3 ms·
What has been Kaiser's great influence on healthcare in the US? They were far from the first HMO and have never been the largest? CIGNA has the longest history
by tssva 9y ago
What has been Kaiser's great influence on healthcare in the US? They were far from the first HMO and have never been the largest? CIGNA has the longest history as an HMO and before the HMO act of 73 was the largest.
Is it the model of owning coverage and delivery because that is a model that even Kaiser doesn't completely follow in all the regions it provides coverage in. And also one that has not spread widely in the US.
Maybe it is different in Northern CA and the rest of the Pacific Northwest where Kaiser is strongest but in my region Kaiser has never had a great reputation. It was the cheap insurance you bought when you were young and hoped nothing really bad ever happened to you. It is known for poor access to and quality of care. These days it is still known for that but premiums, co-pays and deductibles now equal or exceed those of other insurance providers.
- giobox 9y agoI'm no expert in this field, but with my CA based employer the co-pay/deductible via Kaiser is quite significantly less than the other insurance options my employer offers. I switched to Kaiser two years ago and have found no material difference in the standard of care for my family's medical requirements, aside from having significantly more money in my own pocket.
- Stratoscope 9y agoThat's interesting; I wonder if it is a regional difference as you mentioned. I'm in Northern California, and I remember 30 years ago people here did view Kaiser as a second-rate option. It doesn't seem that way today; my friends who are on Kaiser speak very highly of their experience with them.
- swasheck 9y agoI think that Kaiser's poor reputation is primarily driven by their managed healthcare model (which you rightly mention isn't consistent outside of their region). I don't have evidence to support why this is the case, but colloquially it has to do with this fear of losing choice. People would rather select their labs and pharmacies than just "go downstairs and wait for it to be filled." Additionally, they feel like they don't have a choice in PCP when they're just given a list of doctors at their nearest clinic.
- maxxxxx 9y agoBased on what do people choose labs and pharmacies? I don't get that. When I had Kaiser I loved the fact that all was in house and worked reasonably well. Now I have a PPO and I have no clue how I would choose a doctor.
- swasheck 9y agoI don't get it either, but it's what I hear (again, colloquial evidence). I'm also at a loss with my recent transition.
- DrScump 9y agoYou can choose your pharmacy. You can get scripts and take them to any pharmacy (e.g. Costco) to be filled. I'm missing why an external lab would be preferable.
- maxxxxx 9y agoKaiser used to have a bad reputation but they seem to have changed a lot. Most people I know who are in their system like them now. I don't go to the doctor much but my personal experience has also been very good.