Health Insurance

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman asked 20 urgent care clinics for information about how they represent insurance coverage to customers. Now four companies have agreed to change their practices.

Health & Safety

N.Y. Takes Action Against Surprise Medical Bills From Urgent Care Clinics

11:29am October 16, 2015

by Julie Appleby

An agreement between New York's attorney general and four companies that operate urgent care centers in the state aims to curb confusing billing practices that left unwitting consumers on the hook.

Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., proposed a bill in April to repeal the impending excise tax on employee health benefits that Obamacare deems excessive.

Looming Tax On High-End Health Plans Draws Heavy Fire

2:48pm October 15, 2015

by Mark Zdechlik

The next fight about the Affordable Care Act unites business leaders, politicians and many unions against leading economists. Will the 2018 tax reduce health costs or just shift the costs to patients?

Queue Listen Now

Changes to the Affordable Care Act haven't been easy to come by, but President Obama just signed into law a relaxation of some requirements for small businesses.

Bipartisan Effort Revises Health Rule For Small Businesses

1:25pm October 13, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

A legal change that eases some of the health insurance requirements for small employers may actually help bolster coverage for their workers.

Unhappy With Your Company's Health Savings Account? Move It

3:12pm October 07, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

Even if an employer contributes to an HSA, the money belongs to the worker, who can move it to find better services or lower fees.

Is that struck by macaw, initial encounter, or struck by macaw, subsequent encounter?

Struck By A Macaw? Now There's A Medical Diagnosis Code For That

6:16pm October 02, 2015

by Barbara Feder Ostrov

Updating antiquated diagnosis codes is supposed to make medical billing more accurate, but doctors and insurers say right now it seems like a very expensive headache. Is there a code for that?

Laticia Aossey was hospitalized while a student at the University of Northern Iowa when she realized she hadn't signed up for health insurance.

Many Former Foster Youths Don't Know They Have Health Care

3:05pm October 01, 2015

by Ray Glier

Under the Affordable Care Act, former foster youths get Medicaid coverage until age 26. Many of them aren't aware of that, and getting that information to them isn't always easy.

Jane Garcia, CEO of La Clinica de la Raza, which serves 25,000 patients in Contra Costa County, Calif., addresses supporters of expanding health care for undocumented adults.

California Counties Add Health Care For Immigrant Adults

12:38pm September 24, 2015

by Farida Jhabvala Romero

Local governments say the move to cover preventive health care for people who are in the country illegally will save money overall by reducing the high cost of emergency room visits.

Note: Bars represent the average family premium for employer-based insurance. They are the total paid and reflect contributions by employers and workers.

Health & Safety

Rising Health Deductibles Take Bigger Bite Out Of Family Budgets

8:14am September 24, 2015

by Alison Kodjak

More companies are adding deductibles to the insurance plans they offer their employees. And for people who already had to pay deductibles, the out-of-pocket outlays are growing.

Health & Safety

Obamacare Enrollment Triggers Drop In The Uninsured Rate

6:37pm September 16, 2015

by Julie Rovner

The sizable jump in Americans with insurance, due in large part to the implementation of the federal health law, is unprecedented since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid 50 years ago.

Don't be afraid to ask the pharmacy for a better price, consumer advocates say.

How To Save Money On Prescription Drugs, Insured Or Not

3:05pm September 16, 2015

by Emily Bazar

Believe it or not, it may be cheaper to pay for a prescription yourself rather than using your insurance. And if that fails, there are other places to turn for help getting the best possible deal.