HEALTH CARE un-covered

HEALTH CARE un-covered critically examines the U.S. healthcare system, particularly the impact of Medicare Advantage plans and the practices of major health insurers. It highlights issues like aggressive marketing, profit-driven decision-making, and the effects on patients' access to care and costs. The series advocates for transparency, regulation, and reform.

Medicare Advantage Plans Health Insurance Practices Healthcare Costs Patient Access to Care Healthcare Regulation Political Influence Healthcare Reform

The hottest Substack posts of HEALTH CARE un-covered

And their main takeaways

Health Insurers Increasingly Prevent Care for Children, New Congressional Report Finds

599 implied HN points • 13 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Practices Legislation Child Health Medical Ethics
  1. Health insurers are making it harder for children to get necessary medical care. This often happens through a process called prior authorization, where doctors need approval from insurers before treating patients.
  2. A recent government report found that private insurers have inconsistent rules about approving basic health screenings and treatments for kids, which is crucial for their long-term health.
  3. The report suggests the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should check if insurers can really ask for prior approval for care that doesn't need it according to regulations. This is important to ensure all children get the preventative care they need.

As a Nightmare Brews on Wall Street for CVS, Executives Scramble to Quell Investors

859 implied HN points • 16 May 24
💰 Finance Investing Healthcare Insurance Stock Market Corporate Governance
  1. CVS executives are under pressure from investors after a bad financial report. This has caused them to make changes that could negatively affect patient care.
  2. The company plans to cut benefits and possibly remove around 420,000 Medicare members to improve profits. This decision could leave many people without needed healthcare.
  3. Insurers like Aetna are prioritizing stock performance over patient welfare. This focus on profits may mean that people struggle to get the medical services they need.

The Press Is Beginning to Take Notice of How Health Insurers Are Raiding The Medicare Trust Fund

1019 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Policy Insurance Public Health Regulation
  1. Health insurers are overcharging Medicare by about 22%, costing taxpayers a lot more than if seniors received care directly from traditional Medicare.
  2. Recent reports highlight how private Medicare Advantage plans have historically not saved money and often result in higher overall costs for the program.
  3. The media is beginning to spotlight the negative impacts of Medicare Advantage, leading to more scrutiny and awareness about how these plans operate.

UnitedHealth CEO Sold $5.6 Million in Shares the Same Day as Ransomware Attack

639 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Corporate Governance Cybersecurity Insider trading Regulation
  1. The CEO of UnitedHealth sold $5.6 million in shares on the same day as a major ransomware attack. This raised concerns about insider trading and ethical behavior.
  2. The ransomware attack cost UnitedHealth around $1.6 billion and affected many health services across the U.S., showing the serious consequences of poor cybersecurity.
  3. Executives sold large amounts of stock before important negative news became public, leading to calls for government investigations into their actions.

Secrets From a Hospital CEO: How Big Hospital Chains Suck Money Out of Your Local Community

779 implied HN points • 15 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Medical Debt Corporate Practices Community Impact Health Insurance
  1. Big hospital chains often prioritize profits over patient care, leading to high salaries for executives while many people struggle with medical debt. This focus on money can hurt local communities by draining resources that could have been used for patient care.
  2. Health insurance companies have complicated systems that sometimes make it hard for patients to get the care they need. Instead of focusing on helping people, they often get caught up in making profits and managing money.
  3. Employers and patients should educate themselves about the healthcare system. Understanding how it works can help them make better choices and potentially reduce costs in healthcare.
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Famed Florida Retirement Community, The Villages, is Being Fed Medicare Advantage Propaganda

559 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Health care Policy
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are getting a lot of positive coverage, but they can have significant downsides that aren't being reported. Many seniors might not understand the risks involved with these plans.
  2. Recent changes in funding might lead to reduced benefits for seniors using Medicare Advantage. This could mean higher costs or lower quality care as insurers respond to cuts.
  3. Some experts believe Medicare Advantage plans are overstated and actually cost the Medicare system more. Seniors are encouraged to consider traditional Medicare options with supplemental plans for better coverage.

