Cost and Quality

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Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Buying Supplemental Insurance Can Be Hard For Younger Medicare Beneficiaries

KFF Health News Original

Congress left it to states to determine whether private Medigap plans are sold to the more than 9 million disabled people younger than 65 who qualify for Medicare. The result: rules vary across the country.

Study Finds No Harm In Allowing Surgeons-In-Training To Work Longer Shifts

KFF Health News Original

Researchers found little difference in patient outcomes or satisfaction after placing restraints on medical residents’ working conditions in the past decade. Officials have previously sought to prevent inexperienced doctors from making mistakes caused by fatigue.

Study: Doctors’ Texts Can Prod Patients To Take Drugs, But Questions Linger

KFF Health News Original

In an analysis published Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that text message reminders help patients do better when it comes to taking their medicines. But questions about the specific ways to make the most of this strategy remain.