Health Insurance Price Data: It’s Out There, But It’s Not For The Faint Of Heart
Health insurers are now posting their negotiated rates for medical services, but it could still be weeks before data firms put it into usable forms.
Julie Appleby of Kaiser Health News
How Much Health Insurers Pay For Almost Everything Is About To Go Public
As of July 1, health insurers and self-insured employers must post on websites just about every price they’ve negotiated with providers for health care services, item by item.
As Red Cross Moves To Pricey Blood Treatment Method, Hospitals Call For More Choice
Hospital officials fear a change in how blood platelets are handled will sharply increase the cost and, in some cases, the number of transfusions needed by patients.
What’s At Stake In The Mask Mandate Appeal
The challenge to the overturned federal mask mandate for public transportation could determine the limits of federal health officials’ power.
What Do We Really Know About COVID Vaccine Effectiveness?
On key measures — prevention of serious illness, hospitalization and death — studies generally show COVID-19 vaccine protection weakening slightly, but remaining strong overall.
Some Insurers Now Insisting On Virtual Visits
Many insurers offering virtual-first plans hire outside firms to provide medical staff, who may hold licenses in several states and not be located nearby.
Surprise-Billing Rule ‘Puts A Thumb On The Scale’ To Keep Arbitrated Costs In Check
The No Surprises Act takes effect Jan. 1 and will protect patients against surprise medical bills for out-of-network treatment, but unintended consequences are unknown.
