States | Consumers for Quality Care

Pennsylvania May Require Insurers to Cover Telehealth Services

Consumers for Quality Care, March 29, 2023

State lawmakers in Pennsylvania are looking to require private insurance companies to cover telehealth services, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. As it stands, Pennsylvania is one of just seven states where insurers have no obligation to provide telehealth services, such as virtual checkups and remote monitoring of health conditions....

Pennsylvania Judge Revokes Nonprofit Hospital’s Property Tax Exemption

Consumers for Quality Care, March 29, 2023

Nonprofit hospitals in Pennsylvania are coming under more scrutiny, according to Spotlight PA. This month, a Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court judge revoked a property tax exemption for a nonprofit hospital in Southeastern Pennsylvania while also denying appeals from three others. Judge Christine Fizzano Cannon found that these hospitals, all operated...

Michigan Maternal Health Advocates Look to Pass the ‘Momnibus’ to Protect Black Mothers

Consumers for Quality Care, March 29, 2023

Maternal health advocates in Michigan are calling on state lawmakers to address racial disparities in care, according to Michigan Live. Across the nation, Black women die from pregnancy-related issues at a higher rate than white women. In Michigan, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related...

Hospitals and Insurance Providers Exploit Loopholes in No Surprises Act, Hurting Consumers

Consumers for Quality Care, March 22, 2023

The wording and fine print in contracts between insurers and hospitals may determine whether in-network or out-of-network costs apply, leading to surprise medical bills, according to NPR. Danielle Laskey experienced a severe pregnancy complication and sought help from the Swedish Maternal & Fetal Specialty Center-First Hill, a specialized pregnancy...

Hospitals Are Closing Maternity Units That Hurt Their Bottom Line

Consumers for Quality Care, March 22, 2023

At a time when America faces a maternal health crisis, hospitals across the country are shutting down labor and delivery care units in an effort to reduce costs, according to The New York Times. Days before Christmas last year, the maternity unit at Astria Toppenish Hospital, in the Yakama...

Montana Expands Mental Health Screenings for Students

Consumers for Quality Care, March 22, 2023

Montana is taking steps to address its high suicide rate, particularly among children, by providing free mental health screenings for all students, according to Kaiser Health News. Montana resident Bella Nyman — who has lived with mental health issues for most of her life — believes that a mental...

Nonprofit Group Details Oregon Hospitals Not Following Charity Care Law in Report

Consumers for Quality Care, March 22, 2023

A recent report from an Oregon-based nonprofit organization is shedding light on nonprofit hospitals that don’t follow the laws regarding charity care but instead engage in predatory debt collection practices aimed at low-income consumers, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. Dollar For sets out to educate consumers on their rights...

Oregon Bill Aims to Help Chronically Ill Patients Afford Medications

Consumers for Quality Care, March 22, 2023

Oregon lawmakers have proposed legislation which seeks to ease the financial burden for patients with chronic illnesses who require expensive medications, according to Statesman Journal. For Madonna McGuire Smith, the cost of medication for her, her husband, and her three children to treat a chronic bleeding disorder meant they...

After FTC Pressure, a Proposed New York Hospital Merger Is Prevented

Consumers for Quality Care, March 15, 2023

Last month, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University and Crouse Health System dropped their planned merger after mounting pressure from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Healthcare Dive reports. The hospital systems had planned to merge under Certificates of Public Advantage (COPAs), which would have sheltered the...

Racial Disparities Exist in Maternal Mortality Rates, Regardless of Socioeconomic Status

Consumers for Quality Care, March 10, 2023

A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, as reported by The New York Times, found that Black women in America, no matter their income or wealth, suffer higher rates of maternal mortality than their White counterparts. Many studies over the years have uncovered racial disparities in...

Couple Receives $200K Bill for Rabies Shots

Consumers for Quality Care, March 8, 2023

A California couple was charged over $200,000 for a single visit to the emergency room for rabies shots after encountering a bat in their home, according to ABC 7 News. Al and Eileen Aguilar were able to capture and release the bat that had entered their home. Although neither...

