유Leaks 보험! 차보험이 안내하는 70% 고가 치료비

<p> <table> <tr> <td> <table> <tr> <td> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Ef30L" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Ef30L.jpg"/> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </p> <p> 경미한 자동차 사고라도 높은 비용의 '한방 집중 치료'를 많이 받는 사람들이 늘고 있습니다. 이러한 치료법은 하루 동안 최소 6번의 검진을 포함하며, 이를 통해 의료비 손실이 발생하는 주요 요인이 되고 있다는 주장입니다. 현재로서는 한방병원에 대한 감시 체계를 더욱 강화하고 중복된 치료를 방지하기 위해서는 평가 기준을 명확하게 설정해야 한다는 의견이 제기되었습니다. </p> <p> 6일 금융업계에 의하면 우리 나라 주요 네 개의 손해보험 회사들(RuntimeObject صند <span> 삼성화재(000810) </span> · <span> DB손해보험(005830) </span> ·KB손해보험· <span> 현대해상(001450) </span> )에서 지난해 자동차 사고로 나간 한방 통원 진료비의 약 70%가 세트치료인 것으로 나타났다. 지난해 자동차 사고 한방 진료비가 총 7851억 원이었는데 이 중 세트청구가 5353억 원(68.2%)에 달했다. </p> <p> 2020년까지만 하더라도 총 한방 의료비 중 세트 청구의 비율은 47.5%에 그쳐 반을 넘기지 않았습니다. 그러나 교통사고로 인해 증상이 그리 심각하지 않아도 한약 치료를 받는 경향이 확산되며 △2021년에는 52.4%, △2022년에는 60.1%, 그리고 △2023년에는 66.1%까지 상승했습니다. 연간 비중이 크게 증가하면서 관련 금액 또한 2020년의 2506억원에서 전년 대비 약 5353억원으로 두 배 가량(2847억원) 커졌으며, 이 수치는 온전히 한방 의료비용인 2580억원보다 더 많이 늘었습니다. </p> <p> 특 biệt하게도, 세트 치료는 주로 경미한 증상을 가진 환자들에게서 더 자주 사용되고 있습니다. 보험 네 개 회사를 기준으로 보면 작년 한방 병원 및 의원에서 경증(12~14등급) 환자를 대상으로 하는 세트 청구 진료비용이 전체의 약 69.7%를 차지했습니다. 이와 비교하여 중증(9~11등급) 환자는 그 비율이 58%였습니다. 일반적으로 큰 사고나 심각한 부상 시 다양한 치료들을 동시에 받아야 하지만 현재로서는 실제로 필요하지 않은 치료까지 많은 경증 환자들이 받게 되었다는 것이 관찰되었습니다. 이런 현상의 배경에는 이러한 추세가 존재합니다. </p> <p> 문제는 한방 치료가 일반 의원보다 치료비가 비싸다는 점이다. 차 사고로 경추의 염좌 및 긴장, 요추의 염좌 및 긴장이라는 경증 진단을 받은 A보험사 경증 환자는 일반 의원에서 치료비로 5만 6730원이 나갔다. 해당 의원에서는 △초진진찰 △표층열치료 △심층열치료 △경피적 전기신경자극치료 △영상진단·방사선 등 총 5가지의 치료를 받았다. </p> <p> 하지만 같은 증상으로 비슷한 시기에 한방 병원을 방문한 환자는 22만 2850원이 나왔다. 구체적으로 △초진진찰 △경혈침술 △약침술 △투자법침술 △침전기자극술 △뜸 △부항 △온냉경락요법 △한방첩약 등 관련 항목만 총 13개에 달한다. 치료 항목은 두 배 이상, 비용은 4배 가까이 더 많다. </p> <p> 따라서 자동차 보험을 통한 한방 치료비 지출은 계속해서 늘고 있습니다. 건강보험심사평가원의 데이터에 의하면, 신경회사의 한방 요법 관련 비용은 2023년 기준으로 약 1조 4888억 원까지 상승하였으며 이는 이미 8년간 꾸준히 오른 수치입니다. 반대로 서양식 의학 치료비용인 양방 진료비는 그해 동안 약 1조 727억 원을 나타냈습니다. 또한, 전반적인 치료비 중 한방치료를 받기 위한 비용이 차지하는 비율도 2015년에는 23%였으나, 2023년에는 무려 58.1%로 크게 높아졌습니다. </p> <p> 그 결과 차 보험 손해율 역시 매년 높아지고 있다. 손보 4개사의 차 보험 손해율은 올해 1분기 82.5%를 기록했다. 1분기 기준으로 80%를 넘은 것은 2021년 이후 4년 만이다. 보험업계의 한 관계자는 “과도한 한방 진료로 보험청구액이 올라가면 손해율이 상승해 결국 보험료 인상으로 이어질 수밖에 없다”며 “차 사고를 내지 않은 선량한 가입자만 상대적으로 피해를 보게 되는 것”이라고 지적했다. </p> <p> 정부는 2월 경상 환자에 대해 합의금을 지급하지 않는 내용을 뼈대로 하는 차 보험 개편안을 내놓은 바 있다. 하지만 한방 과잉 진료를 잡지 못하면 소비자의 자동차 보험료 부담 증가를 막기 어려울 것이라는 분석이 제기된다. 보험업계의 한 관계자는 “차 보험 진료비를 심사하는 심평원이 세트청구 진료항목에 대한 의료기관 모니터링을 대대적으로 강화해야 한다”며 “차 보험 진료 수가를 양방처럼 명확화해야 한방 과잉 진료를 막고 사회적 비용을 줄일 수 있을 것”이라고 강조했다. </p> <p> <div> <ul> <li> '대장암의 원인일 수 있다는 이거랑 항상 함께 먹었던 삼겹살...' 젊은 층에게 주목받는 경고 말 </li> <li> '모두가 빙의되었나요? 오겜3 티저가 공개됐대요.' 관에서 깨어난 성기훈에게 어떤 사건이 생긴 걸까요? </li> <li> 동탄 여성들 이렇게 입는다고?…'판매 중단' 난리 난 '피규어' 뭐길래? </li> </ul> </div> </p>

