What’s the cause?

Answer: ..This is a reference to health insurance premiums, what goes into the cost of those premiums, what drives up those costs, how much does it cost, what you can’t see, etc.

2/27/10 update: Food, Inc. If you think our health care system is in a mess, watch this documentary. It’s up for Oscar in 2010. Another underlying cause of escalating premiums.

Note:   The links below are not for advertising purposes. I have no affiliation with these references. These references simply demonstrate my point, or at least I hope they demonstrate my point.  ; 0

Drivers of cost
…Factual references (Not advertising)

Video demonstration of hidden costs
…How is shopping for bananas like shopping for health medical care?

Explanation of cost
…Facts About Health Care – Health Insurance Costs

Driver of cost example, we need it!
…Integrated Health Care

Access
…How much does health insurance cost?

My Opinion: As health insurance costs go up… Often the driver simply is the cost of medical care itself. Does it matter? Maybe not if they save your life or a loved one. But there are hidden costs not seen with the naked eye. Or can they?

Another interesting point is, why do we not see medical care costs come down? Why can’t everyone including the medical care facilities contribute to lowing the costs?

Here’s the news…they negotiate the cost with insurance companies often pressing for higher contracted rates, 20-30% and more each year. It’s astounding. Health insurance companies will not show this information because it’s too political and may upset the apple cart, thereby not getting the contract rates with medical clinics and a facilities.

Insurance carriers struggle to hold down the cost of care, but what do we do? Point the finger at insurance. Look behind the scenes (if you can)…it will shock you.

If we or the government just layer on more insurance, the medical/drug industries get a blank check to simply keep raising the cost of care. There is NO incentive for them to lower cost unless you hold them accountable.

How can you/we do that if we don’t even know how much care costs? Make no mistake, I am not talking about life or death care. Let’s get real…I’m talking urgent, chronic, routine, and maintenance care.

I’m mad as hell and frustrated. I can speak out now because I am no longer in the game. I will add examples of real costs and references in the short future.

“How much was that 15 minute office visit? $250.oo? Wow! Can I negotiate that price with you? NO. Well ok then…my insurance will pay most of it anyway”