Consumer Groups Fear Patients Could Be Hit With Large Out-Of-Pocket Costs

Consumer groups are warning that insurers and employers may be able to keep offering health plans next year that include out-of-pocket caps for individuals of $12,500 or more -- double the amount allowed under the federal health law.

The Obama administration has decided not to enforce that section of the law for some plans for another year, say 10 consumer groups which Monday wrote federal officials asking that the move be reconsidered.

"This is a very important consumer protection that is being undermined," said Stephen Finan, policy director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, one of the groups that signed the protest letter. "Someone with a high drug bill could have out-of-pocket costs well in excess of the law."

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Source: Kaiser Health News