New partnership eliminates co-payment for robotic-assisted surgery

MedTech News: Robot technology is increasingly used in cancer surgery such as radical prostatectomy and in the treatment of kidney and bladder cancer.

Not-for-profit health insurer HBF has reached an agreement with Ramsay Health Care that will see surgery become more affordable for eligible HBF members undergoing robotic-assisted procedures at Ramsay’s WA hospitals.

A recent survey of of 4,000 consumers revealed that private health insurance costs topped the list of concerns for Australians. It is therefore critical for private health insurers to show value for the these costs.

HBF’s Executive General Manager Insurance and Health Services, Dr Daniel Heredia, said the arrangement with Ramsay Health Care would alleviate the higher costs associated with robotic procedures, with the agreement removing the substantial co-payment previously paid by members undergoing robotic-assisted surgery.

“Affordability – out-of-pocket fees in particular – is one of the biggest pain points for our members,” he said.

“Procedures performed using a robotic surgical system have additional consumables that can be significantly more expensive than when the same surgery is performed using other surgical techniques.

“At a time when members are already distressed about their health, this is one less thing for them to worry about.”

Dr Heredia said as a not-for-profit insurer with no shareholders to pay, HBF had an ongoing commitment to driving better member outcomes, including ensuring out-of-pocket expenses were kept to a minimum.

“We take the responsibility of keeping our products affordable and accessible to our members very seriously,” he said.

“HBF is pleased to have reached this agreement with Ramsay Health Care that will deliver certainty, enhance the value of private health insurance and improve our members’ overall experience.”

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