유Leaks 보험! 차보험이 안내하는 70% 고가 치료비

경미한 자동차 사고라도 높은 비용의 '한방 집중 치료'를 많이 받는 사람들이 늘고 있습니다. 이러한 치료법은 하루 동안...

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Why Ayushman Bharat Fails the Poorest in Their Golden Years | Opinion

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1D6OuE" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1D6OuE.jpg"/> <p> The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), introduced in October 2018, offers hope to elderly individuals over 70 years old through comprehensive health insurance covering up to ₹5 lakhs annually. This extensive program aims to benefit around 6 crores of elders within approximately 4.5 crores of households nationwide, seeking to alleviate financial burdens related to medical expenses. Seniors living below the poverty line—who frequently forego necessary treatments due to fear of accruing debts—view this initiative as an answer to their prayers. However, underlying issues such as exclusions, regional implementation challenges, and logistical hurdles continue to pose significant obstacles. Consequently, these problems make life difficult for those most in need, turning what was intended to be a beacon of support into more of a distant dream rather than a tangible safety net. </p> <h3> <strong> An Ambitious Plan With Flaws </strong> </h3> <p> In theory, AB-PMJAY represents a significant breakthrough. It includes 1,929 medical procedures ranging from cardiac operations to oncology treatments, offering seamless service at both government and approved private healthcare facilities. No waiting periods apply; hence pre-existing ailments such as diabetes or high blood pressure fall under coverage immediately upon enrollment. Elderly individuals get an Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card, providing up to ₹5 lakhs of insurance per family unit. An extra allowance can be added for members within the same household already registered. This initiative might well provide critical surgical interventions for impoverished seniors without compelling them to sell their property or take out loans with exorbitant interest charges. Furthermore, due to its transferable nature, patients have access to services across all participating hospitals throughout the country—a substantial advantage for people who relocate frequently or enjoy traveling. </p> <p> However, the initiative's scope is limited—it only covers secondary and tertiary healthcare, which means hospital treatment for severe illnesses. Primary care, outpatient services, and standard diagnostic procedures are not included at all. This poses significant challenges for an impoverished elderly woman living in a rural area. Suppose she suffers from ailments like arthritis or early-stage diabetes; she would require frequent medical consultations, medications, or lab tests just to maintain basic health. Unfortunately, such expenses fall outside of what AB-PMJAY will reimburse. Consequently, she might have to use whatever small savings she has, depend on her relatives, or forego necessary treatments entirely. Minor health problems could escalate rapidly, potentially leading to critical situations where hospitalization becomes inevitable—but accessing proper medical facilities isn’t always assured. Even when help finally arrives, permanent harm may already be done, or financial burdens—even those mitigated by insurance—could still push her finances over the edge. </p> <h3> <strong> Exceptions That Devastate the Underprivileged </strong> </h3> <p> The extensive list of exclusions under this program seems insurmountable for those with limited resources. Basic dental services such as fillings or dentures are only covered when they form part of a broader hospital stay. Conditions like HIV/AIDS, substance abuse treatment, weight management, and mental health concerns remain uncovered even though they frequently affect older individuals. Transplant procedures, which are typically considered critical interventions, seldom receive coverage either. Diagnostic exams conducted independently—such as an angiography to assess cardiovascular wellness—are also ineligible unless linked directly to another medical intervention within a healthcare facility. This leaves elderly people who live off modest pensions or day-to-day earnings without hope of affording necessary screenings or therapies. Consequently, many have little choice but to postpone seeking essential care, hoping fervently that their situation does not deteriorate further. </p> <p> The ₹5 lakh ceiling, though substantial, applies collectively within the family unit. Within an impoverished home where several elders require support or ongoing medical conditions persist, these funds may be depleted rapidly. An extensive procedure such as a coronary artery bypass could consume most of this allowance, thereby limiting resources available for subsequent treatments or other affected individuals. Additionally, healthcare services under this scheme are confined to networked facilities, frequently located at considerable distances from rural regions. Consequently, an elderly person living in poverty might expend considerable time commuting, incur expenses related to transportation modes like buses or auto-rickshaws, and forfeit daily wages merely to access necessary treatment. To those eking out survival on ₹50 per day, what was intended as assistance transforms into yet another strain. </p> <h3> <strong> States That Shun </strong> </h3> <p> The lack of this program in regions such as Delhi and West Bengal stands out as a significant oversight. Political disagreements have hindered the implementation of AB-PMJAY, resulting in elderly individuals having no way to benefit from its provisions. Whether in the congested shantytowns of Delhi or the remote hamlets of West Bengal, underprivileged senior citizens depend solely on overburdened public healthcare facilities or expensive private medical centers beyond their means. This situation goes beyond merely lacking proper policies; it feels like an abandonment of those who are most defenseless, trapped amidst competing political interests. Given that