Business Journal Kansas City
business journal kansas city
Uninsured Are Charged More In Texas
If you’ve ever felt aghast looking over a hospital bill — somehow sure the numbers couldn’t possibly be right — you’re not the only one. According to a 2004 study, published by the journal Health Affairs, those lacking health insurance are charged an average of 2.57 times more by U.S. hospitals than those with insurance, a discrepancy that has been steadily increasing since 1984.
Texas is no exception. In fact, residents of Dallas, Houston, and the rest of the state are more likely to be uninsured than the average American, as just over 25% of Texans lack coverage. In some areas of the state, it’s closer to one in three, and that doesn’t include those considered under-insured, or those insured by government programs.
Like many in Texas, a good percentage of uninsured Americans are working individuals who can generally support themselves and their families, but who cannot afford to keep pace with the rising cost of health care. Health insurance premiums have increased an average of 15% over the last five years, more than triple the inflation rate. One-third of companies did not offer coverage in 2004, and even when it was offered, there was no guarantee that employees could afford the premiums.
“That’s me exactly,” said Anne, a 27 year-old city employee in Kansas City, Missouri. “I couldn’t afford the premium, so I had to get this low-cost, ridiculously low-coverage plan that will basically only help me if I get in a car wreck.”
Employee spending on health care increased an average of 143% between 2000 and 2005. It does not seem a coincidence, then, that rates for the uninsured have also jumped the most since 2000. The problem is further exacerbated by what has become a cyclical predicament, particularly in cities like Dallas and Houston: uninsured residents of rural areas, where there is lower quality care and less access to financial aid programs, travel to the city for their medical needs, which can then be covered by hospital or county programs. This, in turn, drives up the average charge of any given service provided by those hospitals, which contributes to increased costs for health insurance companies, which then raises premiums.
What all this translates into, unfortunately, is even higher bills for those who are barely getting by as it is if something does happen.
Sound unfair? Advocacy groups think so too. More than 60 class-action lawsuits have been filed over the issue. In response, the American Hospital Association (AHA) has instituted a voluntary policy to charge poor and uninsured patients less, but the results have yet to be seen. Some question whether the recommendations are applied at all by most of the hospitals, including those in Texas, and the fact it’s not mandatory is a problem.
Gerard Anderson, director of the Center for Hospital Finance and Management at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Public Health — and study author — has served as an advisor for several lawsuits already. He encourages advocacy groups to move forward with legal action. “The mark-up on hospital care for these individuals, especially for those who can afford it least, is unjustifiable,” said Anderson.
The highest discrepancy was found in the amount for-profit hospitals charged, versus estimated costs by Medicare. This all makes slightly more sense after learning that, generally, hospitals in the association determine costs by a list called the chargemaster, which is, technically, the same for everyone. Insurance companies then negotiate with hospitals on behalf of their clients to reduce these charges. It is widely believed hospitals, as many other businesses would, however, greatly inflate initial costs in anticipation of this negotiation.
“When a hospital presents a bill that has charges on it, those charges are the same for everyone. What is different is how much insurers may negotiate in terms of discounts with hospitals,” Amber Coyle, AHA policy analyst said.
The American Hospital Association also claims the research is inaccurate, that it is out-of-date and methodologically flawed. Hospitals needed the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid guidance to institute discounts for the uninsured, said AHA, which did not exist when the study was conducted.
The claim is that hospitals were unsure if they could charge different patients different amounts before this guidance, but many advocates contend it does not take bureaucratic policy to know that charging those who are financially less capable of paying more is simply wrong and counterproductive.
The only issue opposing groups seem to agree on is that increasing the number of those with coverage would dramatically deflate the situation. This could be done by extending government programs, including Medicaid — which is currently experiencing drastic cuts and instituting more affordable private health insurance policies. Either way, until then (or “if then”), keep yourself healthy, whether or not you’re insured.
What affects your health also will eventually affect your bank account.
