Category: Health Insurance
What States Mean by a ‘Public Option’
In Washington state, the goal is to keep premiums for the public option at least 10% lower than what commercial carriers charged the previous year.
Dropped From Health Insurance Without Warning: Was It Legal?
Tens of thousands of Americans each year are dropped by their health insurers over payment issues, sometimes with little or no prior warning.
Can Robin Hood Plan Rescue Of Rural Hospitals?
The proposal would increase Medicare payments to mostly rural hospitals in the lowest 25th percentile and decrease the payments to hospitals in the highest 75th.
Not Funny: Midwife Slapped With $4,836 Bill For Laughing Gas During Her Labor
Nitrous oxide used during labor does not have a standardized charge.
Analysis: A Health Care Overhaul Could Kill 2 Million Jobs, And That’s OK
Some in the health care industry argue that “Medicare for All” would cause economic ruin, decimating a sector that represents nearly 20% of our economy.
‘Sham’ Sharing Ministries Test Faith Of Patients
Sheri Lewis of Seattle, who was enrolled in a health care sharing ministry, found out that the hip transplant she desperately needed was not covered.
Trump’s Talk On Preexisting Conditions Doesn’t Match Administration’s Actions
Trump said his administration will “always protect patients with preexisting conditions.” But the White House’s policy does exactly the opposite.
Washington State to Offer Public Option Health Plan
Washington State’s “public option” health insurance plan aims to provide affordable coverage for people incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid.
A Boat Crushed His Face, Then Plastic Surgeons Hit Him With $167,000 In Bills
One study found that plastic and maxillofacial surgeons billed their services out-of-network 23% of the time, more than any of the other 50 specialties analyzed.
Medicaid Work Requirements Hit Roadblocks
While a number of states are adopting work requirements, the path has gotten murkier in recent months, both because of court rulings and political calculations.
Summer Bummer: A Young Camper’s $142,938 Snakebite
The snake struck the 9-year-old on a nature trail. The total bill for treating the snakebite was $142,938, including $67,957 for four vials of antivenin.
Hospitals Chafe Under New Payment Rule For Off-Campus Clinics
Medicare has opted to pay hospitals with outpatient facilities that are “off campus” a lower rate, equivalent to what it pays independent doctors for visits.
Healthplanfinder Customers Must File Taxes by the 15th or Risk Losing Financial Help
Resources are available to help residents submit info from their 1095-A form by the April 15 tax deadline
Consumers Rejected Drug Plan That Mirrors Trump Administration Proposal
Everyone, however, will see premiums go up. It’s unclear yet how much.
Surprise Medical Billing: Some States Ahead of Feds
Twenty-five states have passed laws banning medical bills related to an emergency or other situations in which patients have no say in who is treating them.