Exclusive: Opioid crisis cost Georgia $81 billion last year
Why it matters: The cost burden falls unevenly across the country, with states in a belt stretching through Appalachia to New England typically having bigger caseloads and a higher cost per case.
Context: Opioid use disorder — defined as frequent opioid use and unsuccessful efforts to quit — is estimated to affect more than 6 million people in the United States, costing the nation an estimated $4 trillion last year, per health care consulting firm Avalere Health.
The cumulative economic burden on patients, including years of life lost and reduced quality of life, exceeded $3 trillion in 2024, Avalere estimated.
Context: At $736,361, Georgia's average cost per case is slightly higher than the national average, per the analysis from Avalere, which used 2017 figures to project 2024 net costs.
Zoom out: In Georgia, patients bore more than $62.1 billion in costs from reduced quality of life and statistical loss of life.
Businesses absorbed more than $9.6 billion in costs from lost productivity and health insurance costs.
It cost the federal government about $2.3 billion in Medicare and other federal insurance costs, lost taxes and criminal justice expenses.
State of play: Georgia received $636 million in a settlement with major U.S. opioid distributors and a manufacturer.
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Indianapolis Star
6 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
Understanding Cataract Surgery Costs in Raleigh, NC: Porter Ophthalmology Offers Clarity on Pricing, Options, and Outcomes
As demand for cataract surgery continues to rise across the United States, patients in Raleigh are increasingly seeking transparency around the true cost of the procedure and what factors contribute to price differences. Porter Ophthalmology, a leading provider of advanced cataract care in North Carolina, is answering that call with an in-depth analysis of cataract surgery costs in the Raleigh area, helping patients make informed decisions and understand their options. According to data from Sidecar Health, the typical cost of cataract surgery in Raleigh ranges from $2,529 to $3,697 per eye. This wide range reflects several key variables, including the type of intraocular lens (IOL) used, whether the procedure is laser-assisted or basic, and the experience level of the surgeon. Isaac Porter, MD, founder of Porter Ophthalmology and an experienced refractive cataract surgeon, emphasizes that price is only one component of the decision. Outcomes, technology, and long-term benefits also play critical roles. Patients often begin their search with one simple question: 'How much does cataract surgery cost in Raleigh?' The answer depends on a series of choices made during the treatment planning process. At the most basic level, cataract surgery involves removing the eye's natural lens, which has become cloudy due to age or other factors, and replacing it with an artificial IOL. Basic cataract surgery, typically covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans, includes the implantation of a monofocal lens that provides clear vision at a single distance—usually for distance vision, but does not correct astigmatism. This means patients will likely still need glasses for astigmatism correction at all ranges and for reading or other close-up tasks. However, many patients today are opting for advanced cataract surgery, which offers greater visual freedom through the use of advanced technology IOLs, such as multifocal or toric lenses. These lenses are designed to correct additional vision problems like astigmatism or presbyopia, reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses. Advanced surgery may also involve laser-assisted techniques, which enhance precision during the procedure and can lower astigmatism. While these options add to the overall price—sometimes requiring out-of-pocket payments—they also significantly improve postoperative vision and patient satisfaction. Dr. Porter stresses that understanding the full price of cataract surgery means more than looking at the number on the bill. Some clinics advertise low prices that may not include essential services such as follow-up visits, diagnostic imaging, or post-operative medications. At Porter Ophthalmology, the team offers transparent, all-inclusive pricing so patients know exactly what they are paying for. The goal is to eliminate financial surprises and ensure every patient receives comprehensive care from the initial consultation through full recovery. The location of the procedure also impacts price. Cataract surgery performed in a hospital setting tends to be more expensive than when conducted in an ambulatory surgical center. Porter Ophthalmology in Raleigh partners with top-tier outpatient centers that offer safe, efficient care at a lower cost. Patients benefit not only from reduced financial burden but also from shorter wait times and more personalized attention. Insurance plays a major role in the cost equation. Basic cataract surgery is usually covered by Medicare and most private insurance providers, including the implantation of a standard monofocal lens. 