INSURANCE

Jun 26 2025HEALTH

Medications for opioid use disorder: Who gets them and why?

Opioid use disorder is a big problem. Many people struggle to get the help they need. Two medications, buprenorphine and naltrexone, can make a real difference. But not everyone gets equal access to these treatments. Race, ethnicity, and insurance type play a big role in who receives these medicatio

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Jun 25 2025HEALTH

Medicare's Missing Piece: Why Contraceptive Coverage Lags for Women with Disabilities

Medicare supports many women, but it's missing something big. It helps over a million women of childbearing age who live with disabilities. Yet, it's the only major health insurance in the US that doesn't have to cover birth control. This is a problem. Other health plans must cover contraceptives.

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Jun 24 2025HEALTH

Big Changes Coming to Health Insurance Approvals

Big health insurance companies are making changes to speed up the process of getting approval for medical care. This process is called "prior authorization. " It's when doctors ask for permission from insurance companies before they can treat patients. Right now, this process is slow and frustratin

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Jun 24 2025HEALTH

Big Changes Coming to Health Insurance Approvals

Health insurance companies in the U. S. are making big changes to how they handle approvals for medical treatments. This process, called prior authorization, can be a hassle for both patients and doctors. Doctors often have to wait for approval from insurance companies before they can provide certa

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Jun 23 2025HEALTH

Health Insurers Aim to Simplify Coverage Approvals

Big health insurers are taking steps to make it easier for people to get the care they need. UnitedHealthcare, CVS Health's Aetna, and many others are working to cut down on the hassle of prior authorization. This is the process where insurers need to approve medical care, prescriptions, or services

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Jun 23 2025HEALTH

Massachusetts Faces Steep Health Insurance Rate Hike

Massachusetts is facing a significant challenge with health insurance costs. In 2026, eight major health insurers proposed an average rate increase of 13. 4% for individuals and small businesses in the "merged market. " This segment includes around 721, 400 people, excluding government-run programs

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Jun 22 2025HEALTH

How Insurance and Location Affect Severe Pregnancy Complications

The link between severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and various factors is well-documented. These factors include the mother's background, the hospital where she delivers, and where she lives. However, the role these factors play in racial disparities within different insurance groups is not well under

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Jun 20 2025CRIME

Insurance Giants Under Cyber Siege

The insurance industry in the US is under attack. Cybercriminals have successfully breached Aflac, a major player in the insurance world. This incident is part of a wider trend of hacking attempts targeting insurance companies. Aflac, known for its significant customer base and substantial annual re

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Jun 20 2025HEALTH

Insurers' AI: The Hidden Decider of Your Health Coverage

In recent years, health insurance providers have been quietly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to manage your healthcare claims. These AI systems are not just about speeding up processes; they're making crucial decisions about what treatments get covered and how much care you're entitled to. Th

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Jun 14 2025HEALTH

Health Insurance Hike: What's Next for Obamacare Users?

Many people rely on Obamacare for health coverage. This includes folks like Josefina Muralles, who lives in Miami. She works part-time at night and takes care of her family during the day. Her family includes her three kids, her aging mother, and her brother, who is paralyzed. Her brother, Rodrigo,

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