Are We Giving HMOs a License to Steal?
“U.S. Overpaid HMOs $1 Billion, GAO Report Says,” Feb. 26) missed the most important part. How did this happen? Doesn’t the taxpayer have the right to know?
Patients in the regular Medicare program receive a statement from Medicare, showing what the Medicare-approved charges are for office visits and treatments received.
HMOs do not give their patients a statement. The patient has no idea as to what the HMO is charging Medicare.
This gives the HMO a license to steal.
MARY J. MCLAUGHLIN
Newport Beach
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