“Consumer Driven Health Care” is a name that is given to the change that is taking place in the medical market. Like millions of people are Health Savings Accounts, which are medical providers must adapt to the new reality of people spending their own money when purchasing health care. More companies competing for your business, opportunities to save money, will continue to grow.
Since the advent of employer paid health insurance during the Second World War has reduced the price and quality of medical services were in the dark. As the real price of computers, organic food, big screen, and almost everything else has continued to drop (including health services, where she pays a third as eye surgery laser lenses contact the-counter medications) the price of health care continues to rise. But it is finally beginning to change. And you, ladies and HSA owners are the reason.
To obtain a competitive advantage for providers of health care have always tried to increase its local market share in an attempt to extract higher payments from insurance companies. But as Health Savings Account owners have the opportunity to collect unspent funds and invest free of taxes, those of us with a savings account health have a strong incentive to avoid unnecessary concern and of be aware of costs when we are trying to treat.
There are now billions of dollars of savings accounts and health care providers, health seeking access to money. And since you control (instead of the insurance company), the only way for the seller or retailer that is money to give you quality care at a price you’re willing to pay. And dozens of companies that are just that.
The market reacts
An obvious answer for the consumer health-oriented movement is the proliferation of quick-service clinics. Clinics, no appointment necessary and generally provide a cost less than $ 50 an inexpensive way to diagnose and treat a sore throat, bronchitis, conjunctivitis and other common diseases. minutes Clinic has dozens of locations in Target, Cub Foods, and CVS Pharmacy stores. Wal-Mart, currently 75 clinics in stores in 12 states, provides that more than 6,600 in-store clinics at stores open within 5 years.
Diagnostic facilities, which have traditionally sold their services to doctors’ offices, are now offering tests directly to the public at prices often 70% less than you pay for a doctor. For the most part, you can order the test online, go to donate blood, and you will receive your results within days.
The companies also provide self-testing services and equipment to avoid going to the doctor when minor medical events in May permit. One of the children the most common reasons to consult a doctor has the ear of a possible infection. For about $ 50 you can buy a middle ear EarCheck Monitor. It uses sonar for fluid behind the eardrum, which may indicate a test for infection. “The QuickVue Strep Test, which costs less than $ 4 per test a set of 25, you can quickly determine if your child has a strep infection, which would require visiting a doctor, a common viral infection, what is not.
Demand price transparency
Health Savings Accounts reward personal responsibility of three ways: 1) they reward you reward them with tax breaks for money aside to cover future medical expenses, 2) it must be that you need for your health by growth your account and 3) they reward you for your cost-conscious and demanding consumers.
Thus, a sophisticated consumer, and spend your money wisely. Remember that doctors and providers of health care will see you working for themselves. If you do not get quality of service, or a fair price, take your business elsewhere. Here are some common sense to suggest that you get a good price:
1. Ask how much it will cost before you buy. There is nothing else, they want to purchase without knowing the price beforehand, so do not be intimidated by your doctor as well.
2. Check your bill before payment. You might be shocked by how many additional costs “accidentally” fell on hospital bills.
3. Ask for a discount. To avoid the hassle of the application for an insurance company and try to collect overdue charges, most doctors will be happy to offer a discount if you ask.
4. Explain that you are paid, is of his own pocket. If a doctor to prescribe tests or written rules, he or she is rarely taken into account at cost. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine recently reported that are held up to 63 billion dollars in medically unnecessary tests each year.
5. Swear never to pay list. Doctors and hospitals routinely discount their services to insurance companies and PPO organizations. As cash paying customers, you must use the best available price.
For many years a small group of health economists and other policy makers for a more market-oriented approach to health care. They argue rightly that health care was like any other market, and if we leave a real price of health services and the functioning of the market, costs can be controlled. We are now beginning to see, to get there.
Our system of health care is the best in the world. This is a complex and dynamic work in progress that can be better than that engages consumers. Becoming informed about how you spend your money for health. And watch the unused funds in your savings account health continue to grow.
The Medicare trust fund will soon run out of money, and there is no practical way for the government to continue the level of benefits that can receive the current beneficiaries of Medicare. The result will be serious rations, waiting periods and benefit reductions. If you want to keep your health freedom and access to a high level of medical service, you must be willing to pay for themselves. The best strategy is to play well for the health and development of your medical pension fund as large as possible using a savings account health.