North Carolina State Treasurer Highlights Exorbitant Hospital Executive Pay

Consumers for Quality Care, March 8, 2023

North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell has issued a series of new reports highlighting how executive pay among the state’s nine largest health systems has drastically increased at the same time consumers are paying more for their health care, as reported by Raleigh News & Observer and MedPage Today. ...

Systemic Barriers Put in Place by Insurance Companies Prevent Nevada Consumers from Accessing Mental Health Services

Consumers for Quality Care, March 8, 2023

A shortage of professional mental health providers, coupled with systemic barriers instituted by insurance companies not accepting mental and behavioral health specialists in their network, prevent many Nevadans from accessing the health care services they need, according to the Nevada Current. Data shows that denial rates of mental health...

Connecticut Proposes Medical Debt Relief for Consumers

Consumers for Quality Care, March 8, 2023

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has proposed cancelling medical debt for thousands of residents, according to the Yale Daily News. Under Gov. Lamont’s proposal, the state would use $20 million from its share of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to partner with nonprofits who would then buy the debt...

CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: New York Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail

Consumers for Quality Care, March 7, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2023 Contact: Press@Consumers4QualityCare.org CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: New York Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail WASHINGTON, D.C. – Despite being tax-exempt, nonprofit hospitals across the country are making big money at the expense of their patients. The New York Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard was created...

Montana Proposes Legislation to Examine Tax-Exempt Status for Nonprofit Hospitals

Consumers for Quality Care, March 1, 2023

Montana lawmakers are considering legislation to increase the authority of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Service (DPHHS) to conduct oversight of nonprofit hospitals’ tax-exempt status, according to the Daily Montanan. House Bill 45 would allow DPHHS to create new reporting standards to determine if hospitals are...

How One Family Took on Their Health Insurance Company and Won

Consumers for Quality Care, March 1, 2023

A family is calling for change after shining a light on predatory health insurance billing practices, according to ProPublica. Penn State University student Christopher McNaughton and his parents, David McNaughton and Janice Light, navigated the difficult and complex health insurance denial and appeal process for years to ensure Christopher...

Chicago Family Charged Out-Of-Network Rate at In-Network Hospital

Consumers for Quality Care, March 1, 2023

Physicians treating the newborn daughter of a Chicago family in their in-network hospital actually worked for a separate, out-of-network hospital, leaving the family with a bill of more than $14,000, according to KHN. Seven months pregnant, Brenna Kearney experienced complications that required an immediate delivery by cesarean section. Kearney’s...

Jim Manley: Op/Ed: High costs for care at Indiana’s nonprofit hospitals not very charitable

Consumers for Quality Care, February 26, 2023

Nonprofit hospitals are supposed to operate like charities, providing affordable health care to those in need while improving their communities in exchange for massive tax breaks. But the truth is that across the country ― including here in Indiana ― nonprofit hospitals are implementing toxic policies that put profits ahead of...

Report Finds Deaths from Pregnancy Complications Continue to Increase in Mississippi

Consumers for Quality Care, February 22, 2023

A report from the Mississippi Department of Health found deaths from pregnancy complications continue to increase, especially among communities of color. According to NBC News, the report shows an 8.8 percent increase in maternal mortality rate between 2013-2016 and 2017-2019, with Black women being four times more likely to...

Michigan Releases New Consumer Rights Protection Guide on Surprise Medical Billing

Consumers for Quality Care, February 15, 2023

Michigan is releasing a new consumer protection guide to help residents understand their rights when it comes to surprise medical bills, according to Michigan NPR. The start of 2023 marked the one-year anniversary of the federal No Surprises Act. The law is intended to stop hospitals and insurance providers...

High-Deductible Health Insurance Plans Costing Families More and More

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High-deductible health insurance plans are forcing many Americans to pay out thousands of dollars for medical services and devices before their health insurance plan will begin covering these expenses, according to NBC News. Massachusetts resident Meghan Neri was shocked to learn that the packages of epinephrine auto-injectors for her...

St. Louis Nonprofit Fights Maternal Mortality Among Black Women

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Parents as Teachers, a St. Louis nonprofit, is part of a movement working to combat high maternal mortality rates among Black women, according to The New York Times. St. Louis resident Tara Ervin lost her sister Kelly to a pregnancy complication after her sister’s concerns were ignored by the...

