Marshfield Clinic, Gundersen merger might change Wisconsin health care

Marshfield Clinic, Gundersen merger might change Wisconsin health care: Consolidations of major health systems usually lead to higher costs for patients. Could this potential merger be different?
"Yet studies indicate that mergers overall lead to higher costs, as health systems gain more leverage in negotiating contracts with health insurers..."
" Prices often rise when close competitors merge..."
"A large body of academic research indicates consolidated health systems can raise prices more easily because they have more leverage in negotiation with health insurers. That's because it's harder for a health plan to not include a larger health system in its network. The result: higher premiums for consumers and employers.
Rural areas in particular are vulnerable because there are often few, if any, alternatives for health care for patients."

Doctors To Test AMA’s Opposition To Medicare For All

Doctors To Test AMA’s Opposition To Medicare For All: The American Medical Association will weigh whether to support single payer "Medicare for All" as part of its annual policy-setting House of Delegates meeting June 8-12 in Chicago.

'Medicare for All's' rich benefits 'leapfrog' other nations

'Medicare for All's' rich benefits 'leapfrog' other nations: WASHINGTON (AP) — Generous benefits. No copays. No need for private policies. The "Medicare for All" plan advocated by leading 2020 Democrats appears more lavish than what's offered in other...

Democrats grapple with fully embracing Medicare for All

Democrats grapple with fully embracing Medicare for All: MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A half-dozen presidential candidates back "Medicare for All," a proposal that would put the government in charge of most health benefits. But some of the Democrats they're...

The campaign to destroy Medicare-for-all has already begun - The Washington Post

The campaign to destroy Medicare-for-all has already begun - The Washington Post

Health Care in the US Should Be Affordable and Accessible

Health Care in the US Should Be Affordable and Accessible: America’s broken health-care system extorts its patients just so they can access a basic human right.

Hospitals divert ambulances when incoming patients more likely poor

Hospitals divert ambulances when incoming patients more likely poor: A study finds private hospitals are more likely to turn away ambulances when a public hospital is on diversion, suggesting hospitals may be diverting for financial reasons.