Dr. Reece has an interesting post up comparing those who believe in HSAs against those who do not. Of course you know where we stand in this argument.
“Health Savings Accounts reconnect the patient and provider by revealing the true costs of health care services. What we have seen so far is 20 percent to 50 percent decrease in cost utilization. This is because of consumerism – people being alert to true costs. Consumers now shop for health care services, they increasingly use generic drugs, and they ask questions about the necessity of additional testing.”
He doesn’t take any sides, but in the end concludes with a point that seriously favors Consumer Driven Health Care.
I know only one thing. As long as someone else pays the bill, and costs remain invisible to patients, costs will continue to surge.
