The committee released a 138-page report Wednesday outlining factors that should be considered when determining insurance reimbursement rates to Massachusetts’ providers.
Here are four takeaways from the report.
1. Committee members acknowledged discrepancies between provider prices are warranted for facilities that treat sicker or high-cost populations, operate in an area with higher wages, care for a low-income population and are teaching hospitals, among other factors, according to the report.
2. However, the commission said higher rates are unacceptable for factors like a large marketing presence, regional isolation or research, according to MassLive.
3. The report suggests granting a state agency the ability to disapprove payer and provider contracts if large or unwarranted price disparities are present.
4. Other recommendations the committee put forth include establishing a minimum rate paid to community hospitals, shielding patients from surprise medical bills and developing greater transparency for insurance plan and healthcare costs.
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