30 Second Insurance Tips©

Tip 108- You Can Lead A Horse To Water…

This week I attended what seems like my zillionth forum on health care. One presentation
stood out.

An executive from a leading health insurer proudly demonstrated his company’s cost
comparison tool. Available through a secure on line portal, he showed us how members are
able to obtain provider cost and quality information.

Of note was the fact that cost figures are “net” after applying the insurer Network discounts.
And, that the member’s expected out of pocket costs are integrated with the deductible, coinsurance
and other specific features of their policy.

Here’s what really got my attention. After debuting almost exactly a year ago to thousands and
thousands of customers, only 2.5% have logged in and used the tool.

If price transparency is the key to lowering health care costs, we better find a way to “make him
drink!”