Consumer Directed Healthcare

I tend to think that there’s an entire language in the healthcare industry that only a certain few understand.  Navigating through hospital bills and healthcare claims can be confusing.  We tend to accept at face value what our healthcare facilities and providers charge for services.  How much of the medical bill is negotiable?  How many even know that negotiating is even an option?   

The insurance industry, like any other, is a for profit business.  I’m sure we’d like to think that it’s really about the quality of care we receive, but we know better.    Whether insured or not, people shouldn’t have to sell their souls to pay for big medical bills.  They shouldn’t be forced to beg for donations, acquire credit card debt, sell their home and be bothered by collection agencies.  I understand there are advocates for people who need assistance.  But if the same people cannot afford to pay their medical bills, how can they afford to pay for an advocate.    

I’ve heard so many say that Americans need to take control and responsibility for their healthcare.  So I ask you this… to whom must I to turn to for answers?  What questions should I be asking?  In an age of technology and information, why is the healthcare industry not transparent? 

Regarding healthcare and the 45 million Americans who are uninsured, do you think that Massachusetts legislation took a step in the right direction when they made health insurance a requirement by law? 

I believe the concept that we should be encouraging/requiring individuals or households to purchase their own insurance is an important and critical first step to fixing our nation’s problems.  The current American healthcare finance system needs radical revision. The single-payer solution is neither politically nor economically viable and I think that HSA plans are a positive option – one that can help fix our countries ever-growing health insurance problem.