Category: investigation

Her Hearing Implant Was Preapproved. Nonetheless, She Got $139,000 Bills for Months.

Even when patients double-check that their care is covered by insurance, health providers often send them bills as they haggle with insurers over reimbursement, which can last for months. It’s stressful and annoying — but legal.

$2 Million Disbursed to Victims and Community Groups in Wake of Super Bowl Mass Shooting

The United Way of Greater Kansas City gave $1.2 million to victims and $832,000 to 14 community groups Thursday, hoping to reach other victims from the violence at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade, as well as those working to prevent gun violence.

It’s Called an Urgent Care Emergency Center — But Which Is It?

Suffering stomach pain, a Dallas man visited his local urgent care clinic — or so he thought, until he got a bill 10 times what he’d expected.

It’s Called an Urgent Care Emergency Center — But Which Is It?

Suffering stomach pain, a Dallas man visited his local urgent care clinic — or so he thought, until he got a bill 10 times what he’d expected.

Super Bowl Parade Shooting Survivors Await Promised Donations While Bills Pile Up

Families of the people hurt during the Feb. 14 mass shooting are carrying what one expert calls “victimization debt.” In the third story of our series “The Injured,” we learn about the strain of paying small and large medical bills and other out-of-pocket costs.

He Fell Ill on a Cruise. Before He Boarded the Rescue Boat, They Handed Him the Bill.

A man from Michigan was evacuated from a cruise ship after having seizures. First, he drained his bank account to pay his medical bills.

Tribal Nations Invest Opioid Settlement Funds in Traditional Healing to Treat Addiction

Hundreds of Native American tribes are getting money from settlements with companies that made or sold prescription painkillers. Some are investing it in sweat lodges, statistical models, and insurance-billing staffers.

Why One New York Health System Stopped Suing Its Patients

Most U.S. hospitals aggressively pursue patients for unpaid bills. One New York hospital system decided to work with them instead.

FDA Said It Never Inspected Dental Lab That Made Controversial AGGA Device

Johns Dental Laboratories stopped making the Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance last year after a KFF Health News-CBS News investigation into allegations of patient harm. The company had “never” reported any complaints about its products to the FDA, according to the agency.

Their First Baby Came With Medical Debt. These Illinois Parents Won’t Have Another.

Millions of new parents in the U.S. are swamped by medical debt during and after pregnancy, forcing many to cut back on food, clothing, and other essentials.