Why Can’t We Just Let the Market Work to Contain Health Care Costs and Improve Quality?
Health care markets don’t function within classic laissez faire economic principles. In classic markets, the power is in the hands of the consumer. Even when manipulated by advertising or the hope that a new wardrobe will attract a love interest, people evaluate the cost and perceived value of a purchase. Then they buy, continue to […]
By Betty RamburWhy Are Only Some American’s Covered by Medicare?
President Franklin D. Roosevelt initially included national health insurance–an early version of “Medicare for All” –as part of the Social Security Act in the 1940s. There was strong opposition from organized medicine, who then stirred public fears about the dangers of socialism. This rabble intensified despite Roosevelt’s proposal not including socialized medicine at all, but […]
By Betty RamburMedicare for All or Medicare as Is: Which is Better?
Recent political debates have created broad discussions about Medicare, Medicare for All, and other variants such as Medicare for All Who Want it. These policies, if enacted, intend to ensure that all Americans have health insurance. Despite strong opinions, Medicare is poorly understood by many. What is Medicare? Medicare is a form of national […]
By Betty RamburSurprise 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