An important milestone is reached for new consumer surprise medical billing protections; proposed changes to Medicare Advantage are finalized; a new study takes a look at nonprofit hospitals’ charity care; and, rising drug prices continue to leave vulnerable populations exposed.
Premiums in Medicare Part D plans that cap insulin costs are higher than those that don’t; audio-only telehealth continues to play a critical role in connecting patients to care; unexpected medical bills rank amongst consumers’ biggest financial worries; and, new projections provide insights into where our healthcare spending might be headed.
Stakeholders continue to urge for full implementation of consumer surprise medical billing protections; a new report seeks to clarify the relationship between PBMs and drug prices; studies link rising costs and low-value to care delivered by hospital-employed physicians; and, a focus on value-based care improves outcomes and reduces costs.
Scapegoating PBMs diverts focus away from who’s really to blame for high drug prices; meanwhile, research continues to poke holes in Big Pharma’s innovation rhetoric; a new campaign is launched highlighting the value of employer-provided health coverage; and, patients want hospitals to disclose emergency room fees.
Stakeholders urge for full implementation of consumer surprise medical billing protections; PBMs leverage technology and expertise to improve patient outcomes; and, for-profit hospitals skip less profitable services.
A new report dispels the myth that drug rebates increase costs; supporters of surprise medical billing consumer protections react to a recent court decision impacting one of the new law’s key provisions; enrollment in the Medicare Advantage program continues to grow; and, stakeholders point the way forward on integrating care.
New research dispels the myth that higher hospital prices automatically translate into better health outcomes; private-equity interests exerting growing influence over our healthcare delivery model; spending on drugs continues its upward trajectory; and, a look at the impact of health-related social needs on overall health.
Congressional lawmakers find common cause in their support of Medicare Advantage; stakeholders remind consumers of the important protections now in place against surprise medical billing – even as those protections are challenged in the courts; meanwhile, the cost of an ambulance ride continues to go up; and, a new study highlights provider markups for specialty drugs.
Stakeholders highlight how PBMs improve health outcomes and the patient experience; advocates come together to support bipartisan legislation aimed at closing gaps in mental healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries; hospital consolidation draws increased ire; and, lawmakers propose to extend waivers promoting telehealth access.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers raise prices on hundreds of drugs; meanwhile, hospital drugs are projected to see price increases of their own; a new study shows the impact of provider market concentration on consumers’ healthcare costs; and, Medicaid continues to play a critical role in the health of America’s children.