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National Movement 'One Nation, Overcharged' Demands Affordable U.S. Healthcare

National Movement 'One Nation, Overcharged' Demands Affordable U.S. Healthcare

A new grassroots movement, 'One Nation, Overcharged,' is launching a nationwide campaign to address the rising costs of healthcare in the U.S. The movement, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and over 130 advocacy groups, aims to prioritize people over profits in the healthcare system. It seeks to engage a wide range of participants, including celebrities, activists, and community leaders, to advocate for affordable healthcare. The campaign will utilize storytelling, research, and community events to highlight the impact of high healthcare costs and push for systemic change.

National Academy of Medicine Highlights Misaligned Financial Incentives in U.S. Health Care System

National Academy of Medicine Highlights Misaligned Financial Incentives in U.S. Health Care System

The National Academy of Medicine has released a discussion paper addressing the misalignment of financial incentives within the U.S. health care system. The paper identifies three core drivers of financial misalignment and proposes 12 action levers to address these issues. The current system heavily relies on fee-for-service payments, which incentivize the provision of more services rather than focusing on health outcomes. The paper suggests that aligning payment incentives across public and private payers, expanding flexibility in health spending policies, and establishing global cost mechanisms could improve efficiency and effectiveness. The discussion also highlights the need for a coordinated national approach to health system performance, emphasizing the importance of prevention and community-based health improvements.

Medicare's Role in Desegregating Hospitals and Ongoing Racial Disparities

Medicare's Role in Desegregating Hospitals and Ongoing Racial Disparities

Medicare, established in 1965, played a pivotal role in desegregating hospitals across the United States, particularly in the South. This federal program required hospitals to comply with the Civil Rights Act to receive funding, leading to the rapid desegregation of medical facilities. Despite this progress, racial disparities in healthcare persist, with Black Medicare patients often receiving care at under-resourced hospitals with poorer outcomes. The Medicare Advantage program, which allows enrollment in commercial insurance alternatives, has also been criticized for perpetuating racial inequities in healthcare delivery.

Nonprofit Healthcare Groups Face Increased Pressure Amid Rising Costs

Nonprofit Healthcare Groups Face Increased Pressure Amid Rising Costs

A recent study by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America reveals that fewer than half of Americans can consistently afford healthcare, intensifying the strain on nonprofit healthcare organizations. The study, conducted between October and December 2025, shows that only 49% of U.S. adults are classified as 'Cost Secure,' meaning they can afford quality care and necessary medications. This marks a decline from 56% in 2021. The study highlights significant disparities among racial groups, with only 38% of Black adults and 32% of Hispanic adults being Cost Secure, compared to 55% of White adults. The findings indicate a growing challenge for nonprofit healthcare providers as more Americans struggle to afford healthcare.

Oregon Faces Medicaid Funding Cuts Amid New Eligibility Requirements

Oregon Faces Medicaid Funding Cuts Amid New Eligibility Requirements

The Oregon Health Authority anticipates a loss of approximately $9.4 billion in federal Medicaid funding over the next decade due to changes in eligibility requirements. A new mandate requires nondisabled enrollees aged 19 to 64 to prove they are working, volunteering, or in school for at least 80 hours a month. This change affects over 60% of the state's current Medicaid recipients. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that more than 5 million Americans could lose insurance by 2034 under these rules, with about 200,000 Oregonians potentially losing coverage.

Senator Alex Padilla Reintroduces Health Equity and Accountability Act Amidst Federal Funding Cuts

Senator Alex Padilla Reintroduces Health Equity and Accountability Act Amidst Federal Funding Cuts

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, along with other Democratic lawmakers, has reintroduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA). This legislation, first introduced in 2003, aims to address racial and geographic health disparities. The bill proposes expanding language access, diversifying the healthcare workforce, and investing in maternal and mental health services. New provisions focus on restoring federal health equity initiatives dismantled under the Trump administration. The HEAA has never passed as a single package, but its individual provisions have been incorporated into other bills.

TEFRA Act's Impact on Medicaid and Medicare: A Historical Overview

TEFRA Act's Impact on Medicaid and Medicare: A Historical Overview

The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) of 1982 significantly altered the landscape of U.S. healthcare, particularly affecting Medicaid and Medicare. Enacted to reduce the federal budget deficit, TEFRA introduced amendments to the Social Security Act, impacting how Medicare and Medicaid services are administered. One notable change was the introduction of the TEFRA Medicaid Option, also known as the Katie Beckett Waiver, which allows children with severe disabilities to receive care at home rather than in institutions. This option provides states with the flexibility to extend Medicaid benefits to eligible children without considering parental income.

