Beating the insurance Blues

Blue Cross/Blue Shield has revised its 2009 fee structure for non-emergency surgery by out-of-network doctors. In response to outraged workers who have the Blues standard option, and troubled members of Congress, the company announced that it will pay 70% of the fee it allows for such procedures, leaving the patients responsible for 30%, plus any difference between the allowed amount and the actual charge. The 30% share amounts to a five-percentage-point increase from the existing plan and is consistent with other out-of-network fees for the coming year.