Finally, an Easy Way to Compare Hospital Costs
A new online tool lets you easily compare the cost of procedures at different hospitals so you don't get ripped off.
medical care
Wealthy Workers Are Seriously Underestimating Their Retirement Needs
More than 80 percent of workers earning $115,000 say they are prepared for retirement -- but they think they'll only need $66,000 per year to live on.
Long-Term Care Insurance Should Be Part of Your Financial Plan
Long-term care insurance first was introduced in the late 1970s, but in recent years, it has become a much more important element of retirement planning thanks to twin rises in health care costs and longevity.
The Impending Economic Cliff Almost Nobody's Talking About
The Washington Post's Michelle Singletary calls it the "caregiver cliff." It's what will happen to the U.S. economy as a result of millions of caregivers "taking time off from work, and thus risking their jobs, or tapping into their limited resources to provide care."
Why Free Clinics Are Turning Away Needy Patients
Free clinics and the uninsured are paying a heavy price for the nation's teetering recovery: More than half of the clinics are now time turning away eligible patients -- many for the first time -- according to an AmeriCares report published Wednesday.
Haggling for Your Health: It's Worth It to Negotiate
One of the most costly mistakes people make when it comes to medical care is assuming that using your health insurance -- if you're lucky enough to have it -- is always the best way to go. But there are times when it may just be cheaper to negotiate with your doctors and pay out of pocket.
More Americans Turn to Acupuncture as Medical Costs Rise
A year after President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, many Americans are still struggling to get their insurance to cover basic medical treatments. And now, they are increasingly exploring less expensive alternatives to traditional Western medicine -- like acupuncture.
How Being Too Cheap Can Cost You a Fortune
Being frugal is smart, and these days, it's fashionable too. But going too far in your attempts to save can have financial consequences that may leave you significantly worse off. Here are nine ways you shouldn't cut corners.
Small Changes That Could Save You Big Bucks
It's hard to make huge changes in your spending habits all at once. To reach your new year's resolution to manage your finances better, try small steps instead. Financial experts offer 10 easy suggestions that could help you spend less and save more in 2011.
New Report: Fewer Americans Have Health Insurance
As health-care costs skyrocket, the ranks of uninsured Americans are growing at their fastest rate ever. A new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities finds that 50.7 million people, or 16.7% of the population, had no health coverage in 2009, up from 46.4 million, or 15.4%, in 2008.
How to Avoid Being a Victim of Medical Identity Theft
Everyone knows there are identity thieves who want to drain your bank accounts and siphon off your credit. But did you know there are scam artists out to steal your health benefits? So far, 1.5 million Americans have suffered from medical identity theft, at a cost of $29 billion.
