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
A win for Medicare patients and their wallets
The Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices and cap insulin costs...but only for Medicare enrollees. More
Surprise billing — another potential risk of overuse
After getting spinal fusion surgery, Lisa French was charged $300,000 after the hospital had quoted her $1,300 for the surgery. When she was unable to pay, the nonprofit hospital sued. As the spinal fusion industry booms, this case shows another risk of unnecessary surgeries -- getting overcharged and potentially sued by hospitals. More
When it comes to life expectancy, we don’t get what we pay for
The life expectancy of the average American dropped by 2 years in 2020, but by only a few months in peer countries. This discrepancy gets worse when you adjust for sex, race, and ethnicity. This is despite the fact that the US spends the most money on healthcare in the world. How do we get such poor health outcomes with such high spending? More
How much does low-value care cost cancer patients?
Many cancer patients experience financial toxicity due to the high cost of care -- and low-value services play a role, new study shows. More
Are hospitals complying with the new price transparency rule?
Hospitals now have to disclose on their website the prices they negotiate with insurers. But many hospitals are lagging when it comes to revealing their "real" prices... More
Hospital charges are out of control. Will transparency help?
A new report shows that the ratio of hospital charges compared to their costs has ballooned over the past decades. Why does it matter? More
Is the price of remdesivir too high or too low?
Experts weigh in on the recently revealed price of Covid-19 drug remdesivir. More
COVID-19 and insulin: How the virus could be worse for people with diabetes
Over the past few decades, the price of insulin has skyrocketed, creating a desperate situation for many Americans with diabetes. How has COVID-19 affected those who depend on insulin to survive? More
“What worries you most?” Survey examines patients’ biggest health care worries
What are American people most worried about when it comes to health care? The Right Care Alliance patient council conducted a survey of more than 1,000 patients from across the country, to find out patients' biggest health care concerns. More
More coverage but more cost: Are we better off now than 20 years ago?
Uninsurance rates have fallen over the past 20 years, but has health care become more affordable? More
Is single-payer a “job killer”? And does it matter?
Some policymakers argue that moving to single payer health care will "kill jobs." But is that a reason to stick with the status quo?
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Income volatility and heart health
Income volatility has a significant impact on financial security, which can affect heart health as well, according to new research. More
Virginia’s “best” hospital sues 6,000 patients each year
The University of Virginia Medical Center is ranked as the "best" hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report, but the hospital is among the worst when it comes to suing patients for unpaid medical bills. More
When a deal isn’t really a deal: Coupons for medical imaging
If you buy something you don't need at a high discount, does that make it a good deal? Why patients should be wary of Groupons for medical imaging. More
The life cycle of medical debt
Two stories in the recent news demonstrate how hospitals and debt collection agencies will go to extreme lengths to get the money they believe they are owed. More
Should patients bear more of the cost for ambulance rides?
Should patients be on the hook for ambulance rides for non-emergencies? It's not that simple, write Dr. Surafel Tsega and Dr. Harry Cho in JAMA. More