Health Insurance and Medicare News, Features & Updates

Erin Bradshaw, a representative from the Patient Advocate Foundation, offers advice and tips for lowering your out-of-pocket health care costs when you live with a chronic condition.

Erin Bradshaw from the Patient Advocate Foundation identifies ways to use AI as a tool for better understanding and lowering health care costs.

A patient advocate answers some common questions about cutting health care costs in this Reddit AMA.

Today, rural areas and small towns across the U.S. have less access to quality health care than in the past. Learn about ways to find the care you need.

Rx bills too high? Here are 13 cost-cutting strategies for prescription medications that don’t call for dangerous steps like skipping doses or taking only half.

Mental health care costs can add up, even if you have health insurance. Here, one patient advocate explains how he makes it more affordable.

An unexpected hospitalization cost one woman tens of thousands of dollars. Here are steps to take so that doesn’t happen to you.

Having health care insurance can save your life but shouldn't bankrupt you. See how to cut prescription and treatment costs on coverage that's right for you.

Two-thirds of Americans are worried about health care costs. 72-year-old LaNita Jo Fox is one of them. Here’s what she does to get by.

Choosing the right health insurance plan for you can be daunting. Here are some things to do – and avoid – as you work through the process.

July 24, 2025 — With Americans facing potentially the biggest loss of health insurance in the nation’s history, here’s what experts want you to know about the impact to your health.

March 25, 2024 — A month after the cyberattack on Change Healthcare -- a technology company handling 15 billion transactions annually and touching 1 in 3 patient records -- doctors, pharmacists, and health care systems are still in recovery mode. The effects of the unprecedented attack are still adversely affecting consumers as well. Here’s what to know.

October 18, 2023 — People who buy health insurance for their entire family through their employer are paying nearly $500 more annually in 2023, compared to what they paid in 2022. The employee contribution for single health insurance coverage increased $74 from 2022 to 2023.

May 16, 2023 — A federal appeals court has temporarily restored the Affordable Care Act requirement that health insurers fully pay for certain preventive services.

April 5, 2023 — The real out-of-pocket costs are becoming clear, and it’s one mixed bag.

April 2, 2023 — The largest health insurer in the United States says it will no longer require lengthy paperwork, known as prior authorization, for many types of health care starting later this year.

March 31, 2023 — Health experts were researching exactly how many preventive services might be affected and said no changes would likely occur immediately.

Thinking of starting or contributing to a health care crowdfunding campaign? Keep these pointers in mind.

January 20, 2023 — Most hospitals are not fully complying with a 2021 requirement to publish prices, a new analysis shows. The requirement was intended to increase transparency of health care costs and make it possible to shop around for the best prices of medical care.

Here are answers to common questions on whether health insurance covers abortion.

While dealing with your insurer can feel overwhelming – especially if you need to discuss an issue that’s complicated or confusing – you can make the communication go as smoothly as possible by following a few simple dos and don’ts.

If you’re hoping to use your insurance to help offset the cost of mental health treatment, here’s what you need to know.

People in jails and prisons are entitled to health care, but it’s not always easy to access.

How healthy you are and how long you live depend a lot on how much you can afford to pay for health care.

You’ll need to plan for health care if you live in a rural area.

If you currently don’t have reliable housing, you may want to know about health care for people who are experiencing homelessness.

Talking to your doctor about medication costs can save you money. Find out how your doctor can help.

Learn ways to save money and find the best prices on prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication.

Understanding your health insurer's directory of covered drugs can save you money.

Tempted to give your 2 weeks’ notice and join the “Great Resignation”? Here’s what you need to know about health insurance before you quit your job.

Paying out of pocket even with health coverage? Experts explain how to get your insurer to pay more.

Nursing home care can be expensive. Learn about how much Medicaid pays, eligibility guidelines, and more.

Step-by-step tips on how to keep your private health information protected.

Long-term care insurance is used for personal care needs. Learn more about what services a long-term care insurance plan may cover.

Learn about saving money on dental care for senior adults, including how to find low-cost resources.

Learn about how to get your health records, including how to have a mistake fixed so your medical record is accurate.

Step-by-step tips on how to dispute your medical bill.

What can you expect during the Medicare enrollment process? Learn how to make smart choices and avoid penalties.

How do the different parts of Medicare work, and what do they cover? Learn more about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, plus Medigap plans.

Learn about the penalties for enrolling late for Medicare coverage, penalty amounts, how to protest penalties, and appealing coverage decisions.

Who can get access to the health information you share in apps or online? Learn how to protect the privacy of your digital health data.

Learn about surprise medical billing, why it happens, what you can do, how to prevent it, and the new law.

November 29, 2018 — A federal law guarantees a certain level of medical care to anyone who comes to an emergency department, including a proper screening exam to determine if a patient has a medical emergency.

November 29, 2018 — Pregnant women are among the groups of patients that may not get adequate care when they go to a hospital emergency room, in violation of a federal law created to protect them.

November 29, 2018 — WebMD and Georiga Health News used documents and data obtained through Open Records requests along with interview for its investigation on hospital EMTALA violations.

November 29, 2018 — An investigation by WebMD and Georgia Health News finds that hospitals are breaking a law that requires them to provide emergency care to patients who need it, sometimes with deadly results.

President Obama Interview Transcript

What to consider when you're shopping for long-term care insurance.

Brown-bag lunches for adults can save money and be healthier than buying your lunch. Looking for ideas? You'll find them in this article.