Despite the recent increase in the number of people who opted for health insurance, numerous people are still paying out of pocket for the care services they need just because of the high deductibles.
A recent analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that while the employers kept the rise of healthcare premiums modest, they shifted the cost to workers in the form of higher deductibles. According to estimates, the average annual deductible this year is more than $1,300 for one person.
A majority of employers and insurers say that the idea behind increasing the deductibles is making individuals more responsible with their healthcare spendings. However, according to a research by Consumer Reports, many Americans continue to be surprised by huge medical bills they initially thought their healthcare plan would cover and end up paying a greater share than what they had anticipated.
In addition, patients are often made to stumble by charges for out-of-network care. Most healthcare plans offer a discounted rate if the patient obtains care within the approved network of hospitals and doctors. However, they’re required to pay more if they go outside the approved network - even unwittingly. For instance, even if you go to an in-network hospital for a surgery, like appendix operation, you may still be charged for anesthesia if the anesthesiologist doesn’t belong to the hospital.
It is in your best interest to be familiar with the details of your healthcare plan if you don’t want to end up paying more. Make sure you can really afford a higher deductible - especially if you have a chronic condition, which requires frequent doctor visits, said Mark Rukavina, a healthcare consultant near Boston.
“It’s tempting to go with the lower-premium plan,” he said. “But the important question to ask is: ‘Can I come up with that $2,000, or that $5,000, if I had to?’”
Below are some questions and the possible answers to manage your ever-rising medical costs:
1) How can I know if the doctor I am seeing is in-network?
Your health care plan should include a directory, either in print or online. There are chances that the directory is outdated. Hence, you should always double check with both your insurer and your doctor before you arrive for care. Just relying on your insurer’s website can cost you dearly. If you are going to have an elective surgery, first contact the doctor’s office or the hospital and request names of all the anesthesiologists or other relevant professionals who could be assigned to assist during your surgery. Once you have the names, get in touch with your health insurance provider and check if the professionals come within your network.2) What if I can’t afford a medical bill?
If a surgery involves major costs, you should enquire and make sure all the services you’re receiving come within your network. Again, make sure you actually owe for all the charges after carefully examining the benefits and coverages explained in your policy. If it’s certain that you’ve to pay the money, and you’re having difficult times, be proactive and get in touch with your insurance provider to discuss and options like discounts or affordable payment plans. Certain patients with particular conditions may qualify for help. As deductibles are increasing rapidly, more and more hospitals are offering financial assistance to patients these days who’ve insurance. Luckily, help is available for those too who’re uninsured.3) How can I plan for costs if my deductible is high?
Many high-deductible healthcare plans offer the option of a health savings account. This account allows you to keep aside pre-tax money to pay for your treatment before you touch your deductible. Knowing which care center or hospital is in your plan’s network can also help you save money. Also, check if your plan covers an ambulance transportation.Blog Category