About a week ago I posted a diary on
Blue Cross Blue Shields Tier system. It looks like unfortunately, this is going to be the trend. Medica, which is the second largest insurance company in MN has decided to
follow suit
I find it completely aggravating that these companies persist in claiming that they are acting in the best interest of the consumer and that these rankings are based on quality and not so much on the cost. Its just hooey espeically if you consider that they denote their ranking symbols using the $ symbol.
Dr. Tim Henry, a cardiologist with Minneapolis Cardiology, a specialty clinic associated with Abbott Northwestern Hospital, said his group has some of the best patient outcomes in the country. Yet Medica rates his clinic as Tier 3, and he's rated as Tier 2.
"I'd be interested in learning about what they base it on, but it seems like a cost-based issue," he said.
If that were the case why is it that the best specialized hospitals such as those that treat kids are ranked in the most expensive category? It is extremely upsetting that not only the cost of health care rises every year; the options offered to people grow smaller. It really is time that the government looks into a single payer system.