3 things you should know about ‘surprise medical bills’

(BPT) – Patients receiving medical care increasingly also receive something unexpected and troubling — a bill they thought would be paid by their health insurance plan.

Without knowing, patients may be treated by physicians or providers outside their health insurance network who are paid at a lower rate than an in-network physician. Patients are then expected to pay the difference between the actual charge for the medical service and the lower amount the insurance companies agree to pay. These out-of-network payment issues are caused by gaps in insurance coverage.

“Health insurance plans are extremely complicated, and even savvy consumers face uncertainty about what is covered by their health insurance,” says Jeffrey S. Plagenhoef, M.D., president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “My own wife recently received a surprise medical bill despite being a physician herself and researching our insurance policy in depth ahead of time.”

During Physician Anesthesiologists Week (Jan. 29-Feb. 4), the ASA wants to empower patients to be informed health care consumers by alerting them to three things they should know about “surprise insurance gaps.”

1. Before having a medical procedure, ask who will be involved in your care and whether they’re in your plan’s network. Also, call your insurance company to verify that not only the hospital or medical center, but also your particular physicians and other providers are in-network.

2. Low premiums don’t necessarily mean affordable care. Always ask for details about what the health insurance plan covers and doesn’t cover before signing up to protect against high co-pays, deductibles and a plan with a narrow network of physicians.

3. “Surprise medical bills” are caused by “surprise insurance gaps,” or gaps in insurance coverage that occur when the insurance plan offers a low premium but limits the number of physicians available to patients in the plan’s network. Insurance plans with narrow networks remove or reduce patient choice by providing coverage with a limited number of physicians, high deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance. These inadequate networks limit insurance companies’ costs and shift them to patients and other stakeholders.

“Physician anesthesiologists are committed to safe, high-quality care for all our patients,” Dr. Plagenhoef says. “This means not only overseeing your care in the hospital or the office, but advocating for you with legislators, hospital administrators, insurance companies — everyone who plays a role in making sure patients get the care they deserve, which is the best care possible.”

To learn more about the critical role physician anesthesiologists play before, during and after surgery, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount.

Brandpoint – Free Online Content

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pkfYYV2XKg&fs=1&rel=0]

* In the 25 years of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah and her team pulled off countless surprises. One of the most unforgettable took place in 2007 when President Bill Clinton helped make the dreams of one very special high schooler come true. Kendall Ciesemier was born with a rare liver disease and has had a lifetime of medical challenges. Tune in Sundays at 9/8c on OWN. For more on #WhereAreTheyNow, visit http://www.wherearetheynow.buzz

Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN

SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN

Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2
Download the OWN Bold Moves App: http://bit.ly/2hglOIa

About Where Are They Now:
Their stories made headlines across America. Now, the original series Oprah: Where Are They Now? tracks down the Oprah Show guests who made you laugh…and made you cry. Find out where they are now, plus see what happened to the biggest newsmakers of all time and how their lives changed after sudden fame and notoriety turned their worlds upside down.

About OWN:
Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey’s heart and creative instincts inform the brand — and the magnetism of the channel.

Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities.

Discover OWN TV:
Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI
Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE

Connect with OWN Online:
Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE
Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp
Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y
Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz
Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN

High School Student Gets a Presidential Surprise | Where Are They Now | Oprah Winfrey Network
http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN

High School Student Gets a Presidential Surprise | Where Are They Now | Oprah Winfrey Network