03-03-2005, 09:32 PM
those with an HSA are still part of an HMO and benefit all the pricing negotiation that occurs. It's just a matter of who's paying the first dollar.
When I'm not paying it, I don't care what it costs. When I am paying it, then it becomes "do I really need it"? That could be regarding whether to take the $75 perscription to Lipitor or the $20 perscription to some generic drug that does exactly the same thing. It could be getting your teeth cleaned once a year instead of three times because your dental plan covers it. it could be buying $300 glasses instead of $1,000 glasses. It could be not having a cat scan for a broken finger. Just a lot of needless expenses don't occur.
Another result will be people demanding more description in their bills rather than "office visit: $3,000". When the price gets broken down, it will be easier (for the HMO) to chip away at each cost and get further discounts from the providers
When I'm not paying it, I don't care what it costs. When I am paying it, then it becomes "do I really need it"? That could be regarding whether to take the $75 perscription to Lipitor or the $20 perscription to some generic drug that does exactly the same thing. It could be getting your teeth cleaned once a year instead of three times because your dental plan covers it. it could be buying $300 glasses instead of $1,000 glasses. It could be not having a cat scan for a broken finger. Just a lot of needless expenses don't occur.
Another result will be people demanding more description in their bills rather than "office visit: $3,000". When the price gets broken down, it will be easier (for the HMO) to chip away at each cost and get further discounts from the providers