Posts All of our commentary in one spot. You can also browse by topics or search. 414 posts in this category Posts pagination Newer 1 … 31 32 33 34 35 … 42 Older US Ranks 36th Out of 37 Nations on COVID-19 Mortality November 8, 2021 Summary: A new study quantifies the loss in life expectancy due to COVID-19 in nations around the world. The US is in the worst tier, with a drop of nearly two years. Blame lays at the feet of mishandling by Trump, but also long-term degradation of public health and primary care access. Both must be […] When will we transform our deadly insurance system? November 4, 2021 Summary: New research with vital statistics data finds that since 1990 overall US mortality has increasingly worsened compared with other OECD countries, in poorer and richer geographic areas alike. The differences attenuate after age 65, when Medicare eligibility begins. The toll for Black Americans is worse, despite gains. These findings suggest that insurance shortfalls lead […] Insurers Avoid Loss Ratio Limits by Shifting Profits to Provider Subsidiaries November 2, 2021 Summary: Insurers don’t appreciate limits on their profits. So, to circumvent federal “medical loss ratio” rules, they buy up medical providers and send the excess revenues there. Voila, huge profits retained. Profits swell when insurers are also your doctors.AxiosJuly 16, 2021By Bob Herman. The big picture: Federal law caps health insurance profits to 15-20% of […] Setting our sights for real health care reform November 1, 2021 Summary: Build Back Better is falling short even on modest health reforms. Let’s focus on building the popular movement needed for truly progressive transformation of our health care system. Locked Out of the Sausage Factory: Will Medicare Expansion Survive the Budget Reconciliation Debates?Common DreamsOctober 27, 2021By Michael Lighty & Mark Dudzic The Build Back Better […] Let the Games End! October 28, 2021 Summary: Two unrelated news stories highlight ways that powerful actors in our healthcare system manipulate complex reimbursement rules and procedures, approaching and crossing legal boundaries. Detecting and stopping abuse in our complex profit-focused system is impossible. We need to end this gaming, with a simple fair payment system. 5 things about DOJ’s upcoding allegations against […] Medicaid Coverage Reduces Pre-Pregnancy Depression October 26, 2021 Summary: This study compared perinatal mental health outcomes for low-income women in states that expanded Medicaid with states that did not. They found a substantial drop in pre-pregnancy depression, which they attribute to better diagnosis and treatment and/or reduced financial worry. Health coverage reduces morbidity. Medicaid Expansion Associated with Some Improvements in Perinatal Mental HealthHealth […] VA Privatization Worsens Care October 25, 2021 Summary: A new study finds that knee replacement done at Veterans Affairs hospitals has better clinical outcomes than surgery farmed out by the VA to private providers in the community. The VA – socialized medicine – works well. Comparing Complication Rates After Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty Delivered Or Purchased By The VA.Health AffairsAug 1, 2021By […] How Private Equity Harms Health Care, Especially in Physician Practices October 22, 2021 Summary: A far-reaching new review of private equity investment in physician practices makes clear that PE tactics – aggressive and sometimes illegal – extract money from the health care system, often without delivering quality in return. Concerns exist regardless of payment model. Private Equity Investment As A Divining Rod For Market Failure: Policy Responses To […] Heart Attack Care Better in Canada than the US October 21, 2021 Summary: This study compared quality of care (eg, best clinical practices like prescribing the right medicines) for young adults (≤55) with an acute myocardial infarction. A low quality of care score was nearly 3 times more likely in the US than in Canada. So Canada, with inexpensive single payer, provides better care. Variations in Quality […] Free Medications Increase Use and Lower Healthcare Costs October 19, 2021 Summary: This important Canadian study found that making essential medicines free – removing financial barriers – raises adherence, lowers medical costs, and generally raises patient perceptions of well-being, including overall health. Adherence at 2 years with distribution of essential medicines at no charge: The CLEAN Meds randomized clinical trial.PLOS MedicineMay 21, 2021By N Persaud et […] Posts pagination Newer 1 … 31 32 33 34 35 … 42 Older
