No rest for the weary
By Mike Moran
Updated Thu November 29, 2007
I hope this is not an omen of things to come. A story on the wires today reported that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has unveiled a new barebones health insurance plan that, among other things, does not cover durable medical equipment.
The plan offers catastrophic coverage and is intended for employers struggling to offer benefits to their workers because of the rising cost of premiums. Anthem said the plan's premiums are up to 70% cheaper than those for a full-range preferred provider organization plan.
Of course, it doesn’t cover “visits to urgent-care centers or for durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs that commonly are covered in more comprehensive plans.”
This is just more evidence that our nations’ healthcare system needs a serious overhaul. Until that occurs, expect HME to be under continuous attack from the bean counters. When it comes to lobbying for industry interests, there will be no rest for the wear any time soon.
Labels: BCBS, reimbursement
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