Studies examine how depleted food budgets can increase risk of hypoglycemia among low-income individuals with diabetes. Additionally, researchers find that workers with diabetes are more likely to retire earlier in countries worldwide.
A Web First article by Health Affairs explores Shanghai's cutting-edge health care reforms and their successes and challenges. The study also reveals that the United States has the most complex insurance system among eleven countries surveyed, making it difficult for citizens to access care due to cost and time-consuming complexities.
A new study published in Health Affairs examines the pursuit of improved physical and mental health through various initiatives, including expanding home-delivered meal programs for seniors. The study also explores the economic benefits of biosimilars and how delaying aging could increase life expectancy by an additional 2.2 years.
Healthcare spending in the US is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.8% from 2012 to 2022, with increased growth expected after 2013 due to expanded health coverage and faster economic growth. The Affordable Care Act is expected to influence this growth, with Medicaid enrollment increasing by 8.7 million people in 2014.
Two new studies describe health success stories outside the US, showcasing Avahan HIV prevention program transitioned to government management in India and Bolsa Família conditional cash transfer program reducing infant mortality rates in Brazil.
The US and other high-income countries struggle to achieve the 'Triple Aim', a goal of better health, care, and lower cost. The article highlights strategies and tactics that can be learned from other countries.
Uninsured cancer patients receive far less health care, with higher out-of-pocket spending compared to privately insured patients. The study highlights disparities in healthcare coverage between Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations, with uninsured Hispanic patients facing significant barriers to care.
Competition among Medicare health plans may not be enough to reduce costs and address fiscal concerns. Beneficiaries may absorb savings, and market instability is a concern in structured market-based strategies.
Employers and insurers are exploring new hospital-tier insurance plans to increase enrollees' sensitivity to price variations between hospitals. This trend aims to moderate hospital prices by providing incentives for cost-conscious consumers to choose lower-cost facilities.
Breaux proposes extending coverage to all Americans through a basic health insurance plan with premium subsidies for low-income families. He also hopes the Senate will debate competitive Medicare modernization proposals, citing increased chances of passage due to Sen. Bill Frist's elevation to majority leader.
The survey found that 35% of respondents discussed a health concern with their doctor after seeing an advertised drug. Patients who received a new diagnosis were more likely to have high-priority conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. Additionally, physicians suggested lifestyle changes and quit-smoking advice in over half of visits.
A study of Medicare prescription benefit plans found that higher copayments reduce the use of brand-name drugs and lower overall plan costs, but also increase enrollee out-of-pocket expenses. The research suggests that combining cost-sharing strategies with other cost-containment mechanisms can help balance these competing effects.
A survey of 3,457 Americans found that elderly Medicare beneficiaries experience better satisfaction with their coverage, including improved access to care and reduced out-of-pocket costs. In contrast, privately insured individuals reported more problems with accessing necessary services and paying medical bills.
The article argues that guaranteed renewability pools risk and protects consumers from price increases without resorting to heavy regulation of the market or reduced consumer choice. It also prevents adverse selection by preventing those who know they are likely to get sick from buying more generous coverage.
A recent survey by Drew Blendon reveals that healthcare costs, inadequate insurance coverage, and the cost of drugs remain major health care concerns for Americans. Meanwhile, terrorism, homeland defense, and the economy are considered more pressing issues by voters.
The Medicare+Choice program may stabilize enrollment, but its expansion is unlikely due to conflicting policy goals. The authors found that M+C plans provide significant added benefits to low-income beneficiaries.
A new study analyzes three model plans and finds that competitive pricing may reduce plan uncertainty but is unlikely to raise enrollment in the M+C sector. Total government spending on Medicare could be reduced by increasing beneficiary premiums, but geographic inequities in benefits are a concern.
Healthcare costs increased 7.2% in 2000, with hospital spending accounting for nearly half of the overall increase. Prescription drug spending slowed to 14.5%, while physician services saw a 4.8% increase.
A study by Peter J. Cunningham found that despite increased eligibility for public coverage, only half of low-income children are enrolled in programs like SCHIP and Medicaid. The gap is attributed to high costs, stigma associated with public programs, and lack of awareness among Hispanic families, which have lower take-up rates.