As reported in HealthDecisions.org: Health Plan, Premera Blue Cross, has taken a major step forward in the move towards cost tranparency with the launch of its ‘Out of Pocket Estimator’ to hospitals in Washington. For the first time, an estimate of the patient’s portion of the hospital bill will be routinely available to consumers before they check in to the hospital through the use of this online tool. This tool enables hospitals (and later on, clinics) to provide an estimate to patients (Premera members in Washington) of their out of pocket costs for hospital services, based on their specific benefit package.
Read full news item: Premera Launches Major Step Forward in Cost Transparency: Out of Pocket Estimator, HealthDecision.org
Related information:
The Premera Quality Score Card