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Dr. Porter believes this approach reflects a growing trend in ophthalmology to deliver high-value care that prioritizes both clinical outcomes and patient experience. Beyond cost, one of the most significant differentiators between basic and advanced cataract surgery is the long-term visual outcome. Basic cataract surgery addresses the cloudiness of the natural lens but does not correct other vision issues. Advanced procedures, however, provide opportunities to address nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and age-related loss of near vision. With the use of multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses, many patients are able to enjoy improved sight at both near and far distances without glasses. This is particularly appealing to active adults who want to maintain independence and avoid the limitations of prescription eyewear. Dr. Porter personally evaluates each patient to determine the best surgical plan and lens option based on their lifestyle, vision goals, and eye health. This individualized approach allows for better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. He explains that some patients are ideal candidates for advanced technology IOLs and laser-assisted techniques, while others may benefit more from a basic approach. Either way, patients are given all the information they need to make a decision that balances price with visual goals. The practice also addresses common questions around Medicare coverage, follow-up visits, and the value of advanced lenses. For example, while Medicare covers a basic lens, patients who wish to correct astigmatism or see clearly at multiple distances may choose to pay the difference for an advanced IOL. In many cases, this investment pays off in the form of reduced reliance on glasses, which can represent significant long-term savings and convenience. 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Yahoo
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The low-energy event took place after the president's whirlwind trip to Scotland.
President Donald Trump looked as though he was on the verge of falling asleep as a key member of his administration helped him launch a new health tracking system at the White House. In somewhat bemusing scenes, the 79-year-old president's eyes kept drooping as he tried to listen to his own Medicare administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz talk up the initiative—and praise Trump's leadership in making it happen. 'We're going to have remarkable advances in how consumers can use their own records,' the former talk show host told Trump in a room full of tech titans and industry leaders.
Fox News
10 hours ago
- Fox News
New tech-focused MAHA initiatives will usher in 'new era of convenience,' improve health outcomes, Trump says
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The White House event is a follow-up to the request for information notice that the CMS posted in May requesting information from stakeholders on ways to beef up health technology interoperability. Other technological advances on the health front include plans for CMS to launch an app library on to best direct beneficiaries to the right digital health tools, according to CMS. "We have the tools and information available now to empower patients to improve their outcomes and their healthcare experience," CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said in a statement Wednesday. "For too long, patients in this country have been burdened with a healthcare system that has not kept pace with the disruptive innovations that have transformed nearly every other sector of our economy," Oz said. "With the commitments made by these entrepreneurial companies today, we stand ready for a paradigm shift in the U.S. healthcare system for the benefit of patients and providers." __________________ treasury taken in $150 billion so far due to tarries, says $200 billion expected to be added next month "Today the dream of easily transportable electronic medical records finally becomes a reality." – Trump thanked reps from apple, google, Samsung, open ai, Athena health, others….. says "half the net worth of all of our country" present at MAHA tech event. President Trump: [16:43:34] For decades, America's health care networks have been overdue for a high tech upgrade, and that's what we're doing. The existing systems are often slow, costly, and incompatible with one another. But with today's announcement, we take a major step to bring health care into the digital age, something that, is absolutely vital. We've got to do it. Moving from clipboards and fax machines into a new era of convenience, profitability and speed and, frankly, better health for people under the leadership of administrator launching the CMS Digital Health team to give health care providers, insurers and software companies the tools they need to empower Americans with a 21st century experience on health. The key breakthrough we've made is getting many of the biggest names in the health care and technology to agree to industrywide standards for electronic medical records. [16:44:38][64.6] "Moving from clipboards and fax machines into a new era of convenience" "President Trump: [16:45:04] standards of electronic medical records that we talk about [16:45:08][4.0] President Trump: [16:45:12] This