Julie Appleby of Kaiser Health News

KAROLINA GRABOWSKA/PIXABAY

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.

Jul 28, 2022

NATALIA MERZLYAKOVA/FOTOLIA

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.

Jul 5, 2022

PIXABAY

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.

May 17, 2022

SHUTTERSTOCK

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.

May 10, 2022

Johnson & Johnson's COVID vaccine. | SHUTTERSTOCK

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.

Nov 2, 2021

Telemedicine visit with Kaiser Permanente. | COURTESY OF KAISER PERMANENTE NORTHWEST

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.

Oct 19, 2021

NATALIA MERZLYAKOVA/FOTOLIA

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.

Oct 14, 2021

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