by admin | Mar 12, 2012 | Health Care Reform, healthcare, Hospitals, PPACA, Small Business Group Health
Out of Control Out of Network Charges
Few healthcare changes have been more impacted than the out of control out of network charges billed to patients. The health care reform bill known as PPACA has for the most part been insignificant in the Northeast, in particular, as many state laws have already addressed issues such as pre-existing conditions, contraception, coverage rescissions and maximum loss ratios (MLR).
Instead, the market forces are reshaping the medical field into significant insurance & provider consolidation, larger hospital groups and flattening provider reimbursements. The problem is pointed out in Out of Network Medical Costs Affecting NY State Across investigation report commissioned by Governor Cuomo recognizing the unexpected out-of-network claim problem. Officials say that this is now “an overwhelming amount of consumer complaints.” Some examples cited in the report An Unwelcome Surprise – “a neurosurgeon charged $159,000 for an emergency procedure for which Medicare would have paid only $8,493.” Another example: ” a consumer went to an in-network hospital for gallbladder surgery with a participating surgeon. The consumer was not informed that a non-participating anesthesiologist would be used, and was stuck with a $1,800 bill. Providers are not currently required to disclose before they provide services whether they are in-network.” The average out-of-network radiology bill was 33 times what Medicare pays, officials say.
To make matters worse, Health Insurers have reduced their out of network recognized charges from private industry index UCR (usual customary and reasonable) to the Medicare Index known as RBRVS ( Resource Based Relative Value Scale ). Insurers moved away from UCR after then-NYS D.A. Mario Cuomo in 2009 forced Unitedhelatcare Group (owners of Inginex) to settle $50 Million in a conflict of interest allegation. D.A. Cuomo future hopes for UCR were to that it be overseen by a non-profit entity. So much for best laid plans.
Today, 90% of SMB members have in network only benefits but the few remaining consumers are paying for eroding out of network benefits with little transparencies and necessary protection from new out of network billing practices. The NY Dept of Financial services is calling for providers in non-emergency situations to disclose whether or not all services are in-network, what out-of-network charges will be and how much insurers will cover.
Insurers such as Aetna are taking action – with lawsuits throughout the country such as Aetna sues 9 N.J. doctors for “unconscionable” fees. Another Aetna lawsuit is discussed extensively in a law blog: In New Lawsuit, Health Insurers Allege Fraud and Kickbacks Against Out-of-Network Providers Who Forgive Patients’ Financial Responsibility.
In an ominous statement” “Failure to recognize this historical out-of-network avalanche will result in shocking financial disasters, as experienced by so many hospitals in 2003″
by admin | Dec 22, 2011 | healthcare, NY News
In a pleasant surprise, Empire will delay their April 2012 decision to “simplify” small group plans 1 more year from April 2012 to April 2013 instead. The Nov 4th Empire announcement to leave the NY Small Group Business was truly shocking after being in business for 75 years and insuring 35% of the market.
What this means for consumers is that insured members will now breath a sigh of relief and keep their contracted plan at least until their renewal. Evidentially, Empire was allowed to abruptly do a “hard shut down of their plans” for April and not allow a group to complete their 12 month contract. The negative consequence would have affected many unfairly as most members today have some kind of annual deductible and/or coinsurance on Rx plans, hospitalizations and surgeries. Example: a member signs up for a plan Oct 1 and has already met their deductible responsibilities would suddenly have to now change plans on April 2012. and start all over again.
A point needing further explanation is are they or they not exiting? Empire is stating that they are not in fact leaving but merely simplifying their offering to 6 plans but this is actually a red herring as the plans offered are not market friendly and allows Empire to stay within the market without having to really exit. Example: Their HMO monthly rate is $675/single when you can get the same plan from a leading competitor for $465/single.
So why be in the market without actually being in the market? The state’s regulation would not permit an insurer to re-enter for 3 years. With Health Care Reform changes in the subsequent years there are variables that may help NYS such as add’l federal funding. Additionally, it is an election year and with many unknown Health Care Reform variables still evolving such as Supreme Court hearing on individual mandate by June 2012 – WSJ Supreme Test for Health Law.
Either way this is welcome news to our existing clients and for the marketplace at large however short term it is.
Happy Holidays!!
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by admin | Jun 3, 2011 | healthcare, HSA
The IRS has announced the Health Savings Account (HSA) limits for 2012.
In 2012, HSA limits are as follows:
HDHP Minimum Annual Deductible (No change from calendar year 2011):
Single – $1200
Family – $2400
HDHP Out-of-Pocket Maximum:
Single – $6050
Family – $12,100
HSA Maximum Contribution Limit:
Single – $3100
Family – $6250
HSA/HDHP Market Growth
HSA holders own the assets in the accounts and can build up substantial sums over time. Enrollment in HSA-compatible insurance plans has increased to 10 million earlier this year, from 1 million in March 2005, according to, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a trade group.
HSAs were authorized starting in January 2004. Since then, AHIP has conducted a periodic census of health plans participating in the HSA/HDHP market.
• Between January 2009 and January 2010, the fastest growing market for HSA/HDHP products was large-group coverage, which rose by 33 percent, followed by small-group coverage, which grew by 22 percent.
• 30 percent of individuals covered by an HSA plan were in the small group market, 50 percent were in the large-group market, and the remaining 20 percent were in the individual market.
• States with the highest levels of HSA/HDHP enrollment were California, Ohio, Florida, Texas, Illinois and Minnesota
HSA Advantages:
Opportunity to build savings – Unused money stays in your account from year to year and earns tax-free interest. The HSA also gives you an investment opportunity.
Tax-free contributions and earnings – You don’t pay taxes on contributions or earnings.
Tax Free Money allowed for non traditional Medical coverage– As per IRS Publication 502, unused moneys can be used for dental,vision, lasik eye surgery, acupuncture, yoga, infertility etc. Popular Examples
Portability – The funds belong to you, so you keep the funds if you change jobs or retire.
Our overall experience with HSAs have been positive when employer funding is at minimum 50% using either the HSA or an HRA (Health Reimbursement Account-employer keeps unspent money). Traditional plans trend of higher copays and new in network deductibles has also led to the popularity of an HSA.
For more customized information and how to navigate this please contact us:
Millennium Medical Solutions Corp.
200 Business Park Drive
Armonk, NY 10504
914-207-6161
