As a "regular" consumer, I couldn't figure out how to use this because I don't deal with the kinds of files it was asking for. At the very least it should provide some links to example files you can run through it.
In any case, I'd like to see something where you select a procedure and then get a way to easily drill down to see pricing (both in and out of network) at different locations, probably within a given radius. This assumes, of course, that the system knows my health plan to begin with, which would be a whole other step needed.
With
1. A way to choose your plan
2. A way to see all providers in network with that plan
3. A way to see contract rates
4. A way to estimate your out of pocket costs (copay plus deductible) if you go for a specific service
A good insurance agent should do most of 1-4, but your service should make their job easier. So I see this as more for them than for a consumer. And also because after a plan is selected, copays and deductibles are essentially fixed so consumer would have no need to price shop.
What do you mean insurance agent? The process of picking health insurance in the US doesn't utilize agents.
And also because after a plan is selected, copays and deductibles are essentially fixed so consumer would have no need to price shop.
This assumes that the service you're picking costs more than the deductible. If the service you're shopping for costs less than your deductible, you're paying for all of it up front...
I am in US and have an idependent insurance agent that offers healthcare plans for every insurance company licensed in our state. They compared my plan with all the others, taking into account the types of service I use, what is covered when travelling, etc. Anytime I need a specialist I call the agent for a list of in-network doctors.
Comments
As a "regular" consumer, I couldn't figure out how to use this because I don't deal with the kinds of files it was asking for. At the very least it should provide some links to example files you can run through it.
In any case, I'd like to see something where you select a procedure and then get a way to easily drill down to see pricing (both in and out of network) at different locations, probably within a given radius. This assumes, of course, that the system knows my health plan to begin with, which would be a whole other step needed.
Oh hell yeah this is coming. I built healthplanexplorer because the files were too unwieldy, but the ultimate consumer format for this is a map like https://carbonhealth.com/flu/flu-vaccination-centers
With 1. A way to choose your plan 2. A way to see all providers in network with that plan 3. A way to see contract rates 4. A way to estimate your out of pocket costs (copay plus deductible) if you go for a specific service
A good insurance agent should do most of 1-4, but your service should make their job easier. So I see this as more for them than for a consumer. And also because after a plan is selected, copays and deductibles are essentially fixed so consumer would have no need to price shop.
What do you mean insurance agent? The process of picking health insurance in the US doesn't utilize agents.
This assumes that the service you're picking costs more than the deductible. If the service you're shopping for costs less than your deductible, you're paying for all of it up front...
I am in US and have an idependent insurance agent that offers healthcare plans for every insurance company licensed in our state. They compared my plan with all the others, taking into account the types of service I use, what is covered when travelling, etc. Anytime I need a specialist I call the agent for a list of in-network doctors.
Wow, never knew this was a thing. Do they have a website/can you share?
Are you insured through your employer or via an exchange?