Articles tagged with Health Insurance
A study by Dahlia Remler and Sherry Glied found that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) may not reduce healthcare spending for the lowest and biggest spenders. In fact, cost-sharing increases for mid-range spenders, while tax subsidies benefit higher-income individuals disproportionately.
A recent study by Baicker and Chandra found that a 20% increase in health insurance premiums would reduce the probability of employment by 2.4 percentage points, equivalent to approximately 3.5 million workers. As healthcare costs rise, workers may accept lower wages for costlier health insurance.
A study of 295 children with JRA found that Medicaid recipients had higher disease activity, more pain, and lower physical function compared to those with private insurance. The reasons for these disparities are not yet clear, but may be linked to non-treatment-related factors such as poverty and adherence to treatment.
Young adults are the fastest growing group of uninsured, with nearly 14 million lacking health coverage. They face significant health and financial risks, including delayed or foregone medical care due to cost concerns.
Employees in small firms pay 18% more for health insurance due to higher administrative costs and lower negotiated rates with insurers. States with urban populations tend to have better-adjusted premiums, while rural states face higher costs.
Uninsured adults are less likely to receive preventive services and treatment for chronic illnesses compared to insured adults. Higher-income uninsured individuals also exhibit decreased use of recommended healthcare services, suggesting that lack of insurance is not solely associated with lower-income populations.
A new survey reveals that one in five working-age adults is paying off medical debt, while nearly two-thirds of those with chronic illnesses skip medications due to cost. The uninsured are also more likely to go without preventive care, screenings, and regular doctors, exacerbating existing health problems.
A new study comparing healthcare systems in Australia and the US found that young patients are more likely to survive cancer in Australia due to universal health insurance. The US system, which relies on private insurance, leads to a higher mortality rate among teenagers and young adults.
A study examining six years of data from the National Health Interview Survey found that SCHIP implementation increased the use of dental services by 49.5% and reduced unmet dental needs by 21.2% among low-income children. These effects resulted in a measurable improvement in access to dental care for the entire low-income population.
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has improved asthma care for low-income children in New York, resulting in fewer attacks and emergency room visits. SCHIP has increased access to necessary medications, preventative care, and affordable healthcare services.
A state-wide report reveals that nearly two-thirds of Kansas respondents had medical debt, affecting all racial and ethnic groups. People drew on savings, borrowed from friends, or took out loans to pay off their bills, despite struggling to meet the financial burden.
A new national study found that 46% of working families have medical debt, which hinders access to housing and home ownership. The study also revealed that those with health insurance still face housing difficulties, with one-fifth reporting housing problems.
A national study found that 80% of US adults would pay an extra $3-$6 per month for health insurance to cover newly recommended vaccines. This trend has left millions underinsured, but the study suggests innovative ways to structure plans to improve coverage.
A network of non-profit groups in California is providing critical assistance to low-income consumers struggling with insurance problems, resolving 62% of issues. The Health Consumer Alliance helps consumers choose coverage, navigate public programs, and reduces costs, morbidity, and litigation
eDocAmerica has launched a Spanish version of its website to cater to the growing needs of its Hispanic clients. The new platform provides secure access to board-certified physicians and a range of online health information tools.
A large-scale study shows that flu vaccination is highly effective in reducing severe end points such as deaths and hospitalizations among high-risk persons of working age. The vaccine benefits people of any age with high-risk medical conditions, not just the elderly.
States are finding alternative routes to expand health insurance coverage, including new revenue sources and private-sector partnerships. Medicaid's role is being reevaluated to make programs more affordable and sustainable, with a focus on addressing underlying cost increases and increasing access for vulnerable populations.
A study by Harvard Medical School and Harvard Law School found that illness and medical bills contribute to at least 46.2% of all bankruptcy filings, with families often facing unaffordable co-payments and lost income from prolonged illnesses.
The Iowa report found that nearly one in eight children were without health insurance at some point in 2000, with 90,000 children uninsured annually. The study also revealed that many eligible children were not enrolled in Medicaid or hawk-i programs due to inadequate enrollment.
Researchers found that physical inactivity leads to higher medical costs, with heart disease being the most expensive outcome. The study estimated $83.6 million in medical expenditures related to physical inactivity among 1.5 million adult members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
A study of 24,411 US child appendectomies found racial disparities in rupture rates, with Asian and black children at higher risk. The rate improved with hospital volume, but health insurance status also played a significant role in appendix rupture likelihood.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is addressing concerns about unethical medical expert witnesses. The society has created a document that calls for expert witnesses to affirm their expertise and provide truthful testimony based on industry standards.
The study found that even insured individuals recognize and are willing to accept tradeoffs between having more generous benefits and having coverage for all. Insured citizens deliberated on this issue, voicing sophisticated arguments for and against giving up some of their benefits to include the uninsured.
A new study by Michigan Medicine suggests that insured individuals are willing to make sacrifices to help cover the costs of the uninsured. When given the opportunity to discuss their concerns and priorities in a group setting, many participants chose to cover both adults and children, with 76% opting for some form of coverage. The res...
A study by Michigan Medicine found that over 5.7 million low-income children experience a transition in their health insurance each year, leading to postponed doctor visits and prescriptions. The study highlights the need for consistent coverage and minimized barriers to ensure these children receive needed care.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that infants born over the weekend had a slightly elevated risk of stillbirth and neonatal death compared to those born on weekdays. The researchers suggested that selective timing of low-risk elective deliveries may explain this difference.
