Keep signing, commenting and sharing? Why? Because we have more work to do!

Today was a big day for Harris County and 25 other counties in Texas. We saw in writing for the first time what we had been hearing, that in fact Humana has a PPO in Harris County. This is a big deal for thousands of people, who have been worried sick over this. This PPO covers many of the top hospitals in Harris County. And while it appears that MD Anderson is in network, the hospital was not able to give a statement on the record confirming that today. While we were disappointed about that, we are hopeful that by tomorrow they will be able to do so. We know for so many this PPO is all about access to MD Anderson. As grateful as we are to have this PPO from one of the major insurers, it is important to recognize that this PPO does not solve the problem for many who need access to MD Anderson and other hospitals. Why is that? Because this plan is only being sold off the exchange. Those that need the subsidy cannot buy this plan. And others who don’t qualify for a subsidy may not be able to afford the plan. The Humana PPO is a HSA compatible plan. Those plans have a higher deductible. In this case, the deductible is $6,450. Once you meet the deductible, the plan pays at 100%. There are certain tax advantages to an HSA. You can deduct your contribution to your HSA account up to a certain amount depending on your age. That reduces the overall cost to you. But, again, not everyone has that much cash on hand to put in an account so they may not be able to take advantage of the tax savings for a number of reasons. It is clear that Harris County remains in need of a plan on the government exchange that includes MD Anderson. We continue to urge MDA to go back to negotiations with the major insurers ASAP and come up with agreements. There are still too many people in Harris County alone who are in desperate need of continued coverage at MD Anderson. We believe MDA as a state hospital has a higher obligation to be in network on plans on the exchange for those that need the subsidy. Only after we achieve that can we be sure that all of the current patients set to lose their coverage on 12/31 will be able to continue treatment. Only then will MDA truly have done the right thing. We urge MD Anderson to find a way to negotiate something before the end of the year. Humana was able to open a plan at the 11th hour and guarantee coverage on 1/1/16. It can be done. And if not by 1/1/16 certainly in early January while open enrollment is still in effect. Let’s make the holiday season a happier one for those in the most need! Respectfully, Citizens for Quality Healthcare