Medical Expenses

Don’t Let “Step Therapy” Prevent You from Getting the Medication You Need

Don’t Let “Step Therapy” Prevent You from Getting the Medication You Need

Charles B. Inlander | January 14, 2019

We count on health insurance to help pay for our prescription drugs. But the new “step therapy” program can create obstacles. How to fight back…

Fight Your Medical Bills—and Win!

Fight Your Medical Bills—and Win!

Maureen Lamb | January 7, 2019

If you’ve been hit with a huge medical bill, don’t give up. Here’s how four groups of people fought health insurance denials and won.

As Mid-Term Elections Approach, Here’s What You Need to Know About Single-Payer Health Care

As Mid-Term Elections Approach, Here’s What You Need to Know About Single-Payer Health Care

Robert Graboyes | October 29, 2018

In this edition of the Bottom Line Advocator, Dr. Robert Graboyes breaks down the cost implications of the health-care system and the considerations of a single-payer option with Bottom Line CEO Sarah Hiner.

Here’s Why Employees Should Pay More Attention to Their Health Insurance Costs

Here’s Why Employees Should Pay More Attention to Their Health Insurance Costs

October 23, 2018

Here’s how much employer-sponsored health insurance costs have soared…and what you can do about it.

How Much Single-Payer Health Care Would Really Cost

How Much Single-Payer Health Care Would Really Cost

Robert Graboyes | October 22, 2018

Medicare for All, the idea that the government pays for health care, is gaining steam. But how much would it really cost? Or save? Here are the numbers.

Open-Enrollment Alert: Use New Medicare Advantage Plans To Avoid a Nursing Home

Open-Enrollment Alert: Use New Medicare Advantage Plans To Avoid a Nursing Home

Annette Ticoras, MD | October 19, 2018

New 2019 Medicare Advantage plans, which supplement Medicare, can now cover home health aides—even portable wheelchair ramps. Are they worth the money?

Health Insurance Gets Even Trickier

Health Insurance Gets Even Trickier

Charles B. Inlander | October 16, 2018

If you don’t have the right health insurance, a serious illness can put you in the poor house. Here’s what to watch out for during open enrollment…

Don’t Let Soaring Medical Costs Catch You By Surprise

Don’t Let Soaring Medical Costs Catch You By Surprise

May 30, 2018

If you through your employer or a policy you bought directly, your costs have soared. But the more you know about those costs, the more you can plan.

New Ways to Save Money on Prescription Drugs
Medical Expenses

New Ways to Save Money on Prescription Drugs

Charles B. Inlander | May 2, 2018

Here are some new tools in the fight to pay less for the medication you need.

What Airlines, Whole Foods and Health-Care Providers Have in Common…and It’s Costing Us All Dearly
Common Threads

What Airlines, Whole Foods and Health-Care Providers Have in Common…and It’s Costing Us All Dearly

Sarah Hiner | October 5, 2017

Bottom Line President Sarah Hiner sees a unique dark side of these industries and offers her own solution to the health-care debate.

Be Smart with Your Medicare Options

Be Smart with Your Medicare Options

Charles B. Inlander | September 8, 2017

When it comes to Medicare, you’ve got some options. Here’s what to consider, and when you might want to make changes to your current plan.

The Best HSAs of 2017
Medical Expenses

The Best HSAs of 2017

Leo Acheson, CFA | August 31, 2017

Not all the hundreds of HSA plans that are available are equally attractive. Here are the best ones available in 2017.

Tips to Save Big on Generic Medications
Medical Expenses

Tips to Save Big on Generic Medications

Charles B. Inlander | June 30, 2017

If you’re interested in saving money on your health-care expenses—and who isn’t?—using generic prescription drugs is a great approach. Studies…

Medical Coding Mistakes Can Cost You Big
Medical Expenses

Medical Coding Mistakes Can Cost You Big

Pat Palmer | April 24, 2017

There is a five-digit “CPT” code for every medical procedure that health-care providers perform. If one of these Current Procedural…

Answers to Tricky Questions about Health Savings Accounts

Answers to Tricky Questions about Health Savings Accounts

Roy J. ­Ramthun | April 24, 2017

A little-noticed portion of the failed health-care bill introduced by House Republicans in March would have dramatically expanded the benefits of…