UnitedHealth & Ingenix

[VaBreeze]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-fri-unitedhealth-settlement-jan16,0,527027.story

Cited:  "UnitedHealth Group said Thursday that it will pay $350 million—a record settlement for the health insurance industry—to resolve allegations it fixed a database used to determine rates for patients who chose doctors outside the insurance giant's network. UnitedHealth provides medical benefits to 800,000 in the Chicago area."

Thank you AMA!

[VaBreeze]

I think you'll notice those results.  It's so sad that we pay so much for health care to begin with and then have this type of rigging taking place...costing even more out of pocket.  Of course, it was all about profit (since these two companies share holdings).

It is helpful to know that someone is looking out for the consumers.  Take care of yourself.

[ginak]

VaBreeze,

I will certainly see. I hope this means that I will have a lower cost out of pocket. It will certainly help with all of the expenses.

[VaBreeze]

Maybe with this turn of events, it will be a bit more affordable for you in the future.  You can take the receipts you receive and file them with the ins.  Afterwords, should they deny, you can appeal.  I'm sure the docs. there will be more than happy to assist you.

Best of luck always.

[ginak]

VaBreeze,

This is who I have now and I am having to pay a fortune for my lyme test for the Igenix lab. I was told by the company that they would not cover my visit to the Fibro and Chronic Fatigue Center either. All in all I won't complain about them, but I do wish I had some out of network benefits. All of this will cost me a small fortune. There are no doctors on my ins on the Co-Cure physicians list.

[VaBreeze]

I had this coverage at one time, but never used anyone who was "out-of-network".  I feel so badly for those who shelled out a near fortune to get the proper health care.  Both patients and physicians were cheated.