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NARROW NETWORKS

By Staff Reporters

An increasing number of insurers now promote “narrow network” plans that can be less expensive than more traditional offerings. However, that added affordability comes with a tradeoff that could leave you with fewer options for covered medical services.  

CITE: https://www.r2library.com/Resource/Title/0826102549

Understanding Narrow Networks: Narrow network plans are similar to the health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Like standard HMOs, these plans limit coverage to a select group of physicians, specialists and hospitals. However, narrow network plans can be even more restrictive in the number of providers they include. Those providers generally have been proven to have higher measured quality and better outcomes for patients. They also typically agree to lower reimbursements from insurers, which can mean lower premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for consumers.   You’re more likely to see narrow networks — which include narrow pharmacy networks — if you shop for your own health insurance on HealthCare.gov or your state’s insurance exchange. They’re less common in the plan options provided by private employers.  

Advantages Beyond the Savings The fact that narrow network plans include fewer providers doesn’t mean you’ll be getting lower quality care. In fact, many insurers require providers to have a proven track record that’s focused on their patients’ health outcomes. And they can offer a number of additional advantages, beyond just lower costs:

• Coordinated care. Working within a single health system can mean better communication between your doctors. You might also have easier access to all your medical records through a dedicated online portal.
• No referrals. Traditional HMO plans generally require a referral from your primary care physician for any consultations with a specialist. Many narrow network plans eliminate this requirement.
• Added benefits. Many narrow network plans offer benefits designed to keep high-risk patients healthier. These can include options like free health coaching and live video services that enable remote, online medical consultations.  

CONS: The biggest disadvantage to narrow network plans is less choice. Insurers keep these plans more affordable by negotiating lower reimbursements with health care providers. In return, those providers could see patient rosters grow, because smaller networks also mean less competition for those within the network. Smaller networks also can mean:

• A need to change physicians. Your current primary care physician and specialists might not be included in the plan. This can mean starting over with new doctors who aren’t familiar with your particular health concerns.
• Longer drives. With fewer choices, you may be forced into a longer commute to see an in-network physician. This could become a hardship for those in rural locations.
• Lack of specialty options. A smaller network might not include the broad range of specialists large networks typically include.

WHITE PAPER: https://ldi.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/pdf/the-skinny-on-narrow-networks.pdf

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Filed under: Ethics, Glossary Terms, Health Insurance, Managed Care | Tagged: ACA, Health Insurance Coverage, health insurance plans, HMO, Managed Care, narrow health networks, skinny, skinny health networks |