Cost of Health

When asked who might be against the removal of outdated and restrictive Certificate of Need (CON) laws, Senator Joyce Krawiec lets out a laugh. It’s not a nervous laugh, but one that’s hearty and genuine. More than anything, it’s a gesture of astonishment and bewilderment. So, just who would be against ridding the state of guidelines that limit new healthcare providers from entering the market?

“The folks who already are in the market don’t want competition,” Krawiec says. “They just don’t want competition.”

Follow the coalition and Michael on Twitter @fiscalhealthnc and michaelck and Facebook

And be sure to join the coalition to help fight for lower health care costs

The North Carolina Coalition for Fiscal Health is a 501(c)(4) corporation, organized as a nonpartisan group focused on economic issues and the rising cost of healthcare in North Carolina. We’re here to talk about improving the fiscal health of all North Carolinians.

In the latest edition of the NC Coalition for Fiscal Health’s podcast, “The Cost of Health,” you’ll hear the second part of our talk with Cohen as she walks us through her vision for Medicaid expansion and creating a healthier North Carolina.

You might remember from part one that a big goal of Medicaid expansion is filling what’s called the “coverage gap,” or the group of people who make too much money to qualify under current Medicaid standards, but not enough to be eligible for a subsidy under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Discussed in this episode: NCCARE360

Follow the coalition and Michael on Twitter @fiscalhealthnc and michaelck and Facebook

And be sure to join the coalition to help fight for lower health care costs

The North Carolina Coalition for Fiscal Health is a 501(c)(4) corporation, organized as a nonpartisan group focused on economic issues and the rising cost of healthcare in North Carolina. We’re here to talk about improving the fiscal health of all North Carolinians.

Since Medicaid is insurance that’s intended for people with lower incomes, it sometimes carries a negative reputation or association. Despite the stigma, Cohen cautions that the majority of its members are either children (1.2 million in North Carolina), those with disabilities, or seniors.

But then there are the people like our farmer or those who fall into what’s called the “coverage gap.” This is when someone makes too much money to be eligible for Medicaid, but not enough to qualify for a subsidy under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Follow the coalition and Michael on Twitter @fiscalhealthnc and michaelck and Facebook

And be sure to join the coalition to help fight for lower health care costs

The North Carolina Coalition for Fiscal Health is a 501(c)(4) corporation, organized as a nonpartisan group focused on economic issues and the rising cost of healthcare in North Carolina. We’re here to talk about improving the fiscal health of all North Carolinians.

Surprise bills are hugely damaging to families and drive up the costs of our insurance premiums, which is why I was so excited yesterday when senate bill 386 was introduced.  This bill will mitigate the impact of surprise bills by setting reasonable limits on what out of network providers can charge patients.  Last week, before the bill was introduced, I sat down with Senator Hise, one of the bills sponsors, to discuss the issue of surprise bills. 

Follow the coalition and Michael on Twitter @fiscalhealthnc and michaelck and Facebook

And be sure to join the coalition to help fight for lower health care costs

The North Carolina Coalition for Fiscal Health is a 501(c)(4) corporation, organized as a nonpartisan group focused on economic issues and the rising cost of healthcare in North Carolina. We’re here to talk about improving the fiscal health of all North Carolinians.

Open enrollment for 2019 health insurance plans start on November 1 and last through December 15. Healthcare plans are always changing. We wanted to talk to someone who knows exactly what has happened in 2018 and what can be expected for the upcoming year. On this episode of “The Cost of Health,” WNC Health Insurance owner Josh Williams chats about new plans, reimbursements, and reference-based pricing health plans.

Josh Williams' Western North Carolina Health Insurance

Follow the coalition and Michael on Twitter @fiscalhealthnc and michaelck and Facebook

And be sure to join the coalition to help fight for lower health care costs

The North Carolina Coalition for Fiscal Health is a 501(c)(4) corporation, organized as a nonpartisan group focused on economic issues and the rising cost of healthcare in North Carolina. We’re here to talk about improving the fiscal health of all North Carolinians.

It’s no secret that healthcare costs in North Carolina and across the country are on the rise. But what can be done to lower healthcare costs? On this week’s episode of “The Cost of Health,” we get an insider look on the real ways to keep costs down. We chat with Dr. Patrick Conway, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), for his take on what’s driving the spike and how it can be combatted.

Patrick Conway's executive profile on bluecrossnc.com

Patrick Conway on Twitter @PatrickConwayMD

Follow the coalition and Michael on Twitter @fiscalhealthnc and michaelck and Facebook

And be sure to join the coalition to help fight for lower health care costs

The North Carolina Coalition for Fiscal Health is a 501(c)(4) corporation, organized as a nonpartisan group focused on economic issues and the rising cost of healthcare in North Carolina. We’re here to talk about improving the fiscal health of all North Carolinians.

Rising healthcare costs is a problem that seems to be on everyone’s mind, from patients to government officials. But what are the possible solutions? That’s a tricky answer, but one that Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina Chief Medical Officer Rahul Rajkumar seeks to find. And he’s got a solid idea on how to keep costs down – and keep quality care high. On this week’s episode of “The Cost of Health,” Rahul shares his thoughts on the factors that drive rising costs, a strategy for value-based reimbursement in North Carolina, and how it all works.

Doctor Rajkumar's executive profile

Doctor Rajkumar on Twitter @RahulRajkumar11

Follow the coalition and Michael on Twitter @fiscalhealthnc and michaelck and Facebook

And be sure to join the coalition to help fight for lower health care costs

The North Carolina Coalition for Fiscal Health is a 501(c)(4) corporation, organized as a nonpartisan group focused on economic issues and the rising cost of healthcare in North Carolina. We’re here to talk about improving the fiscal health of all North Carolinians.

 Olga Kennedy is busy woman. She works 7 days a week at Aqua Squad Pool and Spa Service which she owns with her husband, she’s a fulltime mom to two children, and she teaches English and general education classes at a private college in Raleigh, N.C. But despite all of her hard work and success, she still finds health insurance out of her reach.

In this week's episode, Olga tells us about making difficult choices between health care and her children's education, as well as rushing a surgery that she might not have even needed.

Aqua Squad - the pool and spa service Olga owns with her husband.

Follow the coalition and Michael on Twitter @fiscalhealthnc and michaelck and Facebook

And be sure to join the coalition to help fight for lower health care costs

The North Carolina Coalition for Fiscal Health is a 501(c)(4) corporation, organized as a nonpartisan group focused on economic issues and the rising cost of healthcare in North Carolina. We’re here to talk about improving the fiscal health of all North Carolinians.