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Aine Seitz McCarthy
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Confessions from a Cadillac plan?

11/6/2013

1 Comment

 
Picture
Screenshot: explanation of benefits from HealthPartners
Last week, I had a labral repair surgery in my hip. It was not hugely invasive: an hour and a half of arthroscopic repair under general anesthesia, three weeks of crutches and two months of physical therapy. Most importantly for me, it is nowhere near as painful as an ACL repair.

Check out those numbers above. Four hours of time at a surgery outpatient center, two of which were in recovery, cost $16,582. Seriously? This doesn't include pre or post-operative appointments or any physical therapy.

My insurance only paid 35% of that price tag. HealthPartners negotiated that price for "bringing" patients like me to the surgery center. So, what is the point of the 16k, then? I highly doubt any uninsured person would have this semi-elective surgery (not recommended for folks with arthritis and not totally necessary for folks aren't "active"). Also, my Mom brought me to the surgery.

Also take note of that relieving 0 next to member responsibility. I guess the university makes up for its meager graduate assistant stipend with a fairly generous health plan.

Hat tip: HVM


1 Comment
Keta McCarthy
11/6/2013 09:59:59 pm

Aine,
You may receive other bills/ insurance claims from the hospital for the procedure. So far, so good.

Reply



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    Aine Seitz McCarthy

    International development, economics and some pretty ambitious ideas from a stubborn graduate student clinging to her sense of adventure.


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