Casey Miller Community Insurance Partners

08/26/2026

Some hospitals and medical providers are asking patients to pay more before receiving non-emergency care.

The trend comes as deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs continue to rise.

Traditionally, many patients received bills after treatment. Now, some providers are collecting preservice deposits based on their estimate of what a patient may owe.

A KFF Health News report noted that the average deductible for employer-sponsored family coverage is $3,762 per person. The average deductible for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage rose 37% this year to $3,786.

For patients, upfront payment requests can create confusion, especially when insurance networks, deductibles, and estimated costs are unclear.

Emergency care has different rules. Hospitals that accept Medicare funding cannot demand upfront payment before stabilizing a patient who arrives at an emergency room.

For non-emergency care, it may be worth asking for an itemized estimate, confirming network status, and checking with the insurance company before making a large payment.


Source:

Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.

08/24/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

07/24/2026

Thanks to all the sponsors that joined us at our Upstate Fatherhood event today!

07/21/2026

Community Insurance Partners is happy to be providing a FREE PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT to anyone coming to “Leaving A Legacy” between 10am and 1pm! All are invited.

Huge thanks to our photographer Erin Matthews Kull !!

Non-profits in the Upstate, especially those helping with job-readiness and employment, please encourage participants in your network to attend and get a FREE PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT.

Message us for questions.

06/18/2026

We look forward to seeing you in Anderson on Tuesday. If you are aware of anyone impacted by the lay-offs in Anderson, please ensure they reach out to us. Most Electrolux employees who are losing benefits are likely eligible for a Special Enrollment Period for health insurance. Don’t have a gap in coverage!

Send a message to learn more