Articles tagged with Insurance
High drug expenses in Canada hinder treatment access and outcomes due to copayments and limited coverage. A universal drug program could address these issues with a national agency implementing a comprehensive solution.
A new study by George Washington University researchers finds no evidence that primary care physicians deliver less care to low-income and vulnerable patients. Despite critics' claims of substandard care, the study analyzed data from over 31,000 visits and found comparable care for all patients regardless of insurance status.
A study found that Massachusetts' commercial ACO contract was linked to reduced spending for Medicare beneficiaries served by participating providers. The initiative resulted in significant savings, particularly in outpatient care and testing, without compromising quality of care.
Patients who received their first kidney transplant between ages 14 and 16 appear to be at increased risk for graft failure. Black adolescents have a disproportionately higher risk of graft failure compared to other age groups.
The Massachusetts public health experience provides valuable insights into the role of public health in healthcare reform. Public health officials learned to fight for a decision-making role, analyze data, and defend traditional services while contributing to cost reduction and quality improvement efforts.
A new study found that hospitals earn nearly nine times more for treating patients with bloodstream infections than those without. Private insurers pay the most for these infections, suggesting they would benefit financially from reducing infection rates through quality improvement programs.
Long waits for insurance authorization are wasting thousands of hours of physician time, as most requests are granted. ERs have become de facto psych wards due to inadequate insurance coverage and reimbursement issues.
A new report from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm shows encouraging trends among teen passengers. In 2011, over half of teen passengers reported always buckling up, and risky behaviors declined by 23-47% between 2008-2011.
Vermont's aggressive health care reform initiatives offer valuable lessons for other states, including engaging stakeholders, coordinating implementation efforts, and capitalizing on federal financing opportunities. The state's centralized administrative board has resulted in lower costs by eliminating duplication of efforts.
A new policy brief reveals that workplace injuries and illnesses among low-wage workers result in significant economic losses and severe personal consequences. The study estimates that such injuries and illnesses cost the nation over $39 billion annually, with workers often facing reduced paychecks and struggling to make ends meet.
A recent study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that working-age adults with vision insurance are more likely to have regular eye exams and report better vision. The research suggests that having vision insurance may be an important factor in preventing eye impairment, particularly among individuals with pre-existing condit...
A new crop insurance plan offers Rwandan farmers protection from extreme weather, using automated weather stations. The program, called Kilimo Salama, provides insurance to thousands of farmers in the Southern and Western provinces, shielding them from financial losses.
A University of Illinois professor developed simple contracts to clarify expectations, avoid misunderstandings, and protect farmers and customers in CSAs. The downloadable contracts aim to provide a baseline for successful CSAs.
A joint study by Rotman School researcher finds that signing forms first activates people's moral sense, making it harder to cheat. The study reveals a significant difference in insurance premium payments between those who sign at the beginning and end of forms.
Researchers at UEA applied strategic thinking from insurance companies to understand how animals and plants recruit beneficial bacteria, revealing the importance of 'screening out' bad bacteria and ' screening in' good ones. The breakthrough brings scientists closer to understanding the human body's relationship with bacteria.
A large national sample of women diagnosed with cervical cancer between 2000 and 2007 found that lack of insurance was the second strongest predictor of late-stage diagnosis, after age. The study suggests that screening should be made accessible and affordable for all women at higher risk of advanced-stage disease.
A new study found that consumers focus on unique features when evaluating services based on faith due to greater uncertainty. This increased uncertainty undermines consumer confidence and leads to a greater emphasis on standard attributes.
A recent study by Greg Kaplan found that young adults who move back home with their parents after a job loss can benefit from it. Living at home allows individuals to be choosier when looking for a new job, enabling them to wait for higher-paying opportunities and avoiding lower-earning jobs. This can result in lower long-term earnings...
A new study found that consumers' preference for larger selections decreases when making choices involving the distant future. Consumers tend to focus on end goals and less about how to get there, leading them to prefer smaller and simpler assortment of options.
Researchers found that teen drivers in states with primary enforcement laws are more likely to wear seat belts, both as drivers and passengers. The study also showed that strong seat belt laws can narrow safety disparity gaps among specific groups of teens.