Maternal Deaths in New Jersey Have Decreased, but Racial Disparities Remain

Consumers for Quality Care, February 1, 2023

According to a report published by the New Jersey Hospital Association, and reported by NorthJersey.com, cesarian sections and serious maternal complications have decreased statewide, but a significant racial gap in maternal care still exists. As one of the states with the highest maternal death rates in the nation, New...

Cities are Partnering with Debt Forgiveness Organizations to Erase Consumers Medical Debt

Consumers for Quality Care, February 1, 2023

Cleveland may soon be joining cities like Chicago, Illinois and Columbus, Ohio that have worked with nonprofit organizations like RIP Medical Debt to help eliminate consumer medical debt, according to Ideastream Public Media. Medical debt impacts one in five U.S. households, according to a recent JAMA study. With this...

Nevadans Taking Advantage of ACA Subsidies During Open Enrollment

Consumers for Quality Care, February 1, 2023

The expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are helping more Nevadans enroll in health care coverage than in previous years, according to Nevada Current. Ryan High, Executive Director of Nevada Health Link, the state’s open enrollment program, highlighted the record setting numbers of consumers enrolling in health plans. According...

Over $800 Million in Medical Debt Could Be Erased for Michigan Consumers

Consumers for Quality Care, February 1, 2023

A nonprofit organization is hoping to relieve Michigan consumers of over $800 million in medical debt owed, according to Michigan Radio. The organization, RIP Medical Debt, purchases medical debt for pennies on the dollar either on the secondary debt market or directly from medical providers, then cancels the debt...

Minnesota Attorney General Investigating Mayo Clinic’s Billing Procedures

Consumers for Quality Care, January 25, 2023

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is launching an investigation into one of the state’s largest and most prominent hospitals, the Mayo Clinic, according to The Bemidji Pioneer. The Attorney General’s office is taking action in light of a recent investigative report conducted by the Post Bulletin, which interviewed 20...

Racial Disparities Found to Impact Maternal Deaths in Texas

Consumers for Quality Care, January 25, 2023

A report published by the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, and reported by The Houston Chronicle, found that racial disparities contributed to negative pregnancy outcomes among Black women in Texas. The report found an increased rate of severe maternal morbidity among Black women, with discrimination contributing to...

CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: Washington State Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail

Consumers for Quality Care, January 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2023 Contact: Press@Consumers4QualityCare.org CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: Washington State Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail WASHINGTON – Despite being tax-exempt, nonprofit hospitals across the country are making big money at the expense of their patients. The Washington state Hospital Score Card was created based...

CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: Oregon Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail

Consumers for Quality Care, January 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2023 Contact: Press@Consumers4QualityCare.org CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: Oregon Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail WASHINGTON – Despite being tax-exempt, non-profit hospitals across the country are making big money at the expense of needy patients. According to recent findings from the Lown Institute, PatientsRightsAdvocate.org, and...

CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: New Jersey Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail

Consumers for Quality Care, January 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2023 Contact: Press@Consumers4QualityCare.org CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: New Jersey Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail WASHINGTON – Despite being tax-exempt, nonprofit hospitals across the country are making big money at the expense of their patients. The New Jersey Hospital Scorecard was created based on...

CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: Illinois Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail

Consumers for Quality Care, January 24, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 24, 2023 Contact: Press@Consumers4QualityCare.org CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: Illinois Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail WASHINGTON – Despite being tax-exempt, nonprofit hospitals across the country are making big money at the expense of their patients. The Illinois Hospital Scorecard was created based on recent findings...

Hospitals Found Taking Advantage of Federal Drug Discount Program Designed to Benefit Consumers

Consumers for Quality Care, January 18, 2023

A decades-old federal drug program, 340B, is designed to offer prescription drugs at lower prices to low-income consumers, but now large nonprofit hospital systems are taking advantage of the law’s loopholes to turn massive profits, according to The Wall Street Journal. 340B requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to sell drugs to...

Black Knoxville Residents are Twice as Likely to Face Medical Debt Compared to White Residents

Consumers for Quality Care, January 18, 2023

In the Knoxville area, residents in predominately black neighborhoods are more than twice as likely to find themselves in medical debt than residents in white neighborhoods, according to Urban Institute data reported by KHN. Monica Reed, facing roughly $10,000 in medical debt for cancer treatments, has been hounded by...

