Articles tagged with Health Insurance
A RAND Corporation study concludes that few small employers will choose to self-insure or maintain grandfathered plans due to significant financial risk. The analysis found that stricter regulations will be essential to keep premiums affordable in small business insurance exchanges.
The article discusses the importance of risk-adjustment strategies in navigating equitable health-care reform. States establishing health insurance exchanges must allocate funds based on enrollee medical needs to prevent selection bias, which could lead to plan failures or large windfalls.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with interrupted health coverage receive significantly fewer preventive tests and vaccines. Continuous health insurance coverage is essential to ensure timely care, even at reduced-cost safety net clinics.
A Rutgers study found that New Jersey children experienced improved access to dental care between 2001 and 2009, but gaps remain based on race/ethnicity, health insurance status, and family income. Non-Hispanic black children were more likely to receive dental care, while Hispanic and uninsured children had lower rates.
A new study finds that public health insurance is a better option for infants, providing more comprehensive benefits and improving their health despite being drawn from disadvantaged backgrounds. Private insurance, on the other hand, may be detrimental to child health due to negative selection.
Health care coverage in rural China increased dramatically between 1997 and 2006, driven by government interventions. Rural-urban inequality in insurance access decreased significantly during this period, benefiting millions of rural Chinese residents.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that black senior citizens are 26% more likely to undergo riskier surgery and spend more time in the hospital recovering from intestinal surgery. Despite equal health insurance coverage, black patients experience higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs.
Health insurance costs outpaced income growth in every state, with premium increases ranging from 33% in Idaho to 70% in Mississippi. Employees contributed 63% more to premiums while getting less protective coverage, with per-person deductibles doubling over the same period.
A new national study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that wealthier Americans and those with private health insurance fare better in physical functioning. The study found that the disadvantage for the poor snowballs over time, leading to steeper declines in their health as they age.
The US health care system scored 64 out of 100 on key measures, with notable improvements in quality of care but significant erosion in access and affordability. The scorecard highlights the need for targeted efforts to improve areas such as adoption and use of health information technology and prevention of premature deaths.
A new report highlights significant disparities in health care access and outcomes among vulnerable populations. The Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends a three-pronged policy framework to ensure adequate access, financial protection, and improved coordination of care. This will help reduce rates of preventable hospital admissions ...
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that most uninsured patients in Massachusetts are employed but unable to afford employer-sponsored insurance or subsidized state plans. The study suggests that the system of coverage failed those who lost their job, particularly during economic downturns.
A study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that consistently practicing Transcendental Meditation resulted in a significant decrease in physician fees for high-cost individuals, with a cumulative reduction of 28% after five years. This technique has major policy implications and could help reduce healthcare costs.
A new study found that nearly half of US adults were underinsured or uninsured in 2010, with many struggling to pay medical bills and skipping necessary care. Affordable Care Act reforms could substantially reduce the number of underinsured individuals by up to 70%.
A new study by RAND Corporation reveals that fast-rising health costs have eaten nearly all the income gains made by a median-income American family of four over the past decade. The family would have had an additional $545 per month to spend if healthcare costs had risen only as fast as other goods and services.
Researchers found a strong association between high-quality medical care and improved health and school engagement in undocumented children. Children with regular access to healthcare reported better academic performance and missed fewer school days due to illness or injury.
Japan's universal health coverage has been a success story, maintaining equity and containing costs over the past 50 years. However, the ageing society of Japan threatens its sustainability, with rising premiums and emerging uninsured populations.
A new Commonwealth Fund report reveals that nearly three-quarters of people who lost their health insurance when they lost their jobs over the last two years skipped needed health care or struggled with medical bills. The Affordable Care Act will provide expanded health insurance options, including subsidies and Medicaid coverage, star...
According to a commentary in JAMA, the individual mandate would strengthen the patient-physician relationship, increase access to health insurance coverage, and stabilize insurance premiums. This could lead to reduced costs and increased life expectancy for patients.
A shortage of primary care physicians and limited access to these services are contributing to rising numbers of emergency department visits in the US. The study found that nearly 98% of Americans have health insurance coverage, yet barriers such as wait times and transportation issues remain a major challenge.
