Bernard J. Wolfson

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bwolfson@kff.org
@bjwolfson

Pandemic Hampers Reopening of Joint Replacement Gold Mine

KFF Health News Original

The COVID-19 pandemic brought knee and hip replacements to a virtual halt because they aren’t usually considered emergency procedures. But they are profitable, and hospital systems are now counting on the surgeries to help restore their financial health.

Covered California Announces Record-Low Rate Hike for 2021

KFF Health News Original

Health plans offered through Covered California, the health insurance exchange, will increase premiums by a statewide average of 0.6% next year. Health insurers reported strong profits in the second quarter of 2020 as their expenses plunged because of fewer surgeries and patient visits for non-COVID treatment.

Don’t Count on Lower Premiums Despite Pandemic-Driven Boon for Insurers

KFF Health News Original

Early in the pandemic, insurers expected the costs of treating COVID-19 would vastly increase medical spending. Instead, non-COVID care has plummeted and insurers have pocketed the result. Still, few industry observers are predicting broad-based premium cuts in 2021, though some health plans have proposed lowering their rates.

You Can See Friends and Relatives During the Pandemic Surge — But Do It Carefully

KFF Health News Original

Even as most U.S. states and authorities reimpose many of the restrictions they had prematurely lifted, public health experts say you can still have a safe social life — just not the one you were used to before the pandemic hit.

COVID-Tracking Apps Proliferate, But Will They Really Help?

KFF Health News Original

Public health authorities had hoped digital technology would supplement the work of contact tracers seeking to control the spread of COVID-19. But technical uncertainties and public health failures have dimmed the apps’ potential.

Society Is Reopening. Prepare To Hunker Down At Home Again.

KFF Health News Original

First, businesses started to reopen; then racial justice protesters flooded the streets. Social distancing is beginning to fade. Are you ready for a second wave of COVID-19 infections ― and a renewed lockdown?

Trying Out LA’s New Coronavirus Testing Regime

KFF Health News Original

Los Angeles is the first big U.S. city to offer COVID-19 testing to anyone who wants it. Will it help restore normal life to the 10 million residents of the city and surrounding county?

Crushed By A Hospital Bill? Stand Up For Yourself

KFF Health News Original

Most hospitals must offer free or reduced-cost care to certain patients, based on income, even if they have insurance. But some hospitals erect barriers to charity care, so it’s up to patients to advocate for themselves.

Good Rehab Is Hard To Find

KFF Health News Original

Helping a loved one overcome addiction isn’t easy. Start by listening to people who have been through it. They can help find effective treatment and avoid unethical or incompetent operators.

California To Provide Financial Boost To Help Buy Health Coverage

KFF Health News Original

Come Jan. 1, California will be the first state to offer financial aid to middle-class people who make too much money to qualify for federal Obamacare tax credits. And Californians will once again owe a penalty if they are uninsured.