Thread by @SheronESidbury

This is one of the best opinion pieces That truly highlights the need for education about putting insurance in it's proper place and educating people on what options are available to help them save money on their healthcare. By @DavidBalatHC

thehill.com/opinion/health…

High Deductible Health Plans HDHP are only a bad thing when a person is uninformed about other more affordable options to pair them with. The $3800 bill could have been avoided by using services such as @GreenImagingTx The imaging could gave cost as low as $250

The example used in the article lives on Broomall, PA which is less than an hour fron the closest @GreenImagingTx center in Salem, NJ so it could have cost the price of the MRI and a tank of gas. Which would be maybe another $30-40 topping off at $290

Hypothetical situation

Even if there was only one @GreenImagingTx facility in the USA in Houston, TX a round trip flight+the MRI would still be less than $3800. Cheapest round trip flight starting around $110-$580

MRI $250 + $400 round trip flight = $650 (option 2choose cheapest flight)

Now what if you do not want to fly to Houston and return on the same day. You can opt to stay one night in a 5Star hotel for $200-$350 per night or go cheaper.

MRI $250 + $400 Round trip + $350 hotel = $1000
Adding food for an extra $100 brings the total to $1100

Don't want to travel alone invite and pay for a friend for an extra $500 (food and flight) 🌭🍽🍕🍔✈️ Total $1600
Stay an extra day to sight see: $350 hotel extra night, $250 for spending, $200 food = grand total $2400

Classic "Medical Vacation" worse case scenario "but fun🙂"

The whole point is there are cheaper better ways to pay for medical services than locking yourself into the network that your insurance company dictates to you. But it is an option and the choice is an individual one.

The problem with this is not the high deductible it is stuffing the plans with services that people do not want and things that do not need 2B insured. The very low income highly subsidized are generally unaffected. It's those stuck in the middle who feel the burn.
@DavidBalatHC

#DPC takes care of the preexisting condition issue because it is not an issue. Ideal for chronic illnesses that require frequent doctors visits. No preauthorizations needed. Pay once. No deductibles or copays to worry about. Save insurance 4 catastrophies.🤕

Although the highly subsidized may be shielded from high deductibles and max out of pocket (MOOP) cost they are not immune to denials, preauthorizations, or a desire for the personal touch that a #DPC doctor can give.

MOOP varies by income
healthreformbeyondthebasics.org/cost-sharing-c…

The best thing about this article is @DavidBalatHC speaks from experience not just an opinion based on hearsay which adds credibility to the article. He has an #HSA a #HDHP and a #DPC membership.

Having a base HDHP with out mandatory Essential Health Benefits included in the plan, only mandating that EHB's be made "available" as an optional add on by choice, could lower overall cost for those caught in the middle. They would still be contributing to the healthcare system.

Each person should be able to design a healthcare financing plan that works for them be it a #HDHP a #DPC membership, an #HSA an #ACA plan or whatever you qualify for and can pay for.

Don't unfairly compare one option against the other focus on the true purpose of each.

If a decision is made to add #DPC practices on the exchanges assigning them code numbers to connect with their patients and to get paid spell chaos. Ask any agent. Keep #DPC strictly between doctor and patient. Providing a directory may be helpful.

Really loved this article @DavidBalatHC best solution IMO self pay options, #DPC , #HSA , #HDHP without the stuffing, a la carte Essential Health Benefits, #ACA plans for those who love them. The only plan that works for everyone is the one you choose for yourself and can pay for

Those at the high end of the totem pole who can afford 2buy themselves out of the sting of healthcare financing cost can never really understand the challenges. Those at the lower end R still at the mercy of those who design their plans (Medicaid) whether it cost them $0 or not.