Customers in the middle

In the July 14 article (“Providence declines renewal with Premera”), Premera states “stop putting the customer in the middle.” The customer is always in the middle. Negotiations will help Premera decide the premiums to the clients and subsequently any co-pays. So to leave the customer out of the equation is not appropriate.

We all know that insurance companies want higher premiums as that will hopefully make their stockholders happier. The hospital is called upon to provide the best possible current care and with the insurance demands of will pay/will not pay, their costs are tight.

Pay attention to the amount of charity care provided by hospitals. We all deserve good medical care and need to be informed of how it affects us individually. A visit to a doctor’s office is cheaper than the ER and there are many good urgent care facilities here.

Over the years these negotiations end up with Premera not leaving the Providence system, but those involved need to listen to the people who pay the premiums. The customer is always in the middle. Shame on Premera for that remark. It is our money they are using or denying.

Pam Meyer

Spokane