Surprise Medical Bills! The Wall Street Journal reports that the growth of insurance plans built around small networks of health-care providers is fueling new fights over surprise medical bills, when patients inadvertently get care from out-of-network doctors. Providers and insurers are blaming each other for sticking patients with higher bills in such cases. Physicians groups say the problem is insurance coverage gaps while insurers counter that more doctors are rejecting in-network rates, then charging out-of-network fees that are many times higher. Nearly two dozen states have passed or are considering legislation to protect consumers. (7/8)

 
Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs. Out-of-pocket expenses for hospital patients have jumped sharply, according to a recent report in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Between 2009 and 2013, patient shares of the cost of in-hospital stays were up 37 percent. Deductibles grew by 86 percent and coinsurance was up a third. Many consumers don't realize there are ways to reduce such costs. The Fiscal Times (7/8) reports on tips to help consumers reduce their medical costs: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/2016/07/08/Health-Care-Pros-Share-Secrets-Saving-Your-Medical-Bills

Medicare Advantage Plans Continue to Gain Market Share. More than three out of 10 people covered by Medicare nationwide opt for Medicare Advantage plans sold by private companies, according to a recent study of 20 markets by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The study shows how popular Medicare Advantage plans have become in the past decade. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 7/9)