Medical Cost-Sharing Plan Left Uninsured Kansas Man with Nearly $160,000 Bill

Consumers for Quality Care, January 18, 2023

People without employer-sponsored insurance or those who are ineligible for federal subsidies to purchase a plan through the health insurance marketplace can be left feeling priced out of traditional health insurance. As a result, these individuals become more vulnerable to hospital charges that ordinary patients usually never see, according...

Military Recruits with Medical Debt May Not Be Allowed to Enlist

Consumers for Quality Care, January 18, 2023

Samaria Bradford, 27, from Goldsboro, North Carolina had dreamed of joining the Air Force before her plans were derailed due to medical debt, according to KHN. First qualifying in 2020, she delayed her enlistment so she could support her younger sister who was in high school. During that time,...

Planned Health Care Merger in North Carolina Threatens Consumer Care

Consumers for Quality Care, January 11, 2023

In North Carolina, the planned merger of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora threatens the safety and overall cost of medical care for consumers, warned North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell as reported by The Center Square. “There is widespread evidence that mergers make hospital care less affordable and less...

Washington State Pharmacies Face Challenges with PBMs Despite Recent Reform Laws

Consumers for Quality Care, January 11, 2023

Pharmacies in Washington state continue to face challenges in working with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) despite recent reform laws, according to State of Reform. “Unfortunately, our ability to care for our most vulnerable is under a very real threat,” said Ryan Oftebro, President of the Washington State Pharmacy Association....

More Than 200,000 Children in Colorado Could Lose Health Coverage, Experts Warn

Consumers for Quality Care, January 11, 2023

Recent Colorado state data shows that more than 200,000 children are at risk of losing health care coverage when the COVID-19 public health emergency expires, according to Kiowa County Press, which could leave many families vulnerable to medical debt and bankruptcy. “Folks are worried that they are not going...

New Orleans City Council Plans to Forgive Medical Debt for Consumers

Consumers for Quality Care, January 4, 2023

The New Orleans City Council is working on a plan that could provide relief for consumers with medical debt, according to 4WWL. Medical debt affects 4 in 10 Americans overall and 56 percent of Black Americans. The impacts of medical debt on consumers are also far-reaching. “Medical debt like...

Hospitals Continue to Utilize Predatory Debt Collection Practices Despite New Mexico Law

Consumers for Quality Care, January 4, 2023

Despite a law which limits aggressive medical debt collection practices in New Mexico, Source NM reports that hospitals and collection agencies have continued to file hundreds of lawsuits against low-income consumers with medical debt. Over 200,000 New Mexicans are uninsured, and nearly 18 percent of New Mexicans have medical...

Some California Hospitals Yet to Post Charity Care Rules on Their Website Despite State Law

Consumers for Quality Care, January 4, 2023

Despite a law requiring hospitals to prominently post their financial assistance policies on their website, a Los Angeles Times investigation found that hospitals across the state have yet to comply with these transparency requirements. Although AB 1020 went into effect in January 2022, hospitals are still not in compliance...

Portland Radio Station Helps Clear More than $4 Million in Medical Debt for Consumers

Consumers for Quality Care, January 4, 2023

Portland County Station KWJJ, in conjunction with RIP Medical Debt, recently led a campaign erasing more than $4 million in medical debt for 3,200 consumers, according to Radio Ink. RIP Medical Debt works by purchasing medical debt in bulk for a discounted rate, and then forgiving that debt for...

New Yorkers Will No Longer Face Risk of Losing Their Home Over Medical Debt

Consumers for Quality Care, December 21, 2022

Consumers in New York will no longer face liens on homes or garnished wages from health care providers attempting to collect outstanding medical debt thanks to a new law signed by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, according to Spectrum 1 Local News. Roughly 50,000 New York consumers have faced...

Indiana Consumers Pay More for Medical Care as a Result of Health Care Mergers and Acquisitions

Consumers for Quality Care, December 14, 2022

From 2011 to 2020, Indiana consumers were found to have paid more for their health care than consumers in neighboring states, according to University of California-Berkley researchers as reported by the Greenfield Reporter. During this time, Indiana consumers saw a 48 percent per capita rise in their health care...

