Low-Value Medical Tests Are Costly, Can Lead to Harm
A procedure that is low-value to Medicare often holds a high cost for patients, Trudy Lieberman writes this week.
Author: Trudy Lieberman
Big Questions Underlie Debate About Making Health Care Accessible to All
Citizens are so focused on health care in the 2020 election because getting care, and being able to pay for it, is a life-or-death issue for many.
Beware of Health Insurance Scams, Especially When Shopping Online
Now that open enrollment is upon us, consumers must be extra careful not only of the plan they’re buying, but from where they’re buying it.
Meal programs struggle as funding dwindles
Cutting welfare programs might seem like a simple budgetary choice for Congress. But poverty among the elderly is growing, and more individuals will go hungry if cuts continue.
Be Wary of the Complex Pros and Cons of Medicare Plans
Congress is changing the Medicare options on the market, and Trudy Lieberman advises of the results for patients and taxpayers.
Congress May Move to Lower Drug Prices Later this Year or Next
Republicans in Congress, who might have held out on reducing drug prices and adding transparency in the past, are feeling pressure ahead of elections.
Providers Don’t Want To Say What That Surgery Will Cost You
Any time that lawmakers try to inject transparency in hospital pricing, something stops them along the way.
Facing Surgery? Some Important Questions to Ask Your Hospital and Doctor, Too
Should the number of operations that a surgeon performs be their main criteria for judgment? Certainly not, but that number offers patients some crucial, basic information about their surgeon.
“Don’t Touch My Medicare!”
Is the beloved program on its last legs?
Drug Prices Still Rising, Relief for Patients Unlikely
Price-cutting initiatives have been pulled off the White House docket, and drug makers are working hard to maintain their rising profits.
Caregiving Costs Are Not Just for the Elderly
One of the hidden costs of long-term care is caregiving, and it’s increasingly vexing the individuals who take responsibility for their elderly relatives and others with continuing illnesses.
Senators Release Disturbing Report on America’s Nursing Homes
Buyer Beware: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ warning and watch lists for nursing homes is not widely publicized, and the rating system is not easy to understand.
Finding the Right Follow-Up Care After Hospitalization
Discharged patients are often faced with limited choices and information about what comes next.
Hospital Ads May Mislead
Hospitals tout their research budgets as a reason to choose them over the competition. Patients would make much better decisions by knowing their infection or readmission rates.
Examine Short-Term Health Policies With Extra Care Before Buying
They’re marketed as cheap, quick coverage, but this type of insurance won’t necessarily be there when you need it.
Drug company payments to doctors may influence prescription choices
If you are wondering why a doctor won’t consider prescribing a cheaper prescription drug, consider exploring Medicare’s database of pharma payments to physicians.
Should You Give In To Solicitations And Change Your Medicare Advantage Plan?
Some seniors enrolled in Medicare have a three-month period where they can consider switching their plans, so Trudy Lieberman considers whether it’s worth making the change.
Association Health Plans Have Their Own Pitfalls
Some states are once again offering insurance across trade organizations or business groups, but will the revamped program have the same old flaws?
Health Care Journalist Struggles to Navigate Her Own Health Crisis
A two month coma, a misdiagnosis and a $3 million bill.
District Court Ruling Against the ACA Would End Popular Benefits
Without the protections in the Affordable Care Act, many would find themselves back in the “bad old days.”