The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
The costs of “defensive” medicine practiced by doctors guarding against lawsuits are real, but not nearly as high as some have claimed. Even so, it’s probably worth trying to tame them, some policy analysts say.
As the Obama administration continues to implement the health care overhaul law, some myths
As the Obama administration continues to implement the health care overhaul law, some myths
New federal health reform legislation over the next several years will pump millions of dollars into home visitation programs for new and expecting mothers with the goal of reducing rates of premature birth and infant mortality.
Although it is difficult to reverse that decision, there are steps you can take to help make your case.
The health law calls for a demonstration program to test covering hospice treatments for patients still seeking to fight their illness.
The use of observation care is rising as hospitals cope with increasing constraints from Medicare, which is under pressure to control costs. But the decision can mean more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
Have you ever been to the supermarket and spotted a balding man with Down syndrome pushing a shopping cart for his elderly mother? Have you ever wondered how he pays his medical bills or his rent? In truth, no single
A new study found states have very different rates of enrollment for eligible kids – from a high of 95 percent in Massachusetts to a low of 55 percent in Nevada.
A nonprofit group is offering a $1,000 prize for the best essay on solving the nation’s problem of high health care costs.
Premiums for family coverage rose about 3 percent to an average of $13,770, but workers are absorbing a greater percentage of the costs, survey finds.
Critics say Medicare Advantage plans are inefficient and costly. But those same critics oppose vouchers for Medicare — even though that approach would set up a direct competition between the private plans and the traditional fee-for-service program.
A new smoking cessation program could lower health care costs, even among seniors.
As mid-term elections approach, the public is split over the law. Federal subsidies to help people buy insurance are popular, while a requirement that most Americans buy coverage isn’t.
Think twice before signing up for a new credit card to cover some doctor or dentist’s services. Regulators and consumer advocates warn that many of these special deals are deceptive.
The whole point of the nation’s conversation about health reform has been to find ways to spend differently so that the result is a higher quality, more humane health care system.
Most people with disabilities who are younger than 65 aren’t eligible for Medicare until more than two years after they qualify for Social Security disability income. But more than 65 patient advocacy groups are asking lawmakers to change the rule.
Physician assistants and nurse practitioners can prescribe medicine, and many operate almost completely independently of physician supervision. And unlike physicians in primary care, the number of physician assistants and nurse practitioners is on the rise.
Today, in almost every other sector besides health, electronic information exchange is the way we do business. Health care providers may agree with the benefits of electronic health records. But they’ve also believed that adopting them was too difficult and expensive.
Martin’s Point in Maine is among those pioneering a concept aimed at making care more efficient.
