Health Insurance and Medicare News & Features

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.

October 26, 2022 — This past year, enrollment in marketplace insurance soared to record levels on HealthCare.gov. New government data now show the boost was driven by sign-ups among Black and Latino enrollees.

October 11, 2022 — A Medicare startup company says Medicare prescription costs vary widely from state to state – and sometimes even from one ZIP Code to another. That means that geographic location could cost some seniors with a chronic medical condition thousands of dollars a year.

October 10, 2022 — Many doctors report being ill-equipped to treat people with physical and cognitive disabilities, and some said they try to avoid doing so, a new study found.

September 28, 2022 — Medicare’s experience with the drug Aduhelm should serve as a wake-up call about both the rising drug costs and FDA’s standards for speeding clearance of medicines, an advocate and a researcher said.

September 13, 2022 — A majority of U.S. adults say the country’s health care system is not handled well, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

September 8, 2022 — Walmart and UnitedHealth Group will launch a joint program to provide preventive healthcare for millions of people over 65

For many Americans, the IRA could meaningfully improve their ability to afford the care they need. Here's a breakdown of what the bill does for Medicare beneficiaries, adults who purchase private insurance coverage, and Medicaid enrollees.

August 8, 2022 — The latest major legislation being supported by Democrats in Congress includes provisions for health care, prescription drug costs, climate change, and ways to cut the deficit.

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

August 3, 2022 — The number of Americans without health insurance coverage dropped to a record low of 8% this year, beating the prior low of 9% in 2016, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services.

July 22, 2022 — Membership-based One Medical offers its patients 24/7 access via virtual care as well as in-person services in 12 U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Ready to choose a Medicare plan? Get tips on how to make the best decision for you and your family.

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.

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

Thinking about enrolling in Medicare? Here's what you need to know.

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.

November 29, 2018 — WebMD and Georiga Health News used documents and data obtained through Open Records requests along with interview for its investigation on hospital EMTALA violations.

November 29, 2018 — An investigation by WebMD and Georgia Health News finds that hospitals are breaking a law that requires them to provide emergency care to patients who need it, sometimes with deadly results.

November 29, 2018 — A federal law guarantees a certain level of medical care to anyone who comes to an emergency department, including a proper screening exam to determine if a patient has a medical emergency.

November 29, 2018 — Pregnant women are among the groups of patients that may not get adequate care when they go to a hospital emergency room, in violation of a federal law created to protect them.

August 4, 2014 — Obamacare Creates 'Upheaval' At Free Clinics

President Obama Interview Transcript

Advice on how to choose insurance coverage for vision.