“A recent Modern Healthcare article http://www.modernhealthcare.com/ * noted: “Experts and consumer advocates have faulted the Obamacare insurance exchanges for not providing clear, accurate and up-to-date information to consumers about which providers are in the health plans offered on the exchanges. Experts say in the future, exchanges will have better technological tools to offer accurate provider information. But for now, they say, such tools don’t exist and insurers have to do a better job themselves at making sure their lists are up to date.
A Commonwealth Fund survey of consumers who had used the exchanges that was conducted in June illustrates the problem: 25% of adults who selected a plan did not know whether their plan had a narrow network or not, and 39% of adults overall didn’t know which doctors were included on their plan.
Not knowing what providers are in their plan’s network can have serious financial consequences for consumers because receiving treatment from out-of-network providers can lead to thousands of dollars in additional out-of-pocket costs.”
“Even experts acknowledge having difficulties figuring this out. “I chose a narrow network this year to save money on my deductible, and the technology I used was not robust enough to clearly differentiate what hospitals were available and what providers were available,” said Dan Schuyler, the senior director for exchange technology at consultancy Leavitt Partners. “So I had to call my broker.” “
* to read the full MHC article “Reform Update: Exchanges need better tech or better info on narrow networks, experts say” by Darius Tahr”, highlight and click on open hyperlink http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20140807/NEWS/308079963
Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.
Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration
This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.