the initiative was meant to be comprehensive, excluding whole states leaves countless elders struggling alone, facing uncertain health prospects. </p> <h3> <strong> Rural Realities: An Elusive Goal </strong> </h3> <p> In rural areas of India, many impoverished senior citizens find the AB-PMJAY initiative beyond their grasp. Despite having more than 26,000 enrolled healthcare facilities across the country, most are located in urban centers far away from village communities. This geographical gap is compounded by unreliable public transportation systems and expensive private alternatives. Although enrollment through the Ayushman mobile application is straightforward, this process presupposes easy access to smartphones, stable internet connections, or assistance for Aadhaar-based electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) procedures—a luxury unavailable to numerous elderly individuals. Health professionals stationed locally who should assist them frequently face overwhelming caseloads. Furthermore, awareness remains dismally low; some older adults remain oblivious to the program’s existence altogether. Instances of fraud, although mitigated by dedicated anti-fraud teams, still breed skepticism among beneficiaries due to allegations of inflated charges or denial of services at certain medical institutions. Consequently, what was intended as an accessible safety net seems unattainably remote rather than being a tangible support system for those struggling financially. </p> <h3> <strong> The Human Impact of Shortcomings </strong> </h3> <p> These disparities go beyond mere logistics; they touch upon fundamental aspects of humanity. Imagine an 80-year-old worker experiencing chest pains, struggling to pay for a standard heart examination since it isn't included in their coverage. Consider also a grandmother residing in a rural area of West Bengal, excluded due to her state's decision not to participate, as she watches her health decline. These individuals represent the shortcomings of AB-PMJAY. Those living below the poverty line face compounded challenges from both economic hardship and sickness, bearing the brunt of these issues. Each year, countless people fall deeper into financial distress due to direct payments for medical care, although AB-PMJAY has alleviated this problem somewhat for certain groups, numerous others still find themselves left behind owing to various restrictions and obstacles within the system. </p> <h3> <strong> When Will True Benefits Reach the Poor? </strong> </h3> <p> This initiative has the potential to benefit those in need, yet requires significant improvements. Firstly, it needs to encompass basic healthcare and outpatient department (OPD) services. Routine examinations and medications can help avoid hospitalizations, thereby improving outcomes and reducing expenses. Secondly, common diagnostic procedures such as blood tests or imaging scans ought to be integrated, regardless of whether they occur during hospital visits, so problems can be identified at an earlier stage. Thirdly, essential services including dental care, psychological assistance, and therapies for illnesses like HIV/AIDS are crucial—not optional—for older citizens. Fourthly, the administration should integrate all regions, particularly places like Delhi and West Bengal, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage without leaving anyone out. Lastly, increasing the number of enrolled medical facilities in remote locations along with organizing community outreach programs could significantly enhance accessibility. </p> <p> Furthermore, actionable measures can significantly impact the situation. Health mobile units, fully stocked for diagnosis and essential treatments, have the potential to serve isolated rural areas effectively. Collaborations between national programs and community healthcare centers might provide affordable initial medical attention connected to AB-PMJAY initiatives. Publicity drives through mediums like regional-language radio broadcasts, influential locals, or folk theater performances could guarantee elderly individuals understand their entitlements under the program. Such endeavors are not unattainable ideals but realities within our grasp provided we muster sufficient governmental commitment. In addition, augmenting current efforts with privately funded insurance schemes would be ineffective since such coverage typically remains out of financial reach for low-income groups due to high premium costs. It falls upon the state authority to bridge this void directly by ensuring robust implementation of AB-PMJAY so that it genuinely acts as an economic safeguard against health-related bankruptcy for vulnerable populations. </p> <h3> <strong> A Vow Still Unfulfilled </strong> </h3> <p> The AB-PMJAY initiative for senior citizens embodies an ambitious aim; however, it resembles a bridge lacking crucial sections. Issues such as exclusions, disparities at the state level, and obstacles in accessibility disproportionately affect those who are less fortunate, compelling them to either endure silently or plunge into financial hardship. While this program holds the potential to reshape destinies, it must effectively reach the most marginalized populations—such as individuals residing in rural areas, urban slums, and remote regions across India—to fulfill its promise. Without addressing these deficiencies, countless elderly people may find their twilight years overshadowed by distress and destitution. There is room for improvement within our nation. We should strive to turn AB-PMYAY into a beacon of hope rather than a source of disappointment for those least able to cope. </p> <p> <strong> (Girish Linganna, the writer of this piece, is an acclaimed science writer and a defence, aerospace, and political analyst located in Bengaluru. Additionally, he serves as the Director for ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd., which is a branch of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. For further contact details, you may email him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com) </strong> </p>