Denver City Council Proposes 'Slavery Acknowledgement' to Address Historical Injustices

Denver City Council Proposes 'Slavery Acknowledgement' to Address Historical Injustices

The Denver City Council is considering a proposal to introduce a 'slavery acknowledgment' at the start of its meetings. This initiative, led by Councilwoman Shontel Lewis, aims to recognize the forced labor of enslaved Africans and the enduring legacy of slavery. Initially termed a 'labor acknowledgment,' the proposal may be renamed to specifically highlight slavery. The acknowledgment would be read alongside the council's existing land acknowledgment and the Pledge of Allegiance. It references historical injustices such as segregation, Jim Crow laws, and the Ku Klux Klan's influence. The proposal has sparked debate over its inclusivity, with some council members suggesting it should also recognize other marginalized groups. The council's Finance and Business Committee has postponed the vote to allow further discussion, with a decision expected next month.

Trump's Homelessness Policy Promotes Civil Commitment and Funding Overhaul

Trump's Homelessness Policy Promotes Civil Commitment and Funding Overhaul

In the year since President Trump signed an executive order to address homelessness, federal agencies have allowed states to expand civil commitment for homeless individuals with mental illness or substance abuse issues. The order prioritizes funding for states implementing involuntary psychiatric treatment and bans on urban camping. Critics argue this approach criminalizes homelessness and shifts focus from 'Housing First' policies, which provide non-conditional housing access. The policy has led to new laws in states like Utah, Indiana, and Louisiana, which penalize homeless encampments and expand involuntary institutionalization.

Trump Administration Plans to End Medicare Drug Plan Subsidy, Affecting Premium Costs

Trump Administration Plans to End Medicare Drug Plan Subsidy, Affecting Premium Costs

The Trump administration has announced plans to terminate a subsidy program that has been instrumental in keeping premiums for Medicare drug plans affordable. According to the Wall Street Journal, the program, which is expected to provide insurers with approximately $3.6 billion in subsidies this year, will not be renewed beyond 2026. Medicare Part D, which offers prescription drug coverage to millions of Medicare beneficiaries through private insurance plans, is a crucial component of the federal health program for seniors. Rising healthcare costs are a significant concern in the U.S., especially for older Americans living on fixed incomes. Nearly 25 million people were enrolled in standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans in 2026, as reported by the health policy research group KFF. An administration official stated that the subsidies encouraged insurers to raise premiums, as the government absorbed much of the added cost. The official also mentioned that other measures aimed at controlling Medi...

Nonprofit Healthcare Groups Struggle as Fewer Americans Afford Care

Nonprofit Healthcare Groups Struggle as Fewer Americans Afford Care

New data from the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index reveals that fewer than half of Americans can consistently afford healthcare, placing additional pressure on nonprofit healthcare systems. As of 2025, only 49% of U.S. adults are classified as 'Cost Secure,' meaning they can afford access to quality care and have been able to pay for visits and prescriptions recently. This marks a decline from 56% in 2021 and a peak of 61% in 2022. The decline in affordability is particularly pronounced among Black and Hispanic adults, with only 38% and 32% respectively classified as Cost Secure, compared to 55% of White adults. The study, conducted by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America, highlights the growing financial strain on Americans and the nonprofit healthcare sector.

Telehealth's Lasting Impact on U.S. Healthcare Post-Pandemic

Telehealth's Lasting Impact on U.S. Healthcare Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the adoption of telehealth services in the United States, transforming it from an emergency measure into a permanent fixture in healthcare delivery. Telehealth has expanded access to medical care, particularly for individuals in rural or underserved areas, by reducing geographic barriers and enabling virtual consultations with specialists. This shift has also revolutionized mental healthcare delivery, providing a more accessible and less stigmatized way for individuals to seek support. Additionally, telehealth has facilitated innovations in chronic disease management through remote patient monitoring devices, allowing for continuous monitoring and timely interventions. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have expanded reimbursement for telehealth services, reflecting a commitment to maintaining this accessibility.