Medicaid expansion may lower death rate, study says
Pam Belluck, New York Times
July 25, 2012
A new Harvard study compared the death rates in three states before and after they expanded Medicaid to cover low income adults without children, to the death rates in four nearby comparison states. Medicaid expansion significantly reduced mortality.
Blocking Medicaid expansion may burden hospitals
Steve Twedt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
July 25, 2012
When they agreed to reimbursement cuts under the Affordable Care Act, hospitals were counting on Medicaid expansion to balance their budgets. If Governor Corbett and the Republicans block Medicaid expansion, the results will be "financially devastating."
Budget Office: Obama's health law reduces deficit
Ricardo Alonso-Zalvidar and Andrew Taylor, Associated Press
July 25, 2012
The Congressional Budget Office has announced, for the third time, that the Affordable Care Act will reduce the federal deficit. New spending to cover the uninsured will be more than offset by spending cuts and tax increases.
Where in the world can you get universal health care?
Madison Park, CNN
June 29, 2012
Although the U. S. lacks universal health care, nearly 50 countries have it. This article reviews health care coverage in eight countries, including Brazil, China and Rwanda.
Debt collector is faulted for tough tactics in hospitals
Jessica Silver-Greenberg, New York Times
April 24, 2012
Debt collectors, with the cooperation of hospital staff members, are harassing patients about medical bills while they are awaiting surgery or recovering from serious illnesses.
Study: One in four Americans without health insurance coverage
Common Dreams Staff
April 20, 2012
A study by the Commonwealth Fund found that 25% of Americans lacked health insurance for all or part of 2011. The primary reason was loss or change of job. Those who tried to buy individual policies were unable to find affordable coverage.
In a shift, Medicare pushes bids
Robert Pear, New York Times
April 18, 2012
In a move expected to save $42 billion in ten years, Medicare is expanding the use of competitive bidding in the purchases of medical supplies such as wheelchairs. Medical suppliers are outraged at having to participate in a free market.
Americans cutting back on drugs and doctor visits
Katie Thomas, New York Times
April 4, 2012
Drug purchases are down 1.1% and doctor visits are down 4.7%, but emergency room visits are up 7.4%. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that many Americans cannot afford to take care of their health.
Looking ahead, Republicans examine options in health care fight
Robert Pear and Jonathan Weisman, New York Times
April 3, 2012
If the Affordable Care Act is repealed or found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Republicans gave an alternative plan. Millions fewer Americans will be insuraed, and they will pay more for their insurance.
Doctor panels recommend fewer tests for patients
Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times
April 3, 2012
As much as one-third of health care spending goes for unnecessary hospitalization and tests that wastes money and may harm patients.
On health care hearing's last day, Supreme Court weighs Medicaid expansion
Robert Barnes and N. C. Aizenman, Washington Post
March 28, 2012
The Supreme Court may be "on the brink of a redefinition of the Federal government's power" by striking down the Affordable Care Act.
Pam Belluck, New York Times
July 25, 2012
A new Harvard study compared the death rates in three states before and after they expanded Medicaid to cover low income adults without children, to the death rates in four nearby comparison states. Medicaid expansion significantly reduced mortality.
Blocking Medicaid expansion may burden hospitals
Steve Twedt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
July 25, 2012
When they agreed to reimbursement cuts under the Affordable Care Act, hospitals were counting on Medicaid expansion to balance their budgets. If Governor Corbett and the Republicans block Medicaid expansion, the results will be "financially devastating."
Budget Office: Obama's health law reduces deficit
Ricardo Alonso-Zalvidar and Andrew Taylor, Associated Press
July 25, 2012
The Congressional Budget Office has announced, for the third time, that the Affordable Care Act will reduce the federal deficit. New spending to cover the uninsured will be more than offset by spending cuts and tax increases.
Where in the world can you get universal health care?
Madison Park, CNN
June 29, 2012
Although the U. S. lacks universal health care, nearly 50 countries have it. This article reviews health care coverage in eight countries, including Brazil, China and Rwanda.
Debt collector is faulted for tough tactics in hospitals
Jessica Silver-Greenberg, New York Times
April 24, 2012
Debt collectors, with the cooperation of hospital staff members, are harassing patients about medical bills while they are awaiting surgery or recovering from serious illnesses.
