Category: Health Care Costs

Second Time Around? Health Care Issues Trump Might Tackle If Reelected

KHN’s Julie Rovner examines what health care issues the administration might encounter if President Donald Trump wins in November.

‘You’ve Been Served’: Wisconsin Hospitals Sued Patients Even During Pandemic

Wisconsin hospitals had filed at least 104 lawsuits in small claims court since the state declared a public health emergency March 12. Most now say they are suspending the cases; one hospital has dismissed them after a reporter’s calls.

Analysis: He Got Tested For Coronavirus. Then Came The Flood Of Medical Bills.

Hidden costs for ER visits and other fees could cost people thousands of dollars.

Pandemic-Stricken Cities Have Empty Hospitals, But Reopening Them Is Difficult

In Philadelphia, New Orleans and Los Angeles, former safety-net hospitals sit empty in the middle of the city. But reopening a closed hospital, even in the midst of a pandemic when health resources are scarce, is not easy or cheap.

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: All Coronavirus All The Time

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing changes to the U.S. health system that were previously unthinkable. Yet some fights ― including over the Affordable Care Act and abortion — persist even in this time of national emergency. Joanne Kenen of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews KHN’s Liz Szabo about the latest installment of KHN-NPR’s “Bill of the Month.”

Her Genetic Test Revealed A Microscopic Problem — And A Jumbo Price Tag

Molecular diagnostics are at the frontier of science, but insurance and billing questions create a minefield for patients.

Already Taxed Health Care Workers Not ‘Immune’ From Layoffs And Less Pay

Revenue is way down for primary care, specialty physicians and some hospitals as patients avoid non-urgent visits. Practices small and large are doling out layoffs and furloughs to staff.

Federal Judge Rules Medicare Patients Can Challenge ‘Observation Care’ Status

Hundreds of thousands of people will be able to appeal hospitals’ decisions to classify them as “observation care” patients instead of inpatients, under a ruling last week in a class action suit.

Telemedicine Surges, Fueled By Coronavirus Fears And Shift In Payment Rules

Millions of Americans are suddenly seeking care by connecting with a doctor electronically. Helping drive that trend, medical providers can now charge as much as they would for an office visit.

Gig Economy Workers Hurt By Coronavirus Eye New Federal Funds For Relief

A law signed by Trump on Wednesday will provide financial help for self-employed workers, who generally don’t have paid leave. Some states also have family and medical leave programs that can be helpful.