The authors argue that genetic testing poses no new ethical issues compared to existing practices, but the inconsistency in disclosure of results is unjustifiable. Genetic tests may soon be linked to lifestyle and future health, making them inappropriate for premium assessment if not disclosed equally.
A nationwide survey of US physicians found that 49% support national health insurance, while 40% oppose it. The study also revealed growing discontent among employers and the general public regarding the current healthcare system.
A substantial proportion of U.S. doctors support national health insurance, with 49% backing government-led legislation and 40% opposing it. Mammography screening is found to be cost-effective for women aged 65-80 with no serious health conditions, reducing death at reasonable cost.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that major depression was most prevalent among Hispanics, followed by African Americans and whites. The odds of depressive disorders were significantly higher among older Hispanics due to caregiving responsibilities.
The report compares six Democratic candidates' plans to address the problem of the uninsured, revealing a range of proposals from covering most or all of the uninsured to 1 in 10. Most Democratic candidates would repeal some or all of President Bush's tax cuts to help finance their health plans.
Health insurance scams have been on the rise as premiums increase at double-digit rates, leaving nearly 100,000 people with unpaid medical debts and without coverage. The Commonwealth Fund report recommends strengthening criminal penalties, expanding access to affordable coverage, and improving consumer education.
The Medicare waiting period affects 1.26 million seriously disabled Americans, with 400,000 having no health insurance. Eliminating the two-year wait could save states $1.8 billion per year and reduce federal Medicaid expenditures by $2.5 billion.
A global strategy aims to protect households from catastrophic health-care payments. By reducing out-of-pocket spending, financing through general taxes and social insurance can provide access to needed services.
Half of high school graduates who don't attend college full-time become uninsured for some time after graduation, with many unable to access health care due to cost concerns. Young adults face significant barriers to obtaining insurance coverage through various means.
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.
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.
A study of 7,300 people found that intermittent lack of insurance coverage resulted in lower use of clinical preventive services. This decrease was particularly pronounced for women who underwent fewer pap tests and mammograms, as well as men who received less prostate cancer screening.
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.
The study highlights how low-income families struggle with health problems that significantly impact their ability to transition from welfare to permanent work. The researchers found that caregivers often neglect their own health needs to care for family members, and there are gaps in coverage and access to services.
A study found that husbands attach a higher probability to working full time after age 62 compared to wives. Wives' pension wealth is less, but marriage provides financial security, influencing their retirement decisions.
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 N.C. Health Choice program has expanded health-care coverage to millions of children from working families with incomes too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. The program's success can be attributed to its competitive payment rates for dental services, resulting in improved access to care for poor children.
Research reveals a decline in general practitioners' and family physicians' involvement in non-office settings, leading to a reduction in comprehensive care. Alternative models such as group practices and networks can help meet the need for primary care, but reliance on core physicians working in multiple settings remains a concern.
A review article highlights ethnic differences in access to medical services, particularly end-of-life care, among minority groups. Cultural mistrust and lack of awareness about individual patient preferences also hinder effective care.
A new study published in Health Services Research suggests that even significant reductions in premiums may not encourage low-wage workers to purchase health insurance. The researchers found that the wage level of employees plays a crucial role in determining whether companies offer health benefits.
Researchers propose allowing everyone over 62 to purchase Medicare at a community-rated premium, with subsidies for low-income individuals and tax-free savings accounts. The plan aims to make pre-medicare insurance more affordable without increasing government spending.
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.
A study of over 220,000 adults found that nearly two-thirds of long-term uninsured adults go without medical care due to cost, particularly those in poor or fair health. This poses a significant public health risk, as these individuals are more likely to experience complications and early death if they do not receive necessary medical ...
Uninsured adults are more likely to report poor health status, delay seeking medical care, and forgo necessary care due to cost. Long-term uninsured adults also experience increased risk of death, particularly when hospitalized or diagnosed with serious symptoms.
A new study reveals nearly 12 million American women aged 15-44 are uninsured, with ethnic minorities facing greater gaps in coverage. State disparities also exist, with some states having up to 30% of women without insurance.
A new study using a decision analysis model found that sildenafil was as cost-effective as kidney dialysis, cholesterol lowering medication or coronary artery bypass surgery. An editorial questions whether health insurance should cover treatment for erectile dysfunction when many Americans are not covered.
A recent study found that approximately 4.2 million adolescents had no health insurance coverage in 1995, leaving them with significant obstacles to accessing adequate healthcare. The study suggests that a shift from private to public insurance has not led to an improvement in health insurance coverage for this age group.
A three-year study found that state and federal laws have helped older or sicker individuals obtain health coverage if they can afford it. However, the study revealed mixed results regarding the impact of these laws on health insurance affordability and enrollment in small employer and individual markets.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that those who lost Medicaid coverage reported significant difficulties in accessing healthcare services, including delayed or foregone care due to cost concerns. Only a small percentage could afford insurance on their own, highlighting the need for more affordable options.
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 improves the Medicare picture by postponing the projected depletion of the Hospital Insurance trust fund from 2001 to 2010. Program savings are expected to be $150 over the next five years under moderate economic and demographic assumptions.