You would never know that positive changes are taking place in the health sector from the Commonwealth Fund's newest paper, "Americans Driven into Debt by Medical Bills," released yesterday. It says an estimated 77 million adults "have difficulty paying medical bills, have accrued medical debt, or both." But nowhere does the study attempt to quantify the level of difficulty in paying the bills or … [Read more...] about Medical Debt
Setting Garamendi Straight
Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi grabbed the spotlight this week by blasting Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in his latest report ?Priced Out. Health Care in California? while stressing his demand for a universal, government-run health care system. But his accusations against consumer-directed health care (CDHC) products are not backed by actual experience of people in the plans. Some … [Read more...] about Setting Garamendi Straight
Consumerism in Health Care: Early Evidence is Positive
As more Americans move into consumer-directed health plans, more and more studies are being produced that report on early experience with these plans. We have released a paper that summarizes some of the newest studies of these products, including Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements, which offer new incentives for consumers to help manage their health care and … [Read more...] about Consumerism in Health Care: Early Evidence is Positive
California Dreamin'
California grabbed the spotlight this week with a report by the state's insurance commissioner, John Garamendi, blasting Health Savings Accounts and consumer-directed care and stressing his demand for a universal, government-run health care system. But he has a small problem with actual facts: Consumer directed plans "put the entire health system at risk" because they attract the young and … [Read more...] about California Dreamin'
Health Care Week
The Congress took a few more small steps toward health reform this week: Both the House and Senate have passed identical bills creating a voluntary system for reporting medical errors with new protections from lawsuits. Sen. Frist says medical mistakes are the "eighth leading cause of deaths each year -- more than car accidents, breast cancer or HIV/AIDS." This could give analysts a wealth of … [Read more...] about Health Care Week
Weighing the Benefits of Specialty Hospitals
The Galen Institute hosted a Congressional staff briefing on "Weighing the Benefits of Specialty Hospitals" on July 20, 2005. Six experts explored the arguments for and against the moratorium on specialty hospitals. Materials from the briefing include: The agenda. Senator Tom Coburn's bio. Regina Herzlinger's bio. Professor Herzlinger has prepared a paper, but it is still in draft … [Read more...] about Weighing the Benefits of Specialty Hospitals
Setting Priorities
The New York Times published a blockbuster series of articles this week, exposing the astonishing corruption in New York State's Medicaid program. Some highlights: A Brooklyn dentist -- who has since been indicted -- billed for 991 fillings, cleanings, and other dental procedures in one day in 2003, costing Medicaid a total of $63,967. Her total Medicaid take that year: $5.4 million. The state … [Read more...] about Setting Priorities
Weighing the Benefits of Specialty Hospitals
The Galen Institute hosted a Congressional staff briefing on "Weighing the Benefits of Specialty Hospitals" on July 20, 2005. Six experts explored the arguments for and against the moratorium on specialty hospitals. Materials from the briefing include: The agenda. Senator Tom Coburn's bio. Regina Herzlinger's bio. Professor Herzlinger has prepared a paper, but it is … [Read more...] about Weighing the Benefits of Specialty Hospitals