Category: Health Insurance

New risk adjustment model may reduce financial penalty for safety net hospitals

The new model could reduce the burden for at least half of all safety net hospitals as they care for patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Hospital employees are clicking on phishing emails, and that’s a problem, JAMA study shows

More than 2.9 million simulated emails were sent to employees at six hospitals, and nearly one in seven were clicked on, the study said.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ The Karma Of Cutting Medicare

Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Alice Ollstein of Politico and Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss the suggested cuts to health programs in President Donald Trump’s budget proposal, the latest on lawsuits challenging work requirements for Medicaid enrollees and the FDA’s crackdown on e-cigarettes. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ The Karma Of Cutting Medicare

Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Alice Ollstein of Politico and Rebecca Adams of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss the suggested cuts to health programs in President Donald Trump’s budget proposal, the latest on lawsuits challenging work requirements for Medicaid enrollees and the FDA’s crackdown on e-cigarettes. Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week.

Drug that prevents lung problems in older preemies also lowers costs

Pairs who received betamethasone had average costs of $4,681, versus the $5,379 spent on the pairs who didn’t get the treatment.

Broker Websites Expand Health Plan Shopping Options While Glossing Over Details

These direct-enrollment broker websites are “under-policed” and can steer consumers toward plans that may not be the best option for them, a new report concludes.

Nursing Home Fines Drop As Trump Administration Heeds Industry Complaints

Inspectors are citing nursing facilities for violating health and safety more often than during the Obama administration. But the average fine is nearly a third lower than it was before President Donald Trump took office.

Judge Vows To Rule On Medicaid Work Requirements By End Of March

A federal district judge appeared skeptical of the arguments by the Justice Department and Arkansas and Kentucky that their programs should mandate that some enrollees work.

Two major Blue insurers, Cambia, BCBS North Carolina, combine in strategic alliance

Former CMMI Director Patrick Conway to be CEO of both, in a non-merger to align investments and eliminate redundant costs.

Physicians for Fair Coverage proposes ban on surprise medical bills for out-of- network care, creation of reimbursement standards

Proposal creates a national protocol for alternative dispute resolution, which would prohibit surprise bills and establish reimbursement standards.