Category: Health Care Costs

Sen. Grassley Questions UVA Health On Findings From KHN Investigation

A letter from the Senate Finance Committee Chairman questions the University of Virginia Health System about its financial assistance policies, billing practices and its prices.

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Democrats Do Drugs (Prices)

House Democrats start legislative work on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s prescription drug pricing bill; health is again a featured player in the Democratic presidential candidate debate; and courts around the country hold up President Donald Trump’s health agenda. This week, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Tami Luhby of CNN, and Joanne Kenen of Politico join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss these issues and more. Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week.

Surprise Settlement In Sutter Health Antitrust Case

Sutter Health has reached a tentative settlement in an antitrust suit brought by the California Attorney General’s Office. Details have not been made public.

Health Care Stayed Front And Center At Democratic Debate

The topic, which polls show is top of mind among voters, kept returning throughout the fourth debate of Democratic presidential candidates.

Think ‘Medicare For All’ Is The Only Democratic Health Plan? Think Again

The Democratic presidential candidates have hit hard on health care, but generally the debates have centered on what kind of system candidates propose. The candidates’ ideas on many other issues, such as mental health and gun safety, have attracted much less attention.

Patients Eligible For Charity Care Instead Get Big Bills

Nonprofit hospitals admit they sent $2.7 billion in bills over the course of a year to patients who probably qualified for free or discounted care.

As Medicare Enrollment Nears, Popular Price Comparison Tool Is Missing

For more than a decade, customers used the online plan finder to compare dozens of policies. Yet after a redesign of the website, the search results no longer list which plan offers a customer the best value. Federal officials say it will be fixed before enrollment begins next week.

Trump’s New Order For Medicare Packs Potential Rise In Patients’ Costs

The president’s directive, which he said is designed to give beneficiaries more choices in their health care, could lead to higher costs for seniors. Final rules are to be written by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Extent Of Health Coverage Gains From California Gig Worker Law Uncertain

The new law reclassifies many independent contractors as employees, requiring they be offered a range of benefits. But that could have unintended consequences, experts warn.

Extent Of Health Coverage Gains From California Gig Worker Law Uncertain

The new law reclassifies many independent contractors as employees, requiring they be offered a range of benefits. But that could have unintended consequences, experts warn.