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As health care moves into the home, do we have enough workers?

Aug 7, 2023
A quarter of referred patients were turned away from home health care providers because of staff shortages, an industry report says.
The COVID-19 pandemic "accelerated an awareness of the capabilities of care at home,” said Bill Dombi of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

How to make health care better through dollars and sense

A new book puts forth ambitious solutions to redesigning and funding the American health care system.
Amy Finkelstein, the author of "We've Got You Covered," compares universal health care coverage to public school — it's an option for all if you want or need it.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Biden administration proposes new mental health care parity rule

Jul 25, 2023
The rule would force insurance companies to follow laws stating mental health care must be covered like physical health care.
President Biden's administration announced the new rule today, but it will need to go through a comment and review process before going into effect.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

High-ranking hospital system disengages from U.S. News listing

Jun 26, 2023
University of Pennsylvania Health System stops participation in U.S. News’ rankings. But the list does influence some patients and insurers.
The University of Pennsylvania Health System's hospitals were often ranked in the top 20.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

As Americans catch up on care they skipped during COVID, health insurance could get pricier

Jun 15, 2023
Patient numbers have bounced back to prepandemic levels.
Procedures like hip and knee surgeries have bounced back.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images

Despite nurse shortage, tens of thousands are turned away from training programs

Jun 9, 2023
Bolstering educational infrastructure for prospective students can address the worsening nursing shortage.
Students at the University of Houston campus in Katy, Texas, train on a manikin.
Elizabeth Trovall/Marketplace

More people are delaying medical care due to cost, Federal Reserve finds

May 24, 2023
About 28% said they had skipped some form of health care because they couldn't afford it, although other costs have been rising faster.
About 28% of survey respondents said they skipped some form of health care last year because they couldn’t afford it, despite other costs rising more quickly.
Jeff Pachoud/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

America’s rural hospitals are in the red

May 17, 2023
A new federal program is dropping rural hospitals a lifeline to keep emergency services available as they struggle to turn a profit.
Battle-tested nurse practitioner Peni Russell is among the bare-bones staff responsible for stabilizing sick and injured patients who come into the rural emergency hospital in San Augustine, Texas.
Elizabeth Trovall/Marketplace

Congress is looking at changes to Medicare. Hospitals aren't thrilled

A little-known payment change could save the federal government $150 billion over the next 10 years.
Right now, there are cases where Medicare pays hospitals more than double what it pays independent doctors for the same care.
sshepard via Getty Images

New mammogram age guidelines could detect cancer earlier — and add costs for women

May 15, 2023
Preventative mammograms are covered by most insurance providers. But follow-up exams might not be.
New federal guidelines aim to screen women earlier for breast cancer, but that could tack on additional costs for many people.
Pascal Lachenaud/AFP via Getty Images