TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Hoosiers waiting to get certain health procedures or checkups done is leading to what health leaders in the state say is a “crisis”.
“This crisis of deferred or delayed care, I think we’re only beginning to understand how impactful it’s going to be on our overall health as a state,” Indiana Hospital Association President Brian Tabor said. “We’ve had so many people in the hospital, not just for COVID, but for other conditions.”
Tabor said that there are many factors that lead to deferred or delayed care, factors only exacerbated by the pandemic.
“When it comes to those out of pocket expenses and the impact of the pandemic, we know that there are different reasons why some people have put off care,” Tabor said. “We’re starting to see that impact on overall Hoosier health and it’s not good.”
Health care professionals understand that cost is a tough obstacle to overcome, but Tabor said the IHA does not want insurance policies to be a barrier to necessary care.
That’s where MyCare Insight comes into play. The website, which launched in 2015, aims to provide transparency when it comes to pricing for medical care in the Hoosier state.
“They (patients) very often will be paying out of pocket with the way that insurance is structured today,” Tabor explained. “So, with high deductible plans, a patient may want to shop around more than they have in the past.”
The website allows Hoosiers to compare hospitals when it comes to pricing, quality, infection rates, etc.
Tabor said the website is a good starting place, but prices you find there may not be the exact out of pocket cost.
“We encourage you to pick up the phone, call the local hospital and say, ‘this is what insurance plan I have, here’s what I’m thinking about having done as a service’,” Tabor said. “All Indiana hospitals have professionals that will walk you through and get you much closer to that actual out of pocket amount.”
Tabor also stressed that Indiana hospitals are committed to helping Hoosiers get that essential procedure or checkup done and can work as a liaison between the patient and the insurance company.
“Even if your insurance company has said ‘well, your deductible has now reset and your surgery was postponed’, our folks will fight for you,” Tabor ensured. “They’ll call the insurance company and try to get that flexibility so that you can get the care that you need.”
Tabor said that Indiana recently was ranked the fourth most transparent state in the U.S., and attributed some of that to legislative efforts in Indianapolis that have improved transparency, along with tools like the IHA website.
