“It may be the right direction to take and it will change not only purchasing habits but savings habits of Americans. However it is the medical ommunity that shields consumers from the cost of care. When was the last time you saw an itemized billing from a medical provider, which not only discloses the real cost Providers charge but also the difference in how much they charge without managed-care discounts. Time and again I have heard medical providers say they take cash from patients and will charge about 50% less than they do with insurance coverage. No wander, premiums have been soaring. I might add that when you pay with your HSA funds, Providers charge the highest rate possible allowed by the MCO's. Until Providers are required to charge everyone the same-low price Consumer Driven plans (HSA's etc.) are a temporary fixed since all it does is rollback estimated trends by about 21%, half of which Insurance companies will tell you is a shift in risk to the consumer.”

-- Greg Sidwellins, Consumers — and employees — are ready to drive

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