Lack of Mental Health Services in Montana Impacting Youth Suicide Numbers

Consumers for Quality Care, December 6, 2022

Despite increased attention paid to the national mental health crisis, the amount of mental health resources remain well below the scale of need, a fact which is greatly impacting Montana’s youth, according to the Montana Free Press. Recent data released by Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services...

Partnership in Muskegon County, Michigan Aims to Relieve Burden of Medical Debt

Consumers for Quality Care, December 6, 2022

Two nonprofit organizations, Access Health and RIP Medical Debt, have partnered to form a collaboration that will aim to help Muskegon County, Michigan consumers reduce or even eliminate their medical debt, Fox 17 reports. Access Health aids consumers in Muskegon County who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot...

South Dakota Voters Approve Extension of Medicaid Benefits

Consumers for Quality Care, November 30, 2022

South Dakota voters approved an extension of Medicaid benefits to over 40,000 low-income residents during this year’s election, according to Forbes. The state’s voter-approved “Constitutional Amendment D” will expand Medicaid next year to any resident aged 18 to 65 with an income up to 133 percent of the federal...

Report Finds NC Hospital Made Millions While Claiming to Lose Money on Medicare Patients

Consumers for Quality Care, November 23, 2022

While nonprofit hospitals publicly declare millions in losses in services to Medicare patients as part of the community benefits they provide, they also often claim millions in profits from Medicare, a state report has found. According to a North Carolina state treasurer’s office report and as reported in Kaiser...

Report Finds Many North Carolina Hospitals Not in Compliance with Price Transparency Rules

Consumers for Quality Care, November 23, 2022

Despite the hospital price transparency rule enacted in January 2021, 67 percent of North Carolina hospitals were found to not be in compliance, according to a study conducted by the nonprofit Patient Rights Advocate and reported by Spectrum Local News. The hospital price transparency rule requires that hospitals provide...

Hospital Closure Impacting Atlanta Consumers

Consumers for Quality Care, November 15, 2022

The recent closure of Atlanta Medical Center (AMC), a Level 1 trauma center owned by nonprofit Wellstar Health System, has medical professionals, political leaders, and the community eagerly searching for new alternatives for care, according to Georgia Public Broadcasting News. The closing of Atlanta Medical Center is the latest...

Despite New Policies to Protect Consumers, Medical Debt Still a Problem for Many

Consumers for Quality Care, November 9, 2022

New policies from credit agencies designed to lessen the impact of medical debt on consumer credit reports have not had a significant impact on many consumers, particularly among communities of color and low-income patients, who are often hit hardest by medical debt, according to Kaiser Health News. Penelope “Penny”...

Congressman Brings the Fight to Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Consumers for Quality Care, November 9, 2022

Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) recently released a report detailing how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are hurting consumers’ accessibility to, and ability to afford, prescription drugs, according to Med Page Today. The report, titled “Pulling Back the Curtain on PBMs: A Path Towards Affordable Prescription Drugs,” includes testimonials from consumers,...

Washington State Lawmakers, Regulators Boost Health Care Price Transparency

Consumers for Quality Care, November 9, 2022

State lawmakers and regulators in Washington have taken action aimed at providing price transparency to consumers for their health care, according to Komo News. Recent laws passed in Washington state now require hospitals to disclose to consumers the cost of a covered service before care is administered, and by...

Donna M. Christensen: Guest Commentary: How can we address high medical debt?

Consumers for Quality Care, November 2, 2022

We are in the midst of a national crisis affecting the lives of more than 100 million Americans, including Delawareans. This crisis is worsening racial disparities in health and wealth. It’s stopping some Americans from saving for retirement and others from investing in their children’s education. It’s forcing patients...

Donna M. Christensen: Addressing medical debt amid worsening health and wealth outcomes

Consumers for Quality Care, November 2, 2022

We are in the midst of a national crisis affecting the lives of more than 100 million Americans, including many Nevadans. This crisis is worsening racial disparities in health and wealth. It’s stopping some Americans from saving for retirement and others from investing in their children’s education. It’s forcing patients...