Wall Street Yawned as Congress Grilled UnitedHealth’s CEO but Went Ballistic on CVS/Aetna Over Medicare Advantage Claims

739 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Insurance Issues Corporate Influence Patient Care
  1. Congress questioned UnitedHealth's CEO, but it seems unlikely that real changes will happen to how big insurance companies operate.
  2. Wall Street reacted differently to the news, raising UnitedHealth's stock while CVS's stock dropped sharply due to their Medicare Advantage claims.
  3. The speaker highlights that money in politics plays a big role in healthcare issues, making it hard for patients to get the care they need.

Marshall Allen, Fearless Advocate for Health Care Reform and Journalist, dies at 52

599 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Reform Journalism Advocacy Patient rights Obituaries
  1. Marshall Allen was a passionate journalist and advocate for health care reform. He worked hard to help people navigate the unfair aspects of the health care system.
  2. He wrote a book called 'Never Pay the First Bill' to share tips on fighting against unexpected medical bills. His goal was to empower patients to stand up for their rights.
  3. Marshall was known for his compassion and integrity. Many friends and colleagues are committed to continuing his work and honoring his legacy.

HEALTH CARE un-covered's New Beat: Disintermediation

839 implied HN points • 22 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Policy Reform Consumer Advocacy
  1. Disintermediation is happening in healthcare, meaning companies are finding ways to cut out big insurance middlemen. This change could reduce costs and improve care for many people.
  2. More employers are realizing they can avoid high premiums and complicated contracts by exploring alternatives to traditional insurance. This shift is slowly gaining attention but is crucial for workers and their health benefits.
  3. Greed often drives healthcare costs up, but there are others working hard to find better solutions. The focus is now on supporting those who are challenging the status quo to make healthcare more affordable.

DEATH PANELS ABROAD: Cigna Whistleblower Reveals How Employees in the Philippines Play a Key Roll in Denying Care for American Beneficiaries

759 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Whistleblowing Patient Care Healthcare Reform Ethics
  1. Cigna employees in the Philippines are involved in deciding whether American patients can receive the care they need. This raises concerns about how patient care is managed far away from the actual doctors.
  2. Cigna medical directors spend an average of just four minutes reviewing complex medical cases. This quick decision-making means important health choices may not get the attention they deserve.
  3. There is pressure within Cigna to deny treatment requests quickly, which can put patients at risk. Employees feel forced to prioritize speed over the quality of care.

‘Moral Injury’ Enters Health Care Lexicon

739 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Labor Issues Mental health Policy Reform
  1. The term 'moral injury' is now used by healthcare workers, not just doctors, to describe the emotional toll from being unable to provide proper patient care due to resource shortages. This feeling often comes from caring individuals who face situations where they cannot help patients as they wish.
  2. Nurses and other healthcare workers are increasingly striking for better working conditions, highlighting how cost-cutting measures in hospitals are harming patient care. They want to ensure enough staff and resources to provide quality treatment.
  3. The idea of moral injury shifts the focus from blaming healthcare workers for 'burnout' to highlighting the external pressures they face. This understanding encourages healthcare workers to advocate for positive changes in their work environment.

Here are the Five Areas the New DOJ Task Force on Monopolies in Health Care Should Focus On

499 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Antitrust Insurance Policy Regulation
  1. Insurers buying doctor practices is a big problem. When insurance companies own the doctors, it creates a conflict of interest and can limit patient choices.
  2. The connection between insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is concerning. This merger can hurt small pharmacies and affect how patients access medications.
  3. Prior authorization is making it harder for patients to get necessary care. Insurance companies use this process to delay or deny treatments, which can lead to serious health risks.

Investigations into health care consolidation, profiteering lack necessary insurer angle

499 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Policy Analysis Insurance Industry Market Regulation Corporate Accountability
  1. Private equity firms are not the only problem in healthcare. Insurers, especially those owned by Wall Street, are also making big profits and taking over more doctor practices.
  2. A lot of attention is on private equity's role in healthcare, but insurance companies like UnitedHealth are also growing and may pose an even bigger issue. They have control over many doctors and healthcare facilities.
  3. There's a new effort from the DOJ to look into how much power insurers have in the healthcare market. This could bring more focus on the actions of insurance companies, not just private equity.

Where Does Medicare Go From Here: Profit-Driven Chaos or Patient-Centered Community?

679 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Insurance Healthcare Reform Patient Care Policy Analysis
  1. Medicare is facing serious issues due to privatization, which could harm millions of seniors and disabled people who rely on it for health care.
  2. Insurance companies are overcharging the government for Medicare Advantage plans, leading to higher costs for both the program and patients.
  3. There are two possible futures for Medicare: one that could focus on patient care without profit motives, or one that could worsen access and services for people who need care.

BIG INSURANCE 2023: Revenues reached $1.39 trillion thanks to taxpayer-funded Medicaid and Medicare Advantage businesses

779 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Policy Medicaid Medicare Healthcare Reform Corporate Influence
  1. Health insurance companies in the U.S. made $1.39 trillion in revenue last year. A lot of this money came from government programs like Medicaid and Medicare Advantage.
  2. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped many people get insurance but also allowed insurers to profit tremendously. This has led to higher out-of-pocket costs for consumers and medical debts for many families.
  3. Big insurance companies have grown a lot over the last decade, and their executives are making huge salaries. Reform is needed to control these companies and make healthcare more affordable for everyday people.

The Heritage Foundation's Medicare and Social Security Blueprint

739 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Social Security Medicare Political Ideologies Legislative Process
  1. The Heritage Foundation is working to change Medicare into a system more like private insurance, which may not provide the same level of care for everyone. This shift could leave many seniors without sufficient support when they really need it.
  2. Currently, many people are choosing Medicare Advantage plans because they seem to offer great perks. However, these plans might limit their care options when serious health issues arise, potentially putting them in a difficult situation later on.
  3. If reforms are passed, Medicare and Social Security could become benefits available only to those in the greatest need. This would transform them from universal programs into something more like welfare, affecting millions of Americans.

Medicare Advantage gets walloped in the press as the federal government's rate notice looms

779 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Regulation Advocacy Policy
  1. The federal government will soon decide how much money to give private health insurers running Medicare Advantage, affecting millions of seniors' healthcare options.
  2. Many reports are showing that Medicare Advantage plans may not be as beneficial as claimed, often leading to overcharging taxpayers.
  3. More groups are speaking out against the industry's tactics this year, pushing back against pressures to increase funds for these insurance companies.

UnitedHealth Group, the Biggest Private Health Insurer on the Planet, Made $8.5 Billion in Profits in Q1 2024

619 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medicare Medicaid Healthcare Regulation
  1. UnitedHealth Group made $8.5 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2024, showing strong financial growth despite recent challenges. Their revenues have tripled over the last decade, indicating a significant increase in business.
  2. A big part of their success comes from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, where enrollment has jumped in recent years. This growth has helped them dominate the market alongside a few other large competitors.
  3. Despite their financial success, many healthcare providers are struggling due to a cyberattack on a subsidiary. Advocates are concerned that profit-focused practices may lead to patients not receiving necessary care.

“Senator, Saying It Doesn't Make It True”

599 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health Policy Insurance Issues Political Discourse Government Accountability
  1. The health insurance industry often uses certain lawmakers to protect their profits when faced with regulatory changes. This means politicians sometimes reinforce misleading talking points to serve big insurance companies.
  2. Senator Kennedy challenged Health and Human Services Secretary Becerra with claims about Medicare Advantage savings that are based on questionable research. These figures have been promoted by the insurance industry to create a positive image of their plans.
  3. Becerra pushed back against Kennedy's claims, stating that funding for Medicare Advantage has increased, countering the argument that the administration is cutting funds. This highlights the ongoing debate over the true costs and benefits of these healthcare plans.

