Jay Hancock

Jay Hancock was a senior correspondent for Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News until he retired in Feburary 2022.

jayhancock@protonmail.com

As States Target High Drug Prices, Pharma Targets State Lawmakers

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

In Louisiana, the wining and dining of lawmakers by scores of pharma lobbyists proves a valuable lesson on how to win statehouse votes and influence profits.

Churning, Confusion And Disruption — The Dark Side Of Marketplace Coverage

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

The Affordable Care Act has increased the number of people with insurance, but shopping around for plans puts a burden on patients, especially this year.

Hospitals Find Asthma Hot Spots More Profitable To Neglect Than Fix

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Months of reporting and rich hospital data portray life in the worst asthma hot spot in one of the worst asthma cities: Baltimore. The medical system knows how to help. But there’s no money in it.

Obamacare: comprar seguro es más complicado que nunca. Aquí, algunas tretas

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Es esencial que conozca sus opciones en base a los ingresos y al tamaño de su familia. Aquí, algunas respuestas clave para entender el mercado de seguros.

Do Pharma’s Claims On Drug Prices Pass The Smell Test? We Found 5 Stinkers.

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Drug companies are in the midst of a glossy publicity campaign to stop attempts to control rising pharma costs. But the devil is in the details.

Everyone Says We Must Control Exorbitant Drug Prices. So, Why Don’t We?

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Any momentum to address prescription drug costs has been lost amid rancorous debates over replacing Obamacare and stalled by roadblocks erected via lobbying and industry cash.

How Below-The-Radar Mergers Fuel Health Care Monopolies

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Most acquisitions by hospitals of physician practices are too small to trigger antitrust attention, study says. But a buying spree of “onesies and twosies†doctor practices has driven competition down and prices up.

Taking A U-Turn On Benefits, Big Employers Vow To Continue Offering Health Insurance

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Three years ago, only about a quarter of the nation’s large employers were very confident they would have a health plan in 10 years. That number has now risen to 65 percent.

Despite Insurers’ Tactical Win On ACA’s Cost-Sharing Payments, Uncertainty Lingers

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Court allows state attorneys general to join a pending legal challenge to keep billions in subsidies flowing to consumers and insurers, despite the Trump administration’s resistance.

Analysis: Senate’s Latest Health Blueprint Cuts Costs At The Expense Of Chronically Ill

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

The Senate draft bill released Thursday to replace the Affordable Care Act risks creating a high-cost ghetto for those with preexisting conditions or long-term sickness, experts say.

Huecos en las promesas de proteger la cobertura de condiciones preexistentes

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Expertos en políticas de salud que han analizado el texto del proyecto de salud del Senado, aseguran que la legislación no siempre garantizaría la atención de personas con condiciones preexistentes.

With Drug Costs In Crosshairs, Health Firms Gave Generously To Trump’s Inauguration

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Led by Pfizer and Amgen, about 10 health care firms contributed to President Donald Trump’s inauguration, which earned them entry into private events with the president and vice president.

Muerte por 1,000 recortes: cómo pueden los republicanos alterar su cobertura de salud

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Los peores enemigos de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible ahora están a cargo. Y están discutiendo cambios que podrían afectar a una más amplia red de planes de empleadores y a la cobertura del Medicare para los adultos mayores.

Death By 1,000 Cuts: How Republicans Can Still Alter Your Coverage

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

There are many ways beyond legislative repeal for the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to unravel the Affordable Care Act.

Late Move To Dump ‘Essential’ Benefits Could Strand Chronically Ill

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½Ò•îl Health News Original

Republicans seek lower cost and more choice for health insurance sold to individuals, but cutting coverage standards could leave fewer comprehensive plans, analysts say.