5 ms·

“While we cannot comment on rates for emergency room services..." Why not?

• Aeolun 8y ago
  Because regardless of what they say it is going to make them look bad?
• c0nfused 8y ago
  Typically, the rates negotiated with the various insurance companies are basically secret. No one wants to share the data and there is great incentive not to. If you are in the insurer side, you think you have a competitive advantage compared to company Y. Sharing what you are paying per procedure is bad business If you are on the Hospital side, you want to make sure the insurers keep paying more, and publishing means a quick race to the bottom. This means that in most cases in america, you cant know what something is going to cost until after you get billed. Its great for literally everyone except the consumer.
  • andruby 8y ago
    My personal opinion is that this should be illegal. Prices for the same treatment should be equal regardless of patient or insurer. The insurance repayment policies could differ, but at least the base pay won't seem completely made up. Disclaimer: I only lived in the US for a year.
    • mfoy_ 8y ago
      Isn't it anti-competitive? How can consumers make an informed decision as to which care provider to visit? Isn't this in the same boat as price-fixing?
    • toast0 8y ago
      The base rate is the same (in theory), but insurance policy A is only going to pay 18% of procedure Z and policy B will pay 27%; uninsured patients will be offered a 50% discount if they pay promptly, otherwise the bill will eventually be sold to collections for 1% if it's not paid)
• gm-conspiracy 8y ago
  Because it is about making money, not helping sick people become healthier.