The great Medicare Advantage marketing scam: How for-profit health insurers convince seniors to enroll in private Medicare plans

1338 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Insurance Health Advocacy Healthcare policy
  1. Seniors receive a lot of ads for Medicare Advantage plans that often oversell the benefits and don't mention the downsides, like limited networks and requiring approvals for care.
  2. More than half of seniors are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage, a shift that many believe is driven by aggressive marketing tactics from insurance companies.
  3. Complaints about how Medicare Advantage is marketed have doubled recently, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on these advertising practices.

More than half of every dollar spent by Medicare drug plans goes to private health insurers' pharmacy benefit managers and wholesalers

1318 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Medicare Drug Pricing Pharmacy Benefits Healthcare Reform
  1. More than half of the money spent on Medicare drug plans goes to middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and wholesalers, not to the actual drugs.
  2. These PBMs are making huge profits, taking over 40% of the funds while people often end up paying more for their medications.
  3. Lawmakers need to act on this issue because if they can reduce PBM profits, there could be funds to support important health programs for low-income Americans.

Health Insurer Admits “Mistake” – and Still Sticks Disabled Veteran With $110,000 in Medical Bills

519 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy
  1. Health insurers can make big mistakes that leave patients with hefty bills, as seen with a disabled veteran who faced $110,000 in medical expenses after an insurance error.
  2. Even when companies admit to their mistakes, they may not take responsibility to fix the situation, often leaving vulnerable people to deal with the consequences.
  3. Finding help through patient advocates can make a huge difference, showing the importance of community support in navigating medical billing issues.

New York Presbyterian's Anti-Competitive Maneuver Cost the 32BJ Health Fund $25 Million

299 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Legislation Market Competition Policy Reform Consumer Protection
  1. The conflict between the 32BJ Health Fund and New York Presbyterian shows how strong hospitals can pressure unions for money. This kind of influence can hurt efforts to keep healthcare affordable.
  2. There are specific unfair contract practices, like forcing insurers to include all services or keeping prices secret, that are hurting competition in healthcare. These practices usually benefit powerful hospital systems at the expense of smaller payers.
  3. Legislators need to work harder to protect consumers and unions from these unfair practices. Recent attempts to create stronger laws against such actions were weakened by hospital lobbyists.

The federal government will soon announce its payment rates and policy changes for the Medicare Advantage program. Here's how you can influence their decision.

599 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Policy change Insurance Health Outcomes
  1. The government will soon decide how much money to give to private Medicare Advantage insurers for 2025. People are encouraged to voice their opinions to influence this decision.
  2. Many Medicare Advantage plans cost taxpayers more money and often provide worse care than traditional Medicare. There's a call to demand better use of tax dollars.
  3. The marketing of Medicare Advantage plans can be misleading, impacting vulnerable seniors. It's important to push the government to avoid giving more funds to these insurers.

Foundational Steps Vital on the Road to Universal Health Care

379 implied HN points • 09 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Economic Impact Public Health
  1. Incremental changes in health care shouldn't be viewed negatively. They can be seen as essential steps that help us get closer to universal health care.
  2. The pandemic showed how unprepared many health systems were, revealing deep flaws that need fixing for better care in the future.
  3. Fighting for universal health care means understanding the complex ties between health care and finance, as both sectors are deeply connected and affect each other's success.

Hospitals across the country are dumping Medicare Advantage plans and canceling their contracts with insurers

1238 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare access Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. Many hospitals are canceling their contracts with Medicare Advantage plans due to lower payments and extra work to get approvals. This creates difficulties for both hospitals and patients.
  2. Patients on Medicare Advantage plans may face delays in receiving care and might get stuck with high medical bills. This is because these plans often deny or delay necessary services.
  3. There's a growing concern about whether Medicare Advantage plans are good for seniors. People are questioning if these plans truly provide the best care or if they profit from denying treatments.

The PBM-insurer mafia comes for community pharmacies

579 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Healthcare Reform Insurance Regulations Public Health
  1. Big Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) like UnitedHealth and Cigna are pushing independent pharmacies out of business. They drop reimbursement rates, making it harder for these smaller pharmacies to survive.
  2. The financial troubles for independent pharmacies are linked to complex fees and lack of transparency from PBMs. Many pharmacies are struggling with fees that keep rising unexpectedly.
  3. Without independent pharmacies, people might face longer waits for medications and less personalized care. It's important for lawmakers to step in and make changes to support these community pharmacies.

