Opinion
Hospital market needs more competition
WakeMed may well benefit from partnering with some other entity. But NC leaders can and should insist on an expansion, not a contraction, of competition.
News
NC has 7th-longest ER visit time
The federal data does not explain what is driving North Carolina's longer ER visits. However, some health policy analysts argue that both increased demand for health care services and state policies affecting hospital capacity may be contributing to the trend.
Opinion
Cost curve bends, but not enough
Medical spending in the US as a share of gross domestic product was 15% lower than projected 14 years earlier, and indeed was only “marginally higher” than in 2010.
Opinion
Prior authorization harms NC healthcare
Prior authorization allows insurance companies to delay treatment, overrule clinical judgment, and drain time from the exam room.
Opinion
Mergers only make hospital monopolies worse
Healthy competition benefits consumers through lower prices and improved quality. With NC's hospital markets already highly concentrated, officials should regard further mergers with suspicion, especially those hurried through under the cloak of darkness.
Opinion
Integrating mental health into primary care saves lives, money
When mental health care is disconnected from primary care, those at highest risk often have the least coordinated support.
Opinion
Innovative ideas for cost savings in NC Medicaid
We recognize the need for creative investments that will help sustain supports and services for individuals with IDD, promoting independence and decreasing dependency on paid supports, and saving Medicaid dollars to be used in other ways.
Opinion
It’s past time for NC to can CON laws
If you are tired of the same thing being done over and over again and expecting different results, reach out to your representatives at the General Assembly and let your voice be heard!
Opinion
Hospitals can’t win every policy battle
NC's hospitals — and their networks of physician practices, clinics, urgent cares, and other facilities they own or manage — are at the center of many policy disputes.
Opinion
Hospitals should battle in the marketplace, not the courtroom
Are there issues with Medicaid reimbursement rates hurting hospital bottom lines? Sure. But these costs should be out in the open so they can be dealt with honestly, not hidden behind monopoly schemes.
Opinion
Sometimes the public is wrong
Voters say high prices (especially in housing and health care) are top issues. And yet... they are often skeptical that increasing supply would help.
Opinion
To get healthier, let’s begin with disagreement
Neither political party has a monopoly on what North Carolinians think are the best ideas to support their health.
