FROM THE FOUNDATION

End-of-Life Choices

Trends in end-of-life care show that not only does the care given vary widely from region to region and hospital to hospital, but also patients often don't get the care they prefer. What can be done?

Care Management Puzzle

Chronic diseases and the cost of care are rising. Are disease management programs improving outcomes for patients with complex, chronic conditions?

No Middleman

Under the "direct primary care" model, patients pay a monthly fee for basic medical services. Learn about the history and current landscape of physician practices offering this arrangement.

Health Plans

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Health Insurers Unable To Contain Costs, Columnist Says

Los Angeles Times columnist Michael Hiltzik writes that lawsuits filed earlier this year by insurers Aetna and United Healthcare alleging fraudulent overcharges by a Northern California chain of small surgical clinics are an "admission" of the insurers' "utter incompetence in handling their most important role under" the health reform law, "which is keeping a lid on health care costs." He concludes, "If the insurers continue to perform this badly, who will pay the price? As taxpayers and policyholders, you will."



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