Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Only 8% of Specialists Take Obamacare in Los Angeles (No Cardiologists); 18% Take it in San Jose

A new study released Friday by the American Heart Association on the inclusion of providers in Obamacare Exchange health plans reveals that access to specialty physicians and facilities varies wildly based on one's plan and location.

The study, conducted by Avalere Health, was not meant to be comprehensive, rather to serve as an illustration of the insurance plans available across the country. The goal was to examine whether the Exchanges offered included in-network coverage of Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs), along with the cardiologists, neurologists and diagnostic radiologists affiliated with these centers. 

The study illustrates just how dire the consequence can be for someone who actually needs substantial ongoing care in the Exchanges.  Here are two of the most powerful illustrations: