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

New reports detail UnitedHealth's latest acquisitions under shady pretenses

479 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24

UnitedHealth is buying a lot of clinics, especially in areas where it already has many Medicare Advantage members. This helps them earn more money from the government.
As UnitedHealth grows, it doesn't have to publicly announce many of its deals. This means they can make several acquisitions without much notice to shareholders.
The company seems to be taking advantage of crises in healthcare, such as when a recent hack affected doctors’ payments, by pushing through acquisitions that profit them during tough times.

Ascension Health, a big chain of Catholic hospitals, claims to advocate for a compassionate and just society. But its business practices and investments tell a different story.

499 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Regulatory Oversight Patient Care

Ascension Health is a large Catholic hospital system that says it supports a caring and fair society, but its actions, like aggressive debt collection and risky investments, suggest otherwise. They seem to prioritize profits over actual patient care.
The company's investments have included buying interests in struggling healthcare businesses, sometimes causing harm to patients while helping their bottom line. This shows a focus on financial gain rather than true community service.
There's a need for more accountability in the healthcare system. People should not allow organizations like Ascension to claim non-profit status while acting like a for-profit company, which can hurt the communities they’re supposed to serve.

Strange bedfellows agree: PBM pricing reform cannot stop at Medicare, Medicaid

679 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Pharmacy Benefits Bipartisan Politics Insurance Market

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) make a lot of money, often taking nearly half of all spending on drugs for Medicare and Medicaid. This needs to change so that more money goes directly to patients and their care.
There is growing bipartisan support for reforming PBMs, but it’s important that these changes don’t only apply to Medicare and Medicaid. They should also include employer-based insurance plans, as many Americans still rely on them.
Reforming PBMs could lower drug costs for both companies and their employees. It's a move that could save money for everyone and cut out unnecessary profits made by these middlemen.

How the nursing home lobby uses it's political prowess to kill would-be regulations and line the industry's pockets

619 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Lobbying Regulation Campaign Finance

The nursing home lobby uses its influence to protect its profits and avoid regulations. This means that they can get away with poor care for residents.
There is a strong connection between nursing home companies and politicians, with money flowing back and forth. This cozy relationship can lead to decisions that favor the industry over the needs of elderly residents.
Many countries do a better job of caring for seniors than the U.S. does. There's a call for the U.S. to change how we think about and treat older adults, emphasizing their needs and quality of care.

UnitedHealth Group takes Wall Street hit because of investors' fears about Medicare Advantage profitability, Department of Justice antitrust investigation

519 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Regulatory Affairs Market Trends

UnitedHealth Group is experiencing a big drop in its stock value because investors are worried about how profitable Medicare Advantage plans are. Many insurance companies are losing millions as healthcare usage by seniors increases.
The Department of Justice is investigating UnitedHealth for possible antitrust issues related to its many acquisitions. This investigation is looking into how its insurance and healthcare services may be violating federal rules.
There are growing concerns among both political parties about how Medicare Advantage plans are run. Bills are being introduced to make these plans more transparent and to reduce overpayments to them.

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BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR: How Medicare Advantage care denials affect patients

499 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Patient rights

Medicare Advantage plans are often denying care for patients, which can lead to serious health issues. Insurers like UnitedHealth prioritize profits over patient care, creating barriers for those who need treatment.
The process of 'prior authorization' used by these insurers causes significant delays in receiving necessary medical care. This system can sometimes result in life-threatening situations for patients who are waiting for approval.
Organizations like People’s Action are working to help patients navigate the complicated insurance system and advocate for fair treatment. They aim to expose the challenges faced by patients and push for changes to the healthcare system.

Five Medicare Advantage fixes we can all get behind (except the health insurance industry, of course)

499 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Practices

Aligning prior authorization standards between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare can reduce delays in care. This change can help patients get the treatment they need faster and ensure insurers are held accountable.
Protecting seniors from misleading marketing scams is crucial. Congress and CMS are taking steps to ensure that ads for Medicare Advantage plans are clear and truthful, which is good for seniors.
Medicare Advantage plans should offer real supplemental benefits that seniors actually use. It's important for these plans to track how these benefits are being utilized to ensure they improve health outcomes.

Your Money or Your Life

599 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Issues Patient rights Medical Ethics

Patients with insurance are sometimes asked to pay the full cost of treatment upfront, which can be very high, making healthcare access difficult.
Many healthcare providers may refuse treatment to insured patients if they can't pay large amounts in cash before receiving care, creating ethical concerns.
Patients can protect themselves by understanding their insurance, confirming costs beforehand, and knowing their options if they face payment demands at appointments.

Humana to shutter Louisville, Kentucky headquarters; top executives now working out of Washington, D.C.

519 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24

💼 Business Corporate behavior Healthcare Industry Financial Performance Market Trends

Humana is closing its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, as top executives have already moved to Washington, D.C. This change aims to cut costs and better align with their government business focus.
The company has recently struggled financially, citing high costs associated with their Medicare Advantage enrollees using more healthcare services than expected. This led to significant losses and a drop in stock prices.
With top leaders now based in D.C., they can quickly engage with lawmakers who are examining Medicare Advantage and its financial impacts, as these plans may be overpaying billions to insurers.

Mapping UnitedHealth’s consumption of our health care system – from the ‘70s to today

759 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23

🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Policy Acquisitions Corporate Power

UnitedHealth has grown significantly by acquiring many health companies since the 1970s. This has made it one of the biggest and most influential health care companies in the U.S.
Their acquisitions have changed how health care is managed, often focusing more on profit rather than patient care. Some companies they've bought have faced criticism for denying necessary treatments.
UnitedHealth's size allows it to impact many areas of health care, from insurance to the providers of medical services. This has raised concerns about its influence over patient care and competition in the market.

Cigna Healthcare said it will buy back $11.3 billion of its own shares of stock. That announcement made the company's CEO and other investors much richer.

759 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23

💰 Finance Stock Market Corporate Finance Investment Regulation

Cigna Healthcare plans to buy back $11.3 billion of its own stock, making its CEO and investors much wealthier. This move increased the stock price significantly in just one day.
The amount Cigna is spending on stock buybacks is more than many states' entire Medicaid budgets for the year, raising concerns about the priorities of the healthcare system.
Some members of Congress are upset about Cigna's decision, stating it shows how large insurance companies focus on profits instead of improving healthcare for their customers.

Marketing Medicare Advantage to seniors of color – even when it’s bad for their health

659 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Medicare Advantage Racial Disparities Insurance policies Patient Advocacy

Many seniors of color, especially Black and Latino seniors, are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, but these plans often don't cover necessary care. This can lead to serious health issues and preventable hospitalizations.
The marketing for Medicare Advantage often misleads seniors into believing they will receive good care, but the reality is that many end up facing care denials and complicated processes that are hard to navigate.
There are significant racial disparities in the quality of care provided through Medicare Advantage. This impacts the well-being of seniors of color, who are often targeted by aggressive marketing strategies that don't fully explain the potential downsides.

How Employers Can Easily Bend the Rx Cost Curve

259 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Costs Prescription drugs Insurance Legislation

Employers can save money on prescription drugs by creating a competitive environment for pharmacy benefit management (PBM) contracts. This means they should compare prices from various PBMs to find the best deal.
Using objective pricing metrics helps employers understand exactly how much they are paying for drugs. By focusing on all costs including fees and ensuring transparency, they can cut down unnecessary expenses.
Employers should keep track of their spending regularly and adjust as needed. This ongoing management can lead to significant savings for both the employer and employees without limiting access to necessary medications.

Bi-partisan pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform bill gets endorsement from AARP

439 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Legislation Medicare

A new bill to reform pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is getting support from AARP, which is important for many Medicare beneficiaries.
The bill aims to change how PBMs are paid, moving away from linking their fees to drug prices, which can lead to higher costs for patients.
Bipartisan support for this reform shows that both political sides agree on the need to address high prescription drug prices.

The Knight Foundation and The Signals Network are changing the future of whistleblowing

379 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Whistleblowing Health Policy Media Ethics Social justice

The Knight Foundation and The Signals Network are focused on improving support for whistleblowers, making it easier for them to speak out against wrongdoing. This means better tools and resources for those who want to share their experiences.
Whistleblowers play an important role in exposing corporate and government misconduct, which can lead to positive changes in society. Their courage helps hold powerful people accountable for their actions.
Speaking out against injustices is often a difficult choice, but it's necessary for driving change. When individuals blow the whistle, they advocate for better systems that prioritize people's well-being over profit.

Is the No Surprises Act backfiring on patients?

439 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24

🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy

The No Surprises Act was created to protect patients from surprise medical bills, but it may not be working as intended. Insurers have found ways to manipulate the system, negatively impacting patients.
Insurers can set the rates for out-of-network services and use that power to push down payments to doctors, which may lead to less availability of medical care.
The government has not enforced the law properly, allowing insurers to profit while leaving patients with longer wait times and less access to doctors.

Commonwealth Fund: The U.S. Health Care System Is an International Embarrassment

3 HN points • 25 Sep 24

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Medical Debt Insurance Coverage Policy Reform Public Health

The U.S. spends a lot more on healthcare than other rich countries but still has many people in medical debt. This shows that high costs are a big issue for Americans, even for those with insurance.
Many Americans, even those with jobs, are underinsured because of high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. This leads to people avoiding necessary medical care.
The government is trying to reduce medical debt and propose solutions like capping out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs. This would help many people afford their medications and healthcare services more easily.

Medicare Advantage plans have potentially deadly side effects. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services must act.

1079 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Public Health Consumer Rights

Medicare Advantage plans are different from traditional Medicare, often limiting your choice of doctors and treatments. This means you might end up paying a lot more for care when you need it.
Advertising for Medicare Advantage plans often focuses on attractive benefits, but downplays the risks and potential costs. It's important to be cautious since the coverage gaps can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
There is a call for stricter regulations on how Medicare Advantage plans are advertised, similar to rules for prescription drugs. This could help ensure people understand the serious implications before signing up.

Cigna denied a double lung transplant after a donor was found, leaving a mother scrambling for answers

679 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Medical Ethics Public Health

Cigna denied a double lung transplant even after a donor was found, leaving the patient and her family in a tough situation. This shows how insurance companies can impact life-saving medical decisions.
In some cases, insurance companies take a long time to approve necessary surgeries, which can be life-threatening. Quick action is critical for patients needing urgent medical care.
This isn't just an isolated incident; many patients face similar issues with insurance companies. More awareness and action are needed to protect patients from such denials.

Reports and lawsuits allege UnitedHealth uses AI algorithms to cut off care for the elderly and disabled

699 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23

🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Medicare Regulation Legal issues

UnitedHealth is accused of using AI to deny necessary care for elderly and disabled patients. Some families have filed lawsuits claiming that these algorithms lead to severe treatment cut-offs.
Employees at UnitedHealth face pressure to deny care based on algorithmic targets, which can lead to risky patient outcomes. Many fear losing their jobs if they do not comply.
There is concern about the partnership between UnitedHealth and AARP, especially during Medicare open enrollment. Ads promoting these plans often do not mention the potential dangers of enrolling in private Medicare plans.

Retirees in Cortland County, New York, opposed UnitedHealth's Medicare grab and won. At least, for now.

579 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Practices Legislation Patient Advocacy

Retirees in Cortland County successfully resisted being moved to a Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealth. This shows that organized opposition can make a difference.
Healthcare insurers often hide important information about coverage and approval processes, making it hard for patients to understand what they are entitled to. This lack of transparency can lead to patients missing out on necessary care.
There is growing pressure for legislative changes to protect retirees' choices between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. This means that there might be more options for seniors in the future.

Meet Dr. Hurley – a physician (and now a patient) bent on righting the wrongs of insurance denials

1218 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Chronic Illness

Dr. Hurley, a physician turned patient, fights against health insurance denials that affect patients' access to care. His own experience with his son's surgery denial opened his eyes to the struggles many face with insurance companies.
He wants to reform the medical claims process, aiming for fairness and accountability from insurers. By using his legal education and experience, he hopes to help others navigate the complicated system and advocate for their healthcare rights.
Dr. Hurley emphasizes the importance of having qualified specialists review insurance claims. He believes that having doctors without the right expertise making decisions harms patients and wants to see changes that hold these reviewers accountable.

As executive compensation at big automakers soars, so does health care costs for the companies, workers

759 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23

💼 Business Corporate Governance Executive Compensation Labor relations Health Insurance Economic Inequality

CEO pay at big automakers is very high, while worker pay has stayed low, causing frustration among workers. This gap in pay creates issues in labor negotiations and workers' struggles for fair wages.
Healthcare costs for companies like GM are increasing significantly, which takes away funds that could be used for paying workers better. This trend is leading to workers facing higher deductibles and premiums.
Despite the high pay for CEOs, the stock performance of companies is often underwhelming, raising questions about whether these leaders are meeting their performance goals.

The top 10 recipients of campaign cash from seven health insurance industry PACs

639 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Insurance Industry Campaign Finance Medicare Advantage Political Influence

Health insurance companies are heavily funding politicians, especially those in powerful positions. This gives them influence over healthcare policies, especially Medicare.
A lot of Medicare-eligible people are being pushed towards private insurance plans called Medicare Advantage, which can lead to worse care for patients.
There's a lot of money involved in keeping the status quo for insurance companies, including political campaign contributions and lobbyists working to protect their interests.

She was the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics. Now she's buried in medical debt.

