client's minds

[J.R.]

If these were par providers there is no negotiation. They have already agreed to "discount" their rates. You can certainly ask, but my guess would be the provider will tell them to pound sand.

If they are non-par providers I know they will tell them to pound sand.

What is the basis off your opinion of a non par provider not negotiating rates "before" a test, exam, etc. was scheduled?

 

[BKrocko]

Thanks Somarco - perhaps I should send the $25 check idea into Myth Busters (LOL). Yes, they did go to a par provider. Weird thing is, they only got a $375 PPO discount. I thought it would be more like 40% off but the providers have their own negotiated rates and are under no obligation to disclose it. Around here (Denver), you can get the 15% discount just by saying that you are uninsured or self pay.

When can a person negotiate the bill? If both participating and non participating providers are going to tell you to "pound sand", then under what circumstances can it be done?

I ask because I have heard it can (and should) be done numerous times from seasoned agents both here and elsewhere. I hate to sound so green but I have never done it or helped anyone do it.

Bob TIG - thanks, I am also looking into splitting the kids off to their own separate policies. Around here, BCBS may not be the best choice but I get your drift. I always worry about having children on the HDHP plans - it does come back to bite you.

 

[somarco]

Not all providers "discount" equally. Most specialists discount very little. They don't need to. Folks will use their services no matter what they charge.

The higher up the food chain you go the less the discount

 

[J.R.]

Always

Always

Always

Put the kids on a BCBS copay plan, and the husband and wife on a high deductible plan, separate from the kids. Kids go to the Dr. more frequently than adults do.

You might even separate the spouses, depending on medical history.

If the wife is more comfortable with copays, put her on a copay plan, with 3 or 4 dr. visits on it. Pu the hubby on a HDHP plan, all by himself.

It doesn't matter how much you educate them. If they want to wriggle out of something, they will suddenly get the "stupids". And they'll blame it on you. They probably had a bad month, financially, and were trying to figure out what to cut out of the budget for that month.

Maybe they do things differently down in GA, but although I understand where you are coming from, I am having a hard time understanding the benefit of having 3 separate plans.

The only HSA I sell right now is the One Deductible HSA or GR HSA. The hardest obstacle I see with splitting up everybody is managing the OOPM for each member and not scaring the hell out of somebody. Price aside, talking most people above a $2000 deductible is a challenge. You're talking a minimum of $1100 for the male, which is going to be expensive, a copay plan for the child and mother that is also going to be expensive. How do you combat the fact that you have 3 + deductibles to contend with versus one deductible????

 

[somarco]

Non-par providers are cowboys. They have no need to join networks & discount their services. Doesn't mean they wont, just a bit more difficult.