|
"They are a wonderful solution, but they are not the ideal solution for everyone," Bartel said.
One recent version of a health care gift card failed.
In 2007, Pennsylvania health insurer Highmark launched its Healthcare Visa Gift Card, which helped cover out-of-pocket medical and health expenses. Consumer Reports criticized the cards because of their numerous fees and because they could purchase anything sold at a pharmacy, including candy and cigarettes.
Highmark says it dropped the card after a year because of consumer confusion.
"A card is an inanimate object. Health care is a complicated product. It's very difficult to understand. And even the card itself, it had those restrictions and confusion around which products could be bought and which ones couldn't," spokeswoman Kristin Ash said.
Charlie Villar, who was shopping at a CVS store in Miami where the Blue Cross cards were being sold, said medical care and insurance coverage are too complex for gift cards.
"Even with my own health care, you have to take a close look at what your plan offers you. And for $59 or $19, I mean I don't know what I'm going to be giving someone," said Villar, a 38-year-old marketer.
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor