A recent Associated Press vignette http://hosted. ap.org * noted: “MIAMI — The first thing Michelle Pool did before picking a plan under President Barack Obama’s health insurance law was check whether her longtime primary care doctor was covered. Pool, a 60-year-old diabetic who has had back surgery and a hip replacement, purchased the plan only to find that the insurer was mistaken.”
“Pool’s $352 a month gold plan through Covered California’s exchange was cheaper than what she’d paid under her husband’s insurance and seemed like a good deal because of her numerous pre-existing conditions. But after her insurance card came in the mail, the Vista, California resident learned her doctor wasn’t taking her new insurance.”
“Insurance trade group America’s Health Insurance Plans says studies show the biggest factor influencing consumer choice is price. Insurers say that if consumers want low premiums, their choices may be limited.”
“Insurance companies also argue there’s wide variation in what doctors and hospitals charge, with some increasing prices every year. Insurers say there’s little evidence that higher-priced hospitals or doctors are actually delivering better care.”
* to read the full AP article “Consumers Losing Doctors with New Insurance Plans” by Kelli Kennedy, highlight and click on open hyperlink http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_HEALTH_OVERHAUL_BUYERS_REMORSE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT