Posted on Nov 22, 2021
Becerra defends HHS rules aimed at reining in surprise medical bills
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https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/11/22/ [login to see] /becerra-defends-hhs-rules-aimed-at-reining-in-surprise-medical-bills
Overpriced doctors and other medical providers who can't charge a reasonable rate for their services could be put out of business when new rules against surprise medical bills take effect in January, and that's a good thing, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says, in defending the regulations.
Overpriced doctors and other medical providers who can't charge a reasonable rate for their services could be put out of business when new rules against surprise medical bills take effect in January, and that's a good thing, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra says, in defending the regulations.
Becerra defends HHS rules aimed at reining in surprise medical bills
Posted from npr.org
Medical
Health
Drugs
Pharmaceuticals
Insurance
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."The bottom line is protecting patients
The doctor groups say giving the insurers the upper hand will let them drive payment rates down and potentially force doctors out of networks or even out of business, reducing access to health care.
The department has heard those concerns, Becerra says, but the bottom line is protecting patients. Medical providers who have taken advantage of a complicated system to charge exorbitant rates will have to bear their share of the cost, he says, or close if they can't.
"I don't think when someone is overcharging, that it's going to hurt the overcharger to now have to [accept] a fair price," Becerra says. "Those who are overcharging either have to tighten their belt and do it better, or they don't last in the business."
"It's not fair to say that we have to let someone gouge us in order for them to be in business," he adds.
Nonetheless, Becerra says he does not foresee a wave of closures, or diminished access for consumers. Instead, he suggests, a competitive, market-driven process will find a balance, especially when consumers know better what they are paying for.
"We're willing to pay a fair price," he says, but emphasizes that "I'll pay for the best, but I don't want to have to pay for the best and then three times more on top of that and get blindsided by the bill."...
..."The bottom line is protecting patients
The doctor groups say giving the insurers the upper hand will let them drive payment rates down and potentially force doctors out of networks or even out of business, reducing access to health care.
The department has heard those concerns, Becerra says, but the bottom line is protecting patients. Medical providers who have taken advantage of a complicated system to charge exorbitant rates will have to bear their share of the cost, he says, or close if they can't.
"I don't think when someone is overcharging, that it's going to hurt the overcharger to now have to [accept] a fair price," Becerra says. "Those who are overcharging either have to tighten their belt and do it better, or they don't last in the business."
"It's not fair to say that we have to let someone gouge us in order for them to be in business," he adds.
Nonetheless, Becerra says he does not foresee a wave of closures, or diminished access for consumers. Instead, he suggests, a competitive, market-driven process will find a balance, especially when consumers know better what they are paying for.
"We're willing to pay a fair price," he says, but emphasizes that "I'll pay for the best, but I don't want to have to pay for the best and then three times more on top of that and get blindsided by the bill."...
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SFC Randy Hellenbrand
This is exactly why no industry should ever police itself. Remember what W. let Wall Street do??
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SGT (Join to see)
SFC Randy Hellenbrand - I remember 2008... Obama had to clean up W's mess... with the help of our current POTUS Joe Biden. Put that in your pipe & smoke it Trumpudlicans!
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OMG!!!! Rick Scott from Florida will have a heart attack from this. GOOD!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel this is a step in the right direction. Can socialized medicine far behind?
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SGT (Join to see)
PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln Does it really matter what you call it? IMO it's more important that Americans have access to medical care without the threat of bankrupcy.
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PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln
SGT (Join to see) No it really doesn't , but it's seems to hold up without bankrupting the individual.
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