New Census Data reports show that Texas still has the highest uninsured rates in the nation at 17.3 percent— a full 3 percentage points higher than the state with the next-highest uninsured rate, Oklahoma. Why does this matter? Because study after study shows that when families have health care coverage, they have better health care outcomes. Texans with insurance are more likely to receive preventative, primary, and specialty care services.
There is a new billing scheme that is misleading Texas patients with hidden costs—facility fees. These excessive hospital based fees, often in the thousands of dollars for very basic services, have long come under criticism from patients and consumers for creating surprise medical bills that Texans cannot afford. But, it’s not only hospitals that are charging these hidden fees anymore. The out-of-control expansion of these unreasonable fees is driving up the cost of premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Texas families and employers.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Texans have been tricked into a new type of health care price gouging – outrageous COVID-19 testing.
February 11, 2022 Jamie Dudensing Today, the Texas Association of Health Plans formally announced that Jessica Lynch will join…
Physician groups are facing far-ranging opposition in their lawsuit to overturn rules implementing new surprise medical billing protections. Opponents to the physician-led attack on the new law now include employer coalitions, unions, patient and consumer groups, health policy experts, and essentially any group that cares about controlling health care costs.
A record number of Americans signed up for health care coverage through Affordable Care Act marketplaces at the same time a number of new plans joined the market. About 14.5 millions Americans signed up for an ACA plan during the enrollment period that ended January 15. That’s 2 million more than ever before.
By: Madeleine Richter-Atkinson, Jamie Dudensing Social isolation, defined as having few relationships or infrequent social contact, was a common experience in…
Starting January 15, individuals with private health insurance will have coverage for up to eight at-home COVID tests per month, per covered family member.
Looking for some good news to start the year? We’ve got you covered. After a years-long debate, the end of unfair and outrageous surprise medical bills is finally here.
Articles written by TAHP’s team of policy experts that examine the research, trends, and impact of the most important health care policy issues facing Texas and the country today.
Weekly news clips assembled by the TAHP team that highlight the top headlines from the health insurance and health care worlds, as well as important political updates.
