KaiserHealthNews’ Stephanie Stapleton wraps up the health policy news of the week out of Washington, D.C.
Every year, the Medicare and Medicaid lose an estimated $65 billion to criminals who defraud the health care system, says fraud expert Lou Saccoccio.
A $5 billion program will help companies to offer coverage to early retirees, for whom it can be difficult to get insurance until they’re eligible for Medicare.
The new health law bumps Medicaid payment rates to the same level as Medicare’s. The problem? The raise may only last two years.
Many consumers are confused about how the new health law might affect them. The KHN team examined the facts concerning some worrying claims.
Quality improvement expert reported to be Obama’ pick for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services post.
Wonks call them “early deliverables”–the benefits that would kick in this election year–but they could be called the Democrats’ “Incumbents’ Protection Plan,”
Fernando Arriola, a contractor in New Orleans, can’t get coverage so he’s now working to set up a clinic for the uninsured.
Can Congress bring itself to surrender power over a program as politically sensitive as Medicare?
A Medicare buy-in is part of a tentative agreement between a group of 10 moderate and liberal Democrats
Commission would draft proposals to control the long-term costs of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security
Even if the experiments cut costs, odds are lessons won’t be applied.
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
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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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