Category: Health Care Costs

Sen. Alexander Releases Bipartisan Plan To Lower Health Costs, End Surprise Bills

The Republican’s legislation, prepared with Sen. Patty Murray, the ranking Democrat on Alexander’s health committee, would be an ambitious lift because it also deals with prescription drug patents, health transparency and vaccine messaging.

Coming Soon: ‘An Arm And A Leg’ Season Two

Health care — and how much it costs — is scary. But you’re not alone with this stuff, and knowledge is power. “An Arm and a Leg” is a podcast about all these issues, and its second season, co-produced by Kaiser Health News, starts on June 4.

House Hagglers Zero In On Single-Payer And It All Comes Down To Two Little Words

At Wednesday’s House Budget Committee, Congressional Budget Office experts outlined the complexities of implementing an overhaul of America’s health insurance system.

Are Surprises Ahead For Legislation To Curb Surprise Medical Bills?

This high-profile issue has gained bipartisan attention, but it remains unclear if that’s enough to move it to the finish line. Here’s a review of the current state of play.

Are Surprises Ahead For Legislation To Curb Surprise Medical Bills?

This high-profile issue has gained bipartisan attention, but it remains unclear if that’s enough to move it to the finish line. Here’s a review of the current state of play.

‘Sham’ Sharing Ministries Test Faith Of Patients And Insurance Regulators

Officials in Washington and other states are cracking down on companies that avoid health insurance regulations by masquerading as faith-based care.

How To Find And Use New Federal Ratings For Rehab Services At Nursing Homes

For the first time, the federal government is measuring the quality of rehab services in nursing homes for the millions of older adults who need post-hospitalization care.

‘John Doe’ Patients Sometimes Force Hospital Staff To Play Detective

The 50-something man with a shaved head and brown eyes was unresponsive when the paramedics wheeled him into the emergency room. His pockets were empty: no wallet, no cellphone, not a single scrap of paper that might reveal his identity to the nurses and doctors working to save his life. His body lacked any distinguishing […]

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Newsletter editor Brianna Labuskes wades through hundreds of health care policy stories each week, so you don’t have to.

Surprise! Fixing Out-Of-Network Bills Means Someone Must Pay

Despite the broad agreement on the need to address surprise bills, insurers and health care providers oppose the other side’s preferred solutions.