679 implied HN points • 17 Oct 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Market Medical Debt Policy Reform Profit Margins

Mary Lou Retton, a celebrated Olympic gymnast, is struggling with large medical bills and has had to ask for help through crowdfunding. Despite her fame, she's one of millions of Americans facing healthcare debt.
UnitedHealth, a major health insurer, is making huge profits while many people struggle to pay for their medical expenses. The company is focusing on profits instead of lowering costs for its customers.
Many insured Americans are also facing high out-of-pocket costs and can't afford healthcare, even with insurance. This situation reveals serious flaws in the healthcare system that need attention from lawmakers.

Cigna said to be going after Humana to buy its way into Medicare Advantage

519 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23

💼 Business Healthcare Mergers Acquisitions Insurance Finance

Cigna is looking to acquire Humana to strengthen its position in the Medicare Advantage market. This is important because Medicare Advantage is a growing and profitable area in health insurance.
If the deal goes through, Cigna and Humana together would have around 30 million health plan enrollees in the U.S., but they would still be smaller than their main competitor, UnitedHealthcare.
Cigna's focus on this acquisition shows that they see it as a strategic move to grow, especially since both companies are shifting away from their commercial insurance businesses.

Private Medicare blitz: for-profit health insurers are pressing hard for new enrollees in their taxpayer-supported Medicare businesses in 2024

519 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23

🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare Costs Consumer Rights

Private Medicare plans are trying hard to gain new members, often using appealing offers like gym memberships and grocery cards to entice seniors.
Many seniors who switch to these plans may face unexpected costs, like high deductibles, and risk being denied coverage for essential medical services.
It's important for seniors to carefully consider the long-term impact of switching to private Medicare plans, especially if they have serious health needs.

Dr. Daniel Hurley, advocate for health insurance reform, dies at 50

759 implied HN points • 16 Aug 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Medical Ethics Insurance Policy Patient Advocacy Chronic Illness

Dr. Daniel Hurley was a strong advocate for health insurance reform. He wanted to bring more transparency to the insurance industry.
Even while battling cancer, he worked hard to fight against insurance companies that denied necessary medical treatments. He was determined to make changes that would help patients.
His passing at 50 is a big loss, but his family and friends plan to continue his mission for better healthcare practices.

How UnitedHealth became Goliath, Medusa and mythical sirens all wrapped into one

619 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Industry Corporate Influence Public Health Economic Impact

UnitedHealth has grown to be one of the biggest companies in the world, worth nearly half a trillion dollars. It has more members than the population of many countries, showing just how large its impact is.
UnitedHealth is more than just an insurance company; it employs thousands of doctors and has various services like pharmacies and clinics. This makes it a big player in the healthcare industry.
The article suggests it's important to understand how companies like UnitedHealth affect our healthcare costs and decisions about care. Their influence is significant, and we need to be aware of it.

After Wall Street balks, Cigna calls off Humana merger and instead is set to buy back up to $11.3 billion of its shares in gift to investors

419 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23

💼 Business Healthcare Investments Mergers Stock Market Corporate strategy

Cigna decided not to merge with Humana after Wall Street reacted negatively to the idea. Instead, they will buy back $11.3 billion worth of their shares to please investors.
Cigna's stock dropped significantly when the merger news broke but soared back up after the buyback announcement. This shows how much Wall Street values quick returns over company growth strategies.
The share buyback won't help improve healthcare access or quality for Cigna's customers. It's mainly a move to boost stock prices and please shareholders.

First half of 2023: 7 big health insurers pulled in $683 billion in revenues – largely through taxpayer-supported programs and the pharmacy supply chain

619 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23

🏥 Health Politics Insurance Healthcare Policy Economics Regulation

In the first half of 2023, seven major health insurance companies made over $683 billion in revenue, mainly from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This shows a lot of reliance on taxpayer-supported programs.
Despite these huge profits, Wall Street is not satisfied with the health insurers. Investors believe the companies are not raising premiums enough to keep up with demand for healthcare after pandemic delays.
To please investors, these insurers may increase premiums for customers and limit coverage for medical care. This trend highlights the struggle between corporate profit motives and patient care.

The LOOP NOW Coalition sent a letter to Congressional leaders asking them to introduce bipartisan legislation to begin reducing Americans’ exposure to absurdly high out-of-pocket requirements.

719 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23

🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medical Debt Legislation Insurance Economic Impact

Many Americans, even those with health insurance, are struggling with high medical debt. This situation affects around 100 million people.
The LOOP NOW Coalition is urging Congress to pass laws that lower out-of-pocket costs for healthcare. They want to limit annual expenses for medications and treatments.
Currently, out-of-pocket health costs can reach over $9,000 for individuals, which makes it tough for families to afford necessary care. The coalition is working with lawmakers from both parties to tackle this issue.

