Why does America STILL have a healthcare system with so many cracks to fall through? A routine job change, a move, or a divorce can trigger a change in health insurance eligibility, premiums, out-of-pocket costs, provider networks, etc. What's the true cost of our fragmented, bureaucratic and for-profit healthcare system?

To find out, we spoke to Scott Desnoyers, an anguished New York father who says he lost his son over a $20 insurance premium. Listen as Scott bears witness to the terrible toll a change in Medicaid eligibility took when his son Danny got a new job.

When it comes to health insurance, a misunderstanding can have severe consequences. What can we expect when federal rules that have protected Medicaid eligibility during the COVID pandemic change later this year for some 15 million people ?

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Was the Affordable Care Act a cure-all or a mixed bag for freelancers? Where can gig workers turn for expert insurance information and coverage? How would Medicare for All affect independent workers?

To find out, we spoke to Rafael Espinal and Jonathan Gray of the New York-based Freelancers Union. Rafael, a former New York state assemblyman and former New York City councilman, is executive director and Jonathan is their member benefits manager. This is the second of two episodes with the Freelancers Union.

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This time on Code WACK! Why are so many Americans choosing to freelance these days? What are some of the benefits - and risks - of choosing to work for yourself? What challenges do gig workers face when it comes to getting the basics, like health insurance and quality health care?

To find out, we spoke to Rafael Espinal and Jonathan Gray of the New York-based Freelancers Union. Rafael, a former New York state assemblyman and former New York City councilman, is executive director and Jonathan is their member benefits manager. This is the first of two episodes with the Freelancers Union.

Check out the Show Notes and Transcript for background info and more!

This time on Code WACK! What can be done to ensure that nonprofit hospitals are delivering fairly on their community benefits – and worthy of their huge tax breaks? How does corporate lobbying complicate efforts to improve the oversight of these facilities? Who benefits when hospitals reduce costs without lowering prices for patients?

To find out, we spoke to filmmaker Sandra Alvarez, director of the new documentary InHospitable, which tells the story of patients and advocates as they fight for their lives and take on a billion-dollar hospital system. This is the second of two episodes with Sandra about her film InHospitable.

Check out the Show Notes and Transcript for background info and more!

This time on Code WACK! When it comes to our broken healthcare system, are nonprofit hospitals part of the solution ... or part of the problem? What are their priorities? How do their actions affect patient care?

To find out, we spoke to filmmaker Sandra Alvarez, director of the new documentary InHospitable, which tells the story of patients and advocates as they fight for their lives and take on a billion dollar hospital system. This is the first of two episodes with Sandra about her film InHospitable.

Check out the Show Notes and Transcript for background info and more!

Medicare's 2023 enrollment period is ending on Dec. 7 and Code WACK! is on the case! What are the true risks of choosing Medicare Advantage instead of original Medicare with a Medigap supplement? Are you risking your pocketbook, or your health?

Both, suggests expert Dr. Ed Weisbart, a retired family physician, former chief medical officer of Express Scripts and a national board member of Physicians for a National Health Program. "Don't get tricked" by Medicare Advantage, he warns, because there's a lot at stake. Why don't our lawmakers protect us by leveling the playing field between the two Medicare programs? To find out, listen to the episode!

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This time on Code WACK!. How do the results of the midterm elections affect the prospect for state-based single payer healthcare systems? Will state governments continue to subsidize the private insurance system and defend the status quo as we lose money and lives?

To find out, we asked Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now, a statewide coalition dedicated to winning single payer, Medicare for All in the Golden State. He was also the healthcare constituency director for Bernie Sanders 2020. This is the second of two pods about the election results with Mr. Lighty.

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This time on Code WACK!. What do the tight midterm elections mean for our nation's health care? Hanging in the balance are the fates of those who are dependent on pandemic emergency programs for their health care and millions of American seniors who anxiously face the privatization of traditional Medicare.

To find out, we asked Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now, a statewide coalition dedicated to winning single payer, Medicare for All in the Golden State. He was also the healthcare constituency director for Bernie Sanders 2020. This is the first of two pods about the election results with Mr. Lighty.

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!

This time on Code WACK! In 2022, nearly half of people eligible for Medicare are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. So what's the problem? Good question.

To find out, we spoke to Diane Archer, founder and president of Just Care USA, an independent digital media hub covering health and financial issues facing boomers and their families.

What pitfalls does Medicare Advantage pose? Is the Medicare Star Rating System a reliable guide to the best Advantage plans? And what's the Medigap Trap?

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What are the major differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage? How do the two programs compare when it comes to accessing quality care?

To get the facts, join host Brenda Gazzar and Ed Weisbart, MD, a retired family physician, former chief medical officer of Express Scripts and a national board member of Physicians for a National Health Program.

From narrow provider networks to pre-authorizations and claims denials, Dr. Weisbart shares the nitty-gritty on Medicare Advantage. What is the Medicare Advantage business model? Why are so many Medicare Advantage insurers being accused of fraud?

Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!