New Code WACK! episode
What questionable justifications did a major insurance company give
to repeatedly deny coverage to treat a baby’s brain tumor?
The Tricks & Traps
of Medicare
‘Disadvantage’ Plans
Featuring Diljeet K. Singh, MD
Find us on Apple podcasts, our website or your favorite podcast platform.
Breaking News in Healthcare Reform
Snippets of news & commentary with a special focus on
health policy, Medicare for All & California
Like Weekly News Roundup? Then you’ll love our popular podcast Code WACK! where we shine a light on the outrageous hassles patients face when dealing with America’s callous healthcare system. Subscribe below!
“Many Americans currently get health insurance through their jobs. Losing their jobs, they also lose their insurance.”
Employment-Based Health Insurance Jibes Poorly with Job Insecurity
Insurance News Net | The Monroe Evening News | December 15, 2024
“The FTC found that the three largest PBMs — CVS Caremark, Cigna Group’s Express Scripts and UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Rx — now manage nearly 80 percent of prescriptions filled in the United States.”
It’s Not Just Denied Claims. Insurance Firms Are Hiring Middlemen to Deny Meds.
Truthout | Mike Ludwig | December 14, 2024
“You could eliminate every one of these corporations tomorrow and build a system without them that works better, for less money, and with less hassle….”
In Wake of Killing, UnitedHealth CEO Admits ‘No One Would Design a System Like the One We Have’
Common Dreams | Jake Johnson | December 13, 2024
“Private, for-profit insurers are now focusing on denying claims in order to make profits following the passage of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, … because prior to the ACA, health insurance companies could simply refuse to cover you if you had a pre-existing condition….”
Why Do So Many Americans Get Their Health Care Claims Denied?
Marketplace | Janet Nguyen | December 13, 2024
“Instead of being able to calmly focus on her chemotherapy treatment, Arete Tsoukalas had to spend hours on the phone arguing with her insurer….”
‘No One Should Have To Be Fighting Cancer And Insurance At The Same Time’
CNN | Tami Luhby | December 12, 2024
“Republicans in Congress and the incoming Trump administration could make deep cuts in funding for two programs: Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA)….”
Millions Could Lose Health Insurance to Pay For Trump Tax Cuts
Association of Healthcare Journalists | Joseph Burns | December 11, 2024
“…if you have a system that is designed to make tens of billions a year in profits for insurance companies and drug companies, by definition it is not going to address the needs of the American people.”
Bernie Sanders: A Mass Movement Can Beat Health CEO Greed
Jacobin | Bernie Sanders | December 11, 2024
“Sixty-two percent of Americans say it’s the federal government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health care coverage….”
More Americans Say Health Care Is Government Responsibility: Gallup
The Hill | Lauren Irwin | December 9, 2024
“[Skilled Nursing Facilities] already face difficulties collecting timely payments from [Medicare Advantage] plans. Adding a layer of patient co-pays — especially if uncovered after post-billing — could exacerbate cash flow challenges and administrative burden.”
Expanding Medicare Advantage Co-Pays May Leave Nursing Homes Without Cash They’ve Earned
McKnights Long-Term Care News | Kimberly Marselas | December 9, 2024
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Shining a light on ongoing inequities in health care
and the impact they have on vulnerable individuals and communities.
Our podcast Code WACK! brings to life the failures of America’s healthcare system with stories, commentary and analysis.
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