The Albatross Around America’s Neck: How health-care opacity neutralizes competition and fuels a corporate race to corner health-care markets

779 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Cost management Market Competition Corporate Influence
  1. Healthcare companies are consolidating and taking control, which reduces competition and keeps costs high. This creates a system that benefits big corporations rather than patients.
  2. The lack of transparency in healthcare pricing makes it hard for people to understand or compare costs. This has led to rising costs and poor quality healthcare for many Americans.
  3. There is hope for change with new laws and innovative healthcare solutions emerging. These could lead to more competition, better services, and lower prices if people get involved and demand better.

How We Voted in 2016 Contributed to UnitedHealth's Acquisition of Change Healthcare

479 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Healthcare Regulation Judiciary Corporate
  1. The 2016 election had lasting effects on healthcare, influencing how major companies like UnitedHealth operate and acquire others. Our votes in elections can impact our everyday lives, including healthcare costs and data security.
  2. UnitedHealth acquired Change Healthcare despite government pushback, which raised concerns about competition and data security. The deal was approved partly because of a judge who favored business interests over regulatory caution.
  3. Big corporations, like UnitedHealth, are becoming more powerful, controlling more parts of the healthcare system. This trend can lead to increased costs and reduced patient protections, making it crucial to pay attention to political choices that affect healthcare regulations.

As Medicare Advantage's shortcomings echo in the press, key legislators still push to privatize traditional Medicare

639 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Medicare Policy Analysis Legislation Healthcare access
  1. There are concerns about the move to privatize Medicare, especially with more seniors being pushed towards Medicare Advantage plans. Many seniors might not know the downsides of these plans, which can include delays in care and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans often have strict rules that can limit care for patients, and these plans are favored because they make profits for private insurance companies. Some patients have difficulty getting necessary treatments due to these limitations.
  3. There's a push from certain lawmakers to make Medicare Advantage the default option for new Medicare recipients, which could make traditional Medicare less accessible. This raises worries that Medicare as we know it could disappear in favor of profit-driven plans.

DEATH BY PAPERWORK: Watch NYT Opinion video on health insurers' "prior authorization" practices

579 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Healthcare Patient rights Bureaucracy Medical Ethics
  1. Prior authorization is a process where patients and doctors must get approval from insurance companies before certain treatments can be covered. This often causes delays and can lead to worsening health issues for patients.
  2. The process can be very frustrating and complicated, leading some patients to skip necessary care altogether. This can increase stress and harm their health further.
  3. Doctors and their staff spend a lot of time dealing with the paperwork required for prior authorization, which takes away from actual patient care and can lead to burnout among healthcare providers.

Leaked docs reveal extensive noncompete agreements at Epic Systems

519 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Health care Regulatory Policy Market Competition
  1. Epic Systems uses strict noncompete agreements that limit former employees from working with many companies, affecting their job prospects.
  2. These agreements can also hurt companies trying to hire Epic alumni, as they may face increased costs or lose software access.
  3. The Federal Trade Commission is looking to ban noncompete clauses, which could improve job opportunities and wages for millions of workers.

UnitedHealth’s self-dealing is accelerating

899 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Policy Corporate ethics Financial Analysis
  1. UnitedHealth is increasingly making money through its own subsidiaries, which means it's doing more business with itself. This raises concerns about whether patients are getting the best options and quality of care.
  2. A significant portion of UnitedHealth's revenue comes from internal transactions with its subsidiary, Optum. This could limit competition and hurt other healthcare providers.
  3. Using its own doctors and services helps UnitedHealth avoid spending obligations meant for patient care, potentially leading to reduced quality for patients.

Have insurance? Good luck finding an in-network mental health professional.

