Californians report roadblocks in new era of health care
Inaccurate provider lists are among the challenges facing customers as many transition from the ranks of the uninsured under the federal health care overhaul. Covered California, the nation’s leading state exchange, alone has signed up 1.4 million people through the Affordable Care Act.
“Health plans often use intentionally vague or confusing contracting practices, which result in consumer confusion and frustration, as physicians often do not know that they are listed as participating in certain network.
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/08/6539580/californians-report-roadblocks.html#mi_rss=Latest%20News#storylink=cpMore than 1,800 complaints about the process were submitted to state regulators through June 8. Customers have complained that they haven’t received their identification cards and enrollment packets. They’ve said they had trouble navigating narrow networks to find a doctor who will take their coverage.
This is not a new problem, it has been an issue for many years, and the Affordable Care Act has made it much worse. Why? The launch of the Health Benefit Exchanges was premature, contracting with providers was incom0plete. The new ACA policies were unique and require providers to sign new contracts to participate. Among these changes are significant differences in reimbursement rate. Many providers and insurers refused to sign on for Health Benefit Exchanges, waiting to see if the system would function.
The Humboldt-Del Norte County Medical Society reviewed one insurer’s provider lists and reported late last month that just one-third of area doctors were accurately reflected. Many were not seeing patients with that insurance coverage, had moved from the area, or had retired, according to the California Medical Association, of which the society is a subsidiary.
The countywide review came after the medical association surveyed physicians and determined that 80 percent were confused about their participation status. It followed up with a one-page letter to members.
“Health plans often use intentionally vague or confusing contracting practices, which result in consumer confusion and frustration, as physicians often do not know that they are listed as participating in certain networks.
All or some of these issues present challenges to patienits..Caveat Emptor.
Attribution: FierceHealtlhCare
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/08/6539580/californians-report-roadblocks.html#mi_rss=Latest%20News#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/07/08/6539580/californians-report-roadblocks.html#mi_rss=Latest%20News#storylink=cpy
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