Carlos Moreno / KCUR
A skin biopsy at Lawrence Memorial Hospital goes for anywhere from $95 to $600. It all depends on who receives the bill. Removing a skin lesion, anywhere from about $120 to $920.
Now, because hospitals had to release millions of previously secret prices on Jan. 1, the public can see just how common price differences like these are.
Health care experts say the massive data dump huge spreadsheets of headache-inducing medical jargon and arcane billing codes will be difficult for people to translate into what they’d actually pay. You’d still need to understand copays and other factors.
“The vast majority of patients are not equipped to make use of this,” said Amanda Hunt, deputy director of the Healthcare Value Hub. “Consumers need to know what the cost of a service is to them.”
North Dakota could pass an affordable insulin bill: It s literally life or death
North Dakota lawmakers will soon consider a bill that caps a 30-day supply of insulin at $25 upfront for consumers who are insured under a North Dakota health insurance plan. 5:50 am, Jan. 9, 2021 ×
A North Dakota Senate bill would cap the amount people have to pay upfront for insulin medication at $25. Hillsboro, N.D., resident Angela Kritzberger has paid up to $1,200 for a 30-day insulin prescription for her daughter Nina. David Samson / The Forum
HILLSBORO, N.D. Twelve-year-old Nina Kristzberger is an active sixth grader who swims and plays softball, basketball and volleyball. She wants to be known simply as good-natured Nina, rather than a girl living with a lifelong disease Type 1 diabetes.
INVESTIGATES: Shocking bills after COVID-19 tests
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HOUSTON – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, health authorities are encouraging everyone to get tested repeatedly to make sure we are not unknowingly spreading the virus.
Now, hundreds of millions of tests later, Channel 2 Investigates discovered doctors gouging patients and insurance companies for tests that are supposed to be free.
Nasal swabs, mouth swabs, rapid tests, and PCRs: There’s more than one way to get tested for COVID-19.
“I paid $100 for me, I paid $100 for my daughter,” said Katie Hillborn.
Hillborn also provided her insurance card at the Clear Creek Emergency Room in League City, in hopes she would be reimbursed when her insurance company paid the claim for the COVID-19 tests for her and her daughter.
Md. lawmaker shares cancer diagnosis to encourage people to get preventive care despite pandemic Ovetta Wiggins A veteran Maryland lawmaker is undergoing treatment for breast cancer and says she wants to discuss her diagnosis as a way of reminding people to seek preventive care during the pandemic. Del. Anne Healey (D-Prince George’s), 70, who has served in the Maryland General Assembly for 30 years, said she was diagnosed in June. She credits early detection with preventing the spread of her cancer. “I do want to encourage the public, especially women, not to delay getting their regular medical treatment,” Healey said. “Because if I had delayed it my cancer might have grown to where they couldn’t do as much for it.”
Maryland Delegate Anne Healey has breast cancer - The Washington Post washingtonpost.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from washingtonpost.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.