Pricing abuses in the healthcare industry are rife, as private equity firms (including some air ambulance services) “game” the broken system for higher profits. Patients are caught in the crossfire as legislators struggle to rein in the worst offenders who take advantage of people who […]
The problem of surprise medical bills continues to plague patients and policymakers alike. Apparent solutions often bring unintended consequences. The state of New York, for example, instituted a “baseball-style” arbitration system to settle disputes between insurers and providers. This system holds patients harmless for all […]
The week in healthcare reform This week’s special focus is on the campaign for Medicare for All, financing health care, Medi-Cal and community. The Weekly News Roundup brings you snippets of news and brief commentary on topics related to America’s failing healthcare system and how […]
Check out the latest “Bill of the Month” feature, courtesy of Kaiser Health News and NPR. Do you have an exorbitant or baffling medical bill? Join KHN and NPR’s ‘Bill of the Month’ Club and share your experience. Image above is of Arline Feilen (Alyssa […]
It is thought that a driving force behind the spread of high-deductible health plans in recent years was the Cadillac Tax provision in the Affordable Care Act, which would have imposed a 40% tax on employer-sponsored plans with annual premiums exceeding $11,200 per person or […]
The week in healthcare reform This week’s special focus is on Medicare-for-All financing, the cost of drugs and open enrollment. The Weekly News Roundup brings you snippets of news and brief commentary on topics related to America’s failing healthcare system and how to improve it. […]
When it comes to taxes and Medicare for All, don’t believe everything you hear! Former VP Biden’s math doesn’t add up, according to PolitiFact. In fact, Senator Sanders has not released a financing plan for his Medicare for All bill. Instead, he has proposed a […]
In the third Democratic debate, the candidates discussed a broad range of healthcare-related issues. Yet several candidates, the debate moderators and the media continue to display confusion and misunderstanding about the economics of a Medicare for All system such as that proposed by Senator Bernie […]
As hospitals seek new streams of income, undisclosed “facility fees” have emerged as a controversial charge many patients face. Tips to avoid facility fees include steering clear of procedures done in a hospital that can be done in a doctor’s office, and requesting full disclosure […]