Tens of millions of adults under 65 — both those with insurance and those without — saw their access to health care dramatically worsen over the past decade, a new study finds. The findings suggest more privately insured Americans are delaying treatment due to rising out-of-pocket costs, while safety net programs for the poor and uninsured are failing to keep up with demand for care.
When a health insurer buys a business that helps hospitals win billing battles with insurers, alarm bells should sound, experts say.
The biggest dollar amounts are expected to go to consumers in Alaska, where per person rebates are expected to average $305, Maryland, $294, Pennsylvania, $243 and Idaho, $241.
A new database lets you find out the prevailing rates for medical procedures in your area, and the 2010 health-care reform law provides better protection when people receive out-of-network emergency care.
Higher U.S. spending for cancer care pays off in almost two years of additional life for American cancer patients on average compared to their European counterparts — a value that offsets our higher costs.
The brand-name pharmaceutical industry has a drug problem: All 10 of the most prescribed medicines in the U.S. last year were generics, led by the defending champion generic equivalents of the pain-reliever Vicodin.
Survey also found that more than 40 percent of the respondents said that high costs had compelled them to forgo the care they needed—up from 29 percent in 2001.
KaiserHealthNews’ Bara Vaida interviews Group Health Cooperative’s CEO Scott Armstrong.
Conclusions conflict with Republicans claims the law would unleash a steep climb in spending but also draw into question President Obama’s contention that people who like their plans can keep them.
Looking to save money on healthcare? Consider asking your doctor for a discount. And remember, when negotiating for a better price: Cash is king.
U.S. companies are sending workers to out-of-town hospitals for surgery, saving 20% to 40% — more than enough to cover the travel expenses.
More than 30 states and Congress have passed laws requiring hospitals to publish their prices, but the information often is of little use to consumers.
LocalHealthGuide is a health news and information web service for Seattle and the Puget Sound Region. We are independent and unaffiliated with any hospital, medical association or insurer. If you have questions or if your group has an upcoming event that you would like us to cover, please let us know by going to our "Contact Us" page and dropping us a note. -- Michael McCarthy, Editor
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Lost in translation: Lack of trained interpreters can lead to medical errors
Interpreter services at hospitals and other medical settings are often inadequate, forcing family members, including children, to step in, or the task falls to medical staff members who may not speak the language well.
Some insurers deny ER coverage to people who have been drinking
Laws in more than half the states permit insurers to deny payment for medical services related to alcohol or drug use. Faced with the prospect of not getting paid for care, some ER personnel sidestep the problem by simply not testing patients’ blood or urine for alcohol.
Travel insurance can protect your wallet — and your health on vacation
Think your regular health insurance policy will cover you if you get into medical trouble overseas?
Don’t bet on it.
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