This week on the FLATLINING Podcast, Matthew and Ron discuss why health insurance premiums are going up. One study from the Willis Towers Watson organization, which surveyed health insurers, claims that costs are going up because of patients’ bad habits and providers recommending too many services. Matthew and Ron break down that claim and discuss the true reason behind premium hikes.
Plus, HHS is looking into new ways to crack down on poor-performing nursing homes, including pulling Medicare and Medicaid contracts. Is this the right approach and how much will that hurt a skilled nursing facility?
And the CDC has recommended that COVID-19 vaccines be part of the vaccine schedule for children. It has received some political pushback and Ron’s opinion of the recommendation might surprise you.
In the Final Thought, Matthew shares British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ideas to reform the NHS.
Let us know what you think in the comments below, email us at flatlining@substack.com, or tweet Matthew or Ron.
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Articles mentioned in this program:
Biden administration vows tougher oversight of poor-performing nursing homes with safety issues - USA Today
2023 Global Medical Trends Survey - Willis Towers Watson
Health insurance prices set for takeoff - POLITICO
HOW IRONIC: Corporate health insurance consultants blame high medical costs on our "bad habits" and "overuse" of system. - Wendell Potter via Wendell Potter NOW
Covid Vaccines Shouldn't Be 'Routine' for Kids - Vinay Prasad via commonsense.news
CDC’s Child Vaccine Move Puts Dem Candidates on the Hot Seat - Steve Cortes via RealClear Politics
The Battle for Number 10: Rishi Sunak questioned by Sky News audience - Sky News via YouTube
Ep. 26 - The rising costs of health insurance