The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) Health News reports that patients often are aghast at the prices of services and wonder why their insurers agreed to pay that much. Me too! I have told the story a million times about my wife almost scheduling a CT scan at a hospital near our home. The hospital had to seek prior authorization for the ($3,000+) diagnostic procedure. A day later the hospital called to say it was approved and her share of the cost would be $2,700. When would she like to schedule? My wife told me the story and within 10 minutes I found a facility with a BlueCross rate of $403.
Category: Health Reform
Transgender surgery versus female genital mutilation for minors
How can someone strongly oppose the practice of female genital mutilation — even if the under-age girl and her parents consent — yet still support transgender surgery on minors, which is arguably more invasive, disfiguring and life-altering?
Tuesday Links – 3 March 2026
- “A lot of exercise research is, quite frankly, useless.” (NYT)
- On average, Americans waste a pound of food per person every day.
- Vermont hospital warning: “Assaulting a healthcare worker is a crime. That means actions like hitting, biting or making threats could give you a criminal record instead of the care you need.” (WSJ)
- A danger from weight loss drugs: too much weight loss.
- Mehmet Oz: “Alcohol is a social lubricant that brings people together.” And evidence suggests that “social connection contributes to health.” (NYT)
Insurers Push Back Against Drug Copay Cards That Lower Patient Cost Sharing
People in government programs (Medicare and Medicaid) are not allowed to use drug copay cards precisely for the reason drugmakers offer them: drug copay cards are a financial inducement to spend the government’s money.