The Gist Healthcare Podcast

A third of Americans say they’re skipping at least some healthcare because it’s too expensive. The $35 monthly cap on insulin faces a challenge in the Senate. And the US passes another grim threshold, 800,000 COVID deaths. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Employer health benefits costs rose faster this year than in any year since 2010. A record 19 rural hospitals closed in 2020, but more are joining forces with larger systems. And signs from Europe and Africa spell trouble for Omicron’s spread in the US.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Companies are overwhelmed by all the new healthcare startups targeting specific conditions. Elizabeth Mitchell, CEO and President of the Purchaser Business Group on Health, which represents large employers buying health benefits, says companies are looking for an integrated solution and independent information about efficacy.  Today's episode is a rerun and was first published in August.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As health plans look to lower the cost of care for growing Medicare Advantage populations, they’re investing in for profit primary care companies that are also addressing social needs. On this episode Dean Emeritus of the Jefferson College of Population Health Dr. David Nash says amid a flood of investor capital, it’s important to evaluate the social return. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The American Hospital and Medical Associations challenge the arbitration provision of the surprise billing ban. And we go to France where vaccine passports, which will soon require 3 shots, are necessary to do almost anything in public. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LA area cancer organization City of Hope announces plans to buy Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Cigna invests in insurtech startup BrightHealth. And the House passes legislation to avert Medicare cuts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new study in Health Affairs shows nonprofit Wisconsin hospital lawsuits against patients increased 37 percent between 2001 and 2018. There's more mandate mania, as New York City announces a COVID vaccine requirement for private companies. And Uber is bringing healthcare to consumers on demand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Medicare beneficiaries used 6000% more telehealth in 2020 than pre-pandemic. While the attention is on Omicron, Delta is what hospitals are still worried about right now. And Physicians Assistants’ recent title change to Physician Associates isn’t sitting well with doctors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Biden will require private insurers to pay for at-home covid tests. CVS and Microsoft expand their partnership to digitize and personalize care. And a tale of two states that expanded Medicaid with dramatically different outcomes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As omicron cases are identified across the globe, countries are scrambling to prevent a surge in cases. Germany, Greece, and Austria are imposing restrictions on the unvaccinated. The US and UK are turning to booster shots. Earlier this week British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he plans to make boosters available to all adults by the end of January. In this episode, Maya Kroth reports from London.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.