New Code WACK! episode
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‘Incestuous Exploitation?’
PBMs and Corporate
Healthcare Consolidation
Featuring Ed Weisbart, MD
Physicians for a National
Health Program
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!
“Four California governor hopefuls made big promises on single-payer health care but skimped on details Sunday during a candidate forum at a health workers’ union conference in San Francisco.”
California 2026 Governor Hopefuls Come Out Strong for Single-Payer Health Care
Politico | Tyler Katzenberger | September 29, 2024
“Blue Cross either slow paid, low paid, or no paid all of those bills….”
Hospital Gets $421M ‘Landmark’ Verdict After Insurer Found to Underpay Claims
The Guardian | Ramon Antonio Vargas | September 29, 2024
“More than two dozen states regulate the pharmaceutical middlemen that advocates and economists say drive up the price of prescription drugs, but California will not be joining their ranks.”
Newsom Sides with Health Care Industry in Rejecting Rules for Prescription Drug Middlemen, Hedge Funds
CalMatters | Kristen Hwang | September 28, 2024
“Private health insurers had argued cutting their rates would limit what benefits they offer, but the government’s projections on Friday showed they remain stable.”
US Medicare Says Part D and Advantage Premiums Will Fall in 2025
Reuters | Ahmed Aboulenein | September 27, 2024
“…only 34% [of employers surveyed] told WTW that they intend to shift [higher insurance] costs to employees by raising premiums. Twenty percent said they will push high-deductible health plans or account-based coverage to address costs.”
WTW: Employers Seeking to Avoid Cost-Shifting Even as Expenses Continue to Rise
Fierce Healthcare | Paige Minemyer | September 27, 2024
“Democratic lawmakers are pushing to make the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) enhanced premium tax credits permanent through the newly reintroduced Health Care Affordability Act.”
Democrats Introduce Affordable Care Act Subsidy Permanency Legislation
Fierce Healthcare | Noah Tong | September 25, 2024
“Reducing denials is now a priority for 84% organizations surveyed, and 73% have evaluated their claims process within the past year….”
Providers Say Claims Denials are Increasing: Survey
Healthcare Provider | Susanna Vogel | September 25, 2024
“Nobody chooses to get sick, and then your credit gets ruined….”
California Bans Inclusion of Unpaid Medical Bills in Credit Reports
Truthout | Molly Castle Work | September 25, 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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