Cost Transparency on the Radio in Rochester, NY

If you missed the live broadcast, you can listen to it here: https://www.wxxinews.org/post/connections-debate-over-new-hospital-pricing-transparency-rules?fbclid=IwAR15wChduIkFIy59eyDlPhw6weK4OsnSB_Ym48hZkYqcWEVzoxERa0yPzDE

Thank you so much to Evan Dawson, Megan Mack, and everyone at WXXI Connections for making this much needed conversation happen. I was able to talk to Evan Dawson, host of Connections on WXXI Radio in Rochester, NY, Carrie Fuller Spencer, the CFO for Strong and Highland Hospitals, and Tammi Imm, the vice president of front end revenue cycle at Rochester Regional Health.

I learned a lot from what Carrie and Tammi shared, and from all the calls, emails, and tweets we got in. Did you know that the major hospital networks in Rochester have cost-estimator hotlines? I had no idea. You can call and get an out of pocket cost estimate for a procedure/visit in 3-5 business days.

Here's the info for that:

UR Medicine: Phone: 585-758-7801 Email: URMCPriceEstimation@urmc.rochester.edu Website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/patients-families/bill-pay/general-information/customer-price-estimation.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3C170YMEUlPSo4goH86Y4YfILpx0F7G9XKZSDYeJxk6GtHaoZ-PWYlMf0

Rochester Regional Health: Phone: 585-922-COST(2678) Email: PatientEstimates@RochesterRegional.org Website: https://www.rochesterregional.org/billing-and-insurance/requesting-an-estimate?fbclid=IwAR38GrGsi4N64BpViZ5Z0ldlvOh-KSrmbpXwlHEOW6DmUPJspZ_LCg9KAcc

These do not cover providers outside of the hospital networks, and, crucially, insurance companies STILL will not tell you how much anything will cost, but it is a very good resource to have.

PLEASE continue to sign and share the petition (1,024 signatures currently!!!!), which can be found at: https://www.change.org/p/excellus-blue-cross-blue-shield-ma…

This is basic 2-step plan as of now:

1. Wait out the government shutdown. Meanwhile, gather resources -- I need people knowledgeable in LAW and POLITICS. Please reach out to me. 2. Call EVERYONE who works for me in government and MAKE THIS CHANGE HAPPEN.

I know it won't be as simple as typing out the words, but I am here for it. #HealthCareTransparency needs to happen, and it needs to happen ASAP. WE CAN DO THIS. 💪💪💪