Study: One in four Americans without health insurance coverage
Common Dreams Staff
April 20, 2012
A study by the Commonwealth Fund found that 25% of Americans lacked health insurance for all or part of 2011. The primary reason was loss or change of job. Those who tried to buy individual policies were unable to find affordable coverage.
In a shift, Medicare pushes bids
Robert Pear, New York Times
April 18, 2012
In a move expected to save $42 billion in ten years, Medicare is expanding the use of competitive bidding in the purchases of medical supplies such as wheelchairs. Medical suppliers are outraged at having to participate in a free market.
Americans cutting back on drugs and doctor visits
Katie Thomas, New York Times
April 4, 2012
Drug purchases are down 1.1% and doctor visits are down 4.7%, but emergency room visits are up 7.4%. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that many Americans cannot afford to take care of their health.
Looking ahead, Republicans examine options in health care fight
Robert Pear and Jonathan Weisman, New York Times
April 3, 2012
If the Affordable Care Act is repealed or found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, Republicans gave an alternative plan. Millions fewer Americans will be insuraed, and they will pay more for their insurance.
Doctor panels recommend fewer tests for patients
Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times
April 3, 2012
As much as one-third of health care spending goes for unnecessary hospitalization and tests that wastes money and may harm patients.
On health care hearing's last day, Supreme Court weighs Medicaid expansion
Robert Barnes and N. C. Aizenman, Washington Post
March 28, 2012
The Supreme Court may be "on the brink of a redefinition of the Federal government's power" by striking down the Affordable Care Act.
Gender gap persists in cost of health insurance
Robert Pear, New York Times
March 19, 2012
The Affordable Care Act forbids gender discrimination beginning in 2014, but so far the insurance companies have not reduced it.
White House works to shape debate over health law
Robert Pear, New York Times
March 9, 2012
With oral arguments in the Supreme Court challenge to the Affordable Care Act coming up later this month, the Obama administration has decided to publicly defend the law.
Pa. Senate panel moves bill to void federal health care law
Laura Olson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
March 7, 2012
The bill would amend Pennsylvania's Constitution to make illegal to require citizens to purchase health insurance. But the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of the individual mandate before this process can be completed.
More Americans are seeking dental treatment at the ER
Lindsay Tanner, The Associated Press
February 28, 2012
Here's another indication of how dysfunctional our health care system is. ER dental treatment costs ten times as much as preventive care and only treats the symptoms. But this is the AP, so the article blames the problem on "a shortage of dentists!"
Many states take a wait-and-see approach on new insurance exchanges
Robert Pear, New York Times
February 27, 2012
Many Republican states are not setting up insurance exchanges required by the Affordable Care Act, apparently in the hope that the act will be overturned either by the Supreme Court or a Republican landslide in November. If the law survives, they will be unable to establish exchanges by the January 1, 2013 deadline.
Hospitals demand payment upfront from ER patients with routine problems
Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News
February 20, 2012
Opponents of universal health care are fond of saying that "everyone can get care in an emergency room." Here is proof that the statement is false.
Pittsburgh hospitals' care costs are highest in country
Steve Twedt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
February 12, 2012
This indicates not only high prices but also overtreatment--some people are getting operations they don't need or are being hospitalized unnecessarily. Could these issues be related to the near-monopoly that exists in Pittsburgh's health care industry?
Single payer falls 2 votes short in California Senate
Common Dreams
January 28, 2012
Four Democrats abstained, guaranteeing the defeat of "Medicare for all." Another vote may take place next week.
Companies examining health care incentives to cut costs
Bill Toland, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
January 27, 2012
Health and access to care among employed and unemployed adults: United States, 2009-2010
National Center for Health Statistics
January 24, 2012
A national survey by the Center for Disease Control shows that 81.4% of employed adults aged 18-64 have health insurance, while 48.1% of unemployed adults have health insurance. Those without health insurance have less access to medical care and prescription drugs.
UPMC's out-of-network charges are high
Steve Twedt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
January 12, 2012
UPMC's out-of-network charges for people without health insurance are much higher than those of its competitors, amounting to an 850% markup. This outrageous profit-taking would disappear in a single-payer system.
