This AP story raises many important questions about the quality of information consumers receive (or not) about the quality of care. Excerpt:
“Millions of seniors signed up for popular Medicare Advantage insurance plans don’t get the best quality, an independent study found.
…
The analysis found that 47 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are in plans that rate three stars or two — medium to fair quality. Just 23 percent were signed up in plans that rate four or five stars — very good to excellent quality. Many of the rest were in plans not yet rated.”
Are consumers not aware of the ratings?
Not receiving them?
Not understanding them?
Not trusting them?
These are important questions for journalists to investigate.
Opinions on other issues in news, journals, PR, advertising, marketing
Puleeeeease... this 'game changer' weight loss drug causes more nausea and vomiting than a placebo. Some game, some change. My friend Gary would spank you for using the eighth word medical reporters should never, ever use. @garyschwitzer @thackerpd
https://www.healthnewsreview.org/toolkit/just-journalists-writing-tips-case-studies/7-words-and-more-you-shouldnt-use-in-medical-news/ https://twitter.com/OttawaCitizen/status/1361426796126830597
A scary @statnews Op-Ed warns that govt attempts to rein in Pharma may cut off access to "life-changing" drugs.
It takes @garyschwitzer to let us know: the author spent 10 years as Pfizer's public-policy chief. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1360325022578053123
.@TranspariMED criticizes STAT op-ed for not disclosing pharma funding of author’s institute - similar to criticism we’ve made of STAT op-eds in the past. @transparify @ThinkTankWatch @icer_review https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2021/02/transparency-watchdog-criticizes-stats-non-disclosure-on-pro-pharma-op-ed/
Comments (2)
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Diane
May 13, 2010 at 7:49 pmThe insurance plans for seniors are very confusing and frustrating and when you do select a plan you don’t get much support from the company you choose.
My husband choose U Care of MN when he turned 65 last fall. All was well until January U Care changed the prescription provider for mail order. He has been on the phone every week trying to get things straightened out. His doctor is ready to tell him to jump in the lake because the new company keeps wanting a new prescription almost every week.
It’s just nuts. Luckily he has only 1 prescription. I can’t imagine what it’s like for people who have several to keep track of without getting screwed by the insurance company.
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