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>"The insurance company is trying to SAVE expenditures of doctors and hospitalization" Interesting point (not sure how far down a rabbit hole this can go...),

by nonbel 9y ago

>"The insurance company is trying to SAVE expenditures of doctors and hospitalization" Interesting point (not sure how far down a rabbit hole this can go...), so you are claiming that the introduction of flu shots has reduced insurance costs? Is it even possible to assess this or are there just too many confounds?

smileysteve 9y ago
Just did a quick google https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110614/Universal-influenza-vaccination-may-reduce-health-care-costs-in-the-US.aspx https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110614/Universal-influen...
- nonbel 9y ago
  That model is from 2011 and it looks like they made some predictions. How accurate did it turn out?
  - smileysteve 9y ago
    As you indicate, it's a model and based on the predicate of 100% immunization. It can't "turn out" until everybody is immunized. Also, like I said, quick Google, perhaps you can find something more relevant for your questions and share it. But it does objectively suggest that immunization is economically cheaper for insurers, with and without 100% immunization rates.
    - nonbel 9y ago
      Well, the reason I am somewhat incredulous is that health insurance rates have only risen as more and more people get vaccinated. Perhaps it is cheaper for the insurance companies but they are not passing this along? Obviously, there are many other factors in play as well but I don't think anything has been "objectively suggested" just because someone created a model that hasn't been (and probably will never be) tested.
      - smileysteve 9y ago
        Health insurance rates have a number of factors to consider, the least of which is a flu vaccine given by your corner pharmacy by a Physician's Assistant. Getting the flu, or having a more severe case of the flu increases your chances of 1) going to see a real doctor instead of a P.A 2) being mis-prescribed antibiotics 3) emergency room care 4) Torts originating from severe disease while in a Doctor's care

by nonbel 9y ago

smileysteve 9y ago

Just did a quick google https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110614/Universal-influenza-vaccination-may-reduce-health-care-costs-in-the-US.aspx https://www.news-medical.net/news/20110614/Universal-influen...

nonbel 9y ago
That model is from 2011 and it looks like they made some predictions. How accurate did it turn out?
- smileysteve 9y ago
  As you indicate, it's a model and based on the predicate of 100% immunization. It can't "turn out" until everybody is immunized. Also, like I said, quick Google, perhaps you can find something more relevant for your questions and share it. But it does objectively suggest that immunization is economically cheaper for insurers, with and without 100% immunization rates.
  - nonbel 9y ago
    Well, the reason I am somewhat incredulous is that health insurance rates have only risen as more and more people get vaccinated. Perhaps it is cheaper for the insurance companies but they are not passing this along? Obviously, there are many other factors in play as well but I don't think anything has been "objectively suggested" just because someone created a model that hasn't been (and probably will never be) tested.
    - smileysteve 9y ago
      Health insurance rates have a number of factors to consider, the least of which is a flu vaccine given by your corner pharmacy by a Physician's Assistant. Getting the flu, or having a more severe case of the flu increases your chances of 1) going to see a real doctor instead of a P.A 2) being mis-prescribed antibiotics 3) emergency room care 4) Torts originating from severe disease while in a Doctor's care