Topic Newsletter: Health Care Costs 101019
Legislation To End Surprise Medical Bills Has High Public Support — In Both Parties
By Emmarie Huetteman
Almost 80% of Americans support efforts in Congress to protect patients from bills that come from doctors or hospitals that were outside their insurance network.
VCU Health Will Halt Patient Lawsuits, Boost Aid In Wake Of KHN Investigation
By Jay Hancock and Elizabeth Lucas
Patients at VCU Health will no longer be taken to court and can more easily get financial assistance to pay their bills.
Virginia Governor And UVA Vow To Revamp Practice Of Suing Patients As CEO Exits
By Jay Hancock and Elizabeth Lucas
A Kaiser Health News investigation, which first appeared in The Washington Post, showed that the University of Virginia Health System has sued patients 36,000 times for more than $106 million.
UVA Suspends Medical Lawsuits In Wake Of KHN Investigation
By Jay Hancock and Carmen Heredia Rodriguez
KHN reported this week that the University of Virginia Health System has filed 36,000 lawsuits against patients the past six years.
Investors’ Deep-Pocket Push To Defend Surprise Medical Bills
By Rachel Bluth and Emmarie Huetteman
As lobbyists purporting to represent doctors and hospitals fight attempts to control surprise medical bills, it has become increasingly clear that the force behind the effort is not just medical professionals, but also investors from private equity firms.
Air Ambulances Woo Rural Consumers With Memberships That May Leave Them Hanging
By Sarah Jane Tribble
State regulators and even one medevac company have raised doubts about prepaid subscriptions and promised benefits offered by air ambulance companies.
Extent Of Health Coverage Gains From California Gig Worker Law Uncertain
By Steven Findlay
The new law reclassifies many independent contractors as employees, requiring they be offered a range of benefits. But that could have unintended consequences, experts warn.
Where Contraception’s A Lifestyle Drug Not A Medical Need — So Women Pay The Tab
By Shefali Luthra
Unlike in the U.S., health insurance in Germany doesn’t cover birth control. German health advocates say that causes health problems — but change is unlikely.
¿Qué fue peor: la borrachera de la despedida de soltero o la cuenta por tratar la resaca?
By Markian Hawryluk
Recuperarse después de su despedida de soltero resultó en una factura médica que inicialmente fue de $12,460, en total. Más del doble del costo de su boda.
Which Was Worse: The Bachelor Party Hangover Or The Hangover From The ER Bill?
By Markian Hawryluk
One groom’s bachelor party hangover illustrates how emergency room bills have become major headaches for many Americans.
As Off-Label Use Spreads, Supplies Of Niche Drugs And Patients’ Patience Grow Short
By Julie Appleby
The reasons behind one particular shortage of a therapy known as IVIG are complicated, stemming from increased demand and the medication’s long production window.
College Won’t Be Fun If You’re Not Healthy. Take This Advice About Health Insurance.
By Bernard J. Wolfson
As you enter college this fall, health insurance may not be at the top of your mind. But it’s important to have coverage if you have a chronic condition or if something unexpected happens. Luckily, college students have several options.
Why Hospitals Are Getting Into The Housing Business
By Markian Hawryluk
Hospital systems now invest in housing to help some of their most frequent patients. This allows them to safely discharge patients who otherwise would have no place to go, freeing up beds for sicker patients and saving the hospitals money.
As Health Care Costs Rise, Workers At Low-Wage Firms May Pay A Larger Share
By Michelle Andrews
People at companies with large numbers of people earning $25,000 or less faced bigger deductibles for single coverage and were asked to pony up a larger share of their income in premiums than those at other firms.
Her Biopsy Report Was Benign. But The Bill Is A Spot Of Contention.
By Cara Anthony
After a test to rule out cancer, Brianna Snitchler faced a $2,170 facility fee for the hospital’s radiology room used that day.
Sickened By Billing Abuses, Readers And Tweeters Stand Up For Patients’ Rights
Kaiser Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories.