All articles tagged with #insurance coverage
The Department of Health and Human Services has updated cervical cancer screening guidelines to include self-collected vaginal samples for HPV testing and will require most private insurance plans to cover these tests without cost sharing, aiming to increase screening accessibility and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Weight-loss drugs called GLP-1s are revolutionizing obesity treatment, with new developments including more effective medications, lower prices, and upcoming oral versions, though access remains limited due to high costs and insurance restrictions.
Many Americans face rising health insurance premiums, with costs increasing significantly since 2010, despite the ACA's success in reducing the uninsured rate. The law focused on expanding coverage rather than controlling costs, which continue to grow due to systemic issues like provider pricing and lack of comprehensive reform. Political disagreements hinder effective solutions, leaving many Americans struggling with affordability and underinsurance, highlighting the need for more substantial health care reforms.
The U.S. healthcare system is characterized by high costs, lack of universal coverage, and poor performance in access, equity, and health outcomes compared to other high-income countries, leading to widespread personal and systemic challenges.
Most Americans with health insurance will still get COVID-19 vaccines at no cost, despite CDC's new recommendation requiring shared clinical decision-making, which introduces some ambiguity about coverage obligations. Major insurers have committed to covering recommended vaccines at no cost through 2026, but some insurers may argue they are not required to cover vaccines not explicitly recommended by the CDC, especially under shared decision-making guidelines. Medicaid will continue to cover vaccines at no cost, but changes are expected for other vaccines like MMRV for children.
New York will become the first state to require private insurance to cover scalp cooling treatments for chemotherapy patients, helping them preserve their hair and maintain a sense of normalcy during cancer treatment.
Women, and some men, face significant challenges in accessing pelvic floor therapy due to insurance restrictions, high costs, and systemic undervaluation of this essential treatment, which is crucial for addressing issues like pelvic pain, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Patients often experience delays, inadequate coverage, and emotional distress, highlighting the need for systemic healthcare reforms to improve access and recognition of pelvic health.
In 2025, updated COVID-19 vaccines will be available through drugstores with insurance coverage expected to continue, despite the CDC advisory committee not explicitly recommending them; individuals should check with their insurers and healthcare providers to confirm coverage and eligibility.
Drugstores will continue to offer and be reimbursed for COVID-19 vaccines this fall, despite new CDC advisory committee recommendations not specifically endorsing the updated shots. Insurance coverage is expected to persist through various programs, and most adults and high-risk groups can get vaccinated at pharmacies or doctors' offices, with eligibility based on age and health conditions. Consumers should verify their insurance coverage and consult healthcare providers for eligibility.
Drugstores are prepared to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall with insurers planning to cover the costs, despite the vaccines not being specifically recommended by a key government advisory committee. Coverage is expected through various programs including Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurance, with most major insurers continuing to cover the vaccine at no cost through 2026. Vaccinations are widely accessible at pharmacies and doctors' offices, with recommendations for all individuals 6 months and older, especially those at high risk.
Drugstores are prepared to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall, with insurers planning to cover the costs despite the vaccines no longer being specifically recommended by a key government advisory committee. Coverage is expected through various programs including Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurance, with most major insurers continuing to cover the vaccine at no cost through 2026. Vaccinations are widely available at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, and eligibility now includes all individuals aged 6 months and older, with recent FDA approval for those 65 and older and high-risk groups. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurers and healthcare providers about coverage and eligibility.
Despite CDC advisers not explicitly recommending the updated COVID-19 shots this fall, insurers plan to continue covering them, and pharmacies are prepared to administer the vaccines to all eligible individuals, including those at high risk, with many options for access across the U.S.
Vaccine advisers have stopped short of recommending the updated COVID-19 shots but stated individuals can decide whether to get them. Insurers are expected to continue coverage, and drugstores like CVS and Walgreens are prepared to administer the vaccines across all states. The vaccines are now approved for all adults and high-risk groups, with access primarily through pharmacies and healthcare providers.
Many drugstores are prepared to deliver updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall, with insurers planning to cover the costs despite the vaccines no longer being specifically recommended by a key government advisory committee. Coverage is expected through various programs including Medicaid, CHIP, and private insurance, with most major insurers continuing to cover the vaccine at no cost through 2026. Vaccinations are widely available at pharmacies and doctors' offices, and the CDC recommends yearly shots for everyone 6 months and older, especially for high-risk groups.
California has issued its own COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, independent of federal recommendations, in response to recent changes and controversies in federal vaccine policy, including the replacement of CDC advisory members by vaccine skeptics. The state law mandates insurance coverage for vaccines endorsed by California, broadening access and bypassing federal restrictions, especially for vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. This move aims to ensure wider vaccine access amid rising COVID-19 cases and potential federal policy restrictions.