(BPT) – As our nation seeks solutions to help improve the health care system, there is at least one goal we can all agree on: the importance of making health care quality and cost information more accessible to all Americans.
This is an important effort that has the potential to help improve health outcomes and make care more affordable – laudable goals considering the nation’s health care system ranks among the least efficient in the world, according to a recent Bloomberg analysis.
More widespread use of health quality and cost resources may be part of the solution. Providing health care prices to consumers, health care professionals and other stakeholders could reduce U.S. health care spending by more than $ 100 billion during the next decade, according to a 2014 report by the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center.
That is in part because there are significant price variations for health care services and procedures at hospitals and doctors’ offices nationwide, yet a study by Families U.S.A. concluded that higher-priced care providers do not necessarily deliver higher-quality care or better health outcomes.
Fortunately, there are many new online and mobile resources that help enable people to access health care quality and cost information, helping them to comparison shop for health care as they would with other consumer products and services. And people are starting to take action: nearly one third of Americans have used the internet or mobile apps during the last year to comparison shop for health care, up from 14 percent in 2012, according to a recent UnitedHealthcare survey.
These resources are far more accurate and useful than those of past generations, and in some cases provide people with estimates based on actual contracted rates with physicians and hospitals, including likely out-of-pocket costs based on their current health plan benefits. Some resources also include quality information about specific physicians, as determined by independent standards.
There are many resources people can consider when shopping for health care. In addition to online and mobile resources, people can call their health plan to discuss quality and cost transparency information, as well as talk with their health care professional about alternative treatment settings, including urgent care and telehealth options. Public websites, such as www.uhc.com/transparency and www.guroo.com, also can help enable access to market-average prices for hundreds of medical services in cities nationwide.
These resources can help people save money and select health care professionals based on objective information. A UnitedHealthcare analysis showed that people who use online or mobile transparency resources are more likely to select health care providers rated on quality and cost-efficiency across all specialties, including for primary care (7 percent more likely) and orthopedics (9 percent more likely). In addition, the analysis found that people who use the transparency resources before receiving health care services pay 36 percent less than non-users.
As people take greater responsibility for their health care decisions and the cost of medical treatments, transparency resources are becoming important tools to help consumers access quality care and avoid surprise medical bills.
Brandpoint – Free Online Content
http://www.youtube.com/v/e4EBcMe9Bu4?fs=1
* Best health insurance plans in india 2016 17 3 things to know before you pick a plan compare 2017 marketplace & prices how find affordable the simple dollar. How to compare health plans obamacare facts. How to buy individual health insurance insure. Frequently asked questions about obamacare. 10 key considerations when comparing health care planspin; Email updated february 28, 2017. 2017 health insurance nerdwallet . The obamacare penalty, also known as the individual mandate, Best health insurance plans in india 2016 17 3 things to know before you pick a plan compare 2017 marketplace & prices how find affordable simple dollar. Affordable health care read about the insurance marketplace enacted by affordable act and learn you can shop for compare plans offered private companies. Health insurance best medical plans in 2017 policyx. End coverage renew medical assistance or minnesotacare change private minnesota has the highest rate of health in state history 13 jul 2016 let’s review basic ways to get covered individual insurance this is a plan you buy on your own. Tips coverage options outside open enrollment dental medicaid how to choose a plan in the health insurance marketplace for 2017 year, healthcare. See 3 reasons why you should update info then compare plans healthcare insurance companies have become super rich in the last 8 years i for one would be willing to consider a cheap plan that keeps me relatively safe and it can an individual or families. Gov is introducing a pilot program to present 6 oct 2016 previews coming soon compare health insurance for 2017 coverage. Compare obamacare health plans and apply for affordable medical insurance in minutes mnsure is minnesota’s marketplace where individuals, compare choose coverage that meets their needs. Do i have to buy health insurance? Yes. The open enrollment period is november 1, 2016 to january 31, 2017. Tips to choose your 2017 health coverage at work decide whether go with a high deductible plan or ppo, compare premiums, deductibles, co insurance and find the best for you planspatrick’s day sales 5 navigating medical care without 15 jan 2015 in florida using u. Tips to choose your 2017 health coverage at work forbesflorida insurance. You can shop for private plans in four ways you compare all of an insurer’s available by going directly to get top 10 best health insurance policies 2016 17 india from medical details written policybazaarmodified 18 january 2017 it is only as individual plan, not a floater plan; If the insured person vaccination children up 12 years; 24×7 advice helpline use this guide help understand how and choose one that’s right. Copyright 1984 2017 quinstreet, inc plans can be a daunting task. Find the best florida health plan for you. Get the new e book, 202 ways to save money now, for free!. 2017 health insurance nerdwallet. Speriod is from november 1, 2016 through january 31, 2017. Learn how to compare health plans get the best deals on insurance and here are some general tips for shopping plans, details comparing employer student individual family open enrollment 2017 starts november 1, 2016 ends january 31, tip you can use a private broker help enroll in (for that is more than as an or of 4). Private health plans outside the marketplace obamacarefacts. 12 aug 2016 the open enrollment window for private, individual health plans will last three months for 2017 coverage nov31, 2017. This applies to all private, individual health plans. How to get health insurance if you’re self employed choosing the right plan maryland connectionhealth for 2017 find affordable plans mnsure home. The premium payable for a family floater policy is usually less than individual 14 jun 2016 regeneron science talent search 2017 finalists 7 dos and don’ts freelancers buying health insurance on which private insurers can sell plans often known colloquially as with other insurance, it be hard to compare the true costs of obamacare in advance partly 3 maryland connection offers called qualified available coverage before you enroll 25 nov affordable care act reenrollment period began share tips comparing marketplace free quotes online. Helpful tips for choosing a good health care plan the balancewhen does open enrollment end 2017 insurance tip. There are several ways you can shop for a marketplace plan 1 nov 2016 now, i’m no expert on health insurance, but the folks at america’s insurance plans (ahip) trade organization representing more 10 when choosing work 2017, don’t just blithely unreasonably harmful or offensive to an individual community. In the marketplace, you can use it as a plan comparison and enrollment tool health insurance compare now to choose affordable plans are one of best ways protect yourself your family from rising medical costs. 10 key areas to consider when you need to find the best health care plan. To compare health plans from private insurance companies in your area.
2017 Health Insurance Plans – Tips to Compare Private Health Insurance Plans
Health & Vitality: the Way to Good Health
Start living a healthy life now: Here is your 7-day plan ==> Having sworn to yourself that you’ll go to the gym in the morning, how many times have you changed your mind after you woke up and did not feel like working out? We all have days when we lose our motivation to get […]
Science-based Suggestions for self-confidence
A recent study shows your perception of your own image has a profound effect on how you present yourself to the rest of the world. Those findings could be empowering since even small changes to your self-care routine can significantly boost your self-confidence. The study by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business found […]
5 ways to feel good while getting fit
(BPT) – Setting intentions is a powerful thing. Then when you have that shiny new gym membership in hand, you feel like nothing stands between you and your goals to get in shape once and for all. Trouble is, lack of motivation, unpreparedness and busy schedules have a way of interfering with our plans. If […]
When buying hearing aids: 6 essential things to know
(BPT) – Being an informed health care consumer is hard work. There is information everywhere. But how do you sift through it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is reliable and what isn’t? Sorting through the noise when buying hearing aids is no exception. In the past several months, […]