Open Enrollment for 2023 – NJ Marketplace is Up and Running

Consumers for Quality Care, November 1, 2022

“Plans with high deductibles, coinsurance, and co-pays typically have lower premiums, making them a more attractive option for many people trying to reduce their monthly bills,” said Mary Smith, a board member with Consumers for Quality Care. “However, when seeking care, people with these plans are often left with...

State Senator Shane Morigeau: Rural communities deserve equitable access to quality health care

Consumers for Quality Care, October 31, 2022

Montana’s rural communities are enormous contributors to our state economy. They are home to our farms and ranches, our thriving Tribal communities, and much of what makes Montana so attractive to tourists – mountains, rivers, lakes, open prairies, and abundant wildlife. Montana’s beauty and its space are in large...

Tackling the roots of medical debt for Health Literacy Month

Consumers for Quality Care, October 27, 2022

More than half of Americans said they are worried about getting surprise medical bills they cannot afford, and consumer advocates said one way to avoid them is to improve your health literacy. … The health advocacy group Consumers for Quality Care is urging people looking for new coverage, or to change...

Affordable Care Act signup begins Nov. 1. This is what you need to know about NJ Obamacare

Consumers for Quality Care, October 27, 2022

New Jerseyans shopping for health insurance through the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace will see more choices, higher premiums and expanded subsidies to help pay for policies. With open enrollment beginning Nov. 1, health experts said consumers should take advantage of the chance to comparison shop in the program...

Hospital Chain Used Low-Income Neighborhoods to Boost Profits

Consumers for Quality Care, October 26, 2022

Richmond Community Hospital, located in a low-income neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia, lacks many of the standard medical personnel, tools, and equipment found in other hospitals, but somehow has the highest profit margin of any hospital in the state. The hospital, which is owned by nonprofit Marriottsville, Maryland-based health system...

Biden Administration and States Take Steps to Address Mental Health Crisis

Consumers for Quality Care, October 26, 2022

More attention is being devoted by the Biden administration and state regulators to address the mental health crisis across the country. According to Fierce Healthcare, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released the administration’s road map, which lays out strategies for integrating mental health and...

State Senator Shane Morigeau: Rural communities deserve equitable access to quality healthcare

Consumers for Quality Care, October 25, 2022

Montana’s rural communities are enormous contributors to our state economy. They are home to our farms and ranches, our thriving Tribal communities, and much of what makes Montana so attractive to tourists – mountains, rivers, lakes, open prairies and abundant wildlife. Montana’s beauty and its space are in large...

Portia Prescott: The Importance of Health Literacy

Consumers for Quality Care, October 25, 2022

As we move into the beautiful fall season in Colorado, we should all take a quick pause to recognize that October is Health Literacy Month. With more and more Americans facing crushing medical debt – 1 in 3 adults in particular and 65% of Americans reporting that they or...

Donna M. Christensen: Addressing medical debt during Health Literacy Month

Consumers for Quality Care, October 25, 2022

We are in the midst of a national crisis affecting the lives of more than 100 million Americans, including Delawareans. This crisis is worsening racial disparities in health and wealth. It’s stopping some Americans from saving for retirement and others from investing in their children’s education. It’s forcing patients who...

Donna M. Christensen: We must address medical debt during this Health Literacy Month | Opinion

Consumers for Quality Care, October 23, 2022

We are in the midst of a national crisis affecting the lives of more than 100 million Americans, including Delawareans. This crisis is worsening racial disparities in health and wealth. It’s stopping some Americans from saving for retirement and others from investing in their children’s education. It’s forcing patients who...

Donna M. Christensen: We must address medical debt during this Health Literacy Month | Opinion

Consumers for Quality Care, October 22, 2022

We are in the midst of a national crisis affecting the lives of more than 100 million Americans, including New Jerseyans. This crisis is worsening racial disparities in health and wealth. It’s stopping some Americans from saving for retirement and others from investing in their children’s education. It’s forcing patients...

Donna M. Christensen: Addressing Medical Debt During Health Literacy Month

Consumers for Quality Care, October 20, 2022

We are in the midst of a national crisis affecting the lives of more than 100 million Americans, including Pennsylvanians. This crisis is worsening racial disparities in health and wealth. It’s stopping some Americans from saving for retirement and others from investing in their children’s education. It’s forcing patients who...

