In this episode, Monika examines the proposed mandatory 10% co-payment on health insurance claims and asks why patients should bear the cost of problems created by insurers and hospitals. She looks at the industry's argument around rising healthcare costs, the bargaining power insurers have with hospitals, and why shifting a larger share of the financial burden to patients could undermine the very purpose of insurance.

She also connects the co-payment proposal to the wider problems in insurance, including high distribution costs, rapidly rising distributor payouts, mis-selling and claim-related complaints. The episode argues for greater transparency in hospital pricing, stronger insurer accountability and better claims service, rather than simply transferring more risk to policyholders. The central question is whether insurance is being designed around consumer value or premium collection.

In the listener questions, KN Gupta asks why health insurance premiums keep rising while the real value of his cover falls; Shailesh seeks guidance on evaluating MF Central and Kuvera for direct mutual fund investing; and Radha Kantamani asks where policyholders can raise concerns after her family’s difficult experience dealing with health insurance during her father’s illness.

Chapters:

(00:00–00:00) Why Patients Should Not Pay for Insurance Failures

(00:00–00:00) The Case Against Mandatory Health Insurance Co-Pay

(00:00–00:00) Why Are Health Insurance Premiums Rising So Much?

(00:00–00:00) How Should You Choose a Direct Mutual Fund Platform?

(00:00–00:00) How Can Policyholders Fight Back Against Insurance Problems?

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