The Big Beautiful Bill's Healthcare Opportunity
Most Americans pay for medical care through traditional health insurance provided by their employer or through the individual market. This system puts insurers in charge of determining which physicians and facilities families can visit, often through network restrictions and prior-authorization barriers. It also forces healthcare providers to spend large sums of money on billing departments to request and negotiate payments from health insurers. One 2009 study estimates that physician practices spent 13% of their revenue on administrative overhead for insurance billing and reimbursement. Every dollar that healthcare providers spend on their billing departments shows up in higher prices.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
9 minutes ago
- CBS News
An area of Lake Tahoe has elevated levels of E. coli, testing revealed
An area of Lake Tahoe tested for high levels of E. coli, prompting a warning to stay out of the water, the U.S. Forest Service said on Friday. The tested samples were from the South Shore of Lake Tahoe near Camp Richardson Resort. Due to the elevated levels of E. coli, the Forest Service said people should not swim in the area between Jameson Beach and the Valhalla Boathouse. Those two areas were tested and did not show elevated levels of E. coli as of Friday. After elevated levels of E. coli were found, the resort immediately inspected its sewer lines, the Forest Service said. A leak was found, and repairs are underway. The elevated levels were found because agencies in Lake Tahoe routinely test the water during the summer to make sure it's safe for recreation, the Forest Service said. Officials will test the area daily to let people know when it's safe to return. They could also implement more precautions depending on E. coli levels. E. coli can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people not to swallow water when swimming or playing in recreational waters such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and swimming pools.
Bloomberg
11 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Free Air Conditioner Programs Help Amid Life-Threatening Heat
With heat advisories blanketing the eastern half of the US, air conditioners are once again working over time as essential resources to keep millions cool. But they're unevenly distributed: Many poor households are unable to afford them. To reduce the gap between the air conditioning haves and have nots, a growing number of programs are giving them out for free with waiting lists numbering in the thousands. And they view them as means to protect public health and reduce poverty.
Wall Street Journal
23 minutes ago
- Wall Street Journal
Best Pet Insurance Companies of 2025
Factors in pet insurance costs Factors that influence how much you'll pay for pet insurance usually include: Age and breed of the pet Where you live Annual coverage limit Reimbursement level Amount of your deductible Any additional coverage you want, such as add-ons or a wellness plan You can generally lower the price of a pet insurance policy by choosing a lower annual coverage limit, a higher deductible or a lower reimbursement percentage. When you get a pet insurance quote, you can usually toggle the options to see how the monthly price changes. Is pet insurance worth it? While paying a monthly premium for pet insurance can feel like a drain on the budget, the risk of higher costs for procedures and chronic conditions might be more than you can afford without insurance. The ASPCA estimates that the first-year total for owning a dog is more than $3,000 and almost $2,000 for a cat. Once you get past the first year, though, there are ongoing costs, including routine medical costs and treatments for fleas and ticks, as well as heartworm. You have routine wellness visits and exams as well. Like other insurance policies, the biggest value comes in the event of large, unexpected emergencies. EmergencyVetsUSA offers these average cost examples: Emergency exam/consultation: $100 to $150 $100 to $150 3- to 5-day hospitalization: $1,500 to $3,500 $1,500 to $3,500 Emergency surgery: $1,500 to $5,000 $1,500 to $5,000 Wound treatment and repair: $800 to $2,500 Additionally, if your pet needs special prescription pet food or supplements, the cost can add up over time. Getting a pet insurance policy that covers these ongoing costs, plus emergency situations, can help you save money in the long run, especially if you don't want to deplete your rainy day fund. What's not covered by pet insurance? What's covered depends on the policy, so review available benefits before deciding on a pet insurance company. Policies typically do not cover pre-existing conditions or non-veterinary expenses related to boarding your pet or grooming. You also won't receive reimbursement for accessories like toys, leashes and treats. Basic wellness, such as vaccinations and routine check-ups, won't be covered. Instead, you'll need to purchase an add-on wellness plan to receive these benefits. Many first-year costs, such as spaying and neutering, also aren't usually covered by base pet insurance policies but may be covered by a wellness plan. Costs related to breeding are generally not covered, and injuries related to activities like racing aren't covered. Methodology We evaluated 15 pet insurance policies, focusing on key coverage areas, such as cost, access to vet telehealth, microchipping, direct vet payments and therapies that pet owners might prefer to be included in coverage. Advertisers and partners don't influence our ratings, as our research and editorial team maintains independence in using data-driven methodologies. Learn more about how Buy Side rates pet insurance companies.
