Sad state of health care affairs

I recently had health care rendered by an urgent care facility. When my appointment was complete, they could and did tell me what my charges were, and offered a 40 percent discount if I paid cash. I would then need to know what my costs would be if I submitted this bill to Premera, my insurance carrier. Then I could decide who to pay.

I called Premera. I was told they won’t give me the “contracted” rates they have with the UC facility. I asked why not. They explained that recently, a “business decision” was made to stop providing this information to their insured. I asked why. Nothing additional was offered. I explained that I’m the guy writing the check for all this “deciding” and deserve to know my rates as part of my health care decision-making. Oddly, this didn’t seem to have an effect on the Premera staffer.

My wife and I, in addition, pay Premera nearly $16,000 in annual premiums. Perhaps someone at Premera will see my letter and respond.

Regardless, this is merely one facet of the sad state of health care in Washington and the U.S.

Tom Dwyer

Spokane