In 1995, public opinion began to shift after consumers had more experience with managed-care companies, Newman said. Managed-care policies that limit care gave way to consumer dissatisfaction with managed care. Today, consumers support legislation that mandates legal accountability for all managed-care health plans, ensures access to specialists and emergency services without prior authorization and allows for access to providers outside their plan at a reasonable cost. And, he said, most consumers are willing to pay for quality and access. The participants agreed that consumers and providers should approach businesses about reforming health care.
Employers are a critical part of the solution.
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