Hospitals push for upfront payments as healthcare costs rise
Summary
Hospitals are increasingly asking patients to pay large deposits before treatment, especially when their insurance is out-of-network. This practice comes as healthcare costs and patients' deductibles rise, making it harder for many to afford care.Key Facts
- Thomas Zordani traveled for a neurosurgery consultation but had his appointment canceled after Mayo Clinic required a $5,000 upfront payment.
- Mayo Clinic determined after the appointment was made that Zordani's insurance was out-of-network, designating him "self-pay."
- Hospitals are asking for prepayments more often to cover patients' larger share of medical costs due to rising deductibles.
- Rising hospital prices, drug costs, and labor expenses push insurers to shift more costs to patients through higher deductibles.
- The average deductible for employer family insurance plans is about $3,762; for Affordable Care Act plans, it rose 37% to around $3,786 in 2024.
- Industry experts say this trend could make it harder for patients to get care and put financial strain on both providers and patients.
- A health poll found that lower out-of-pocket costs are the most desired insurance plan change by insured adults.
- Consumer advocates are receiving increasing complaints about upfront medical payment demands.
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