Articles tagged with Health Insurance
A comprehensive set of insurance, payment, and system reforms could guarantee affordable health insurance coverage, improve health outcomes, and slow the growth of health spending. The report recommends creating a national insurance exchange, aligning incentives with value and cost control, and promoting patient-centered care.
Only about one-tenth of unemployed workers secure COBRA coverage, leaving millions at risk due to unaffordable premiums. Low-wage workers are disproportionately affected, with limited public coverage options, and policymakers should consider expanding Medicaid eligibility to provide critical support.
The study highlights two countries that effectively cover all but one percent of their population through individual mandates and premium assistance. They also curb high administrative costs, spending about five percent on healthcare compared to seven percent in the US.
Several congressional proposals aim to cover the uninsured through expanded Medicare coverage, building on public programs and group purchase of private insurance. These plans demonstrate that universal coverage can be achieved with little or no additional total health spending.
Farm workers' children are three times more likely to be uninsured than all other children, with socio-economic factors playing a significant role in this disparity. The study highlights the need for increased efforts to enroll and retain eligible children in health insurance programs.
The Chilean government aims to correct health care inequalities by reforming the dual system that separates public and private coverage. The analysis highlights challenges in achieving common health goals and improving access for low-income populations.
Research found that minority children waiting for heart transplants had significantly higher mortality rates than their white counterparts, even after controlling for age, health status, and socioeconomic factors. The study revealed a 60% greater chance of death among black children, a 50% higher mortality rate among Hispanics, and a 1...
Community-based organizations are developing Local Access to Care Programs (LACPs) to provide low-cost healthcare access to growing numbers of uninsured adults. The programs build on county-based care traditions, offering discounted fees or free care from network providers.
A proposed value-added tax for universal health insurance vouchers would create incentives for cost-containment and health care quality. The plan aims to overhaul the U.S. tax system to achieve fundamental reform of health care, with significant decreases in other taxes.
Despite having a parent with health insurance, approximately 4% of US children and adolescents experience gaps in coverage, leading to significant unmet healthcare needs. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive solutions to keep entire families covered, as the private system often fails to provide adequate coverage.
States can play a critical role in health care reform by creating insurance exchanges, regulating health insurance plans, and innovating through novel programs. The federal government must also take initiative to achieve sustainable and successful reform, as states alone cannot overcome the substantial barriers to change.
Experts warn that both John McCain's and Barack Obama's healthcare plans will be significantly impacted by the $700 billion bailout. McCain's plan would cut federal insurance for the poor, while Obama's plan proposes expanded coverage with standard benefits. The bailout is expected to diminish prospects for health reform.
A new study finds that millions of children from low- to middle-income families are uninsured, even with one parent having private health insurance. The study highlights the vulnerabilities of these children and the unaffordability of healthcare for many families.
A study of 429,751 trauma patients found that African American and Hispanic patients had significantly higher death rates compared to white patients. Uninsured patients also had a higher death risk, with mortality rates doubling for African American and Hispanic patients compared to white patients.
China's high out-of-pocket medical expenses hinder its progress in providing adequate health insurance coverage. The country needs to improve health insurance coverage and quality by tackling rising costs and the distribution of funds. Implementing a per-patient-episode system, like South Korea, may help reduce costs.
The Commonwealth Fund report compares Senator McCain and Senator Obama's health reform proposals, revealing divergent approaches to expanding health insurance. While both plans aim to reduce the number of uninsured, their strategies differ: Senator Obama strengthens employer coverage and public programs, while Senator McCain encourages...
A study of 6,746 men and women with heart attacks found that low-income neighborhoods and Medicaid recipients were more likely to experience long or medium delays in reaching the hospital. This delay can hinder effective care and lead to poorer outcomes.
The report finds that working-age Americans are struggling with medical bills, with nearly two-thirds having problems or debt. Many delay or avoid needed care due to cost concerns, with one-third spending 10% or more of their income on out-of-pocket expenses.
A study found that Americans with health insurance are equally likely to access eye care as Canadians, while those without insurance visit less often. Individuals with higher incomes and optional vision insurance tend to use eye care services more frequently.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund estimates that 25.2 million adults in the US are underinsured, facing high out-of-pocket medical expenses and financial stress. This number has increased by 60% since 2003, with middle and higher-income families hit hardest.
