Health Insurance and Medicare News & Features

May 16, 2023 — A federal appeals court has temporarily restored the Affordable Care Act requirement that health insurers fully pay for certain preventive services.

April 5, 2023 — The real out-of-pocket costs are becoming clear, and it’s one mixed bag.

April 2, 2023 — The largest health insurer in the United States says it will no longer require lengthy paperwork, known as prior authorization, for many types of health care starting later this year.

March 31, 2023 — Health experts were researching exactly how many preventive services might be affected and said no changes would likely occur immediately.

January 20, 2023 — Most hospitals are not fully complying with a 2021 requirement to publish prices, a new analysis shows. The requirement was intended to increase transparency of health care costs and make it possible to shop around for the best prices of medical care.

January 4, 2023 — Average out-of-pocket costs for emergency care surpass the savings of many patients. And the bills can be far higher than that, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation report.

Here are answers to common questions on whether health insurance covers abortion.

Wegovy, a new obesity drug, works wonders, but patients struggle for insurance coverage.

While dealing with your insurer can feel overwhelming – especially if you need to discuss an issue that’s complicated or confusing – you can make the communication go as smoothly as possible by following a few simple dos and don’ts.

If you’re hoping to use your insurance to help offset the cost of mental health treatment, here’s what you need to know.

People in jails and prisons are entitled to health care, but it’s not always easy to access.

How healthy you are and how long you live depend a lot on how much you can afford to pay for health care.

You’ll need to plan for health care if you live in a rural area.

If you currently don’t have reliable housing, you may want to know about health care for people who are experiencing homelessness.

Talking to your doctor about medication costs can save you money. Find out how your doctor can help.

Learn ways to save money and find the best prices on prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication.

Understanding your health insurer's directory of covered drugs can save you money.

February 7, 2022 — Researchers have called for greater transparency around platforms such as GoFundMe.

Tempted to give your 2 weeks’ notice and join the “Great Resignation”? Here’s what you need to know about health insurance before you quit your job.

Paying out of pocket even with health coverage? Experts explain how to get your insurer to pay more.

Nursing home care can be expensive. Learn about how much Medicaid pays, eligibility guidelines, and more.

Step-by-step tips on how to keep your private health information protected.

Long-term care insurance is used for personal care needs. Learn more about what services a long-term care insurance plan may cover.

Learn about saving money on dental care for senior adults, including how to find low-cost resources.

Learn about how to get your health records, including how to have a mistake fixed so your medical record is accurate.

Step-by-step tips on how to dispute your medical bill.

Learn about the penalties for enrolling late for Medicare coverage, penalty amounts, how to protest penalties, and appealing coverage decisions.

How do the different parts of Medicare work, and what do they cover? Learn more about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, plus Medigap plans.

What can you expect during the Medicare enrollment process? Learn how to make smart choices and avoid penalties.

Who can get access to the health information you share in apps or online? Learn how to protect the privacy of your digital health data.

Learn about surprise medical billing, why it happens, what you can do, how to prevent it, and the new law.

President Obama Interview Transcript

Brown-bag lunches for adults can save money and be healthier than buying your lunch. Looking for ideas? You'll find them in this article.

Should you go on your spouse's or partner's health insurance plan? This article covers what to consider when you're making that decision.

What to consider when you're shopping for long-term care insurance.

Find out how much potassium, vitamin D, calcium, and fiber you need each day and what kinds of food are the best sources.

Read about your health insurance options if you are pregnant.

What vitamins and minerals do your children need? Calcium, fiber, vitamin D, the B vitamins, vitamin E, and iron are on the list.

For healthy eating, these are five of the most effective diet changes you can make.

What do the doctor's office and a yard sale have in common? You can negotiate for deals at both.

How to tell if you have the right kind of health insurance plan for your family's needs.

WebMD explains how children and teens will be affected by health care reform.

Answers to WebMD readers' questions about what the health care reform law covers.

WebMD explains how health reform will affect those with pre-existing conditions and how they can get insurance.

WebMD talks about the costs covered for preventive care under health reform. What will insurance cover? Will visits be free? Find out here.

Do you have financial protection against the costs of disability or disease? A guide to insurance: disability, life, long-term care, and supplemental health.

Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, heart disease, cancer, depression, diabetes, and even pregnancy are among the leading causes of disability in the U.S – not catastrophic events like car crashes. Here's how to protect yourself against medical expenses and other costs.

WebMD helps you understand your rights with insurance and how to handle complaints or appeals if you feel you’ve been treated wrongly.

WebMD breaks down the costs of insurance. Learn about the premiums, cost of buying insurance plans, and more.