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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Planet Money

Insurance Companies Send Out Rebate Checks; Economists Get Nervous

Health insurance

September 20, 2012 Nearly 13 million Americans are getting rebate checks from their health insurance companies. But as is sometimes the case, what is popular with the people is not so popular with economists.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Planet Money

Episode 401: Four In One

promo image

September 11, 2012 On today's show, we have four short Planet Money stories.

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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Planet Money

What The Apollo Astronauts Did For Life Insurance

A astronaut cover signed by Neil Armstrong.

August 30, 2012 Before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, he had to solve a more prosaic problem.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Planet Money

Does Medicaid Make People Healthier?

Stethoscope on money background of $1 bills

July 3, 2012 The question is more contentious than it sounds. A new study may finally provide an answer.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Shots - Health News

Health Care Law Upheld: Now What?

 A bulletin board in New York's Jamaica Hospital offers advice for uninsured patients.

June 28, 2012 Now that the Supreme Court has decided that the Affordable Care Act can stand, it's time to think about what the law actually means for your medical coverage. So let's review the changes the law has already wrought and those that still lie ahead.

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Monday, June 25, 2012

Shots - Health News

Could Kaiser Permanente's Low-Cost Health Care Be Even Cheaper?

George Halvorson, chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, speaks during a session at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in 2009.

June 25, 2012 KQEDKaiser Permanente is often cited as an example of a health maintenance organization that keeps costs reined in. In fact, portions of the Affordable Care Act were crafted with the Kaiser model in mind. But critics say the price gap between Kaiser and other insurance companies has narrowed, and the reasons are unclear.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Shots - Health News

Dream Adventure Vacation Can Turn Into Medical Bill Nightmare

Here goes nothing. A big jump over the Zambezi River in Africa.

April 24, 2012 KHNChances are your domestic health plan won't pick up the tab for medical care overseas, and it almost certainly won't cover you if you're seriously hurt and need to be evacuated by air to a medical facility. Even special polices to help overseas may not be enough if you engage in risky adventures.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Salt

Crop Insurance: A Pricey 'Safety Net' For Farmers

Illinois farmers harvest corn crops near Monticello, Ill. An unseasonably hot summer likely damaged much of this year's corn crop, which means farmers may seek support through their crop insurance.

October 27, 2011 WOICrop insurance has become a critical safety net for farmers subject to fickle weather that can ruin crops. And though politicians are looking to make some big cuts to farm programs in the upcoming 2012 farm bill, farmers are clinging fiercely to crop insurance.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Shots - Health News

For Love Or Insurance? Rabbi Seeks Young Wife To Lower Health Costs

Insurance  is a top priority for Rabbi Craig Ezring.

August 17, 2011 KHNA widowed Florida rabbi saw the cost of his insurance coverage rise by 38 percent this year. So he decided to look for a new, younger spouse to help him bring costs back down.

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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Shots - Health News

Big Spenders With Private Insurance Found In Unexpected Places

Ocean City, N.J. has among the high medical spending from people with private insurance.

August 10, 2011 KHNA Thomson Reuters analysis of what the privately insured spend on health care shows that it's wrong to presume that a region with high Medicare spending also has a cost problem from private insurance.

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Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Shots - Health News

Managed Care Creeps Into The Doctor's Office

July 5, 2011 KHNManaged care companies are getting into the business of running physician groups to keep costs down. And hospitals, physician groups and Wall Street investors are eying doctors who practice cheaper health care.

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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Shots - Health News

Administration Easing Requirements For Health Insurance Pools

A high-risk health insurance pool run by the federal government is getting some changes that may make it more attractive for consumers.

May 31, 2011 KHNTo boost enrollment in high-risk plans, the federal government will pay insurance agents a commission to sell the policies. Premiums will be cut up to 40 percent, too

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Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Shots - Health News

Some States Want Medical Spending Minimums For Insurers Relaxed

Under federal law, health insurers must spend at least 80 percent of premium revenues on medical services or quality improvement.

May 10, 2011 KHNConsumers in nine states expect to receive millions in rebates from their health insurers on this year's premiums because insurers did not hit a spending target for medical care. But consumer advocates say most insurers should be able to meet the spending rule.

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Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Shots - Health News

College Grads' Parting Homework: Pick Health Insurance

Alexander Lataille, 23, of Laurel, Md., graduated from college last spring and was worried about being kicked off  his parents' plan

May 3, 2011 KHNCollege students have 30 days from the end of their student health plan to get on their parents' insurance plan. Under the new federal health law, young adults can stay on their parents' plan until age 26.

Summary

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Shots - Health News

Where Is The Public On Medicare? Depends How You Ask The Question

April 27, 2011 Public opinion on Medicare seems to depend on how much people are told about the various proposals on the table, according to a study by the polling team at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

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