About the Author
Pat Carpenter writes for Precedent Insurance Company. Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at Precedent.com
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Econo Lodge Kansas City $64.99 Econo Lodge Kansas City is located in central North Kansas City, close to Kansas City Museum, Arabia Steamboat Museum, and City Market of Kansas City. Nearby points of interest also include Airline History Museum. Hotel Features. This hotel offers small meeting rooms and business services. High speed Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and self parking. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. All guestrooms at Econo Lodge Kansas City feature minibars and coffee/tea makers. Refrigerators and microwaves are offered. Bathrooms feature bathtubs and hair dryers. Dial up Internet access is available. In addition to safes, guestrooms offer phones as well as free local calls (restrictions may apply). Televisions have cable channels and pay movies. Guestrooms are all non smoking. |
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Viaduct, Kansas City, Kansas $34.99 Viaduct, Kansas City, Kansas – Giclee Print |
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Days Inn Kansas City $129.99 Days Inn Kansas City is located in Kansas City, close to Mutual Musicians Foundation, Kauffman Stadium, and Arrowhead Stadium. Nearby points of interest also include Negro Leagues Museum American Jazz Museum. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool. This hotel has a business center and offers business services. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include tour/ticket assistance and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Days Inn Kansas City feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Accommodations include refrigerators and microwaves. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer free local calls (restrictions may apply). |
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Hampton Inn Kansas City Village $160 Hampton Inn Kansas City Village is located in Kansas City’s Village West neighborhood, close to Livestrong Sporting Park, Legends at Village West, and Kansas Speedway. Nearby points of interest also include Agricultural Hall of Fame. Hotel Features. Those traveling on business have access to a business center at this hotel. The hotel serves a complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Hampton Inn Kansas City Village feature complimentary weekday newspapers and hair dryers. Wired high speed Internet access is complimentary. Cable television is provided. |
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Ramada Kansas City $90.29 Located in Kansas City, Ramada Kansas City is on a lake and close to Kansas City Museum and Worlds of Fun. Additional area points of interest include Sprint Center and Harry S. Truman Presidential Museum and Library. Hotel Features. Ramada Kansas City’s restaurant serves lunch and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a health club, and a fitness facility. This 3.5 star property has a 24 hour business center and offers small meeting rooms, a technology helpdesk, and audio visual equipment. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Kansas City property has event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, a ballroom, and exhibit space. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include multilingual staff and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 328 air conditioned guestrooms at Ramada Kansas City feature CD players and coffee/tea makers. Accommodations offer lake or pool views. Beds come with pillowtop mattresses and premium bedding. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations and hair dryers. Complimentary Internet access is available. Also included are safes and blackout drapes/curtains. Guests may request a turndown service, extra towels/bedding, and wake up calls. Housekeeping is available daily. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: USD 25 per stayRollaway bed fee: USD 15 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: USD 25 per stayRollaway bed fee: USD 15 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. |
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Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown $229 Located in central Kansas City, Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown is within walking distance of Kansas City Convention Center and Sprint Center. Nearby points of interest also include Crown Center and Hallmark Visitors Center. Hotel Features. Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. High speed Internet access is available in public areas. Business services and concierge services are available. Guest parking is available for a surcharge. Additional property amenities include gift shops/newsstands and ATM/banking services. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. 385 air conditioned guestrooms at Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available. Televisions have premium cable channels. Housekeeping is available daily. Guestrooms are all non smoking. |
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Huron Park, Kansas City, Kansas $34.99 Huron Park, Kansas City, Kansas – Giclee Print |
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Intercity Viaduct, Kansas City, Kansas, $34.99 Intercity Viaduct, Kansas City, Kansas, – Giclee Print |
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Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas $34.99 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas – Giclee Print |
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Intercity Viaduct, Kansas City, Kansas $34.99 Intercity Viaduct, Kansas City, Kansas – Giclee Print |
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Carnegie Library, Kansas City, Kansas $34.99 Carnegie Library, Kansas City, Kansas – Giclee Print |
