Search
 

Narrow network research reveals cost savings

Limited health networks aren't all that bad after all, researchers say.

By Dan Cook | Updated on September 09, 2014
(AP Photo/Nicholas K. Geranios)

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s nudge toward narrow health care provider networks caused a minor uproar among both providers and consumers. The providers — mostly hospitals — who got left out of the networks were, understandably upset. But with consumers, the concern was focused on whether a narrow network would offer the same quality of services one received from broader networks.

A narrow look at a narrow network’s experience in Massachusetts may offer some clues about the outcomes to be expected from the shift to narrow networks. Two Massachusetts academic researchers studied a pre-PPACA shift to narrow networks in the Bay State, and reported two major findings: lots of money was saved on health care following the switch, and the quality of care seemed to be just about the same as with the broader network.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Dan Cook

Dan Cook

Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.

More from this author

Recommended Stories

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.