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Making Health Care Easier and More Affordable

By Eddie Farah

When you need to access health care in a hurry in Florida, you might not be thinking about cost comparisons like you would with food or toys.

But consider this. Shop for health care like you shop for anything when you want to save money – wisely. The state of Florida is making it a bit easier.

Many uninsured consumers of medical services in Florida may not know that under law they have the right to reliable and understandable information about their health care charges.

As of January 1, 2009, when the 'Health Care Consumer's Right to Information Act' took effect (SB 1488), consumers were entitled to be provided with a reasonable estimate of charges for any planned non emergency medical service from a health care provider.

The estimate is supposed to be written in lay language that anyone can understand, and should represent the average charge for that diagnosis or procedure. And for facilities not operated by the state, the bill requires them to provide the estimate of reasonably anticipated charges within seven days after the center confirms the individual is uninsured.

The law requires the facility to put a notice in the reception area concerning any discounts or charity discounts, under what condition they are available. A failure to do so subjects the facility to a $500 fine.

Also access the information on the state Web site (www.floridahealthfinder.gov) which lists undiscounted charges for no fewer than 150 of the most commonly performed adult and pediatric procedures.

Bottom line - Transparency in costs will help consumers shop more wisely for health care like consumer goods and lead to greater competition and incentive to keep costs down.

As reducing the cost of health care is on everyone's mind, forcing transparency in the health care industry is one way we can lower our bills and keep everyone honest. #

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Eddie Farah

Full post as published by Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer on November 17, 2009 (boomark / email).