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What long Covid patients need to know about health insurance
Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty Images Navigating the health insurance system is often difficult and overwhelming, even in the best of times. For patients with long Covid, a relatively new condition that frequently leaves patients with a lengthy and unpredictable list of debilitating symptoms, it can be especially nightmarish. “Even if you remain on the same [health insurance] plan you had before Covid, you will probably utilize the health-care system more, whether it be more office visits, more prescription medications or even more medical devices,” said Caitlin Donovan, a spokesperson for the National Patient Advocate Foundation. Indeed, nearly half of people with long Covid reported increased medical expenses, according to…
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Why St. Luke’s made its own HMO-style insurance plan for Idaho
St. Luke’s Health System grew rapidly over the past decade — acquiring and making deals with Idaho and Oregon medical practices and hospitals. As it grew, St. Luke’s executives described a master plan to curb the costs of health care — and to ensure that care actually makes people healthier. One milestone in that plan arrived last fall: a new insurance company called St. Luke’s Health Plan. “The thing that really is going to be different with our own health plan: you will have an integrated experience,” said St. Luke’s Health Plan President Matt Wolff. “I think that’s a major hurdle that causes a lot of friction, a lot of…
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Health Insurance Guide: Navigating Coverage in Your 20s
Georgia Lee Hussey, the chief executive of Modernist Financial, a planning firm in Portland, Ore., that helps clients make financial decisions aligned with their progressive values, noted that some young people who are working as independent contractors or interns may qualify for Medicaid. She said it was important for young adults to aim for financial independence, if possible. “If you have the means, get your own health care coverage,” Ms. Hussey said. Talking to your family Conversations about financial decisions like health insurance can provoke tension between parents and grandparents and their children, sometimes because of generational differences. Ms. Hussey said people should focus on cultivating understanding and empathy when…
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Finding health insurance prices for care is an ordeal : Shots
Insurers are complying with federal rules aimed at price transparency that took effect July 1, but consumer use of the data may have to wait until private firms synthesize it. DNY59/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption DNY59/Getty Images Insurers are complying with federal rules aimed at price transparency that took effect July 1, but consumer use of the data may have to wait until private firms synthesize it. DNY59/Getty Images Data wonks with mighty computers are overjoyed. Ordinary consumers, not so much. That’s the reaction about three weeks into a data dump of enormous proportions. Health insurers are posting their negotiated rates for just about every type of medical service…