Patient demand for care from safety-net providers in Massachusetts has increased despite expanded insurance coverage following state's passage of health care reform. Newly insured patients continued to seek care at these sites due to convenient locations and affordable services.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that US physicians spend nearly $61,000 more annually on administrative expenses due to the complexity of US health insurance systems. This burden disproportionately affects nurses and medical staff in the US.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Massachusetts health reform led to a 7.6% increase in health insurance among residents and a 4.8% decrease in those forgoing healthcare due to cost
A Rutgers survey finds that one-third of NJ immigrant children and over 70% of foreign-born adults lack health coverage, facing significant access-to-care barriers. Immigrants often have lower family incomes than US-born families and report fewer chronic conditions despite higher stress levels.
A new study found that physicians are accepting fewer patients with private insurance, despite the expansion of health care reform. This decline is attributed to low reimbursement rates and administrative complexities, which may hamper access to quality medical care.
A University of Arizona study found that having health insurance does not protect Arizonans from accumulating medical debt, which can delay or forego necessary medical care. The research also highlights the importance of portable and universal healthcare to prevent coverage gaps and reduce medical debt.
A new study found that older adults who engage in regular moderate to intense exercise are 40% less likely to develop small brain lesions, also known as 'silent strokes'. This reduces the risk of falls, memory problems, dementia, and stroke. Exercise does not appear to have a similar benefit for those with limited access to healthcare.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund found that nearly half of young adults (45%) couldn't afford needed healthcare in 2010, with 40% struggling to pay medical bills. The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference, with over 600,000 young adults gaining new insurance coverage since 2010.
Key findings from the Commonwealth Fund/Modern Healthcare Health Care Opinion Leaders Survey include widespread support for states to implement key health reform law provisions early with full federal support. The survey also highlights concerns about barriers to implementation, such as capacity of state agencies and budget pressures.
The Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) has identified a core set of recommended healthcare quality measures for children, with the goal of improving the nation's child health care system. The measures focus on key areas such as duration of coverage, availability of services, and patient experiences.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund recommends modifications to current policies to minimize gaps in health insurance coverage and administrative burdens when people's lives change, particularly during job transitions or income fluctuations. The report aims to ensure that individuals can easily sign up for and keep their coverage, re...
A comprehensive report found that fewer than half of US children receive comprehensive, quality health care, with significant variations across states. The study highlights the need for improvement in all states, particularly in accessing mental health and specialist care.
The Affordable Care Act is expanding health insurance coverage to nearly all uninsured women, addressing the issue of millions unable to afford needed healthcare. The law includes premium subsidies and new rules protecting women from high costs, aiming to increase access to preventive care and reduce medical debt.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund finds that 90% of American families living above the federal poverty level will be able to afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. However, high out-of-pocket costs will still be a challenge for some families, particularly those with incomes between 100-300% of poverty.
A pilot program in Baltimore City identified frequent 911 callers and paired them with case workers, reducing calls by nearly half while improving access to care. The study found significant savings and benefits for participants, highlighting the potential for targeted interventions to improve EMS efficiency.
The American College of Physicians urges a national policy to ensure better access to healthcare for immigrants, who face numerous barriers, including lack of insurance and fear of deportation. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns to prevent public health issues and promote equitable care.
The Commonwealth Fund survey reveals a bleak picture for working-age adults who lost their jobs and health insurance, with 57% of those who were insured through a job that was lost becoming uninsured. The survey also finds that health care costs are preventing people from getting the healthcare they need, with 75 million adults skippin...
A new state scorecard reveals wide disparities in children's health care, despite federal expansion of CHIP and Medicaid. The report finds that 5.6 million additional children could gain insurance, 10.2 million more receive preventive care, if all states performed as well as top-ranked states.
The Affordable Care Act offers comprehensive health benefits to 8.6 million uninsured adults ages 50-64 and 9.7 million underinsured adults. Baby boomers will gain improved coverage through essential benefit standards, limits on out-of-pocket spending, and elimination of lifetime benefit limits.
The report found that employer-sponsored family health insurance premiums rose 41% across states from 2003 to 2009, outpacing median incomes. By 2020, average annual premiums would increase by 79%, reaching $23,342 for families. ACA reforms aim to slow cost growth and improve coverage.
