Summary: A new study quantifies the loss in life expectancy due to COVID-19 in nations around the world. The US is in the worst tier,
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.
When will we transform our deadly insurance system?
Summary: New research with vital statistics data finds that since 1990 overall US mortality has increasingly worsened compared with other OECD countries, in poorer and
Insurers Avoid Loss Ratio Limits by Shifting Profits to Provider Subsidiaries
Summary: Insurers don’t appreciate limits on their profits. So, to circumvent federal “medical loss ratio” rules, they buy up medical providers and send the excess
Setting our sights for real health care reform
Summary: Build Back Better is falling short even on modest health reforms. Let’s focus on building the popular movement needed for truly progressive transformation of
Let the Games End!
Summary: Two unrelated news stories highlight ways that powerful actors in our healthcare system manipulate complex reimbursement rules and procedures, approaching and crossing legal boundaries.
Medicaid Coverage Reduces Pre-Pregnancy Depression
Summary: This study compared perinatal mental health outcomes for low-income women in states that expanded Medicaid with states that did not. They found a substantial
VA Privatization Worsens Care
Summary: A new study finds that knee replacement done at Veterans Affairs hospitals has better clinical outcomes than surgery farmed out by the VA to
How Private Equity Harms Health Care, Especially in Physician Practices
Summary: A far-reaching new review of private equity investment in physician practices makes clear that PE tactics – aggressive and sometimes illegal – extract money
Heart Attack Care Better in Canada than the US
Summary: This study compared quality of care (eg, best clinical practices like prescribing the right medicines) for young adults (≤55) with an acute myocardial infarction.
Free Medications Increase Use and Lower Healthcare Costs
Summary: This important Canadian study found that making essential medicines free – removing financial barriers – raises adherence, lowers medical costs, and generally raises patient
Public Health Capacity Needs a Major Boost
Summary: To achieve a healthy nation, we need not only single payer healthcare, but also robust public health practice. During COVID, an already underfunded and
Don’t Undermine Medicare via Means Testing in Build Back Better
Summary: Means test Medicare? What? Yes, suggested by a conservative Democrat for the proposed Medicare improvements in the huge social infrastructure bill in Congress. This