SPRINGFIELD (WAND News) – A bill filed in Springfield would allow doctors to prescribe some HIV medication without needing prior authorization. Prior authorization is when doctors need the approval of insurance companies before they can prescribe drugs. The American Medical Association says insurance companies use prior authorization to save money. The plan would allow doctors…
In February, SmartBrief readers turned their attention to stories showing how intricately health care and finances intersect – and are interdependent. There was news of the fiscal strain that states are feeling over the coverage of costly weight loss drugs, Americans’ concerns about pricing and access to health services, and how insurance executives’ pay can…
The prospect of deep Medicaid cuts has become a flashpoint in Congress, with leaders of both parties accusing their counterparts of lying. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said Feb. 27 that a Republican budget measure would “set in motion the largest cut to Medicaid in American history,” and that Republicans are hiding the consequences. “The…
A Portland family argues that their $430 walking boot illustrates the problem of inflated costs in health care, where prices are obscure and detached from reality. PORTLAND, Ore. — When Jennifer and Bryan Alger’s son got hurt playing soccer, the Portland couple did what most parents would — they took him to the doctor. “We…
Military families have two weeks to meet March 31 deadlines for four important tasks related to their health care. Enroll in a health care flexible spending account: In a special enrollment period through March 31, active duty service members have the option of enrolling in a health care flexible spending account, a new benefit that…
A physician at a Federally Qualified Health Center talks to a patient while adding notes to her medical record. AI “ambient scribing” technologies are being used by a growing number of health systems to ease the burden on physicians of entering detailed patient visit summaries into electronic health records. Photo: Jessica Brandi Lifland Artificial intelligence…
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – WV Navigator will be hosting a free event for those needing health insurance. The event is a free, in-person health coverage enrollment event to assist with ACA Marketplace Health Insurance sign-ups. It will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Vienna Public Library. Representatives will be available for assistance…
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers are growing concerned with the use of artificial intelligence in health care. Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, is sponsoring two bills that would place restrictions on the use of AI in online therapy services as well as AI use in decision-making processes that determine a person’s health insurance coverage. “Artificial intelligence is…
A Navy veteran and his wife said they were blindsided when Tricare, the military’s health care program, rescinded over $100,000 in medical claims it had approved and paid several years ago. Harve Smith, 71, received a $470 bill in January for dermatologist visits in 2020. He thought it was a one-off error until he discovered…
Click the + Icon To See Additional Sharing Options Health insurance was a topic of discussion at the Grundy County R-5 Board of Education meeting on March 12. The district’s insurance provider, Missouri Educators’ Trust, has indicated a seven percent increase in pricing. A comparable base plan to last year has risen by $43, bringing…