Health care dispute may send patients searching for new care ...

This doesn't affect me directly. But you are pretty much hostage of who your employer chooses for health insurance AND whomever they are contracted with.

What comes to mind with me in "searching for new care" is what they call Health Tourism. There are wonderful world class hospitals, which would put many of ours to shame, in places like Thailand and the Philippines. This is not to say that every hospital in those countries is like that; only the ones that cater to foreiners... Since the insurance won't pay the bill for dental implants, maybe I need to take a trip??? Then again, maybe it would not save any money, considering the cost of tickets.

Without sounding too much like a Republican, healthcare needs to become more consumer driven! I do believe that some of the more basic screenings, preventive services and clinics should be socialized. Maybe they should also have some catastrophic coverage. Then the rest of it should have clear pricing for whatever you are getting. The more the consumer gets involved, the lower the price will be and the better the service. Right now, you've got to go through a whole bunch of rigamarole for a price quote. Simple things like a chest x ray, should be published on the facility's website (assuming they have one).

I hear that you can stay in luxurious accommodations and get the most current procedures done by Board Certified surgeons and doctors when you go to the right hospital in Thailand. You've got to pay for everything, of course. But without all the added crap and charges made necessary by the cost of doing business in the U.S., not to mention bureaucracy, the bill is much lower overseas.

I also would like to recommend looking at alternative medicine practitioners. At least with them, the pricing is usually up front!