Survey: 79 Millions Americans Have Medical Bill or Medical Debt Problems
August 20, 2008 - A new report from The Commonwealth Fund, which draws on four years of survey data, finds 41 percent of working-age Americans—or 72 million people—have medical bill problems or are paying off medical debt, up from 34 percent in 2005. In addition, a companion issue brief finds that 7 million adults age 65 and over are dealing with these issues, for a total of 79 million adults with medical bill or debt problems.
2008 Health System Scorecard Finds No Improvement Overall
July 17, 2008 - The second national health system scorecard from The Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System shows the U.S. scoring an average of 65 out of a possible 100 across 37 performance indicators—slightly below the overall score in the 2006 report. Read the report and review data highlights in a Web feature.
The Commonwealth Fund Digest: July/August 2008
August 6, 2008 - This issue highlights the latest Scorecard, which shows no improvement in the U.S health system, the increase in the number of underinsured number, and more.
Hospital Quality Improvement Activities Vary
July 24, 2008 - U.S. hospitals are strongly committed to the goals of quality improvement, but there appears to be great variation in the implementation and effectiveness of hospital reforms, a Commonwealth Fund-supported survey finds.
Health Policy Reform in the 2008 Election Season
April 25, 2008 - With the 2008 presidential election dominating headlines, health policy reform—and the candidates' health plans—are also making news. The Commonwealth Fund has published a number of pieces that explain and analyze the candidates' proposals, as well as the issues at stake in the campaign and beyond
The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation that aims to promote a high performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable. Read the 2007 Annual Report for highlights of the Fund's activities.
DC Policy Updates
Washington Health Policy Week in Review
CMS will not enforce SCHIP directive "at this time"; team care improves quality, lowers costs; and more.
Commission on a High Performance Health System
Report Sees Major Savings by Combining Universal Coverage with Health Reform OptionsThis analysis, prepared for The Commonwealth Fund Commission on a High Performance Health System, finds that guaranteeing health insurance for all, when combined with policy options aimed at improving health system performance, could result in $1.5 trillion in reduced spending over the next decade. Read a New York Times editorial on the report. And view our interactive Web feature for report highlights.
In the Spotlight
Evaluating Massachusetts Health Reform
The Urban Institute's Sharon Long, Ph.D., reviews the impact of the historic Massachusetts health reform law.
From the President
Delivering Change Through Health System Organization
"Change" is on the minds of many Americans during this election cycle, and it is relevant to any discussion of the U.S. health care system as well.
Featured Podcast
A New Approach to Medical Interpreting
A new method of interpreting--where doctors and patients speak into enhanced telephones while an off-site interpreter translates--is helping improve patients' experiences and outcomes at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.-
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