Shifting power to the payers: 4 thoughts on the possible repercussions of the health insurance megamergers

Many large organizations and politicians have heavily critiqued the pending health insurance company mergers, claiming they will stifle competition and drive up costs for consumers, according to HealthPayer Intelligence.

Advertisement

Here are four thoughts:

1. The Harvard Business Review found health insurance mergers do not have an impact on reducing premiums among beneficiaries, despite many payers claiming the mergers will lower prices for consumers.

2. Research proves greater regional competition within the health insurance industry could improve prescription drug benefits and other health plan options.  

3. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said in a public state, the Anthem-Cigna and Aetna-Humana deals could prove detrimental to consumers as the “balance of power is moving too far away from the consumers.”

4. The American Medical Association and American Hospital Association starkly oppose the mergers, saying they will interfere with patient care, provider reimbursement and consumer costs.

More articles on coding & billing:
5 points about UnitedHealthcare expanding plan’s coverage in New York
The risky business of cutting costs — How this company is lowering costs without raising prices for employers
New healthcare price transparency technology help hospitals meet requirements — 5 takeaways

At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

Is ambulatory care healthcare’s big margin engine? 4 leaders weigh in

Wednesday, July 29
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Joe Ganley, athenahealthJeffrey Flynn, CASC, Gramercy Surgery CenterBryan Tsao, Access Center, Loma Linda University HealthJason Zepeda, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, CommonSpirit HealthGreg DeConciliis, PA-C, CASC, Boston Out­Patient Surgical Suites

Advertisement

Next Up in ASC Coding, Billing & Collections

Advertisement

Comments are closed.