[BeetleB]

> One of its benefits is that it's transparent and readily available.

So is the usual and customary rate - I think it's been available since before Obamacare.

> Blue Cross isn't gonna tell you what it's contracted to pay an individual provider (and that individual provider often won't know what they'll be reimbursed untill after they submit a bill)

You'll find out when you get the bill :-) The bills I get have:

- Cost the provider is charging (e.g. $1000)

- Agreed upon cost with the insurance company ($600)

- Amount due ($60 assuming 10% and deductible met).

I don't know if they publish it transparently, but for common procedures, it's easy to find out. They're not going to prevent you from posting your bill online.