Methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and in higher doses some cancers. Methotrexate is not safe to take during pregnancy. It can cause birth defects and is also used to end life-threatening ectopic pregnancies. When paired with the drug misoprostol it is used to induce a medical abortion.
Author: Devon Herrick
Why Americans Cannot Have Better Sunscreens
On the 4th of July millions of Americans will head outdoors. They will hit the beach, hit local lakes or do outdoor activities like hiking, biking, baseball or picnics, cookouts and pool parties with friends. Many will slather on sunblock before heading outdoors for activities in the sun. Many of those will forget to reapply sunscreen…
Health Plans Now Required to Post Prices. Will it Help?
An article in Kaiser Health News explained that health plans are now required to post the prices they have negotiated with all in-network health care providers. Failing to do so will result in substantial fines. The new rule is the result of an executive order then President Trump issued back in 2019.
Price transparency is the holy grail in health policy. There is not one price, but many prices depending on who the payer is. There is the list price that nobody pays unless uninsured and caught off-guard. There’s the cash price paid after receiving care. It is often same as the list price. Then there is the (lower) negotiated cash price if uninsured and paid in advance of receiving care. Then there are the prices Medicare pays and Medicaid pays. Health insurers may all have different prices for the same procedures. Indeed, prices vary tremendously across facilities. A knee replacement may be $30,000 at one hospital and $130,000 at another.
Medicare Advantage: Lawmakers Say it’s Pretty Good but Could be Improved
Energy and Commerce subcommittee on oversight and investigations met on Tuesday to beat up on Medicare Advantage plans. Chairwoman Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) claimed seniors are “required to jump through numerous hoops” to get the care they need.