Walter Health Insurance

06/01/2026

The CMS has updated its Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating, with 12% of hospitals earning five stars and 6.4% receiving one star. The majority of hospitals fall in the middle, with 29.8% receiving four stars, 30.9% three stars and 20.9% two stars. The ratings, based on measures such as mortality, safety and patient experience, have faced criticism for methodological limitations.

Most hospitals were in the middle of the pack

05/27/2026

Walking is popular but may not be enough for fitness. A study shows only 25% of walkers meet guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. Among the most popular activities among urban residents were running and weightlifting, while gardening and hunting were more popular in rural areas. Experts suggest combining walking with strength training and other exercises to maintain.

A personal trainer helps you achieve your fitness and health goals faster and safer by creating customized strength workout programs, teaching proper form to prevent injury, and providing the motivation and accountability needed to build sustainable habits. See comments for a personal trainer in the Crossville, TN area.

Researchers report that walking is the most popular leisure activity in the United States. Experts say those activities may not be enough for some people to maintain a higher fitness level, so additional exercise may be needed.

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember the brave men & women who laid down their lives in service to our country so that we might enjoy the gift of our freedom and liberties.

05/19/2026

Obesity, diabetes are factors in excess deaths in US. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that the US reported 12.7 million excess deaths from 1999 to 2022, more than any other high-income country. Annual excess deaths jumped from about 346,000 in 1999 to 905,000 in 2022. Circulatory diseases were the leading cause, along with deaths related to diabetes, kidney and metabolic diseases. Obesity factored into higher rates of cardiovascular disease in Americans ages 45 to 64.
Full Story:

The United States appears to be leading all high-income countries in an unfortunate, distinctly undesirable statistical category.

05/15/2026

Early, unplanned retirement a common reality in US. Nearly half of Americans retire earlier than planned, mostly due to involuntary factors such as health issues and company changes, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Financial planners advise eliminating debt, maximizing catch-up contributions and delaying Social Security to mitigate the impact of unexpected early retirement.
Full Story:

It's something most people don't plan for, but it happens a lot.

05/12/2026

Medigap Premiums Leap, Few Alternatives.

More than 12 million people, about 43% of those in traditional Medicare, buy a Medigap policy. Following big increases last year, rates appear to be rising again. In early 2026 filings, increases ranged from just over 12% to more than 26% in Q1. Read more:

More than 80 of his customers who were enrolled in the same Medicare supplemental plan from the insurer Chubb got hit last August with a 45% increase.

05/06/2026

Improving the patient financial experience boosts satisfaction.

Revenue cycle leaders say that the patient experience can be improved by providing accurate price estimates, fostering transparent financial communications and aligning clinical and financial processes. At UW Health, 98% of estimates are automated, and 85% of estimates are within $50 of actual costs, says Ryan Klein, senior director of patient access. Training frontline staff to talk with patients about insurance and costs, expanding self-service options without mandating their use and working with clinicians on documentation integrity enhance the patient experience and health system revenue, leaders say.

Revenue cycle leaders are leveraging accurate estimates, transparent communication, and upstream clinical alignment to build a patient-centric financial journey.

05/01/2026

Weight-loss pills gain popularity over injections. US consumers are showing a preference for weight-loss pills from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly due to their lower cost, convenience and needle-free use, according to physicians specializing in obesity. However, despite being cheaper than injectables, these medications remain unaffordable for many, and do

Americans starting weight-loss medicines for the first time want lower cost and greater convenience as they consider pills from Novo Nordisk or Eli ​Lilly , according to seven doctors who specialize in obesity.

04/28/2026

Health plans have reduced prior authorizations by 11% since insurers pledged to reform the process in June 2025, according to a report from AHIP and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The report notes that the reduction has translated to 6.5 million fewer requests, with Medicare Advantage seeing a 15% decrease. "Health plans have taken important initial steps to support patients and are working toward the shared goal of delivering answers at the point of care whenever possible." AHIP
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-07/us-health-insurers-pare-back-some-prior-approval-requirements?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc3NTU1MzExOSwiZXhwIjoxNzc2MTU3OTE5LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUQ1MyUE9LR1pBSVMwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiIyOEUxM0JEOEMzQUY0OEFDOUYyQkFCMzI1NEIyOUNBRSJ9.qgs69j5xnBm3FN6xcwpQ8w666PuC4I0kYTW1enjLy0Q&leadSource=uverify%20wall

US health insurers have made it easier for doctors to get approval before providing certain types of treatment, industry groups said, calling it a sign of progress toward alleviating burdensome delays for patients.

04/24/2026

Walking is popular but may not be enough for fitness. Experts suggest combining walking with strength training and other exercises to maintain fitness.

Walking is the most popular leisure activity in the US, and a study in PLOS One shows only 25% of walkers meet guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity. Among the most popular activities among urban residents were running and weightlifting, while gardening and hunting were more popular in rural areas.

Researchers report that walking is the most popular leisure activity in the United States. Experts say those activities may not be enough for some people to maintain a higher fitness level, so additional exercise may be needed.