The report found that nearly 60% of employers do not insure dependent children over age 18 or 19, and two-thirds of young adults without coverage go without needed healthcare due to cost. Extending Medicaid and SCHIP eligibility beyond age 18 could cover up to 7.6 million uninsured young adults.
Despite having prior private insurance, new SCHIP enrollees suffer from unmet health care needs. A study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that only 7% of families switch to SCHIP when they have private insurance options available, and those who do face similar unmet needs.
19 million full-time workers and dependents are uninsured, with 11 million on public programs; public spending increases from $31b to $45b between 1999 and 2004. Low-wage workers face growing gap in health care access and coverage.
A study by the RAND Corporation found that small businesses saw a significant increase in health insurance costs, with those having 25 or fewer employees facing a 30% rise. Despite this, small employers were less likely to abandon the benefit, and instead may have traded off wage increases for the increased cost.
A majority of US physicians now support national health insurance, with significant increases in support across medical specialties. The survey found that nearly every specialty showed an increase in levels of support for national health insurance, with some specialties like psychiatry and emergency medicine seeing major increases.
A two-year study found that glucosamine sulfate was no better than placebo in controlling hip pain and progression of osteoarthritis. In contrast, Taiwan's universal health insurance program showed a small increase in life expectancy among the least healthy population, but with increased utilization and healthcare expenditures.
A study found that 13% of children with asthma were uninsured at some point during the year, leading to increased risk of unmet medical needs and hospitalizations. Children without insurance are 14 times more likely to have an unmet need for medication than those with private insurance.
A survey found that Americans favor keeping employer role in paying for health insurance and believe covering all should be a shared responsibility. The report also evaluates the Presidential candidates' health reform plans, highlighting key differences between Democratic and Republican proposals.
Research confirms connection between job loss and poor health, with those who lose jobs for health reasons experiencing more severe depression and detrimental health outcomes. Reemployment is crucial in improving health outcomes, especially for those who remain unemployed.
A new study found that expanding health coverage to people without it leads to demonstrable improvements in health, particularly for those with heart disease or diabetes. Uninsured adults who gained Medicare coverage had 10 fewer major cardiac complications by age 72 compared to expected.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University finds that low-income families face three major barriers to healthcare: lack of insurance coverage, poor access to services, and unaffordable costs. Families with public health insurance often reported feeling unwelcome and having difficulty accessing care due to long travel distances.
The Commonwealth Fund Commission proposes a high-performance health system with guaranteed affordable coverage, aligned incentives, accountable coordinated care, and quality-focused investments. The report outlines specific strategies to contain costs and improve the U.S. health care delivery system.
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal found that adults insured through Mexico's Seguro Popular program are more likely to receive antihypertensive treatment and have their blood pressure controlled than those without health insurance. Insured individuals had a 50% higher odds of receiving antihypertensive treatment, ...
A new report by the Commonwealth Fund Commission recommends a mixed private-public group insurance approach as the most practical way to achieve universal coverage. This strategy shares costs among government, employers, and enrollees, minimizing dislocation for those with existing coverage. The report outlines key principles for refor...
A study published in CANCER found racial differences in the use of breast cancer therapy among African-American and white women. African-Americans were less likely to receive adjuvant cancer therapy, while white women were more likely to take Tamoxifen and have chemotherapy.
The article suggests several policy options to address immigrants' limited access to health care, including expanding health insurance programs and improving language barriers. Researchers emphasize the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities to ensure better health outcomes for this growing segment of the U.S. population.
A new report from The Commonwealth Fund finds that 13.3 million young adults ages 19 to 29 were uninsured in 2005, with many having low incomes and limited access to private coverage.
A new report from The Commonwealth Fund shows that providing minority patients with a 'medical home' can help eliminate racial and ethnic health care disparities. When insured adults have access to regular care and coordination, they are more likely to manage chronic conditions, receive preventive care, and have better health outcomes.
Two new studies find that the uninsured and people with certain types of public health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced cancer compared to those with private insurance. The strongest predictors of advanced disease were health insurance status and type, according to the studies published in CANCER journal.
A study published by the American College of Physicians found that antipsychotic medication can increase the risk of death in older people with dementia. This conclusion was drawn from a review of existing research and data, highlighting the importance of carefully weighing treatment options for individuals with this condition.
