Health Insurance | LocalHealthGuide

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.

August 27, 2018 Health Insurance / Health Policy

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.

August 13, 2018 Disabilities / Medicaid / Seniors

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.

August 10, 2018 Dialysis / Health Costs / Health Insurance / Kidney / Medicaid / Medicare

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.

August 7, 2018 Health Insurance / Medicare

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.

August 7, 2018 Health Insurance / Medicaid / Medicare

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

August 1, 2018 Health Insurance

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.

July 31, 2018 End-of-Life Care / Medicare

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.

July 30, 2018 Health News / Health Policy / Medicaid

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.

July 30, 2018 Health Costs / Health Insurance / Health Policy

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.

July 26, 2018 Medicare

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.”

July 24, 2018 Health Insurance / Health Policy

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.

July 17, 2018 Health Insurance

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.

July 17, 2018 Health Insurance / Health Policy

States Attacking ACA Would Suffer Most If Shield On Preexisting Conditions Were Axed

West Virginia has the highest rate of adults with preexisting conditions, 36% of those under 65.