"Under the law he had no remedy." How Dr. Dan Hurley's legacy could lead to health insurance prior authorization reform

519 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23

🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Insurance Reform Patient Advocacy Medical Ethics Healthcare system

Dr. Dan Hurley fought against health insurance practices that often deny essential treatments, even after initial approval. His struggles highlight how complicated and frustrating dealing with insurers can be for patients.
The law governing health insurance makes it hard for patients to challenge denied claims, leaving many without proper remedies for their disputes. This unfair system discourages people from appealing denied medical treatments.
Hurley's legacy encourages the formation of advocacy groups to help patients fight against unfair insurance practices. His story inspires others to push for change in health coverage to ease the burden on families dealing with medical needs.

Americans can't afford their out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are taking action.

479 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Healthcare Bipartisanship Pharmaceuticals Advocacy

Many Americans are struggling to afford their medication costs at the pharmacy, which is forcing them to leave without the medicines they need.
Big insurance companies have gained too much control over drug prices, causing many patients to pay more at the counter while receiving less help from their insurance.
Bipartisan action is happening in Congress to reform pharmacy benefit managers, with bills aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and increase price transparency.

How two very motivated women are helping patients fight their health insurers and get the care they need

499 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23

🏥 Health Politics Patient Advocacy Insurance Issues

Two women are helping patients fight against health insurance companies to get the care they deserve. They believe that everyone should advocate for themselves to ensure they receive the benefits they are paying for.
They created resources that explain complex insurance terms and processes. These tools help patients understand how to deal with denials and other challenges in the healthcare system.
Education is key for patients navigating healthcare issues. Many people don't know how to appeal denied claims or ask for urgent care, and there's a need for more knowledge in schools about health insurance.

Ady Barkan, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Be A Hero, dies at 39.

439 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23

🏥 Health Politics Health care Activism Policy Reform Disability Rights Human Rights

Ady Barkan was a passionate advocate for healthcare reform who passed away at the young age of 39 due to ALS. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to essential health care.
He co-founded 'Be A Hero' to help protect the Affordable Care Act and promote universal healthcare. Even while battling illness, he inspired many to join the cause for better healthcare rights.
Ady's love for his family and friends was a driving force in his activism. He believed that everyone should have the care they need to spend more time with their loved ones.

Legislators and advocacy groups in Washington still have their sights set on PBM reform

179 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Advocacy Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Reform

Legislators in Washington want to change how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operate because many think their practices are hurting patients and pharmacies.
There is support from both political parties to reform PBMs, but lobbyists are trying to stop these changes to protect profit margins.
Pharmacists and businesses need to be aware of PBM practices and take action now, as reforms could save them a lot of money and make medications more affordable.

Cigna’s Q2 earnings put Wall Street on edge despite huge PBM business revenues

599 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23

🏥 Health Politics Insurance Issues Healthcare Costs Profit Margins Corporate Practices Market Trends

Cigna plans to raise health insurance premiums for many customers by about 23% next year, which could leave small businesses and individuals struggling to afford their coverage.
Despite earning more money overall, Cigna's profits fell due to higher medical costs and this disappointed investors, causing their stock price to drop.
Cigna is focusing on its pharmacy benefit manager business, which now accounts for a large share of its revenue, even while prioritizing stock buybacks over customer relief.

An epidemic of medical debt is devastating American families as health insurers ratchet up out-of-pocket demands

439 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23

🏥 Health Politics Medical Debt Insurance Healthcare Costs Consumer Advocacy Public Health

Many American families are struggling with medical debt because health insurance companies are making them pay more out of pocket before they get any help. This leaves lots of people feeling like they don't have any insurance for most of the year.
The rise in medical costs is leading to serious financial problems, with a large number of people owing money due to health care expenses. This debt crisis affects millions, and many people feel they might never fully pay it off.
The way healthcare is organized forces people to pay higher costs for their care, often putting them in tough situations where they can't afford necessary treatments. Despite promises of affordable care, the system still seems to favor higher spending on healthcare.

Health insurers find new way to drain the bank accounts of Americans with chronic conditions

459 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23

🏥 Health Politics Insurance Legislation Chronic Conditions Healthcare Costs Patient Advocacy

Health insurers are changing rules that make it harder for people with chronic illnesses to pay for their medications. This is causing patients to spend much more money out-of-pocket.
Copay accumulators are a new tactic where insurance companies do not count discounts from drug manufacturers towards patients' out-of-pocket limits, making medications even more expensive.
Legislation is being introduced to help protect patients. Bills are being considered at both state and federal levels to ensure that all payments count towards out-of-pocket expenses.