Summary: Health Affairs did a very credible review of administrative excess in US health care, and a review of “targeted” reforms within the current system. Most
The McCanne Health Justice Monitor is produced by a team of health policy experts and single-payer champions. For more information, and a complete archive of entries, visit the HJM website. For an archive of Quote of the Day entries from Dr. Don McCanne, click here.
Medicare Advantage is a “Cash Monster” Absconding with Billions
Summary: The New York Times published a well-researched, clearly-presented, and hard-hitting article about the Medicare Advantage diagnostic upcoding money machine. This superb reporting translates for the
The American Way of Health Insurance: Incur Medical Debt & Lose Access to Care
Summary: The experience of a woman with breast cancer who loses her insurance perfectly illustrates the gaps and harms of our fragmented health insurance system. It’s
Hospitals Serving Black Patients Are Paid Less
Summary: A commentary by researchers highlights inequalities in the financing of hospitals: those serving mainly Black patients have substantially lower capital investment and payment levels. This
25-year-olds (and all of us) struggle with complex & flawed health insurance options
Summary: The vexing experience of finding health insurance hits the nearly 26-year-olds as they must exit parents’ health plans. Their focused dilemma echoes our collective dilemma:
The Dismal State of US Health Insurance
Summary: The 2022 Commonwealth survey of US health insurance tells a dismal story. 43% of adults 19-64 are inadequately insured; 46% report skipping care for financial
Poor Patients Eligible for Free Care Pursued for Payment
Summary: The patients are poor. The hospital chain is not-for-profit. Thus, no question about charging them, they get free care. Nope. Advised by business consultants, they
Tactical Subversion of Democracy & Healthcare
Summary: A NY Times video op-ed describes how the GOP is taking steps to control the US electoral process at multiple levels, ultimately deciding key elections
Misleading Study on Role of Insurance in Access to Sarcoma Care
Summary: A study of sarcoma states in the title that “non-private” insurance slows access and worsens outcomes. Except that it turns out “non-private” means uninsured and
Medical Debt Prevalence, Risk Factors, & Effects on Social Determinants of Health
Summary: A representative multi-year survey of US adults found medical debt in 18% of households, with higher risk for those with no insurance, high deductible private
Pervasive Contamination of US Health System By Corporate Myths & Models
Summary: Two recent articles characterize systemic trends and illustrate one patient’s struggles with corporate goals, values, and tactics permeating health insurance.
Value-Based Payment Is the New For-Profit
Adequacy of Medicare Physician Fee-for-Service Payments
Summary: A survey of California physicians finds that Medicare fee-for-service payments, not keeping pace with inflation, don’t cover their costs to provide care. Big caveat: biased