659 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Mental health Insurance Healthcare access Patient Care Legislation
  1. Finding an in-network mental health professional is really hard for people with insurance. Many providers are not actually accepting new patients or have left the network, making it feel like a waste of time for those seeking help.
  2. Even with insurance, many patients face high out-of-pocket costs. The average cost for therapy sessions can be over $174, creating a barrier for those who need mental health care.
  3. Insurance companies often make it tough to get claims approved by imposing complicated processes. This frustrates providers and leaves patients without the care they deserve.

UnitedHealth Group: vulnerable and ill-equipped to defend against modern threats like cyberattacks

599 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Cybersecurity Patient Safety Corporate Influence Regulation
  1. UnitedHealth faced a serious cyberattack, showing that even big companies can be vulnerable to cybercrime. This situation highlights the risks of having too much sensitive data controlled by a few large corporations.
  2. The healthcare system is focused more on profit than patient care. This has left it weak against modern threats like cyberattacks, which can disrupt services and harm patients.
  3. To fix these issues, we need stronger rules to protect patient data and make sure healthcare companies prioritize patient safety over making money. It's important to shift our focus from profits to genuine care for patients.

Mr. Witty Goes To Washington

339 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Government Corporate Influence Public Policy Legislation
  1. Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, is facing tough questioning from Congress about a serious hacking incident that affected payments to doctors and hospitals. This is a crucial moment for him as lawmakers want clear answers.
  2. UnitedHealth's revenue has grown significantly, making it one of the largest companies in the U.S. healthcare system. Witty might downplay the company’s size, but it has grown from $87.1 billion in 2009 to $371.6 billion last year.
  3. Witty may argue that the company’s large financial resources help in recovering from incidents like the hack. However, critics suggest that such wealth is a result of harmful business practices that strain healthcare providers.

Massachusetts Wakes Up to a Hospital Nightmare

679 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Private Equity Medical education Patient Safety Regulatory Oversight
  1. Private equity firms, like Steward Health Care, have been negatively impacting hospitals by cutting resources and making false promises. This has led to unsafe conditions for both staff and patients.
  2. Steward Health Care has a history of financial mismanagement and failed commitments, which has raised concerns among local leaders and health officials. They’ve been accused of prioritizing profit over patient care.
  3. Many hospital employees and doctors are frustrated with the situation, as it puts patient safety at risk. They feel helpless in trying to provide good care amidst the company's failures.

Company behind Joe Namath Medicare Advantage ads has long rap sheet of misconduct

599 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Regulatory Affairs
  1. The company behind Joe Namath's Medicare Advantage ads has a history of legal troubles and misconduct. This includes past penalties from federal agencies and a recent bankruptcy that some say was a way to avoid paying off legal liabilities.
  2. Over 31 million seniors are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, which can limit their access to doctors and hospitals. Many don't realize that signing up might mean losing their preferred healthcare providers, despite potential perks like gym memberships.
  3. Private equity firms play a big role in the Medicare Advantage market. They invest heavily in companies that often prioritize profits over genuine patient care, which can lead to misleading advertising and poor service for seniors.

President Biden proposes $2,000-a-year limit on prescription drugs

519 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Health care Legislation Insurance Public Policy Government Action
  1. President Biden wants a yearly cap of $2,000 on prescription drug costs for everyone, not just seniors. This could help many people afford their necessary medications.
  2. This proposal builds on a previous law that already caps costs for Medicare recipients, showing a commitment to reducing healthcare expenses for all.
  3. The success of this plan relies on public support and overcoming resistance from insurance companies, who may argue it could lead to higher costs elsewhere.

I’m hosting a free webinar on Thursday. Here’s why you should tune in and how to register.

459 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Insurance Market Public Health Health Policy Webinars
  1. A free webinar titled 'Safeguarding Health Care's Runaway Train' is happening on March 21, 2024, at 2 PM EST. It'll cover important changes in health care and why you should be interested.
  2. The health insurance industry is facing possible changes, as some employers are starting to find ways to bypass big insurance companies to offer better benefits.
  3. This webinar is part of a series aimed at providing insights into the U.S. health care system, helping people understand the ongoing issues and proposed reforms.