd.in/ec8sRpjQ

"#MedicareAdvantage (MA) doesn’t count as #Medicare. The #healthinsurance corporations that run these plans have a business imperative to prioritize profits above all else...MA insurers are harming patients, physicians, and hospitals by delaying and denying care...these corporations are paid far more than what is spent for similar patients in Traditional Medicare—up to $140 billion per year, or as much as 35% above the funding levels of Traditional Medicare." https://lnkd.in/exRNAiQx

🤔 Is healthcare sharing the right choice for you and your family? Before you decide, ask yourself these 3 essential questions! 🏥💬 In today's complex financial and healthcare world, finding the right care can be overwhelming for many U.S. families. According to the 2023 Milliman Medical Index, a typical family of four with employer-provided PPO coverage spends a whopping $31,065 annually. 😅💸 Want to learn more? Dive into the full article here: Read More 👉 https://newsby.us/VeZMo 📖✨

Can carrier pressure to tie out-of-pocket costs with doctor/hospital price and quality actually lower healthcare costs? Time may tell. #BenefitsInFocus #BenefitsToolbox https://bit.ly/4c0aJTT

Direct contracting and narrow networks may limit patient choices but holds the opportunity to reduce administrative burdens and lower the overall cost of care. No matter what, creative solutions need to be on the table to stop the payer/provider hot potato that only delays care. #healthcarefinance #healthcarebilling