Medical Direct Pay: How States Can Start Improving Health Care Right Now

Medical Direct Pay: How States Can Start Improving Health Care Right Now

Policy Brief No. 2013-4 * 2013-12-16 16:06:04

By Frank D. Francone

Abstract: Editor: Despite gridlock on health care nationally, states can take one immediate step to address the cost and quality of care for everyone. Arizona showed the way when it passed an innovative medical “direct pay” law. Direct pay means that a patient pays the doctor or hospital directly. The provider need not claim reimbursement by a third party. The patient, if insured, is responsible for collection of reimbursement. The Arizona law fully legalizes direct pay and requires health care providers and facilities to make available to the public, their direct pay prices for their top 25 or 50 services. Anticipated benefits, in Arizona as the law took effect this year and in Colorado or other states that may follow suit next year, include placing downward pressure on medical prices, assisting those who become victims of the ACA (Obamacare) when their insurance is cancelled, and pointing the way beyond ACA to a better health care system in the future.