Comment: Demand remains for care, including mental health

Consumers for Quality Care, October 16, 2022

In late June, EMC Research and Impact Research conducted research on behalf of Consumers for Quality Care that addresses some of the issues plaguing our health care system. Washingtonians are struggling under the weight of these added costs; 45 percent were looking for Congress to take action on rising...

Dallas-Fort Worth Area Consumers Hit Hardest With Medical Debt While Hospitals Thrive

Consumers for Quality Care, October 12, 2022

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has one of the highest concentrations of medical debt in the nation. At the same time, many hospitals in the area – including nonprofits – are thriving, according to Kaiser Health News (KHN). According to a study by KHN, hospitals with the highest revenue in...

Montana State Health Department Calls for More Oversight on Nonprofit Hospitals

Consumers for Quality Care, October 5, 2022

Montana health officials have called for more oversight and new standards for nonprofit hospitals, NPR reports. The state Department of Public Health and Human Services will ask for these changes via a legislative package that lawmakers will consider in January 2023. The increased oversight and new standards will assess...

Report Finds Most Colorado Hospitals Failing to Comply with Price Transparency Rules

Consumers for Quality Care, October 5, 2022

A report from PatientRightsAdvocate.org shows that all but one of 32 Colorado hospitals surveyed in August are not in full compliance with the federal price transparency rule, according to The Denver Post. The federal rule requires hospitals to post all prices for medical services in addition to a list...

Racial Disparities Found in Infant Mortality Rates in Kansas

Consumers for Quality Care, September 28, 2022

In Kansas, Black babies are roughly 3.5 times more likely to die than white babies, The Lawrence Times reports. For every 1,000 Black babies born in Kansas, 17 will die before turning one. For white babies, the rate is fewer than five out of every 1,000 births. The COVID-19...

Survey Finds Most Oklahoma Hospitals Failing to Comply with Price Transparency Rules

Consumers for Quality Care, September 28, 2022

A patient advocacy group reports that around 94 percent of Oklahoma hospitals are not in full compliance with the federal price transparency rule, according to The Norman Transcript. After reviewing 46 of the state’s 165 hospitals, all but 3 failed to fully comply with the rule. Cynthia Fisher, founder...

Guest Commentary: Delawareans struggling to afford quality health care

Consumers for Quality Care, September 22, 2022

Health care has gone through many iterations over the last few decades, many of which have revolved around making it both more affordable and more accessible. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affected the finances of many Delawareans, forcing them to reevaluate their budgets and avoid spending on things they...

Maine Consumers Hit with “Facility Fees,” Other Obstacles Found in the Health Care System

Consumers for Quality Care, September 21, 2022

A months-long investigation conducted by The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram found that dozens of consumers reported numerous medical billing issues plaguing the health care system, making consumers feel overwhelmed, confused, and helpless. The investigation revealed systemic problems that leave Mainers on the hook for high health care bills,...

Montana, Rural States Can Do More to Help Consumers by Increasing Telehealth Access

Consumers for Quality Care, September 21, 2022

Montana’s public officials can increase health care and mental health treatment by increasing telehealth access for consumers, according to an opinion piece from Kevin Hamm, the chief executive officer of Treasure State Internet & Telegraph, and published in the Daily Montanan. Nearly half of the 60 million Americans with...

CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: Montana Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail

Consumers for Quality Care, September 14, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14, 2022 Contact: Press@Consumers4QualityCare.org CQC Nonprofit Hospital Scorecard: Montana Nonprofit Hospitals Earn a #HospitalFail WASHINGTON – Despite being tax-exempt, nonprofit hospitals around the country are engaging in practices that put profits over patients. Recent findings from Kaiser Health News, Lown Institute, and PatientRightsAdvocate.org reveal...

New York Passes Legislation to Protect Consumers from Medical Debt Collection Practices

Consumers for Quality Care, September 14, 2022

The New York State Legislature has passed a set of bills giving consumers added protection from medical debt collection practices, according to the Kiowa County Press. Lawmakers have passed two bills in both the Assembly and the Senate. One bill bans medical liens and wage garnishments, while the other...