Why Ayushman Bharat Fails the Poorest in Their Golden Years | Opinion

The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), introduced in October 2018, offers hope to elderly individuals over 70 y...

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SC Questions Govt: Why Can't Affordable Meds Cost the Same in India as in Pakistan or China?

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CjZ5N" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CjZ5N.jpg"/> <p> <div class="section1"> <div class="Normal"> <p> NEW DELHI: An unusual plea—given that the medication used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) costs less in both Pakistan and China—prompted the Supreme Court to request responses from the central government and Roche, the international pharmaceutical company producing the drug. The court aimed to understand why such treatments cannot also be affordably priced to aid patients with this uncommon condition. </p> <p> For Seba, aged 24 and hailing from Kerala, lawyer Anand Grover addressed a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna along with Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan. He highlighted that Hoffmann-La Roche, the company behind the patent-holding oral medication Risdiplam (Evrysdi), sells this drug at lower prices in both Pakistan and China. "Since SMA patients have access to the medication at reduced costs in Pakistan and China due to government interventions in these nations, why isn’t the Indian government negotiating with the pharmaceutical firm to decrease the high pricing? Alternatively, could they consider producing it as a generic version to make treatments more affordable?" he questioned. </p> <p> In India, a bottle of Risdiplam is priced at Rs 6.2 lakh, whereas in Pakistan it costs Rs 41,000 per bottle and in China, Rs 44,692. On August 17, 2023, TOI reported that Roche’s medication for rare diseases was sold at prices up to 15 times higher in India than in neighboring nations. The court directed Roche to submit their response and requested the Center to present its stance on reducing the cost of this drug used to treat SMA in India. Recognizing the critical nature of this issue, where swift action could potentially save numerous SMA patients from imminent fatality, the court scheduled the matter for continued hearings the following week. </p> <p> <div> 120003113 </div> "Across India, numerous families might have members afflicted by this condition. The illness often goes unnoticed due to inadequate facilities," Grover stated, urgently appealing for Supreme Court intervention that could potentially rescue thousands of sufferers. </p> </div> </div> </p> <p> <div> To read more stories like this, head over to TOI . Get all the Latest News , City News , India News , Business News , and Sports News . For Entertainment News , TV News , and Lifestyle Tips visit Etimes </div> </p>

SC Questions Govt: Why Can't Affordable Meds Cost the Same in India as in Pakistan or China?

NEW DELHI: An unusual plea—given that the medication used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) costs less in both Pakistan ...

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Record number of Americans unable to pay for basic healthcare

