Surprise Billing
Have you ever ordered something and then been shocked at the sticker price? This happens in health care, but one unique element has recently gained a lot of attention in Congress. It is called surprise billing. What is it? And who is it that is surprised? Surprise billing is the term used for an insured […]
By Betty RamburDo Americans Really Use More Services?
Yes…and no. Some have argued that Americans don’t really used more services. Instead, it is the disproportionately high cost of services. Renowned health economist Uwe Reinhardt famously stated: It’s the prices, stupid, a conclusion reiterated in 2019. Still, the evidence on over use, overtreatment and even over screening is compelling. Have you had services […]
By Betty RamburWhy is Health Insurance So Expensive in the U.S?
Americans use more high-price health services than people in other wealthy nations, and Volume X Unit Price=Cost. Unfortunately, these enormous expenditures (3.3 trillion in 2016, with roughly 1/3 of this for hospital care) do not equate to value and overall health. One-third to one-half of care in the U.S. represents waste and these unnecessary costs […]
By Betty RamburHealth Care Matters- A Guide to Voters and Concerned Citizens
Cost and access to health care are among the most pressing issues facing American families and are likely to take center stage in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Issues like Medicare for All and the cost of prescription drugs are frequently debated. Each side holds strong, often strident views. Yet most American’s have little understanding […]
By Betty Rambur