Say What? Most Insurance Covers Little Of The Cost Of Hearing Aids
These devices can easily run thousands of dollars but Medicare doesn’t pay anything and other policies generally have limited reimbursements. One insurer is offering a low-cost program to help.
Medicare Now Covers Annual Screening For Depression
The coverage change could help focus doctors and patients on mental health issues, which often go undiagnosed in the elderly, especially those who are dealing with multiple chronic physical problems.
Some Insurers Paying Patients Who Agree To Get Cheaper Care
In these programs, people who have been prescribed a diagnostic test or elective procedure earn a bonus when they opt to go to a less expensive facility than the one recommended by their physician.
Some States Limit How Uninsured Pay For High-Risk Insurance
The states are concerned that third-party funding may drive up the number of people seeking to join the pre-existing condition insurance plans and exhaust the budgets provided by the federal government.
Timing Of Birth Control Coverage May Differ For Students, Profs
Could Georgetown University students like Sandra Fluke have to wait an extra year for free birth control? There’s a reason to ask the question. Fluke, in case you missed it somehow, is the law student who testified before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee last month about the importance of providing free contraceptive services […]
Premium Rebates, Coverage Labels, Reduced Medicare Drug Costs Highlight 2012 Health Law Changes
Despite deep political division about the health overhaul, implementation marches on.
New Book Offers Checklists To Help Hospital Patients
Doctors and other care providers are increasing using checklists in their work, but one author has developed similar guides for consumers.
Insurers Open Stores To Peddle Health Plans
With more people buying insurance on their own, and even more slated to because of the health law, insurers are seeking a retail strategy.
Convenient Methods For Birth Control Aren’t Always Easy To Pay For
Free contraception has sure been a hot topic lately. But there’s still one facet that hasn’t received much attention. Religious leaders and politicians have debated whether requiring employers to cover prescription birth control for employees gratis — as required under the health care overhaul — tramples on religious freedom. But what about over-the-counter methods like […]
Insurance Coverage Might Steer Women To Costlier – But More Effective – Birth Control
Long-acting methods such as the IUD and the hormonal implant are nearly 100 percent effective and require no effort after insertion. But birth control pills are about 92 percent effective.
Despite Doctors’ Concerns, Home Births Are Increasing
The numbers are still small but some women opt to have their babies at home because of the convenience and to save money.
Experts Divided Over Recommendation To Screen Children For Cholesterol
Doctors say testing may identify some in need of treatment but could also lead to many youngsters being mistakenly labeled as at risk.
Many In High Risk Pools Aren’t Protected From Lifetime Coverage Limits
Thanks to the health care overhaul, most people no longer have to worry about getting sick and running out of health insurance coverage. The law eliminated lifetime limits, which ran in many plans from $1 million to $2 million. Unfortunately, though, the change doesn’t apply to plans that enroll some of the sickest people: those […]
People In State High-Risk Insurance Plans Often Feel Left Behind
The federal health law set up new plans that are cheaper and more comprehensive than the older ones run by states but consumers need to go without insurance for six months to qualify.
Hospitals Seek To Attract Business With Patient Perks
The rewards range from free parking and gift-shop discounts to wellness seminars and even social mixers.
Peeking In On Your Doctor’s Notes
The movement to give patients direct access to their health information has picked up steam.
Advocate of health overhaul uses a comic-book style narrative to describe the federal law and its provisions.
Work Insurance Often Offers Coverage For Programs To Stop Smoking
Some companies are also penalizing employees who don’t give up cigarettes by hitting them with higher health insurance premiums.
Coverage Of Bariatric Surgery Is Spotty For Obese Kids
Experts in pediatric obesity say that caution is warranted, but some physicians see the operations as offering a safe chance to take off significant weight and avoid harmful disease.
Some Companies Base Premiums On Employee’s Salary
Although few employers have used this strategy, consultants say it could help many in 2014 meet new requirements in the health law.
