Paying for Care

Health care costs are a significant area of concern for everyone from patients to policymakers. Health services research ~~evidence~~ looks at different ways to address cost growth, encourage efficiency and quality, and provide for care via insurance, Medicare and Medicaid so that people receive the best care at the best value.

Publication

A Bold Health Cost Proposal. But Does the Evidence Hold Up?

Millions of insured Americans are struggling to afford the care they're already paying for. A major new proposal would ban prior authorization, cap hospital prices, and limit insurer profits. AcademyHealth breaks down what the evidence actually supports.

Posted Apr 17, 2026

Topics Translation, Dissemination & Implementation Paying for Care Costs & Payments Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid

Blog Post

How Hospitals Can Address Medical Debt and Rebuild Trust

Medical debt erodes trust in health care and health systems. Hospitals have practical, evidence-based options to reduce harm while preserving financial stability.

Posted Mar 31, 2026 By Jessica Perlo, M.P.H., Kelsey Chalmers, Ph.D., Eva Stahl, Ph.D.

Topics Paying for Care Costs & Payments Hospitals & Health Systems

Publication

Reducing Medical Debt: Strategies, Gaps, and Opportunities for Hospitals and Partners

This environmental scan highlights how hospitals are addressing medical debt, identifies key gaps in evidence and reporting, and outlines strategies and opportunities for a more just and patient‑centered financial landscape.

Posted Mar 24, 2026

Topics Paying for Care Hospitals & Health Systems Delivering Better Care

Publication

Racial Inequities in Postpartum Coverage During Medicaid Continuous Coverage: Evidence from ACA Expansion vs Non-Expansion States

Postpartum uninsurance decreased among Black women in non-expansion states
after continuous coverage, but racial inequities persisted.

Posted Feb 14, 2026

Topics Paying for Care Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid

Blog Post

Beyond the Journal Article: Turning Health Insurance Research into Real-World Impact

AcademyHealth member and research champion Miranda Yaver highlights the impact of insurance claim denials on Americans and the value of making sure your research is communicated to everyday people.

Posted Feb 9, 2026 By Miranda Yaver, Ph.D.

Topics Delivering Better Care Paying for Care Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid

Publication

Policy Brief: Doula Benefit Implementation in 6 State Medicaid Programs

This policy brief by Emma Mairson from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and AcademyHealth’s Project DREAM describes six state efforts to create a doula benefit in Medicaid.

Posted May 29, 2025

Topics Delivering Better Care Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid Paying for Care

Blog Post

The Role of Crowdsourcing as Researchers Respond to Loss of Public Health Data

As our blog series has highlighted, the removal of public health data has impeded research and has serious implications for the scientific enterprise. In response, several crowdsourcing efforts have emerged in an imperfect effort to fill the gap.

Posted May 12, 2025 By Rachel Dungan, M.S.S.P.

Topics HSR Resources & Methods Using Health Data Paying for Care Public & Population Health

Blog Post

2025 Annual Research Meeting Medicare Theme Gets a Pulse Check on Medicare: Will It Thrive as It Ages?

2025 ARM Theme Leader Stacie Dusetzina highlights sessions to attend related to Medicare at the upcoming conference this June in Minneapolis.

Posted Apr 30, 2025 By Stacie B. Dusetzina, Ph.D.

Topics Insurance, Medicare & Medicaid Paying for Care ARM

Blog Post

More than a Funder: AHRQ’s Role as a Catalyst for Health System Transformation, Innovation, and Improvement

AHRQ helps us keep pace with change, by making sure clinical research has real-world impact. Given yesterday’s HHS reorganization announcement, we’re highlighting the agency’s impact on HSR and health systems.

Posted Mar 28, 2025 By Rachel Dungan, M.S.S.P.

Topics Translation, Dissemination & Implementation HSR Resources & Methods Delivering Better Care Using Health Data Paying for Care

Blog Post

What's in a name? For the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, it’s Everything

In response to possible reorganization at the Department of Health and Human Services, it’s imperative to acknowledge AHRQ’s essential role in the delivery of high value, high quality care for all Americans.

Posted Mar 24, 2025 By Megan Collado, M.P.H.

Topics Building Healthy Communities Paying for Care Delivering Better Care