healthcare Archives - DR News - News, Retirement, Finance

No Surprises Act Backfires: Emergence of More Chaos in Healthcare System than Before

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The No Surprises Act was intended to protect patients from surprise out-of-network medical bills, but two years after its implementation, it has brought some unforeseen challenges. The law has been successful in shielding millions of patients from surprise bills, but it has also created more chaos in an already chaotic healthcare system. The issue revolves around the requirement for insurers and out-of-network providers to negotiate what they agree is a fair payment, …

Medi-Cal Change Allows More Access to Healthcare

SACRAMENTO, CA – Changes to the eligibility requirements for Medi-Cal, California’s health insurance program for low-income residents, have provided much-needed relief for millions of beneficiaries. The adjustment, which has been phased in over the past year and a half, now allows beneficiaries to save for the future, maintain inheritances, and hold onto a modest nest egg without fear of losing coverage. Previously, approximately 3 million Medi-Cal beneficiaries faced restrictions on the value of financial accounts …

Insurers Rattled by Rising Medicare Advantage Costs as Older Patients Increase Healthcare Utilization

Health insurers facing financial pressure have been hit hard as older patients are seeking more medical care than expected. CVS, the owner of health insurer Aetna, recently lowered its profit outlook due to potential higher medical costs affecting its profits. This warning came soon after Humana issued dismal 2024 earnings guidance, citing the same factor. The spike in medical costs for Medicare Advantage patients has been attributed to more elderly patients returning to hospitals for …

Healthcare Affordability Takes Center Stage in Gov. Lamont’s New Budget Proposal

HARTFORD, Conn. – In Connecticut’s newly proposed budget, Governor Ned Lamont’s administration is doubling down on their efforts to make healthcare more affordable for state residents. The proposal acknowledges the significant economic burden healthcare places on individuals, employers, and taxpayers in the state. With a historically poor track record on healthcare reform, the administration’s commitment to addressing these challenges is evident in their latest budget proposal. One of the most notable proposals in the budget …

Interpreters at Zama General Hospital Paving the Way for Better Healthcare for US Civilian Workers in Japan

CAMP ZAMA, Japan (AP) — A new program at Zama General Hospital is making it easier for American civilians in Japan to obtain off-post health care. Known as the Civilian Healthcare Navigator program, it employs interpreters to assist Defense Department civilians and their families with receiving treatment. This initiative has been well-received and is likely to be replicated at other U.S. military bases across Japan. The program was established in response to a congressional mandate …

Visionary Healthcare Insights Unveiled by Dr. Marty Makary at Trinity University Event

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Three years after the global pandemic, the world’s attention remains focused on health care. Trinity University, in partnership with Bank of America, recently hosted a Policy Maker Breakfast series to address these pressing issues. Dr. Marty Makary, a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, was the guest speaker at the sold-out event on Feb. 6. Drawing on his extensive healthcare career and expertise, Makary provided an insightful analysis of the future …

Here Is Why You Should Not Make Healthcare Decisions Based On Price Alone

As healthcare expenses, deductibles, and copayments continue to grow, you may be searching for methods to reduce the amount you spend on care. The HCCI, short for Health Care Cost Institute, showed in a recent analysis that the cost of typical procedures, including surgery, diagnostic testing, and X-rays, can vary significantly even within the same state. This may encourage you to purchase healthcare based on price. Although cost is an important component when selecting a medical facility, you should not make your selection exclusively on price.

Read on to find out why prices vary so much.

Shocking Crime in Kolkata: Young Doctor’s Tragic Death Raises Alarm Over Violent Assaults in Healthcare

Kolkata, India — A young doctor, aged 31, was found brutally murdered, sending shockwaves throughout the city and the broader medical community. Reports indicate that the victim suffered severe physical trauma, including multiple broken bones and injuries to sensitive areas, leading to her tragic death. The violent nature of the assault has drawn widespread condemnation and raised urgent questions about safety and security for healthcare professionals in the region. The doctor, who was committed to …

How To Make Sure You Enjoy Your Golden Years

Retirement is a dream for many individuals, and you want it to go smoothly. However, retirement plans constantly confront obstacles, including market volatility, healthcare affordability, and inflationary concerns. In addition, you will likely spend decades on a fixed salary and lose the financial flexibility you formerly had.

Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Urinary Catheters Uncovered by Health-Care Nonprofit

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Pretty in Pink Boutique experienced an influx of calls from Medicare recipients across the country last August, claiming that the company had charged their health insurance thousands of dollars for urinary catheters that they never ordered or received. This led to confusion and concern for the boutique, as they found themselves tangled in an alleged fraud scheme with a scale of unprecedented proportions, totaling an estimated $2 billion. The alleged fraudulent claims …