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Harrah’s North Kansas City $80 Harrah’s North Kansas City is located in North Kansas City, close to Kansas City Museum, Arabia Steamboat Museum, and City Market of Kansas City. Additional area points of interest include Sprint Center and Worlds of Fun. Hotel Features. In addition to 5 restaurants, Harrah’s North Kansas City offers a snack bar/deli and a coffee shop/caf?. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves hot and cold buffet breakfasts each morning (surcharges apply). This 3.5 star property offers small meeting rooms, audio visual equipment, and business services. High speed Internet access is available in public areas. This North Kansas City property has 10,000 square feet of event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, and a ballroom. Self parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a casino, a concierge desk, and gift shops/newsstands. Guestrooms. 392 air conditioned guestrooms at Harrah’s North Kansas City feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Wired high speed Internet access is available for a surcharge. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer multi line phones with voice mail, as well as free local calls (restrictions may apply). Televisions have premium cable channels and pay movies. Rooms also include irons/ironing boards and clock radios. Housekeeping is offered daily and guests may request wake up calls. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Valet parking fee: USD 5 15 per nightPet deposit: USD 150.00 per stayFee for in room high speed Internet (wired): USD 11.99 per 24 hour period (rates may vary)Buffet breakfast fee: USD 9.99 per person (approximate amount)Rollaway bed fee: USD 10 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Valet parking fee: USD 5 15 per nightPet deposit: USD 150.00 per stayFee for in room high speed Internet (wired): USD 11.99 per 24 hour period (rates may vary)Buffet breakfast fee: USD 9.99 per person (approximate amount)Rollaway bed fee: USD 10 per night The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. |
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Candlewood Suites Kansas City Airport $99 Candlewood Suites Kansas City Airport is located in Kansas City, close to Harley Davidson Factory. Hotel Features. Recreational amenities include a fitness facility. This hotel has a business center and offers business services. Additional property amenities include barbecue grills and laundry facilities. Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Candlewood Suites Kansas City Airport feature coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Kitchenettes include full sized refrigerators/freezers, stovetops, microwaves, and dishwashers. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. In addition to desks, guestrooms offer free local calls (restrictions may apply). Televisions have cable channels and DVD players. |
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Hilton Kansas City Airport $99 Located in Kansas City, Hilton Kansas City Airport is near the airport and close to Harley Davidson Factory. Hotel Features. Hilton Kansas City Airport’s restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A bar/lounge is open for drinks. Room service is available. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a spa tub, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 3.5 star property has a business center and offers a meeting/conference room. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Kansas City property has event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, a ballroom, and exhibit space. The property has a roundtrip airport shuttle, which is complimentary. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include laundry facilities. Guestrooms. 347 air conditioned guestrooms at Hilton Kansas City Airport feature coffee/tea makers and safes. Beds come with pillowtop mattresses and premium bedding. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. In addition to desks and complimentary weekday newspapers, guestrooms offer phones with voice mail. Televisions have premium cable channels, video game consoles, and pay movies. Rooms also include complimentary newspapers and electronic check out. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: USD 75 per petPet deposit: USD 75.00 per stay The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Pet fee: USD 75 per petPet deposit: USD 75.00 per stay The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. |
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Marriott Kansas City Downtown $265 Located in central Kansas City, Marriott Kansas City Downtown is within walking distance of Kansas City Convention Center and Sprint Center. Nearby points of interest also include Crown Center and Hallmark Visitors Center. Hotel Features. Marriott Kansas City Downtown features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves buffet breakfasts (surcharges apply). Recreational amenities include an indoor pool and a health club. This 3.5 star property has a business center and offers small meeting rooms, audio visual equipment, and business services. Wireless Internet access (surcharge) is available in public areas. This Kansas City property has 91,570 square feet of event space consisting of banquet facilities, conference/meeting rooms, a ballroom, and exhibit space. Wedding services and tour assistance are available. Guest parking is available for a surcharge. Additional property amenities include a concierge desk, multilingual staff, and gift shops/newsstands. Guestrooms. 983 air conditioned guestrooms at Marriott Kansas City Downtown feature coffee/tea makers and complimentary weekday newspapers. Beds come with premium bedding. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Televisions have premium cable channels and pay movies. Rooms also include windows that open and blackout drapes/curtains. Guests may request a turndown service, hypo allergenic bedding, and wake up calls. Housekeeping is available daily. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking fee: USD 13 per dayValet parking fee: USD 18 per dayFee for wireless Internet in public areas: USD 9.95 per day (rates may vary) Fee for in room wireless Internet: USD 9.95 per day (rates may vary)Buffet breakfast fee: USD 13 per person (approximate amount) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Self parking fee: USD 13 per dayValet parking fee: USD 18 per dayFee for wireless Internet in public areas: USD 9.95 per day (rates may vary) Fee for in room wireless Internet: USD 9.95 per day (rates may vary)Buffet breakfast fee: USD 13 per person (approximate amount) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. |
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Kansas City Royals $25 Kansas City Royals |
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Sporting Kansas City $45 Sporting Kansas City |