A new survey of health care opinion leaders supports expanding SCHIP to cover legal immigrant children, families with higher incomes, and parents of covered children. The program should also incorporate high-quality health care standards and innovative mechanisms to encourage better care.
A new report by the National Women's Law Center finds that women are more likely to struggle with medical bills and go without needed care due to high healthcare costs. The report also highlights a gender gap in health coverage, with more women than men facing underinsurance or uninsured status.
Teens who receive state health insurance through programs like Child Health Plus see improved access to care, reduced racial disparities, and increased preventive services. The program eliminates disparities in care among adolescents, bringing the percentage of all teens seeking care with the same healthcare professionals up to 95%.
A study found that individuals without health insurance are more likely to forego routine physical exams and have a higher risk of unawareness of high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels. Hypertension is the most powerful risk factor for stroke, and those without insurance had poorly controlled hypertension.
A recent report by Brandeis University reveals that health insurance fails to provide financial protection for millions of Americans, leading to widespread debt and access problems. The study highlights the need for clearer rules and standards of accountability for health insurers.
Current Congressional proposals could significantly reduce the number of uninsured Americans and decrease overall healthcare expenditures. Representative Stark's AmeriCare proposal would cover nearly all of the uninsured as well as strengthen employer-based health insurance, reducing overall health spending by $60.7 billion.
A new Commonwealth Fund study highlights the importance of comprehensive well-child health services in preparing children for school and helping determine their future success. States are urged to preserve and expand Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program to ensure access to high-quality preven...
A USC study found that Healthy Kids coalitions in 28 California counties linked 85,000 kids with health insurance coverage. The success of these coalitions was attributed to diverse stakeholder groups and strong leadership.
A large-scale study by Johns Hopkins University found that individuals with genetic conditions are more likely to report being denied health insurance than those with other chronic illnesses. Nearly 60% of participants believed their insurance company could access medical information without permission.
A nationwide study found that despite high insurance coverage rates, many individuals with MS struggle financially due to unaffordable healthcare costs. The study revealed a significant proportion of participants made lifestyle changes, skipped medication doses, or went without essential necessities to pay for healthcare needs.
A world health insurance scheme could address shared responsibility and progressive realization issues, providing a framework for rich states to assist poor states. The proposed model is based on the Global Fund's success in securing long-term funding for health interventions.
A UCLA study found that most homeless youths sought healthcare for sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive health, regardless of their housing situation. The study also showed that males who remained homeless were more likely to seek emergency room treatment for traumatic injuries.
Employers covering over 90% of the nation's workforce see health benefits as a crucial factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Many firms are open to sharing the cost of health insurance and supporting incremental reforms aimed at expanding coverage, improving quality, and reducing administrative expenses.
A new study reveals that a public-designed health insurance plan can be fair and affordable for the uninsured, costing two-thirds of the average cost in California. The plan prioritizes coverage for chronic diseases and basic care, while making trade-offs to avoid high co-pays and deductibles.
A study reveals that younger stroke survivors (under 65) struggle with accessing physicians and affording medications due to lack of health insurance. These individuals are at higher risk for recurrence and increased long-term healthcare utilization.
A new report from the Commonwealth Fund finds that nearly nine of 10 individuals who seek individual market health insurance are unable to secure coverage due to unaffordability or pre-existing conditions. Those with high-deductible plans face significant cost burdens, including higher out-of-pocket expenses and increased medical debt.
A growing concern among Americans is the rising cost of healthcare and access to medical services. The Lancet editorial calls for a comprehensive solution to address these issues, with a focus on improving the healthcare system for all Americans.
Mexico's health system reform has led to significant improvements in healthcare access and outcomes, with notable reductions in malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and child mortality. The reforms have also increased the use of mammography and pap smear tests, benefiting millions of people.
A study found that uninsured Latino children are more likely to have no regular physician and not receive needed medical care due to expense, lack of insurance, or cultural barriers. Parental non-citizenship, low family income, and older child age were associated with being uninsured in Latino children.
Two-fifths of US adults report experiencing unsafe, wasteful, or poorly coordinated healthcare. This is a significant concern, as three-quarters of adults advocate fundamental changes in the healthcare system.