Patients could save by paying in cash instead of using insurance
Most people wouldn’t consider seeing a doctor without using health insurance if they have it.
But with the increasing number of people in high-deductible health plans, some providers offer discounts — sometimes deep discounts — to those who pay out-of-pocket.
Consumer Reports found some people can actually save money by leaving their insurance card in their wallet.
It’s a practice more common for diagnostic procedures like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds.
Companies like MDsave work with hundreds of doctors, hospitals and labs around the United States to offer discounts to people willing to prepay their bill.
It’s more common with diagnostic procedures, like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds.
The financial team at Consumer Reports found that many healthcare providers, including pharmacies and some outpatient facilities, offer discounts if you leave your insurer out of the picture.
“It’s especially beneficial for people who have high-deductible health insurance plans," says Donna Rosato, senior editor at Consumer Reports.
But you should be careful: Paying without insurance could cost you more in the long run.
When you pay out of pocket, typically that money won’t be applied to your insurance’s deductible or its out-of-pocket maximum.
If you need a lot of health care later on, you would start from zero.
And insurance protects you from financial shocks that could bankrupt you, things like a major hospitalization or expensive treatment.
Before your next appointment, run the numbers carefully and decide which way checks out.
