Cancer screening costs $43 billion – what do we get for that spending?
A new study estimates that the five most common cancer screenings cost $43 billion in 2021. How exactly was this money spent and where might it have gone instead? More
REGISTER: The State of Medical Debt in the U.S.
Register now for our conference on medical debt on May 14, 2024. More
Medical debt is a crisis. Is debt forgiveness the answer?
As medical debt grows more prevalent and harmful, state and local governments are taking action to forgive debt in their region. How can we expand these one-off actions into policy change to prevent debt before it starts? More
Am I eligible? Why financial assistance policies vary drastically between states
Suppose you are an individual who makes $21,870 per year, or 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL), and have come to the hospital for treatment. Would you be eligible for financial assistance to help these expenses? It depends on where you live. More
Insured people now compose majority of debtors to US hospitals
Health insurance is supposed to shield patients from medical debt, but a new analysis shows that insured Americans are increasingly at risk of harm from high medical costs. More
Policymakers and media put pressure on hospitals to give more free care
A crucial part of hospitals’ social mission is providing care to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. But is that actually happening? More
What makes hospitals comply with price transparency rules (or not)?
Since 2021, CMS has required hospitals to publish pricing information online. What are the latest updates on these rules, and what drives hospitals to comply? More
Looking AHEAD: CMS’ new global budget model for states
CMS just announced AHEAD, a new model of care for states that provides an alternative to traditional fee-for-service payment. What does this model entail and how will it impact hospitals? More
WATCH: Investing in Health and Well-Being
How do we reimagine what opportunity looks like for all…and who is accountable for doing that? Watch the recording and read a brief recap of the recent NY Federal Reserve event, Investing in Health and Well-Being More
How hospitals can help solve our medical debt crisis
How can hospitals prevent and reduce medical debt in their communities? A new report from Los Angeles County reveals the extent of medical debt in the city and recommendations for reducing this burden for residents. More
When it comes to prescription drugs, are we getting what we pay for?
Two recent analyses of expensive medications indicate that many drugs are being priced above their actual clinical benefit. More
Trading your home for your health: Medicaid estate recovery
When your choice is your health or your home, which do you pick? More
Are Hospitals Driving Medical Debt?
Ten percent of Americans owe medical debt. According to a new report, much of that debt is owed to hospitals. What does this tell us about billing practices, financial assistance, and the balance between patients and profits in our current hospital systems? More
After decades of profiteering, insulin manufacturer finally cuts the price
Insulin manufacturer Eli Lilly announced that it would be cutting the list price of its generic insulin products significantly. This move comes after decades of advocacy work by patients and clinicians alike, including our sister organization the Right Care Alliance. What does this tell us about the drug pricing landscape? More
Price transparency comes to the insurance market…but there’s a catch
Insurers are required to publish their negotiated prices for all services. The problem is, there's too much data... More
Power to the People: How a single tweet could reignite a movement
With $8 and 9 words, one internet troll is forcing insulin manufacturers to answer the question of why the drug is so unaffordable More
1.3 million Americans forced to ration insulin, new study estimates
Skipping doses, intentionally undermedicating, not eating - these are all measures 1.3 million Americans are forced to take to keep their insulin costs down. More
Financial assistance policies: The good, the bad, and the bizarre
A recent study of hospital financial assistance policies shows how some policies became more generous after Covid-19, some became more restrictive, and some just got weird... More
The downward spiral of medical debt
Medical debt has become a crisis in the United States, with half of US adults reporting medical debt over the past five years. A new study shows the risk factors for medical debt in America and the impact of debt on families. More
Why are hospitals opposing Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?
Why would the local hospital association oppose expanding health insurance access for more North Carolinians? More