Revised law addresses co-pay inequity
The following is a Counterpoint:
By R. Todd Shaver
Facts are missing from statewide news coverage of the Jim Black chiropractic co-pay issue, and we want to set the record straight.
Reports implied that this was a new law, snuck in and not subject to normal scrutiny -- all false. The 2005 co-pay legislation didn't create a new statute but was a one-sentence amendment to a 1965 state law enacted to guarantee consumer choice in health care selection.
The amendment simply stated that co-pays for chiropractic visits cannot exceed co-pays for similar M.D. visits -- necessary because unfair discrepancies persisted. Before legislation, chiropractic patients often were charged up to five times more co-pay than M.D. patients with similar conditions.
This amendment was fully discussed with all stakeholders, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, which communicated extensively with chiropractic representatives before the amendment passed.
While BCBS has cited significantly higher insurance costs related to co-pay equity, legislation hasn't even been in effect for one calendar year, so BCBS' increases are based on estimations.
What should be reported is the huge windfall that BCBS and other carriers will enjoy at the expense of health care consumers if co-pay legislation is repealed. Patients already pay increased premiums for co-pay equity that may not stand, and their co-payments will rise if legislation is voided.
I proudly represent the N.C. Chiropractic Association, which had nothing to do with the alleged misconduct of three chiropractors. The purported activities of a few should not reflect on the 1,000 chiropractic physicians providing invaluable health care for North Carolina consumers.
The writer is board of directors president, N.C. Chiropractic Association. He lives in Wilmington.
Comments (1)
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"What should be reported is the huge windfall that BCBS and other carriers will enjoy at the expense of health care consumers if co-pay legislation is repealed. Patients already pay increased premiums for co-pay equity that may not stand, and their co-payments will rise if legislation is voided."
1. Who currently is getting a huge windfall from this legislation?
Not the patients. We're paying higher premiums whether we go to a chiropractor or not.
Answer: the Chiropractors.
No wonder you don't want the law repealed.
When people start talking about their concern about your consumer choice, keep a good grip on your wallet.
Posted on March 2, 2007 12:15 PM