MANAGED CARE: ‘You Get What You Pay For,’ Says Reich
Consumers often do not take an accurate view of what "reasonably can be expected of an HMO," columnist Kenneth Reich writes in yesterday's Los Angeles Times. Citing two recent cases where Health Net enrollees received treatment outside of the network in debatably non-emergency situations, Reich details the trouble the patients are having in getting Health Net to cover the care. Health Net spokesperson Ron Yukelson pointed out that the HMO has more expensive plans that would cover the additional treatment, leading Reich to conclude: "I can't help but feel it is vital for all to realize that you may be able to get what you pay for in managed care, but probably not more" (2/25).
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