Category: Health Care Costs

One Defensive Strategy Against Surprise Medical Bills: Set Your Own Terms

By writing in payment limits when signing hospital forms, patients might have leverage in negotiations over disputes that arise from surprise medical bills.

Better Than Other Plans Or Better Than Nothing? Trump’s Claim About ‘Affordable’ Options

Caveat emptor. Some of these health insurance plans might prove helpful for some people, but making that determination is not easy.

Better Than Other Plans Or Better Than Nothing? Trump’s Claim About ‘Affordable’ Options

Caveat emptor. Some of these health insurance plans might prove helpful for some people, but making that determination is not easy.

In Fierce Debate, Democratic Candidates Expand Health Agenda Arguments

A sampling of health policy highlights from the eighth Democratic presidential primary debate in Manchester, N.H. 

Must-Reads Of The Week From Brianna Labuskes

Happy Friday! In news that is technically really good and exciting but is also kind of icky: yarn made from human skin could eventually be used to stitch up surgical wounds as a way to cut down on detrimental reactions from patients. As CNN reports, “The researchers say their ‘human textile,’ which they developed from […]

Women Shouldn’t Get A Bill For An IUD … But Sometimes They Do

The Affordable Care Act requires that insurers cover birth control with no out-of-pocket costs, but the enforcement mechanism is weak and a pending court case could add further complications.

Women Shouldn’t Get A Bill For An IUD … But Sometimes They Do

The Affordable Care Act requires that insurers cover birth control with no out-of-pocket costs, but the enforcement mechanism is weak and a pending court case could add further complications.

Feds Slow Down But Don’t Stop Georgia’s Contentious Effort To Ditch ACA Marketplace

The state proposes to jettison the federal insurance exchange and instead send people buying individual coverage to private companies to choose coverage. It would also cap how much money is spent on premium subsidies, which could mean some consumers would be put on a wait list if they needed financial help buying a plan.

Feds Slow Down But Don’t Stop Georgia’s Contentious Effort To Ditch ACA Marketplace

The state proposes to jettison the federal insurance exchange and instead send people buying individual coverage to private companies to choose coverage. It would also cap how much money is spent on premium subsidies, which could mean some consumers would be put on a wait list if they needed financial help buying a plan.

Patients Stuck With Bills After Insurers Don’t Pay As Promised

Insurance companies often require patients to have medical procedures, devices, tests and even some medicines preapproved to ensure the insurers are willing to cover the costs. But that doesn’t guarantee they’ll end up paying. Some patients are getting stuck with unexpected bills after the medical service has been provided.