US spends way more on healthcare, but has worse outcomes than wealthy peers

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The US spends far more money on healthcare when compared to other high-income countries, yet remains without universal health-insurance coverage and performs worse on several key health indicators, according to a new report.

Using data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which compiles health statistics across its 38 member countries,

4 min read

Biden executive order did not establish free health insurance

Facebook posts advertise a “relief package” that supposedly offers free health insurance to all Americans earning less than $50,000 annually, citing a January 2021 executive order from US President Joe Biden. This is false; the provision urges states to make federal programs more accessible, but experts say it does not provide for no-cost insurance.

“President Biden signed Executive Order 14009 making Health Insurance Free for qualifying Americans,” says a January 9, 2023 Facebook post.

Another post shared July 18, 2022 claims the measure also provides dental and vision coverage. Similar claims have circulated in spanish.

Screenshot of a Facebook post

3 min read

Auto-enrollment in Medicaid and ACA insurance can cover more Americans and reduce health costs for all. New HKS research shows how.

Headshot of Mark Shepard.For the estimated 30 million uninsured Americans, navigating insurance enrollment can be confusing, cumbersome, and intimidating. The hassles are so great that some people have avoided enrollment altogether, and that can be costly for everyone. And when the Biden administration lifts the COVID-19 public health emergency, as it plans to in April, another 18 million people could lose Medicaid coverage.

But HKS Associate Professor Mark Shepard says there is good news for the insurance enrollment process. And he has the data to back it up. We spoke with Shepard about his new working paper, “Reducing Ordeals Through Automatic Enrollment: Evidence

4 min read

More and More Doctors Are Billing for Email Advice

A patient sitting at the table in an exam room and speaking with the doctor.

Image source: Getty Images

what happened

Email medical advice is costing patients anything from copays of $3 to charges of $100, according to recent reports. Not only has the volume of email consultations increased dramatically in recent years, but new billing rules allow healthcare providers to charge for so-called “e-visits.” As a result, some doctors now charge for the service.

So what

As a patient, the idea that you might have to pay for email communications on top of other healthcare costs can be very disturbing, especially if you’re not clear on what you might be charged. Some patient advocate

3 min read

Can I Terminate My Physician Employment Agreement?

Many of our physician clients are unaware of their termination rights prior to meeting with us.

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If you want to terminate your employment, the first thing you need to do is read your contract.

Most physician employment agreements have substantial termination provisions. You need to know what yours says regarding termination with and without cause, what notice is required, and what other provisions will be triggered by termination.

Many times,

3 min read

Healthcare in 2023 – Rickard & Associates

Healthcare continues to change from day to day and year to year. Over the past few years, we have seen a tremendous amount of changes in the healthcare industry.

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Experts have stated that changes will continue in 2023.

Some of the changes we might see in 2023 include:

  • An increase in wearable medical devices. These can include things like personal health trackers, devices that can monitor blood pressure, and
2 min read

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

When selecting a health insurance plan, there are many questions that you should ask to ensure that the coverage you are purchasing is right for your individual needs. Knowing what questions to ask when choosing a health insurance plan can help make sure you get the most value for your money and the most comprehensive coverage possible.

During the insurance plan selection process, you should ask the right questions to help you assess which coverage is suitable for you.

If I stay in good health, will this health insurance policy help me to save money?

It’s normal to assume that

5 min read

Telehealth in 2023 – Rickard & Associates

Healthcare continues to utilize telehealth platforms for appointments and various services. This will continue into the new year, thanks to legislative updates.

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While telehealth continues to expand and change, there are several notable updates.

So what’s new?

In Michigan, the Governor just signed a bill allowing psychologists to use telehealth with clients in multiple states. They will be able to temporarily offer in-person services in other states.

Michigan entered the

2 min read