Associated Press
December 28, 2011
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to pay for most preventive care, such as breast exams and colonoscopies. However, doctors and insurance companies are avoiding compliance with the law by finding excuses to charge for preventive care.
New study finds 45,000 deaths annually linked to lack of health coverage
Harvard Gazette
December 20, 2011
The authors analyzed survey data from the Center for Disease Control. Another way of stating the findings is that uninsured, working age Americans have a 40% higher risk of death than Americans with health insurance.
Health care law will let states tailor benefits
by Robert Pear, New York Times
December 16, 2011
In a major concession to opponents of his health care program, President Obama will let each state decide what are the "essential health benefits" that must be covered under the Affordable Care Act.
Robert Pear, New York Times
March 19, 2012
The Affordable Care Act forbids gender discrimination beginning in 2014, but so far the insurance companies have not reduced it.
White House works to shape debate over health law
Robert Pear, New York Times
March 9, 2012
With oral arguments in the Supreme Court challenge to the Affordable Care Act coming up later this month, the Obama administration has decided to publicly defend the law.
Pa. Senate panel moves bill to void federal health care law
Laura Olson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
March 7, 2012
The bill would amend Pennsylvania's Constitution to make illegal to require citizens to purchase health insurance. But the Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of the individual mandate before this process can be completed.
More Americans are seeking dental treatment at the ER
Lindsay Tanner, The Associated Press
February 28, 2012
Here's another indication of how dysfunctional our health care system is. ER dental treatment costs ten times as much as preventive care and only treats the symptoms. But this is the AP, so the article blames the problem on "a shortage of dentists!"
Many states take a wait-and-see approach on new insurance exchanges
Robert Pear, New York Times
February 27, 2012
Many Republican states are not setting up insurance exchanges required by the Affordable Care Act, apparently in the hope that the act will be overturned either by the Supreme Court or a Republican landslide in November. If the law survives, they will be unable to establish exchanges by the January 1, 2013 deadline.
Hospitals demand payment upfront from ER patients with routine problems
Phil Galewitz, Kaiser Health News
February 20, 2012
Opponents of universal health care are fond of saying that "everyone can get care in an emergency room." Here is proof that the statement is false.
Pittsburgh hospitals' care costs are highest in country
Steve Twedt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
February 12, 2012
This indicates not only high prices but also overtreatment--some people are getting operations they don't need or are being hospitalized unnecessarily. Could these issues be related to the near-monopoly that exists in Pittsburgh's health care industry?
Single payer falls 2 votes short in California Senate
Common Dreams
January 28, 2012
Four Democrats abstained, guaranteeing the defeat of "Medicare for all." Another vote may take place next week.
Companies examining health care incentives to cut costs
Bill Toland, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
January 27, 2012
Employers are shifting health care costs to employees by giving "discounts" for good health habits. This may penalize some workers for conditions that are beyond their control.
National Center for Health Statistics
January 24, 2012
A national survey by the Center for Disease Control shows that 81.4% of employed adults aged 18-64 have health insurance, while 48.1% of unemployed adults have health insurance. Those without health insurance have less access to medical care and prescription drugs.
UPMC's out-of-network charges are high
Steve Twedt, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
January 12, 2012
UPMC's out-of-network charges for people without health insurance are much higher than those of its competitors, amounting to an 850% markup. This outrageous profit-taking would disappear in a single-payer system.
Associated Press
December 28, 2011
The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to pay for most preventive care, such as breast exams and colonoscopies. However, doctors and insurance companies are avoiding compliance with the law by finding excuses to charge for preventive care.
New study finds 45,000 deaths annually linked to lack of health coverage
Harvard Gazette
December 20, 2011
The authors analyzed survey data from the Center for Disease Control. Another way of stating the findings is that uninsured, working age Americans have a 40% higher risk of death than Americans with health insurance.
Health care law will let states tailor benefits
by Robert Pear, New York Times
December 16, 2011
In a major concession to opponents of his health care program, President Obama will let each state decide what are the "essential health benefits" that must be covered under the Affordable Care Act.
University of California at San Francisco News
November 29, 2011
A UCSF study compared the nation's ten largest for-profit nursing home chains were to government-run nursing homes. The private nursing homes had 30% fewer nursing hours, 36% more deficiencies, and 41% more serious deficiencies, e.g., bed sores, infections, patient mistreatment.
