A lawsuit filed Friday outlines a moneymaking scheme by which large insurance sales agency call centers bought names of people who responded to misleading ads touting free government "subsidies."
After it was discovered that some agents were switching consumers' ACA plans without their permission to garner the commissions, the CMS now mask the first 6 digits of the Social Security numbers on the ACA site.
The HHS rule, which mandates that health insurers not count copay assistance toward out-of-pocket costs, was struck down last fall, however, it is backfiring on patients with chronic diseases that need expensive drugs.
Biden is counting on outrage over abortion restrictions to help drive turnout for his reelection, while Trump is promising to repeal Obamacare, but where do the candidates stand on Americans' everyday health concerns?
A federal mask mandate is unlikely, but health officials and hospitals in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York have again told staff and patients to don masks. And if you feel ill, stay home, recommends a health official.
The Biden administration wants to boost oversight of the number of doctors, hospitals, and other health providers insurers cover in ACA plans, under a proposed new rule, which also makes it easier for plans to include dental care.
The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover a variety of preventive services without a patient paying out-of-pocket, but it is not uncommon for medical practices to narrowly interpret the term "preventive service."
Those 65 and older joining Medicare for the first time can buy a supplemental, or "Medigap," policy, which covers many out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copays, which can be substantial.
In an attempt by the Biden administration to help reduce sepsis-caused deaths, a specific treatment regimen must be followed for all patients with suspected sepsis, otherwise hospitals could lose funding.
Timing and cost of new vaccines vary by virus and health insurance status, but for COVID shots, including the updated ones expected to be available this fall, most people will still be able to get the vaccines for free.
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"uri": "/2024/04/16/aca-plan-switching-scheme-targeted-low-income-consumers-insurance-agents-sued/",
"title": "ACA 'plan-switching' scheme targeted low-income consumers: Insurance agents sued",
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"summary": "A lawsuit filed Friday outlines a moneymaking scheme by which large insurance sales agency call centers bought names of people who responded to misleading ads touting free government \"subsidies.\"",
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"uri": "/2024/04/09/after-public-push-cms-curbs-health-insurance-agents-access-to-consumer-ssns/",
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"summary": "After it was discovered that some agents were switching consumers' ACA plans without their permission to garner the commissions, the CMS now mask the first 6 digits of the Social Security numbers on the ACA site.",
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"title": "What another Biden (Trump) presidency would mean for rising health care costs",
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"uri": "/2023/11/09/when-that-supposedly-free-annual-physical-generates-a-bill/",
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"summary": "In an attempt by the Biden administration to help reduce sepsis-caused deaths, a specific treatment regimen must be followed for all patients with suspected sepsis, otherwise hospitals could lose funding.",
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"title": "Tripledemic ahead! New COVID, flu, RSV vaccines (and what's covered by insurance)",
"byline": "Julie Appleby",
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