Consumers of health care services don't have a clear understanding of just how much medical services really cost. For many years, health plans insulated members from the true cost of these services by making payments directly to doctors or hospitals. As a result, consumers received medical services for co-pays as low as $10, or some plans provided these services at no cost to the consumer. With the rise in consumer-driven health plans, it’s important for consumers to understand the true cost of medical services, and be knowledgeable about finding the best value before visiting a provider. Here are some interesting facts on what these services really cost.
Did you know:
- The national average cost of an MRI is nearly $2,000
- Heart bypass surgery costs about $57,000
- The average cost of a 30-day prescription of one name brand drug is $71 compared to $22 for the generic equivalent
- National healthcare expenditures are expected to nearly double over the next 10 years
Knowing what you're spending and keeping an eye on health care costs are important parts of keeping health care affordable for all of us. Here are some things we can all do to make a difference:
- Ask for FDA-approved generic drugs instead of more expensive name brands
- Make sure you're getting the right treatment, and always ask your doctor any questions you may have
- Review all explanation of benefits for accuracy, and ask about any costs that you don't recognize or understand.
- Understand what your out-of-pocket costs will be before you receive medical services. Online tools are available for consumers to look-up average prices if your insurer or provider cannot answer this question.