A recent study found that lower-income families enrolled in high-deductible health plans are more likely to delay or forego medical care because of the costs. Despite this, they did not report any difficulties understanding their plans. The study suggests that physicians play a crucial role in helping patients navigate these challenges.
The US stands out for highest out-of-pocket costs and most complex health insurance among 11 industrialized nations. Adults with lower incomes face significant challenges in accessing healthcare and affording medical bills.
Researchers found gaps in coverage that vary across states by age, race/ethnicity and income, with some groups facing significant disparities. States like Massachusetts have low uninsurance rates but large gaps by income group.
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund predicts that up to 12.1 million young adults will gain subsidized insurance under the Affordable Care Act, while 7.2 million will gain Medicaid coverage and 4.9 million private coverage through new exchanges. The law aims to reduce the uninsured rate among young adults from nearly 15 million in 2009.
The Commonwealth Fund's new report provides recommendations for state and federal policymakers to design effective health insurance exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. The report suggests that exchanges should be independent, governed by boards with representatives from various agencies, to avoid adverse selection and reduce admin...
A legal analysis by Lawrence O. Gostin asserts the health insurance mandate is constitutional due to federal powers regulating interstate commerce and taxation. The mandate's tax penalty is seen as essential for expanding healthcare access and correcting market failures, making it a key component of health reform.
A new study reveals that African Americans with muscular dystrophy face a significant mortality gap compared to their white counterparts, largely due to unequal access to quality healthcare and insurance coverage. This widening disparity is attributed to systemic inequalities in the healthcare delivery system and the effects of inadequ...
16.6 million small business employees are eligible for tax credits under the Affordable Care Act, with benefits including increased competition among insurers and reduced health insurance premiums. By 2013, 3.4 million workers may take advantage of the tax credit, which increases in value to up to 50% of premium contribution by 2014.
Emergency department visit rates in the US significantly increased between 1997 and 2007, with a notable rise among adults with Medicaid. The number of emergency departments serving as safety-net facilities also expanded during this period. Increasing access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations remains a pressing concern.
The first for-profit insurance company approved in Massachusetts' health reform has restricted access to primary care, according to a report. Only 217 out of 326 doctors identified as members of the provider network were non-duplicate adult primary care providers, with many unable to be reached by telephone.
The Affordable Care Act will stabilize and reverse growing health costs for women through subsidized insurance coverage and expanded Medicaid eligibility. Women are expected to benefit from the law's provisions on maternity care, newborn coverage, and protection against higher premiums and coverage denials based on gender.
A new study reveals that 17% of Toronto's homeless population has unmet health care needs, with women and those with dependent children facing significant barriers. The study highlights the importance of primary care providers and access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals that physicians often fail to take into account individual patients' circumstances when providing care. The research used actors to simulate real patients in clinic visits, finding that only 22% of physicians provided error-free care during contextually complicated encounters. The study suggests that physician train...
Adult patients without health insurance admitted to ICUs in Pennsylvania hospitals face a 21 percent increased risk of death compared to similar patients with private insurance. Uninsured ICU patients were also less likely to receive certain critical care procedures, including placement of central venous catheters and tracheostomies.
A national survey found that nearly four in 10 Americans who want to repeal the law also support its core provisions, including insurance mandates. The public option was surprisingly popular, with 59% of respondents supporting it when framed as a choice between government and private health insurance.
Harvard researchers found that life and health insurance companies hold significant investments in the fast-food industry, totaling nearly $2 billion. This raises concerns about prioritizing profits over public health and the potential expansion of private insurers in the healthcare system.
A study published in JAMA found that patients without health insurance are more likely to delay seeking emergency care for a heart attack. Those with financial concerns about accessing care also tend to delay treatment.
A study found that people with no health insurance are twice as likely to receive inadequate treatment for migraines compared to those with private insurance. Migraine patients on Medicaid are 1.5 times more likely to receive substandard care.
The article reviews Massachusetts healthcare reform, which has successfully implemented an individual mandate since 2006. The state's program greatly expanded coverage and access to health services while reducing the fear of insurers dropping coverage.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that urinary tract cancer is associated with the use of Chinese herbal products containing aristolochic acid. The risk increased with higher doses and was independent of arsenic exposure. The authors recommend continued surveillance and monitoring of patients who h...