High out-of-pocket costs are critical barriers to care and treatment
Helping Patients With Hepatitis C Overcome Barriers to Care
Hepatitis C virus is an illustrative example of the dilemma faced by patients in the American healthcare landscape: HCV is a chronic, progressive disease for which a cure exists, but at such high prices that cost-sharing innovations create significant barriers to care, treatment, and a cure.
Patients’ Success in Negotiating Out-of-Network Bills
Patients receiving care from an out-of-network provider face special challenges. Negotiating bills with either the doctor or his/her staff is embarrassing for some people, who also might worry if it will affect their relationship. High out-of-pocket costs add to the already existing barriers to care and treatment. However, it is possible to challenge healthcare bills.