Consumers for Quality Care

05/20/2026

Healthcare costs remain the top economic concern heading into midterms, with 64% of Americans worried about affording care. ½ of insured adults say lower out-of-pocket costs is the most important change they want. People want action.

Despite concern about other expenses—such as fuel following the launch of the war in Iran—healthcare costs remain at the top of the list for economic fears, a new survey shows. | Despite concern about other expenses—such as fuel following the launch of the war in Iran—healthcare costs remain...

05/20/2026

Autoenrollment for Medicare Advantage would strain in-network providers and create more prior authorization abuse, raising costs for patients and deepening the pockets of health care executives.

Should Medicare change the default option for new beneficiaries to Medicare Advantage or an ACO, this could backfire as costs could rise and access restrictions increase.

05/19/2026

Three not-for-profit hospital systems in New Jersey awarded bonuses of up to 75% to their executives, totaling $15 million, all while patients struggle to keep up with healthcare costs.

The nine hospitals in Monmouth and Ocean counties have enjoyed sharp gains in revenue and profits, and their CEOs have been rewarded accordingly.

05/13/2026

Nebraska became the first state to implement new Medicaid work requirements passed under the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Between 20,000 and 40,000 people are expected to be dropped from Medicaid, potentially causing strain on the state’s health system.

The Cornhusker State is the first to roll out work requirements under the GOP’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” well in advance of the law’s 2027 deadline. Between 20,000 and 40,000 people are expected to lose Medicaid as a result.

05/13/2026

Nearly half of all denied health insurance claims were reversed when sent to independent clinical experts. Prior authorization is not only inefficient, but many patients are forced to wait and appeal decisions with dwindling time.

Policy experts suggest reform of prior authorization that would require coverage decisions be supported solely by evidence being reviewed by independent clinicians.

05/12/2026

Medicare Advantage plans may see decreased benefits in 2027. CMS signaled that it will raise payments to insurance companies, but many providers fear that it won’t be enough to maintain benefits for patients.

NEW YORK >> Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage health plans should expect to see fewer extra benefits like gym memberships and vision and dental coverage next year, investors and industry experts say.

05/12/2026

New CMS rules rolled back several consumer protections for Medicare Advantage. Protections on the chopping block are a notice of unused benefits, limits on the use of superlatives in marketing, and clear separation between educational and marketing events.

CMS recently finalized policies as part of the 2027 Medicare Advantage final rule that both enhance consumer protections and roll back changes to the Medicare Advantage program that were intended to protect consumers. These changes have gotten less attention than payment issues and changes to the st...

04/30/2026

Staying informed is the first step to making change. 📰 These stories are shaping the healthcare conversation right now — don’t miss them. Links in bio.

04/30/2026

👆How does vertical integration drive up patient costs? We break it down in our latest campaign. More in our bio!

04/24/2026

Consolidation in health care causes higher prices and worse care. As hospital systems crowd out competition, they negotiate with insurers to set their own prices, operating without transparency.



Is this patient-first or profit-first?

Every American feels the sting of rising healthcare costs, be it in their paycheck deductions or rising medical sticker prices. Insurers make easy