Insurers, private hospitals fight over patients’ rates

[TexasTowelie]

HOUSTON — Insurance companies and private hospitals are facing off in Houston over how much to charge patients for “out-of-network” surgeries and procedures.

According to the Houston Chronicle, at least a dozen lawsuits have been filed in the city in recent years over what insurers claim is an incorrect practice: private hospitals offering patients lower rates that compete with “in-network” facilities by billing the insurance company more.

Insurers have in some cases responded by refusing to pay the claims, leading to lawsuits and protracted battles that often don’t have a clear resolution.

In one dispute, the insurer Aetna refused to pay for surgeries at the private North Cypress Medical Center over a fee issue.

Read more: http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional/insurers-private-hospitals-fight-over-patients-rat/nrzYg/

[area51]

1. Long past time

for single-payer.