Category: Health Care Costs

Census Undercount Threatens Federal Food and Health Programs on Reservations

The 2020 census undercounted people living on Native American reservations. The money for many needed federal aid programs is tied to those population numbers.

Census Undercount Threatens Federal Food and Health Programs on Reservations

The 2020 census undercounted people living on Native American reservations. The money for many needed federal aid programs is tied to those population numbers.

Senate GOP Puts Up Roadblocks to Bipartisan House Bill for Veterans’ Burn Pit Care

The Senate could start work this week on a bipartisan bill to make it much easier for veterans to get health care and benefits if they get sick from exposure to massive, open-air incineration pits in war zones. The legislation has gained minimal support among Senate Republicans, who say they are concerned about the cost and the ability of Veterans Affairs to handle such a large new mission.

Even When IVF Is Covered by Insurance, High Bills and Hassles Abound

Only 15 states require insurance to cover in vitro fertilization, a common path to parenthood for people who have trouble getting pregnant. And even for those whose insurance covers IVF, the expensive procedures and required drugs can lead to unexpected bills.

States Watching as Massachusetts Takes Aim at Hospital Building Boom and Costs

A Massachusetts health care cost watchdog agency helped block plans of the state’s largest hospital system to expand into the suburbs. Now, other states are looking at whether Massachusetts’ decade-old model of controlling health costs is worth emulating.

Medicare Surprise: Drug Plan Prices Touted During Open Enrollment Can Rise Within a Month

Even the savviest Medicare drug plan shoppers can get a shock when they fill prescriptions: That great deal on medications is no bargain after prices go up.

Abortion Politics Lead to Power Struggles Over Family Planning Grants

Conservative-leaning states and nonprofit reproductive health care providers are competing over control of states’ Title X funding for family planning programs.

Call It ‘Mexicare’: Fed Up With High Medical Bills, a Family Crosses the Border for Health Care

The Fierro family owed a Yuma, Arizona, hospital more than $7,000 for care given to mom and dad, so when a son dislocated his shoulder, they headed to Mexicali. The care was quick, good, and affordable.

Despite Losing Federal Money, California Is Still Testing Uninsured Residents for Covid — For Now

Federal funding that paid for covid testing, treatment, and vaccines for uninsured people has run out. While some states struggle to make up the difference, California is relying on other state and local programs to continue free testing.

US Rep. Gaetz’s Diagnosis of What’s Driving Insulin Costs Misses the Root Cause

A diabetes diagnosis is not always related to a person’s weight or overall health, especially for those with Type 1 diabetes, who are dependent on insulin treatment for life.