will allow patients to easily transmit information from one doctor to another, even if they're different networks and using different recordkeeping systems, no matter what system they use, they're all transferable. The new standards will also make it simple for patients to access their own personal health records. [16:45:32][20.2] President Trump: [16:46:13] instead of filling out the same tedious paperwork at every medical appointment, patients will simply be able to grant their doctors access to their records at the push of a button. Just a button, and you're all set and all the information the doctor needs will be immediately transmitted. The system will be entirely opt in, and there will be no centralized, government run database, which everyone is always concerned about. [16:46:41][28.0] President Trump: [16:46:40] I'm I'm less concerned than anybody. I say whatever it is, it is. But people are very, very concerned about the personal records. They want to keep them very quiet and that's their choice. I think it's a great thing because it will be. It'll be absolutely quiet. [16:46:57][16.8] "going to make people live longer and be a lot healthier" President Trump: [16:47:03] We will save time. We will save money, and most importantly, will save lives. It's just going to make people live longer and be a lot healthier. I think that's really what you're looking to do. [16:47:14][10.4] -------- RFK: Speaker 3: [16:49:35] Indonesia today is regarded as the highest flourishing shipping nation on Earth. Since 1990, it has increased the lifespan of its women, eight years of its men by nine years. There's no country that has a record like that. There are two major innovations that allow them to achieve that extraordinary outcome, and one of those was to disincentivize people from eating processed foods. [16:50:06][31.0] Speaker 3: [16:50:13] The other innovation that really transformed Indonesia was allowing people control of their individual health records on the he showed me the app that they use that everybody in Indonesia has and it shows your height, your weight, your blood type, your BMI, your cardiac markers, your diabetes markers, your cholesterol and any kind of individualized treatments like you had. Or if you go to a doctor in another town, he doesn't do what we have to do here, which is to sit there with a clipboard and a fax machine in order to get your health records. It's available, and it allows them to get better treatment, and it also allows you to make better choices over your life. [16:51:02][49.5] "allowing people control over their individual health records" "allows you to make better choices over your life" Speaker 3: [16:51:43] he ran a a commission to reorganize the Australian health system. And they revolutionized and they vastly improved health in Australia. And he said the single thing that he did that was most important to that transformation was the transparency that occurs when people control their own health records, because it gives people the choice over their own health decisions and their lives. [16:52:10][26.6] Speaker 3: [16:52:09] It gives them a sense of responsibility and allows them to measure the interventions if they change their diet, if they change their exercise, it can show you how many steps you took today. It can tell you if your glucose is spiking, and all of that information will now be available to American citizens. [16:52:32][22.7] Companies agreed "voluntarily" to start sharing information "responsibility and control over their own health care decisions" Speaker 3: [16:53:22] President Trump gave us instructions that he wanted this to happen within six months. We barely made it under the wall. Everything's a doctor. This is leadership. And within six months, every American is going to be doing it. [16:53:34][12.4] touts 80% of industry agreed to get rid of prior auth? _______________ OZ: Dr. Oz: [16:58:55] today we are making American health technology remarkably great again. We've always been at the leadership. [16:59:01][6.5] today is 60th anniversary of Medicare/Medicaid Dr. Oz: [17:00:04] These beautiful programs which are the backbone of the social network, the social, support system of this country, the safety net. They're flailing a bunch of reasons. [17:00:16][12.4] Dr. Oz: [17:02:20] So it's not just keeping people out of the hospitals, getting them to thrive and flourish. That makes what we're doing so critical today. [17:02:27][7.5] Dr. Oz: [17:02:52] The average Americans are tired. They're tired of waiting for a doctor's appointment. They're tired of waiting for the surprise of what your hospital bill is going to offer. That's being addressed by one of the president's executive orders. They're tired of waiting for access to their medical records. You own your medical records, they're yours. Why? You can't have access to them is this stunning reality in modern day America. They're also tired of waiting for Washington to take action. And this president early on emphatically stated that wasn't going to happen anymore. And today we made that vision into a reality. [17:03:20][28.3] "building a robust and safe system" that will protect data "better than we imagined" "empower Americans to own their own property – which is their medical records"
