Health Insurance and Medicare News
-
Health Care, Prescription Drugs Included in Major Funding Bill
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.
-
U.S. Uninsured Rate Drops to Record Low
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.
-
9 in 10 Americans Want Their Health Info Kept Private
A new survey shows more than 9 in 10 Americans believe that medical privacy is a right and their health data shouldn't be for sale.
-
Amazon Taking Another Leap Into American Health Care
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.
-
‘Free’ Screening? Know Your Rights to Get No-Cost Care
Even a decade in, the Affordable Care Act’s recommendations to simply cover preventive screening and care without cost sharing remain confusing and complex.
-
How Much Health Insurers Pay for Almost Everything Is About to Go Public
New government rules force health insurers to publicly disclose what they pay for just about every service. That information could help consumers and employers know whether they’re getting a fair deal.
-
Watchdogs Attack Medicare Advantage for Denying Care, Overcharging
The Government Accountability Office and the Health and Human Services inspector general’s office say seniors enrolled in the program are suffering and taxpayers are getting bilked for billions of dollars a year.
-
Upended: How Medical Debt Changed Their Lives
People talk about the sacrifices they made when health care forced them into debt.
-
Cost of Medical Care Leads to Delays for Many Americans: Survey
Nearly 7 out of 10 Americans have put off a doctor’s appointment or medical procedure because of the cost, according to a recent WebMD survey.
-
No Surprises Act Blocked 2 Million Medical Bills in 2 Months: Report
The No Surprises Act stopped about 2 million unexpected medical bills from hitting private insurance patients during the first two months of 2022, according to a new report.
-
Doctors, Former Players Charged in NBA Health Fraud Case
Federal officials allege health care professionals provided former basketball players with false invoices to submit for reimbursement.
-
From Opioids to Medicare, Democrats Focusing on Health Care
The Biden administration seeks more funding for mental health services and treatment of opioid use disorder, while some House Democrats press for a major overhaul of US payment for medical care.
-
Some Americans Can Sign Up for Health Care Plans with $0 Premiums
Low-income Americans who missed the enrollment period for 2022 Affordable Care Act coverage can now sign up for plans with $0 premiums through the federal exchange.
-
How to Avoid Surprise Bills -- And the Pitfalls in the New Law
The No Surprises Act offers protection from many surprise medical bills — but that protection may be only as good as a patient’s knowledge of the law and ability to make sure it’s enforced. Here’s what you need to know.
-
U.S. Credit Reports Contain $88 Billion in Medical Debt
Consumer credit reports contain $88 billion in medical debt, which affects tens of millions of households across the U.S., according to a new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
-
Proposed Insurance Policy Ignites Debate Over Transgender Health Care
A new proposed insurance rule to limit discrimination in health plans has ignited a debate over transgender health care.
-
Crowdfunding a Poor Safety Net for Medical Expenses
Researchers have called for greater transparency around platforms such as GoFundMe.
-
14.5 Million Americans Signed Up for Health Care Under Affordable Care Act
About 14.5 million Americans signed up for 2022 health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, including 3 million new people.
-
Medicare Seeks to Cut Drug Costs for People in Part D Plans
The federal government wants to challenge insurers to deliver better service for their Medicare customers, including maintaining adequate networks of doctors for new or expanded Advantage plans.
-
More Americans Skipping Medical Care Due to Cost, Survey Says
About a third of Americans say they’ve skipped medical care that they needed in the past 3 months due to concerns about the cost.
-
Costs Block Prescription Access for Millions: Study
More adults with private insurance than those on Medicare couldn’t afford their drugs pre-pandemic; the poor and patients with multiple chronic conditions also went without.
-
Average Family Health Care Coverage Surpasses $22,000 Per Year, Report Says
Family health insurance obtained through an employer now tops more than $22,000 per year on average, according to new survey results by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
-
Medicare Plans’ ‘Free’ Dental, Vision, Hearing Benefits Come at a Cost
The ads for supplemental Medicare Advantage plans describe vision and dental benefits, even grocery discounts and food deliveries. But look at the fine print.
-
Colorado to Require Coverage for Transgender Patients' Needs
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has approved Colorado's request to require some private insurers in the state to cover gender-affirming care.
-
Telehealth May be Convenient, But Costs Can Sneak Up on You
As more patients receive treatment via telehealth, confusion over costs is common.
Pagination