OPAQUE OPTIONS DESPITE “TRANSPARENCY”... A BIGGER VISION FOR CONSUMER SUPPORT
Fueled in part by the multibillion dollar Castlight IPO the industry is abuzz with “transparency.” In this context transparency typically refers to giving consumers information that helps them pick their healthcare providers. The information usually relates to a provider’s price for specific services, and to a lesser extent the provider’s accessibility and quality. Making this information available, advocates of the approach argue, helps consumers make better healthcare decis