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font"> <li class=""> <strong> READ MORE: As many as 74 million Americans may lose their ability to obtain healthcare following Trump's freeze on federal funds. </strong> </li> </ul> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> While Americans are still dealing with increasing expenses in various sectors, a recent poll indicates that they are also finding it difficult to afford good quality medical care. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> More than one-third of U.S. adults (approximately 91 million individuals) would be unable to obtain adequate medical care immediately if necessary, according to the most recent West Health-Gallup Healthcare Affordability Index. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported federal spending on health care amounted to $4.9 trillion in 2023, equating to approximately $14,570 per individual. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Even though approximately 305 million individuals have health coverage in the United States, around 26 million Americans remain without insurance and are personally bearing their medical expenses. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Approximately four out of every ten adults say they have debt due to unpaid medical or dental expenses, whereas more than 70 million people refrain from seeing doctors for fear of costly charges. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> According to the West Health-Gallup Healthcare Affordability Index, Hispanic Americans experienced the most significant impact, as 52 percent reported being unable to afford quality healthcare. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> In second place were African Americans, with approximately 46 percent stating they did so. were unable to cover their physicians' expenses . </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The survey additionally indicated that 64 percent of individuals with an income below $24,000 and 57 percent of families whose yearly earnings range from $24,000 to $48,000 were struggling to cover healthcare costs. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> However, Americans with incomes above $48,000 maintained a fairly consistent level of accessibility to affordable healthcare from 2023 to 2024. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1C9Zbi" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1C9Zbi.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Dan Witters, a senior researcher at Gallup, stated in a press statement: "The national decline in healthcare affordability and accessibility continues, with this problem being particularly severe for Black, Hispanic, and lower-income adults." </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> In contrast, white adults and individuals from higher-income families continue to be mostly shielded from these deteriorating conditions. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'This particular disparity represents the largest gap in healthcare accessibility among these groups that we've documented so far, with numerous Americans facing greater challenges consistently each year.' </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Between November 18 and December 27, 2024, the survey received responses via the internet and postal mail from 6,296 adults aged 18 years and above residing across all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The participants were subsequently grouped as follows: those who felt cost-secure—having encountered no recent challenges when trying to obtain or pay for medical treatment or medications; cost-insecure individuals—who had recently struggled with either obtaining healthcare, affording treatments, or purchasing prescriptions; and finally, those labeled as cost-desperate—who found themselves unable to get any form of service, particularly affordable health care along with necessary medicines, within the past few months. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> According to these classifications, merely 51 percent of Americans were found to be financially secure, marking the lowest figure since 2021. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> An all-time high of 11 percent (approximately 29 million) Americans were categorized as being in dire straits due to costs. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Although there has been significant shifts in the percentage of Americans categorized as cost distressed and financially stable recently, approximately four out of every ten individuals still remain economically insecure. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The survey indicated that Hispanic adults experienced the most significant decreases in security during the four-year span, falling 17 percentage points to 34 percent. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> This was followed by Black adults, who dropped 13 points to 41 percent. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Without insurance, primary care visits  can range from $150 to $300 just to be seen by a doctor. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> However, with insurance, copays typically range from $10 to $50. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Surveyors also found that the gap between those who could afford healthcare and those who could not had greatly widened since their first questionnaire in 2021, particularly among Hispanic adults (up eight points to 18 percent). </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The percentage of Black adults increased by five points to reach 14 percent, and the proportion of lower-income households with an annual income below $24,000 rose by 11 points to stand at 25 percent. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Nevertheless, over the past four years, there has been minimal alteration in the standing of white adults or those from middle-to-high income brackets within America. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The researchers proposed that the widening disparity could stem from several contributing elements, such as heightened rates of both consumer and healthcare cost inflation along with ongoing pharmaceutical shortages. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The reduction in Medicaid enrollment as the continuous enrollment provision expired, along with significant cutbacks in CHIP enrollment, might also contribute to this trend. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CabyE" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CabyE.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Tim Lash, president of West Health Policy Center, stated that the only way to decrease the gap and make healthcare affordable was through change in governmental policy. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> He noted in a news release: 'The rising trajectory in the inability to pay for healthcare is a disturbing trend that is likely to continue and even accelerate. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'Policy action at both the state and federal level is urgently needed, or even more Americans will have to go without treatment or be forced to make painful tradeoffs between paying for medical care or paying for other necessities. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'The human and economic costs are enormous.' </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> This comes months after Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. claimed that Americans were unhappy with government-run health care programs and would prefer to be on private-company owned plans. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Kennedy, 71, criticized government-run health care programs during one of his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearings in January. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> When asked how he would improve Medicare and Medicaid, the Secretary, who is on a Medicare Advantage plan, the privately run alternative to traditional Medicare said:  'We need to listen to what people prefer to be on. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'I would ask any of the Democrats who are chuckling just now: Do you think all that money, the $900 billion that we’re sending to Medicaid every year, has made Americans healthy? Do we think it’s working for anybody? Are the premiums low enough?' </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1C9Zbn" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1C9Zbn.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1C9X8E" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1C9X8E.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> In January 2024, rumors began circulating that pharmaceutical companies have increased drug prices Among over 770 medications, including Ozempic, the top-selling drug diabetes drug often used for weight loss . </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The company behind it, Novo Nordisk, increased the price by 3.5 percent to nearly $970 for a monthly supply. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> In the meantime, Eli Lilly raised the price of Mounjaro, an a medication for diabetes that is also utilized for shedding pounds , 4.5% to end at around $1,070 per month. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> AstraZeneca Also increased prices by three percent for blood. cancer therapy with CalQUENCE, the non-small cell lung cancer medication Tagrisso, and the asthma treatment Fasenra. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Increases for Pfizer incorporated a 6% increase in the price of Xeljanz, which treats autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, along with hikes of 7.9% on cancer medications Ibrance and Xalkori. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Pfizer stated that these increases were essential for funding efforts in pharmaceutical research and development. </p> Read more

Record number of Americans unable to pay for basic healthcare

READ MORE: As many as 74 million Americans may lose their ability to obtain healthcare following Trump's freeze on federal fund...

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Which EU Countries Are Leading the Way in Women's Health Worldwide?

