[HiTech RedNeck]

They have price lists. There will be new advertising pushes for health provider loyalty, count on it. But the consumer will be more in control now, rather than having to follow his health plan around to this or that participating doctor to avoid facing uncovered megabills.

[dawn53]

Here's an interesting question about the MSA.

Will the consumer be able to get the same deals as the HMO's and PPO's?

In other words, if I'm on a PPO and I go into the hospital, my bill may be $9,000, but the hospital accepts a $2,000 payment from the PPO because it is their contracted price.

Will I, as a consumer, be charged the $9,000 and be responsible for that entire amount? If so, it seems like the hospitals will be "taking it out" on those that choose to use the MSA's.

I do know one individual who chooses not to carry health insurance, and when he gets a bill from a hospital, he walks in, carrying cash, and negotiates a payment. He usually gets at least a 50% reduction on his bill, but I'm sure not many people are aware that the hospitals are willing to work this way, and I don't think the doctors will be willing to negotiate on their fees.