Jay Hancock

Jay Hancock was a senior correspondent for KFF Health News until he retired in Feburary 2022.

jayhancock@protonmail.com
@JayHancock1

Chronically Ill, Traumatically Billed: The $123,000 Medicine For MS

KFF Health News Original

Shereese Hickson’s doctor wanted her to try the infusion drug Ocrevus for her multiple sclerosis. Even though Hickson is trained as a medical billing coder, she was shocked to see two doses of the drug priced at $123,019, with her share set at $3,620.

High-Deductible Health Plans Fall From Grace In Employer-Based Coverage

KFF Health News Original

Once viewed as a promising cost-control tool, such insurance faces new competition on benefits menus from more traditional insurance. But, according to new research, none of those choices is getting less expensive.

Putting Oversized Health Care Costs Upfront — On T-Shirts

KFF Health News Original

The Maryland Health Care Commission has created a consumer education campaign that puts the costs of common health care procedures on a place where people might see them – T-shirts.

The High Cost Of Hope: When The Parallel Interests Of Pharma And Families Collide

KFF Health News Original

Desperate for help in finding a lifesaving drug for a fatal genetic disease, families banded together to fund early research and then worked with drug companies on clinical trials and marketing. Yet, this small patient advocacy group is stunned by pharma’s pricing.

Administration Eases Way For Small Businesses To Buy Insurance In Bulk

KFF Health News Original

The Trump administration issued the final rule on association health plans, which supporters say will make coverage more affordable for some employees but led others to warn about “junk insurance.”