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BLWSy" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BLWSy.jpg"/> <p> Austria topped European countries in terms of women's health, securing third place globally as per a recent study. </p> <p> Finland, Germany, and Denmark also secured spots among the global leaders in the ranking of the best countries for women's health. </p> <p> It marks the fourth consecutive year that Hologic has released the Women's Health Index, which is based on a survey involving 146,000 individuals across 142 countries and territories. </p> <p> The information was collected in 2023 and examined in 2024. </p> <p> The study factors in aspects like preventative care, mental well-being, fundamental requirements, and personal health. </p> <p> In Italy, women's health scored five points lower compared to the initial year of the survey, whereas Poland saw an improvement of eight points. </p> <p> The level of women's contentment with healthcare quality dropped in 12 European Union nations, with Greece recording the lowest score at 32%. </p> <p> This is succeeded by Poland with 45%, and Latvia and Bulgaria (each at 49%). </p> <p> Worldwide, over twenty-five percent of women report experiencing health issues that limit their ability to engage in typical activities for their age group, and thirty-four percent indicate they experienced significant pain throughout much of the prior day. </p> <p> These tiers stand above those of four years prior and account for almost a billion females. </p> <p> In the European Union, there was likewise an uptick in seven nations—namely Greece, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, and Spain—where women reported encountering physical discomfort. </p> <p> In Finland, which was the sole member state experiencing a decline, the percentage dropped to 24% in Year 4 from 33% in the previous year. </p> <p> In Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands, there was a rise in women encountering health issues. </p> <p> Nevertheless, there has been an increase in the number of women undergoing cancer testing in Belgium, Hungary, and Lithuania. </p> <p> Women in Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania likewise believed that their regions offered high-standard care throughout pregnancy. </p> <div class="c-widget-related"> <div class="c-widget-related__title"> <b class="c-widget-related__title__text"> Related </b> </div> <ul class="c-widget-related__list"> <li class="c-widget-related__item"> <a class="c-widget-related__article" href="https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/03/24/want-to-live-better-in-old-age-scientists-advise-following-these-eating-habits"> Looking to improve your quality of life as you grow older? Researchers recommend adopting these dietary practices. </a> </li> </ul> </div> <h2> <strong> What is the status of women's mental health? </strong> </h2> <p> Women who are citizens of the European Union have expressed increased levels of stress and anxiety across seven distinct member countries. </p> <p> Women in Austria (39%), Greece (51%), Lithuania (33%), and Spain (52%) indicated they felt more concerned, whereas those in Bulgaria, Malta, and the Netherlands mentioned experiencing greater stress levels. </p> <p> Conversely, individuals from the Czech Republic, Finland, France, and Hungary indicated that their levels of concern have diminished. </p>

Which EU Countries Are Leading the Way in Women's Health Worldwide?

Austria topped European countries in terms of women's health, securing third place globally as per a recent study. Finland, German...

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Outsourcing being used to pretend hospital wait times are being fixed - doctor

