The cost of healthcare is high and getting higher. Unfortunately, high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) have also become increasingly prevalent. As out-of-pocket costs continue to rise, these plans impact how patients estimate and navigate their financial responsibilities. As a result, providers must prioritize accurate patient liability estimates.
Educating patients on what they can expect to pay not only helps them make informed care decisions but also improves a practice’s revenue cycle management (RCM).
What is a high-deductible health plan?
As their name implies, high-deductible health plans require individuals to meet a high out-of-pocket deductible before insurance coverage kicks in. This means patients are liable for a larger portion of their healthcare expenses. HDHPs often offer lower monthly premiums, which makes them an attractive option for individuals seeking to reduce monthly healthcare expenses. Unfortunately, they realize these savings only if they stay healthy.
Patient liability estimates explained
Patient liability estimates are the projected out-of-pocket expenses patients are expected to pay for their healthcare services. They take into account the individual’s health insurance coverage — deductible, copayments, coinsurance, and any exclusions or limitations — as well as the cost of health services needed. Patient liability estimates help individuals understand and prepare for their financial responsibilities — especially for those with an HDHP.
The impact of HDHPs on patient liability estimates
The rise of HDHPs has led to a notable shift in healthcare. Patients now shoulder a higher share of their medical costs. With higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, individuals face a greater financial burden when seeking care. The stress of these added costs can create barriers to accessing necessary care, largely due to concerns about affordability. This increased patient cost-sharing has significant implications for patient liability estimates.
Accurate liability estimates are crucial in empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care. By providing transparent and reliable estimates, healthcare providers enable patients to plan and budget for healthcare expenses. This information allows patients to weigh their financial obligations against the necessity of specific treatments, procedures, or tests.
With precise estimates, patients can explore alternative options — such as cost-saving measures or lower-cost providers — to help mitigate their financial burden while still receiving quality care.
Strategies to improve patient liability estimates
Providers who offer upfront, accurate, accessible information about healthcare costs will find themselves in favor of patients with HDHPs. There are several strategies to consider:
- Enhance price transparency and consumer information. Clear and easily accessible pricing information helps patients make informed decisions about their care, allowing them to estimate their financial liabilities accurately.
- Provide tools and resources for estimating costs. Healthcare providers can offer online cost-estimation tools or resources for patients to input details about their insurance coverage and healthcare needs.
- Educate patients on HDHPs and cost-sharing responsibilities. By helping patients understand their financial obligations, providers enable them to navigate the healthcare system more effectively with their HDHPs in mind.
Ultimately, it comes down to broaching financial liability with patients as early as possible. The sooner they know what to expect and what they’re responsible for, the more empowered patients feel to make decisions about their care.
Prioritize patient financial education
The rise of high-deductible health plans has ushered in a new era of patient liability — one with considerable implications for individuals, healthcare providers, and insurers. As patients shoulder a greater portion of healthcare costs, providers must help them understand those costs. Taking the time to shepherd them through cost considerations and responsibilities not only nurtures the patient-provider experience but also positively impacts the practice’s bottom line.
Learn more about effective RCM strategies at trubridge.com.
