Health plans are largely pass-throughs, paying medical claims from providers whose charges have been rocketing skyward. In California, a recent analysis of daily inpatient charges for hospitals revealed that payments from private health plans increased from $1,954 in 2000 to $5,061 in 2009 – 159 percent – during a time when consumer prices increased by only 25 percent, nationwide. The charge for a normal (non-Caesarian) childbirth went up from $3,805 to $6,424 – 69 percent.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
Politicizing Premiums Does Not Control Health Costs
John R. Graham
Health plans are largely pass-throughs, paying medical claims from providers whose charges have been rocketing skyward. In California, a recent analysis of daily inpatient charges for hospitals revealed that payments from private health plans increased from $1,954 in 2000 to $5,061 in 2009 – 159 percent – during a time when consumer prices increased by only 25 percent, nationwide. The charge for a normal (non-Caesarian) childbirth went up from $3,805 to $6,424 – 69 percent.
Read the entire article at Forbes: Apothecary.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.