Letter to the Editor by Rep. Paul Renner

Miami Herald

June 20, 2019

Healthcare costs continue to rise, squeezing personal budgets and threatening the finances of many Floridians. Working with Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Legislature passed major healthcare reforms, like the Patient Savings Act, that arm patients with information about healthcare costs and quality and provide new tools to save money.

Whenever we buy something, we know the price in advance. Health care is the notable exception.

Weeks after a procedure, we finally receive a statement telling us what the procedure cost, what our insurer paid, and what we still owe. The reality is that the cost of many non-emergency procedures varies widely.

Floridians are frustrated by the complicated world of healthcare pricing. That is why I sponsored the Patient Savings Act, HB 1113, to give Floridians the right to know the cost of care and put money in their pocket when they select a high-quality, lower-cost procedure.

Here’s how it works: 1) search online for the procedure you need; 2) review all options for cost and quality; 3) select a high-quality, lower cost option; and, 4) receive a guaranteed portion of the savings.

Those savings may come through a reduction in your premiums or a cash payment into a tax-free account, like a Health Savings Account that you control. It’s that simple.

Patients can pursue these savings for a wide range of non-emergency, healthcare services, including inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, clinical laboratory services, infusion therapy, OB/GYN care, telehealth, radiology and imaging services, physical and occupational therapy, outpatient nonsurgical diagnostics tests and procedures, and prescription drugs.

For too long, we have been denied information about the cost and quality of our healthcare.

The Patient Savings Act will empower all of us by providing the information we need to save money on our healthcare.

State Rep. Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast Florida Legislature

https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/article231756238.html