Category: Health Insurance
New rule would require Medicare Advantage patients to take cheaper drugs first
Under the new rules, these private Medicare insurance plans could require patients to try cheaper drugs first.
A Texas Lawsuit Being Heard This Week Could Mean Life Or Death For The ACA
Here are five questions and answers to help understand the case, Texas v. U.S.
The $109K Heart Attack Bill Is Down To $332. What About Other Surprise Bills?
Hospital that charged a teacher $108,951 for heart attack care slashed the bill to $332.29 — after news stories appeared about its surprise ‘balance’ billing.
When You’re Insured But Still Owe $109K For Your Heart Attack
When a hospital and an insurer do not agree on a price. The hospital can sometime demands that patients pay the difference, in a practice called balance billing.
Medicaid Officials Target Home Health Aides’ Union Dues
A proposed rule would prohibit home health aides paid directly by Medicaid from having their union dues automatically deducted from their paychecks.
Ballot initiative seeks to limit dialysis centers’ profits
The question is whether a California ballot initiative to limit the profit of dialysis clinics will protect lives or end them.
Answers to your questions about Medicare and long-term care insurance
This week, consumer advisor Michelle Andrews answers questions from readers who are concerned about Medicare and insurance for long-term care.
Once Foes, Doctors Embracing Single-Payer
The AMA has thwarted public health insurance proposals since the 1930s. But the battle lines are shifting as younger doctors flip their views
Trump Administration Loosens Restrictions On Short-Term Health Plans
Plans could raise premiums for those who remain in the Affordable Care Act marketplace — and the skimpier short-term coverage is far more limited.
Oversight of hospice care poor – report
While many of the nation’s hospices earn high satisfaction rates, hundreds fell short of their obligations, abandoning families at the brink of death.
Red States May Be Ready to Expand Medicaid — In Exchange for Work
Critics argue that work requirements would cause many with chronic health conditions to lose health insurance, making them less likely to ever hold down a job.
Drug Trade Group Quietly Spends ‘Dark Money’ To Sway Voters
Conservative nonprofits are funneling “dark money” — difficult-to-trace funds behind TV ads, phone calls, and other efforts used to influence politics.
No Gaps In Understanding: Here’s Your Primer On Medigap Coverage
People think they can choose Medicare Advantage one year and traditional Medicare another year, but in some states that might not be a realistic option.”
Profiles For Sale: How Captured Data Can Paint a Picture Of Your Health
Under privacy laws your doctor can’t reveal information about your health, habits or weight, but your purchases and online activities can reveal a lot.
Health Insurers Are Vacuuming Up Details About You — And It Could Raise Your Rates
Insurers and data brokers are predicting your health costs based on data about things like race, how much TV you watch, or even buy plus-size clothing.