<ul> <li> <b> Hospital specialists accuse government of farming out operations to private hospitals to give "false" impression that it's improving wait times </b> </li> <li> <b> Northland gynaecologist says public services starved of resources </b> </li> <li> <b> Doctors' union says the government is overriding clinical decision-making and private providers are creaming off straight-forward cases </b> </li> <li> <b> Health NZ and Health Minister Simeon Brown say they are committed to increasing access by using capacity in public and private </b> </li> </ul> <p> Frustrated senior doctors say millions of dollars of taxpayer money going to private hospitals to do elective operations could help many more patients, if it was invested in the ailing public system. </p> <p> Health Minister Simeon Brown has directed hospitals to farm out 10,579 procedures by the end of June, at a cost of $50 million. </p> <p> In Northland, 24 patients are set to get their long-awaited gynaecology operations. </p> <p> But Dr David Bailey - lead obstetrician-gynaecologist for the region - said while it was good news for those patients, it would not fix the chronic underfunding and neglect of the public service over many years. </p> <p> "Had that money been available over the last 12 months, we could have treated many more patients than they are going to do with this. This is a political move to make them look good." </p> <p> Concerns over plans to outsource procedures to private sector (6 min 32 sec) </p> <p> According to Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, there were 222 patients waiting for gynaecology surgery in Northland, of whom nearly half (101) had waited longer than the target of 120 days, 64 more than six months and eight more than a year. </p> <p> Bailey said the backlog had been building for several years, partly driven by population increases - Northland is one of the fastest growing regions in the country - workforce shortages, industrial action by nurses, junior doctors and anaesthetic technicians, and then finally the Covid-19 pandemic. </p> <p> "We've never caught up since." </p> <p> He and his team had offered to do extra surgery sessions to help clear the backlog - but Health NZ would not pay for it. </p> <p> "We can't actually run weekend lists because they are nitpicking about pay for theatre nurses." </p> <p> When surgery was outsourced, those most in need of treatment tended to miss out, he said. </p> <p> The last time Northland referred patients to a private hospital in Auckland - about a year ago - many were declined because they were "too complex". </p> <p> "So they were already selecting those who were easiest to operate on. And then patients self-selected because a large proportion of them refused to travel," he said. </p> <p> "Essentially it was disproportionately advantaging relatively well-off white women, rather than those who were most in need - who are typically people who live a long way from Auckland, north of Whangārei, who are our highest needs patients and also the most complex." </p> <p> Bailey said Health NZ had refused to tell him how much it was costing to send 24 of his patients to a private provider for surgery because that information was "commercially sensitive". </p> <p> "We know that this is costing a very large amount of money with no transparency....whereas we would do these procedures in the public hospital, maybe as additional lists on the weekend for a fraction of the money in theatres which are sitting unused." </p> <p> The push to private appeared to be "entirely ideological", he said. </p> <p> "Throwing large amounts of money to do small number of procedures in private to make your figures look better, to give the impression that you are improving on health targets, is fundamentally dishonest." </p> <p> Bailey said the problems were "many years in the making" and could not be cured with a "PR push". </p> <p> This won’t be an easy solution. We’ve been in this predicament for quite some time, so fixing it will require several years of consistent enhancement with better resources—but that’s not particularly appealing from a political standpoint since they’re expecting outcomes by June 30th. Certainly, they desire visible progress before the upcoming election. </p> <h3> Health NZ is dedicated to cutting down wait times. </h3> <p> In reply to 's queries, Alex Pimm, who leads operations for the Health NZ group in Te Tai Tokerau, stated that they were dedicated to cutting down wait times for surgeries. One approach being considered involves tapping into the resources available within the private healthcare sector. </p> <p> "We apologise to patients that are waiting longer than expected for their surgery. Our aim with using private capacity is to reduce waiting times for our longest waiting patients - either through offering treatment elsewhere or by releasing internal capacity to focus on those that need surgery in our hospitals." </p> <p> The 24 gynaecology patients from Northland and Auckland who were being referred to private healthcare providers had all experienced wait times ranging from 250 days up to over a year before getting their surgeries scheduled. </p> <p> "Any patients travelling to Auckland to receive their surgery as part of this initiative will be supported with transport or fuel costs and accommodation for their whānau where appropriate." </p> <p> Meanwhile, Health NZ was recruiting for another specialist and one trainee specialist, whom it expected would be in place by mid-year. </p> <p> "We are supportive of weekend lists and have offered our kaimahi the opportunity for this, where they will receive the relevant agreed collective agreement pay rates for this work. This is available on a voluntary basis for theatre and surgical teams," he said. </p> <h3> Health NZ making 'savings' by not employing doctors - union </h3> <p> Association of Salaried Medical Specialists head Sarah Dalton said senior doctors in other regions had similar concerns about outsourcing. </p> <p> Hospital services were being "directed" by the government "without clinical say-so over what should be done". </p> <p> At a recent meeting with management in Northland, the union was told that most of their "savings" in the last financial year came from being unable to hire more clinicians, she said. </p> <p> "So the district continues to struggle and is being told to manage its budget down at the same time this other money is magically appearing to send a lucky few patients who are healthy enough and straight forward enough to be sent for surgeries out of the area." </p> <p> Health Minister Simeon Brown was not available for interview. </p> <p> However, in a written statement he said the government was focussed on delivering increased elective treatment both within Health NZ and through outsourcing to private providers. </p> <p> "People waiting in pain for an operation aren't worried about who is delivering the operation, they just want it done as quickly as possible," he said. </p> <p> Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter <b> curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. </b> </p> <h3> Related </h3> <ul class="related-stories"> <li> Some patients waiting for heart scan given death sentence due to delays, cardiologists say </li> <li> Health New Zealand lost control of spending, Deloitte report finds </li> <li> Health Minister Simeon Brown announces major overhaul of health sector </li> <li> Is private healthcare the answer to public funding woes, or making it worse? </li> <li> Data shows increase in publicly-funded surgery in private hospitals in recent years </li> </ul>

Outsourcing being used to pretend hospital wait times are being fixed - doctor

Hospital specialists accuse government of farming out operations to private hospitals to give "false" impression that it...

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필수적인 식사 관리: 혈액투석 환자의 삶을 결정짓는 비결

