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RAND Corporation Study Examines Impact of Consumer Information on Health Clinic Choices

RAND Corporation Study Examines Impact of Consumer Information on Health Clinic Choices

A recent study conducted by the RAND Corporation explored whether providing tailored information about clinic costs could influence consumer choices in selecting primary care clinics (PCCs) within a tiered total cost of care system. The study, which was a randomized controlled trial, involved individuals with employment-based health insurance. Participants were divided into treatment and control groups based on their zip codes. During the open enrollment period for 2020, the treatment group received emails with enhanced tier information about popular PCCs in their area. The study aimed to determine if this targeted intervention could reduce consumer inertia in choosing PCCs. However, the results indicated that the intervention had only a small marginal effect on consumer choice, as nearly 85% of consumers were already selecting PCCs in the lowest cost-sharing tiers before the intervention.
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Low-Income Health Insurance Options: Your 2026 Guide to Affordable Care

Low-Income Health Insurance Options: Your 2026 Guide to Affordable Care

Navigating health insurance can feel overwhelming, especially when money is tight. But if you’re a low-income American, you have powerful options designed to make quality healthcare affordable, often even free. For 2026, understanding these programs is key to protecting your health and your wallet. Many families unknowingly pay too much for coverage or go without it entirely. This guide will walk you through the real-world choices available, from government programs like Medicaid to heavily subsidized plans on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.
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GLP-1 Medications Drive New Challenges in Pharmacy Benefits and Stop-Loss Strategies

GLP-1 Medications Drive New Challenges in Pharmacy Benefits and Stop-Loss Strategies

GLP-1 Medications Drive New Challenges in Pharmacy Benefits and Stop-Loss Strategies
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Lagos State Government Implements Mandatory Health Insurance to Address Funding Gap

Lagos State Government Implements Mandatory Health Insurance to Address Funding Gap

The Lagos State Government has announced a new initiative to implement mandatory health insurance and strengthen public-private partnerships as part of its healthcare financing reforms. This move aims to address a significant funding gap of approximately N100 billion between current health sector funding and projected needs. The initiative is part of the state's broader 2052 Development Plan, which seeks to transform Lagos into a leading healthcare destination in Africa. The plan focuses on universal health coverage, reducing maternal mortality, and improving primary healthcare. The state is also working to integrate informal healthcare providers into the formal system and has launched a strategic retreat to enhance coordination across healthcare delivery tiers.
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USC's Steven Shapiro Oversees Expansion of Health Services in Los Angeles

USC's Steven Shapiro Oversees Expansion of Health Services in Los Angeles

Steven Shapiro, appointed as the senior vice president for health affairs at USC in 2021, is leading significant developments in the university's health services. He oversees Keck Medicine of USC and the university's five health sciences schools, including the Keck School of Medicine and the Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Recently, the latter opened a pharmacy and wellness center in the underserved Hyde Park neighborhood. Shapiro, a physician-scientist with a focus on molecular pathways to inflammation, has authored over 230 peer-reviewed research papers. His leadership is part of USC's broader strategy to enhance healthcare delivery and education in the region.
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Illinois Lawmakers Consider Prescription Drug Affordability Board Amid Budget Challenges

Illinois Lawmakers Consider Prescription Drug Affordability Board Amid Budget Challenges

Illinois lawmakers are debating the establishment of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to address the high cost of prescription drugs. The proposed board would have the authority to review drug prices and set upper payment limits if deemed unaffordable. Supporters argue that this could save the state nearly $2 billion in health plan costs, while opponents caution that the savings are uncertain and could lead to manufacturers restricting access or leaving the state. The bill has backing from influential House leaders, but its future remains uncertain. Additionally, lawmakers are addressing issues related to the federal 340B drug discount program and the state's ongoing pension crisis.
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Steven Shapiro's Role in Advancing USC's Health Affairs and Community Outreach

Steven Shapiro's Role in Advancing USC's Health Affairs and Community Outreach

Steven Shapiro, appointed as the senior vice president for health affairs at the University of Southern California (USC) in 2021, plays a pivotal role in overseeing Keck Medicine of USC and the university's five health sciences schools. His responsibilities include managing the Keck School of Medicine and the Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Notably, the latter has recently inaugurated a pharmacy and wellness center in the underserved Hyde Park neighborhood, aiming to improve healthcare access in the area. Shapiro's career includes a significant tenure at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he contributed to the operation of 40 hospitals. As a physician-scientist, Shapiro has an extensive research background, focusing on molecular pathways to inflammation, and has published over 230 peer-reviewed research papers.
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Congresswoman McClellan Introduces Bill to Protect Medicaid Coverage for Virginians

Congresswoman McClellan Introduces Bill to Protect Medicaid Coverage for Virginians

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, along with Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr., has introduced the Medicaid Outreach and Assistance for Communities Act of 2026. This legislation aims to help Americans maintain their Medicaid coverage amidst new work reporting requirements set to begin in 2027 under H.R. 1. The bill mandates federal assistance to ensure Medicaid recipients can navigate these new administrative challenges. Virginia plans to start outreach efforts in early June to inform residents about these changes. The bill also provides financial support to states for Medicaid outreach and enrollment assistance, particularly for those affected by the new work-reporting requirements.
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How to Find the Perfect Crossover for Your Next Family Road Adventure

How to Find the Perfect Crossover for Your Next Family Road Adventure

Planning a family road trip across state lines, or even a permanent move, brings excitement. But it also introduces a significant challenge: making sure your family's healthcare coverage doesn't hit a dead end far from home. Most standard health insurance plans, like those from Blue Cross Blue Shield or UnitedHealthcare, are designed for local care. They often have networks tied to specific states or regions. This means an unexpected urgent care visit in another state could cost you hundreds, or even thousands, more than anticipated. Finding the "perfect crossover" solution means bridging these geographical and situational gaps. It's about ensuring your family stays covered, whether you're exploring the Grand Canyon or settling into a new city like Denver or Austin.
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GC Biopharma Presents New Insights on IVIG Products at CIS 2026

GC Biopharma Presents New Insights on IVIG Products at CIS 2026

GC Biopharma Presents New Insights on IVIG Products at CIS 2026
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Study Reveals Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Plastic Chemical Exposure

Study Reveals Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Plastic Chemical Exposure

Study Reveals Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce Plastic Chemical Exposure
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Adidas and DICK'S Media Transform Shoe Pickups into Retail Media Success

Adidas and DICK'S Media Transform Shoe Pickups into Retail Media Success

Adidas and DICK'S Media Transform Shoe Pickups into Retail Media Success