Excerpts of a live conversation with two top health economists about how extra federal support has helped millions of Americans access health insurance, and what would happen if that aid went away.
Insurance
Posted inInsurance
A Closer Look at a Widely Despised Health Insurance Policy
Every year, millions of people’s medical care runs into the roadblock known as prior authorization, which requires a patient’s health insurer to sign off before chemotherapy, surgery or countless other services can proceed. Who does this often onerous process help, who does it hurt and how could it work better for everyone?
Posted inCost of Care
Obamacare Premiums Are About to Soar. How’d We Get Here?
Federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act health plans are set to shrink next year. Many shoppers are expected to be priced out, leaving those who stay with higher premiums. The dynamic that threatens to leave markets with fewer and more expensive options as insurers exit, too. How did we get here?
Posted inInsurance
The Medicaid Policy Red and Blue States Agree On
More than half of states — from deep blue California to solidly red Louisiana — want to bring Medicaid behind bars in hopes of saving the lives of people as they leave jail and prison.
Posted inInsurance
A Rural Hospital in Kentucky Prepares for Medicaid Losses
Harrison Memorial Hospital in Cynthiana is already taking a hard look at its budget in light of Republican cuts to Medicaid.
Posted inInsurance
Former North Carolina Health Secretary Sees Hard Road Ahead for States
Sweeping federal reforms force North Carolina and other states to make tough decisions about Medicaid coverage, costs and eligibility under mounting budget pressure.
Posted inInsurance
As the Big Beautiful Bill Becomes Law, States Face a ‘Daunting’ Rollout
North Carolina’s former health secretary explains the heavy lift and hard choices ahead of states as they rush to put Republicans’ new health reforms in place.
Posted inHealth Law
How Two Supreme Court Rulings Affect the ACA, Planned Parenthood and the Future of Preventive Care
Health law expert Katie Keith helps us break down what a pair of big court decisions mean for RFK Jr.’s power and for people’s access to abortion, cancer screening and many other kinds of care.
Posted inInsurance
Unpacking the Health Impacts of Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’
On June 18, Tradeoffs moderated an online event with economists and doctors examining why this legislation could cost so many people their health coverage — or even their lives.
Posted inPublic Health
Global Health, Research and Trump Dominate Aspen Ideas: Health Conference
Our reporters offer key takeaways from one of the biggest health care events of the year.