The independent source for health policy research, polling, and news.
Some supporters of the health law fear that in states dominated by a single insurer, consumers won’t have much choice when health insurance exchanges — a key tenet of the health law — open in October.
Health plans generally pay for robotic surgery just as they would any other surgical procedure, but that could change, some say, as research helps make clear when robotic-assisted surgery helps improve patient outcomes-and when it doesn’t.
Law enforcement agencies report an increase in phone scams by fraudsters who prey on the public’s confusion over the massive changes taking place in the nation’s health care system — and the thieves often target senior citizens.
Michelle Andrews answers a reader question about keeping your children on your health plan until they turn 26, even if they move away.
In recent weeks, readers have reacted to stories about climbing death rates at critical access hospitals, the readmissions penalties being imposed on some hospitals and Walgreens’ move to become the first retail chain to diagnose and treat chronic conditions. Other coverage that drew responses included a story about angry doctors as well as coverage of decisions made both by physicians and consumers that impact the cost of care.
Supporters of the health law are questioning the actuarial profession’s close ties to the insurance industry and its predictions that rates are going to soar next year.
Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, a key architect of the health law, was “visibly angry and frustrated” as he questioned HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius Wednesday about progress implementing the law. Mary Agnes Carey discusses the details with Jackie Judd.
With billions at stake, hospitals are lobbying hard for Medicaid expansion in Columbus, Tallahassee and other state capitals where state legislators oppose the extension of the program.
