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3 times in the past year my wife or I had minor surgery...each time the hospital, of all people, told us up front what it might cost us out of pocket. Its a shocking number each time but they make certain to mention that is the cost, what the contract price is and what our policy covers is not considered...it is an estimate of what the procedure may cost out of pocket. This has lead us to contact our insurance company...which is a good thing. Everyone is aware of what they are getting into...and it gives consumers an idea of what things actually cost which may, possibly, with an outside chance, cause some price stablization if not cost cutting....its far better than having no idea and thinking that outpatient procedure cost the $150 co-pay as many probably think.....

Employers should also tell employees how much their health insurance actually costs....most people see what is deducted and think that it all it costs. That is generally not the case....most employer plans have an employee portion and an employer portion. Everyone should be fully aware of what things actually cost, who knows, it might drive down prices or at least make people think twice about lifestyle choices that cost a fortune in health care....can't hurt

An estimated cost is one thing (which I always have received), and itemized breakdown is another. The specific instance in question was ear tubes for my daughter. They quoted an estimated amount and wanted it all upfront before admitting her for the procedure. Again, I went through with it and paid for it, but as a matter of principle, I'll ask next time for exactly what I'm paying for. I speculate that this demand for upfront payment is due to too many people getting high deductible plans for the lower premium, and then getting sticker shock when they go in for something and don't understand what a deductible means.

I can't speak for all employers, but all of mine to date state the employer's share and the employee's share in the benefits handbook when hired. I do think, even if they don't give a hard number, employees should be told their employer's carry a portion of the cost.