<p> [Blog.DIwida=CHO Sung-woo 기자] 콩팥은 우리의 체내 정화 시설입니다. 이곳에서는 피 속에 있는 폐기물들을 걸러내고 이를 요소로 만들어 제거합니다. 만약 신장의 기능이 점차 악화된다면 만성적인 신장 질환이 나타나며 여러 가지 건강 문제가 일어날 수 있습니다. 이러한 신장 관련 병들은 치료 후에도 완전히 호전되는 것이 쉬운 편이 아닙니다. 더욱이 고혈압이나 당뇨와 같은 상태를 가진 사람들에게는 이런 문제들이 더 쉽게 발달되므로 특별한 관리가 요구됩니다. </p> <p> 신장의 크기와 모양은 주먹만큼입니다. 사람마다 두 개씩 있는 신장에서는 하루 동안 약 180리터의 혈액이 걸러집니다. 필터링 과정에서 필요한 물질들은 다시 흡수가 되고 나머지는 1~2리터가 소변 형태로 제거됩니다. 만약 이러한 역할을 수행하는 신장 기능이 저하되면, 체내에 독소와 불필요한 수분들이 쌓여서 다양한 증상을 유발하게 됩니다. 이런 상황에서는 다리를 붓게 만들며, 지속적인 피곤함이나 식사 욕구 감퇴, 메스꺼움, 밤새 자주 잦아드는 요실금, 가렵증, 집중력 문제 그리고 근육 경련 및 신경 관련 이상 현상 등을 경험하게 될 것입니다. 만성 신부전이라는 것은 그 가운데에서도 가장 일반적이면서 중요한 신장 질환이라고 할 수 있습니다. 이것은 만성 사구체 신염 또는 당뇨나 고혈압 같은 다른 건강 문제가 있을 때 신장을 포함해 여러 장기에 대한 해롭게 작용하여 기능저하 혹은 손상을 초래합니다. 특히 우리나라 국민들의 경우에는 당뇨병, 고혈압, 사구체 염증 질환, 그리고 낭포 성 신장 질환 때문에 신장 질환 발생률이 매우 높습니다. 실제로 모든 투석 치료를 받아야 하는 사람들 중 절반에게서도 당뇨병이 발견되고 있습니다. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1AqBdL" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1AqBdL.jpg"/> 만약 신장 관련 문제가 발생하더라도 초기에는 아무런 징후 없이 지속될 수 있습니다. 실제로 신장 기능이 70% 이상 감퇴되기 시작하면서 점차적으로 문제점이 드러납니다. 이러한 변화로 소변 색깔이 진홍색 또는 갈색으로 변하면 안되며, 비누 같은 거품이 오래 남아있거나 고혈압 혹은 몸살 증세가 동반되면 의심해봐야 합니다. 병황이 계속 발달하여 만성 신부전에 이를 때까지 이런 현상을 무시한다면 호흡곤란, 메스꺼움 및 구토 등 더 중대한 결과를 초래할 수도 있다는 사실입니다. 그때 필요한 치료 방법은 투석이며 이것은 인체 내에서 처리되지 않은 폐기물을 제거하도록 설계된 공학적인 방법인 것으로 알려져있습니다. 투석은 장기간 지속되는 고통스럽고 번거롭다 할 수 있으며 따라서 환자가 최상의 삶을 유지하는데 중요한 역할을 하는 개인위생 스타일 관리와 균형잡힌 식단 계획이 요구됩니다. 그리고 이 모든 것들은 반드시 가족 구성원들의 지원과 참여 속에서도 이루어져야 합니다. 신장 질환자를 위해 특별주의가 필요한 부분은 음식섭취 입니다. 배설작용이 잘 작동하지 않으므로 많은 양의 영양소 섭취는 오히려 해악을 끼치게 됩니다. 예를 들어 단백질, 인,칼륨, 나트륨 등을 과도하게 섭취하면 좋지 않습니다. 예컨대로 용인 YM365병원의 권탁현 원장님께서 말씀하신바 "신장 질환자의 단백질 섭취량을 줄이는 것은 도움이 될 수 있지만, 그것 자체만으로는 부적당한 영양불균형인 경우 건강을 더욱 약화시키게 될 수 있으니 의사 선생님과 논의해서 알맞은 분배를 찾아가는 것이 가장 옳습니다"라고 강조했습니다. 염분은 특히 투석 환자들에게 매우 위협적이기에 음식은 가능한 한 맛없도록 준비해야합니다. 또 다른 주목받아야 할 사항은 물 섭취량과 함께 다섯 가지 꺾쇠열매류(섬유) 섭취여부입니다. 또한 권 원장님은 "특히 인이라는 성분이 많이 포함된 음식들을 멀리하는 게 좋으며 이는 주로 육류, 우유 제품들, 견과류, 보리, 밤,초코렛,탄산음료등에 존재한다고 명확히 언급하였습니다." 그러나 많은 신장 질환자들이 물 섭취 제한과 채소 섭취 제한으로 인해 변비를 경험한다는 것입니다. 그러므로 전문가들과 충분한 상담을 받아 적합한 수분 섭취와 섬브럴 식품 섭취를 결정하는 것이 중요합니다. <h2> 실시간 인기기사 </h2> <ul> <li> 봄에 코 물과 재채기가 나오면 감기는 아니고 알러지성 비염이 될 수 있다. </li> <li> 대사증후군 관련 경화성 간질환 판정을 위한 이상지방간의 최적 기준점 설정 </li> <li> 심방 세동 환자를 대상으로 한 저출혈 위험이 있는 절차에서 표준화된 항응고제를 일시적으로 중지하고 재개하는 프로토콜의 안정성이 확인되었습니다. </li> </ul>

필수적인 식사 관리: 혈액투석 환자의 삶을 결정짓는 비결

[Blog.DIwida=CHO Sung-woo 기자] 콩팥은 우리의 체내 정화 시설입니다. 이곳에서는 피 속에 있는 폐기물들을 걸러내고 이를 요소로 만들어 제거합니다. 만약 신장의 기능이 점차 악화된다면 만성적인 신장 질환이 나타나며 여러 가지 건...

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