Research found patients with Medicare coverage gaps are 57% more likely to stop taking heart medications, contrary to those with supplemental insurance. The sudden exposure to full costs led to abrupt discontinuation of essential cardiovascular medications.
Researchers found low densities of key insect pests in Illinois corn and soybean fields due to environmental conditions and widespread use of Bt-corn hybrids. This practice goes against integrated pest management advice, leading to concerns about insect resistance.
A study by Columbia Business School Professor Doron Nissim reveals that book value multiples are a more accurate measure for valuing insurance companies than earnings multiples. The research finds that excluding certain financial components, such as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI), can worsen valuation accuracy.
Studies found that teen passengers, particularly thrill-seekers with weak perceptions of driving risks, can distract drivers and promote aggressive behavior. Experts recommend limiting passenger numbers for teens during their first year of driving to reduce crash risk.
A study by the University of British Columbia and others found that one in four people without drug insurance cannot afford to fill prescriptions. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,300 participants who reported cost-related nonadherence due to lack of affordable medication options.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that African-Americans, Hispanics, and uninsured patients use fewer post-hospitalization services after traumatic injury. Notably, Hispanic patients were far less likely to utilize post-hospitalization facilities and services regardless of insurance status.
A new study found that people in a good mood tend to use more direct language when thinking of pleasurable goods. Meanwhile, utilitarian consumption like banking and insurance is met with polite language, leading to higher compliance rates for assertive messages. The research has implications for campaigners and public message composers.
A report by the University of Illinois sociology professor Rebecca Sandefur found that access to civil legal assistance depends on where you live, not your need. States with limited means often lack coordinated services nationwide or within communities.
A new insurance program is providing compensation to poor herders in northern Kenya's Marsabit District, who have lost up to a third of their animals due to drought. The program uses satellite images to track forage conditions and payouts are triggered when grazing lands deteriorate beyond 15 percent loss.
A recent study by NIST, funded by the US Department of Homeland Security, has overturned existing myths about wildfires, revealing new vulnerabilities in building materials. The research found that embers can easily ignite building materials placed behind vents, and ceramic-tile roofs are not as fire-resistant as thought.
A recent study published in the Journal of Trauma and Injury found that even after adjusting for injury severity and other factors, African-American patients have a significantly higher overall post-scene mortality rate than white patients. The study analyzed data from over 137,000 assault cases and found that black patients faced high...
A new study found that rain-index insurance can have ecological consequences if farmers adopt unsustainable grazing practices. The study suggests that insurance payouts in periods of moderate drought may incentivize farmers to abandon sustainable management strategies, leading to overgrazing and increased soil erosion. To mitigate thes...
Geoscience professionals can expect high salaries in the finance and insurance industry, with average aggregated salaries ranging from $102,640 to $82,650. This analysis by the American Geological Institute highlights the varying salary ranges across different industries.
A new Johns Hopkins study reveals that uninsured trauma patients are 60% more likely to seek follow-up care in the emergency department (ED) for minor medical needs. This is despite having access to free follow-up appointments. Patients living in poor neighborhoods and those with Medicaid or Medicare are also more likely to use the ED.
A study by Indiana University sociologist Kristin Seefeldt found that poor women have limited expectations from the government, despite facing significant hardship. The women struggled with public benefits, unemployment insurance, and private safety nets, highlighting the need for reform to support low-income families.
Physician practices in the US spend significantly more time interacting with health insurers and payers, resulting in higher per capita health spending. The study found that if US physicians had similar administrative costs to those in Canada, it could save $27.6 billion per year.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that African Americans with dental insurance still experience barriers to quality care, including limited coverage and inadequate provider availability. This leads to postponed treatment, worsening symptoms, and increased public health expenses.
A new study by Henry Ford Health shows that patients with mild hearing loss are motivated to purchase hearing aids based on factors other than cost, including perception of need and insurance coverage. Despite significant advancements in hearing aid technology and comfort, many adults with mild hearing loss do not acquire devices.
A new study by Yale researchers found that states with insurance coverage for infertility have significantly lower multiple birth rates. The study analyzed assisted reproductive technology cycle data and found a reduction in twin and triplet births among younger women, leading to improved maternal-fetal health and economic savings.
Research reveals mothers have a higher sickness absence rate compared to fathers, with twice as many days paid out after childbirth. Increased gainful employment and caregiving responsibilities for women contribute to the disparity.
