Health care costs Coverage

US Senate committee investigates weight-loss drug costs as NC negotiates with manufacturer

A U.S. Senate committee is investigating the prices that Novo Nordisk charges for its blockbuster medications, Ozempic and Wegovy. North Carolina officials, who canceled coverage of the drugs over costs, are trying to negotiate lower prices with the drug maker.

Dani Blum, New York Times

Money, time are main reasons women skip mammograms

According to the latest Vital Signs study, 65% of women ages 50-74 with three or more health-related social needs, are keeping up with regular mammograms. About a third are not.

Grace Hayba, WRAL health reporter

UNC Health signs long-term contract with UnitedHealthcare, keeping patients in network

UNC Health announced Thursday it signed a long-term agreement with UnitedHealthcare, which will keep thousands of North Carolina patients in network when they receive treatment at UNC clinics and hospitals.

No penalty for BlueCross NC after insurer lowers price for common HIV/AIDS drugs

A federal investigation into North Carolina's largest health insurer ended with no penalty after Blue Cross Blue Shield NC was accused of charging more for drugs, even generics, in a way that discriminates against some users.

Grace Hayba, WRAL health reporter

Mike Causey rejects request for 42% hike to home insurance rates

This year's request was significantly higher than normal: An average of 42% higher rates statewide.

NC Insurance Commissioner rejects industry request for 42% hike to home insurance rates

Insurance companies frequently petition the state for permission to raise rates, but this year's request was significantly higher than normal: An average of 42% higher rates statewide, driven in part by rates that would nearly double in some parts of Eastern North Carolina, particularly on the coast.

Will Doran, WRAL state government reporter

Weight loss drug prescribing practices don't match up with the obesity rates, data shows

Counties most impacted by obesity aren't the ones where people are seeking out prescriptions for ​​GLP-1 drugs most.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL Data Journalist

Vance County Jail to charge medical copays starting Feb. 1

On Thursday, the Vance Couty Detention Center will charge incarcerated people a $10 copay for non-emergency medical care.

Destinee Patterson, WRAL reporter

DRAUGHON DRAWS: N.C. Health Plan shedding some excess??

Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

Mammography AI can cost patients extra. Is it worth it?

In recent years, AI software that helps radiologists detect problems or diagnose cancer using mammography has been moving into clinical use.

By Michelle Andrews, KFF Health News

Rising homeowners insurance rates: Proposed increase gets pushback

State insurance regulators on Monday heard from the public about a proposal to drastically increase homeowners insurance rates.

Laura Leslie, WRAL capitol bureau chief

6 reasons drug prices are so high in the U.S.

Florida's plan to save money by importing medications from Canada, authorized this month by the Food and Drug Administration, has renewed attention on the cost of prescription drugs in the United States.

Rebecca Robbins and Christina Jewett, New York Times

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Companies huff and puff to inflate homeowners insurance costs

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 -- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist.

How they voted: NC congressional votes for the week ending Dec. 14

A look at how North Carolina members of Congress voted during the previous week.

Targeted News Service

Thousands wait to see if Cigna, WakeMed can reach deal

WakeMed and insurance provider Cigna are in a contract dispute that could leave Cigna-covered patients unable to use the WakeMed health network.

'I feel I have no control': Dispute between Cigna, WakeMed leaves patients in limbo

WakeMed sent a letter to patients this week informing them they will not recognize Cigna as an insurance provider on Jan. 1.

Chelsea Donovan, WRAL reporter

Advice is available to find affordable health coverage

Health care experts from the NC Navigator Consortium will answer your questions about who is eligible under Medicaid expansion, what it covers, how to apply and much more during a live, call-in event on Dec. 5.

These 8 menstrual brands will reimburse 'tampon tax' to shoppers

New York (CNN) -- A group of menstrual product makers announced on Wednesday that they have banded together to form the "Tampon Tax Coalition," which they say is an effort to reimburse consumers the "unjust tax" on feminine hygience products such as tampons, pads and menstrual cups.

By Parija Kavilanz, CNN

PEG O'CONNELL: High stakes in Blue Cross restructuring. Bill needs closer look

Sunday, May 21, 2023 -- House Bill 346 would permit dramatic restructuring of Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina, the state's oldest hospital service corporation and largest health insurer. This is a big deal and it is not getting the attention it deserves.

Companies, families, seek funding boost for hard-to-fill home health care jobs

People caring for disabled family members depend on a heavily subsidized industry that often pays less than $15 an hour for help.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

Price caps help diabetics budget for insulin, other needs

In 1982, when insulin was first introduced, a vial would cost about $14. But, over the past three decades, the price has increased to an average out-of-pocket cost of $58 per insulin fill.

Doctors hope price caps reduce insulin rationing

In 1982, when insulin was first introduced, a vial would cost about $14. But, over the past three decades, the price has increased to an average out-of-pocket cost of $58 per insulin fill.

Camila Pereira, 2023 CBC-UNC Diversity Fellow

300,000 in NC could lose Medicaid coverage as pandemic-era provision ends

North Carolina's House and Senate will have to work out their differences on Medicaid expansion before it becomes a reality in the state. If expansion doesn't happen, 300,000 people in North Carolina could lose their health coverage over the next 17 months.

Keely Arthur, WRAL consumer reporter

Treasurer questions hospital CEO salaries

State Treasurer Dale Folwell is looking for answers after a new report details an explosion in hospital CEO pay over the last decade.

State treasurer questioning hospital CEO salaries

Through records requests and analyzing public financial records, the report found 11 current or former CEOs made as much as more than 570 registered nurses.

Ali Ingersoll, WRAL Journalist