Opinion: Councilmember Denette Dunn discusses health care

Consumers for Quality Care, September 14, 2022

While Arizonans don’t seem to agree on much these days, recent research shows their opinions on the issue of health care may be more aligned than you think. New research conducted by Impact Research, on behalf of Consumers for Quality Care (CQC), reveals a consensus among Arizonans. Simply put,...

Nonprofit Organization Seeks to End Crushing Medical Debt for Families in Need

Consumers for Quality Care, August 31, 2022

A nonprofit organization, RIP Medical Debt, is paying off medical debt for families in need across the country, according to National Public Radio (NPR). Terri Logan is one of the millions of Americans who felt the burden of medical debt after she received her hospital bill for the birth...

Colorado Lawmakers Crack Down on Hospitals for Predatory Practices

Consumers for Quality Care, August 31, 2022

According to The Colorado Springs Gazette, a new state price transparency law will prohibit Colorado hospitals from pursuing collection actions if the hospitals do not follow federal price transparency laws which require hospitals to post procedure prices online. Although hospitals can still bill patients, the new law bans noncompliant...

COVID-19 Relief Dollars Turned to Record Profits for Several North Carolina Hospital Systems

Consumers for Quality Care, August 24, 2022

In a Charlotte Observer op-ed, North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell outlined a report from his office revealing wealthy hospital systems, including many nonprofit hospitals, saw record profits from COVID-19 relief dollars. Additionally, many of these hospital systems are continuing to engage in predatory billing practices, hurting consumers. Seven...

Tennessee Family Loses Medicaid Coverage After Paperwork Was Sent to a Horse Pasture

Consumers for Quality Care, August 24, 2022

A Tennessee family lost their health insurance after the state made a clerical error and mailed documents to a horse pasture by mistake. According to National Public Radio (NPR), the state’s Medicaid agency, TennCare, provided coverage to the Lester family for years. When Katie Lester took her son to...

Cook County Aims to Eliminate $1 Billion in Medical Debt From County Residents

Consumers for Quality Care, August 17, 2022

Cook County, IL, which encompasses the greater Chicago area, plans to forgive $1 billion in medical debt for hundreds of residents, according to Medical Xpress. The Cook County government plans to work with RIP Medical Debt, a nonprofit group, to purchase $1 billion in medical debt over the next...

Poll: Ahead of midterms, Pa. voters want lower health insurance costs | Friday Morning Coffee

Consumers for Quality Care, August 12, 2022

While the Affordable Care Act has trimmed the ranks of Americans without health coverage, and a landmark spending bill now before Congress will help further contain costs, nearly three-quarters of Pennsylvanians agree that healthcare costs are going up more than other things they need. That’s just one of the findings included in a new...

As Michiganders struggle to afford health care, leaders push lawmakers to act

Consumers for Quality Care, August 11, 2022

Michiganders are having trouble accessing and paying for both physical and mental health care and want their state and federal lawmakers to prioritize driving down health care costs, including by capping insurance deductibles and curbing what insurers can charge patients, according to a new survey. Lansing-based EPIC-MRA, a survey research...

“Phantom” Provider Lists Hamstring Medicaid Consumers from Getting the Mental Health Care They Need

Consumers for Quality Care, August 3, 2022

Medicaid consumers in Oregon are likely to have few mental health services options as a result of discrepancies between provider directories and actual providers available, according to research from the Oregon Health and Science University and Johns Hopkins University and reported by Healthcare Dive. Known as “phantom” provider lists...

Medical Debt Damages Consumers’ Credit Scores

Consumers for Quality Care, August 3, 2022

Consumers that fall into medical debt after their health insurance doesn’t cover expected medical expenses can find their credit score suffering as a result, according to Kaiser Health News. Joe and Amanda Pitzo learned this firsthand when Joe was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2018. While the Pitzos had...

New Jersey Voters Concerned Over Rising Health Care Costs

Consumers for Quality Care, August 2, 2022

For Immediate Release August 2, 2022 Contact: Press@Consumers4QualityCare.org New Jersey Voters Concerned Over Rising Health Care Costs New research shows 78% of New Jersey voters say the cost of health care is going up more than other things they need New Jersey – A new survey of...