A recent study from the University of New Hampshire found that individuals who feel more secure in their relationships place a lower monetary value on their possessions. This heightened sense of security can lead to decreased valuation of possessions, as people perceive them as already being protected by their loved ones.
A new study published in Medical Care found that even steep reductions in co-pays for outpatient mental health care do not motivate more seniors to seek care. Despite parity legislation and reduced co-pays, participation in mental health services remained unchanged, except for black seniors who saw a slight increase.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic young women are screened for chlamydia at a significantly higher rate than young white women, contributing to nationwide reporting of higher rates of this sexually transmitted disease among minority young women. Screening likelihood varied by insurance status and age.
The new system will provide more accurate loss adjustment, better policy service, and lower costs to taxpayers. It will consider multiple factors such as weather, location, elevation, and other issues for precise analysis.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that physician rating systems are not consistent across insurance companies, leading to confusion among consumers. The study also revealed that board certification, Medicaid acceptance, and practice location were independent factors associated with a top-tier ratin...
The Sandia study projects the net effect of climate change on US states' agricultural and industrial bases, with some states like California, Pacific Northwest, and Colorado benefiting from reduced water availability. The study concludes that uncertainty in climate change validates the need to act protectively and proactively.
A recent study found that a significant number of patients are willing to undergo computed tomography colonography (CTC) for colorectal cancer screening, but are hesitant to pay out-of-pocket fees. The study suggests that CTC availability could improve screening rates if insurance coverage were more widely available.
The Resilient Home Program aims to reduce tornado-related fatalities by promoting safe room designs and construction. The program uses research and outreach efforts to communicate the importance of storm shelters, with a focus on increasing adoption in the Southeast region.
A study analyzing 150,000 hospital discharges found significant insurance-related differences in mortality rates, length of stay, and costs for acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and pneumonia. Uninsured patients had higher mortality rates and longer hospital stays compared to privately insured patients.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that physician cost profiles can vary widely depending on the attribution rules used by insurance companies. This variability has important implications for both patients and physicians, highlighting the need for transparency and consistency in cost profiling methods.
A North Carolina State University study finds that agricultural workers in states requiring unemployment insurance spend 4.6 weeks fewer unemployed than those without insurance, earning 9% less upon re-hiring. Workers with access to benefits can find better-paying jobs.
A study found that patients with sickle cell disease experience a high rate of acute care utilization, with 18- to 30-year-olds at the highest risk for rehospitalization. The analysis included data from eight states and revealed significant disparities in healthcare usage among different age groups.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that about one-fourth of physicians would be misclassified under cost ranking systems, raising questions about their utility for high-stakes activities like tiered health plans. Only about 40% of physicians had cost profile scores at least 70% reliable, and fewer than 10% were at least 90% reliable.
A new RAND Corporation study finds California's failure to meet air pollution standards costs over $193 million in hospital-based medical care from 2005-2007. Exposure to ozone and particulate pollution causes nearly 30,000 emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
A team of economists and molecular geneticists found that individuals with a high-activity variation of the MAOA gene prefer longshot lottery plays and purchase less insurance, suggesting an inborn bias in financial decision-making. This discovery complements recent findings on the neurobiological basis of economic risk-taking.
A study by Yale researchers found that states with IVF insurance coverage have lower rates of multiple births compared to those without such coverage. The study suggests that increased costs for couples and insurance companies may lead to more embryos being transferred, resulting in higher-order multiple births.
A new study found that expanded insurance benefits and comprehensive case management increased hospice care use among patients with advanced illnesses. The study, published in Journal of Palliative Medicine, reported a 70% increase in hospice use and mean number of days in hospice care.
Ruth's Hospitality Group, Inc. donates the site of its New Orleans restaurant to Tulane University to create a neighborhood-based medical home providing care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The new center will serve over 1,200 patients per month and offer expanded services.
The study found that an accelerated path to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can offer a shorter time to pregnancy and cost savings. Couples who followed the new shortened protocol had a higher success rate and lower risk of multiple births.
Danielle Varda, a Colorado professor, received the Article-of-the-Year Award for her article on public health collaborations, which analyzed data to advance understanding of health systems. The recognition highlights her contribution to the field of Public Health Systems Research (PHSR) and its potential to improve population health.