healthcare Archives - Page 3 of 11 - DR News

Medicare Crisis Uncovered: Historic Heist Threatens Healthcare System’s Future

Washington, D.C., Medicare, the largest health care program in the country, faces threats as insurance companies push to privatize it. A significant portion of Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage, controlled by powerful corporations. This shift could jeopardize Medicare’s ability to regulate prices and could result in draining the trust fund. The Medicare Payments Advisory Commission’s recent report highlighted that Medicare spends significantly more per beneficiary in Medicare Advantage plans compared to traditional …

Missouri Legislation Targets Transgender Healthcare Access with Proposed Bans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri House members spent over eight hours on Wednesday deliberating on a list of bills that seek to impose further restrictions on transgender individuals in the state. The House Emerging Issues Committee heard comments on seven bills, including one that focuses on removing the expiration date on a law that prohibits transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming health care like puberty blockers. Last session, Missouri lawmakers passed the SAFE Act, which included …

Site-Neutral Payments: A Bipartisan Solution to Lower Healthcare Costs

Washington, D.C. – As former secretaries of Health and Human Services, we understand the challenges of finding areas of agreement across party lines. Despite our differing views, we both agree that tackling healthcare costs is a bipartisan issue that requires attention. One potential area for bipartisan action is addressing site-neutral payments to make healthcare more affordable for patients and taxpayers. The concept of site-neutral payments involves ensuring that patients do not face higher costs based …

Healthcare Inquiry Targets Private Equity-Owned Staffing Companies for Alleged Abuse

Detroit, Michigan – In a landscape where healthcare deals are increasingly influenced by policy decisions, government inquiries are shedding light on the intersection of private equity and the healthcare industry. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are delving into how private equity ownership impacts the delivery of healthcare services, prompting questions about how insurance providers will respond to any potential changes. Recent investigations …

Healthcare Crisis: Bernie Sanders Blasts U.S. System as “Totally Broken”

Washington, D.C., April 17, 2024 – Senator Bernie Sanders delivered a poignant critique of the U.S. health care system during a recent address at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Calling the system “totally broken,” Sanders highlighted the inadequacies of a system primarily focused on generating profits for insurance and drug companies rather than ensuring universal and cost-effective healthcare for all Americans. Addressing an audience at the prestigious Harvard institution, Sanders emphasized the …

Healthcare Costs Burden 2.2 Million Ohioans Despite Increase in Insurance Coverage

Columbus, Ohio – Over 2 million Ohio residents struggle to access affordable healthcare, with many families spending a significant portion of their household income on out-of-pocket medical costs. Despite an improvement in insurance coverage over the past decade, a report by the nonpartisan Health Policy Institute of Ohio revealed that 1 in 5 Ohioans faced financial burdens due to healthcare expenses in 2021. The study compared Ohio’s health outcomes and healthcare spending to other states, …

Cybersecurity Experts Testify in Congress Inquiry on Change Healthcare Attack

Washington, D.C. – The cyberattack on Change Healthcare in February wreaked havoc on healthcare payment systems across the United States, causing disruptions in insurance claim processing and leaving hospitals struggling with unpaid claims. Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, specializes in providing technology for the submission and processing of insurance claims. In the aftermath of the attack, a survey conducted revealed that about 80 percent of hospitals reported significant impacts on their cash flow, …

Healthcare Right or Privilege? Biden and Harris Discuss Future Plans in North Carolina

RALEIGH, North Carolina – Speaking in North Carolina, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of healthcare accessibility for all. President Biden echoed her sentiments, envisioning a future where healthcare is a fundamental right, striving to expand upon Obamacare to achieve this goal. However, the concept of declaring healthcare as a right is not a new idea. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948 also includes the right to …

Healthcare Bill to Address Monopolization and Auditor Transparency Advances in House Public Health Committee

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – The House Public Health Committee in Indiana has been very productive, advancing four bills related to healthcare, dentistry, mental health services, and the Indiana Department of Health. The largest bill, however, was not voted on as the committee’s chair, Rep. Brad Barrett, decided to hold off in order to allow for committee amendments before the next meeting. One of the bills discussed during the committee’s session borrowed much of its content from …

Healthcare Providers’ Religious Rights Reinforced with New HHS Regulation

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) unveiled a new regulation aimed at reinforcing protections for healthcare providers who refuse to participate in care for religious reasons. The final rule, set to take effect on March 11, seeks to balance the religious rights of providers with the medical needs of patients seeking care. Under the so-called conscience rule, healthcare providers can refuse to take part in procedures or treatments such …