Blake Farmer
Latest Stories (109)
Despite legislation against them, surprise medical bills can still ... surprise
by
Blake Farmer
Feb 28, 2023
ER doctor groups were among the top providers disputing claims in the first months of a resolution process created by the No Surprises Act.
Why Tennessee is turning down millions of federal dollars for HIV prevention
by
Blake Farmer
Feb 3, 2023
State officials said they will instead use state funds they can control, including cutting out organizations tied to abortion care.
Private equity investment is flooding into addiction treatment. Is that a good thing?
by
Blake Farmer
Jan 25, 2023
When a new operator took over an addiction treatment center in Nashville, former employees say they saw cutbacks.
Hospitals explore virtual nursing to cover staffing shortages and fight burnout
by
Blake Farmer
Jan 11, 2023
With nurses facing burnout like never before, some hospitals are exploring remote work options that could keep experienced RNs on the job longer.
Once pandemic emergency protections end, millions likely to lose Medicaid
by
Blake Farmer
Jan 2, 2023
As many as 15 million people may lose Medicaid coverage after the pandemic emergency is formally declared over. But the government’s own projections show many of them will still qualify. They’ll just get hung up in the paperwork.
To make the most of a new Ford electric truck plant, Tennessee neighbors need sewer help
by
Blake Farmer
Dec 21, 2022
Ford needed a sewer line to build its $5.6 billion plant in Tennessee. But neighboring communities now have to build their own wastewater system to accommodate new residents who come for the new plant jobs.
Gig workers are signing up for ACA health benefits, though many still go uncovered
by
Blake Farmer
Nov 21, 2022
Gig workers are a major reason this year's open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act individual marketplace is likely to be big.
Affordable Care Act enrollment expected to hit another record
by
Blake Farmer
Nov 18, 2022
A shift to self-employment during the pandemic may partly be responsible for the enrollment surge in plans through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.
When should patients be admitted to a hospital through the ER?
by
Blake Farmer
Oct 20, 2022
A hospital giant faces questions about whether it's been too quick to admit patients to the hospital from the emergency room.
For a rural hospital trying to reopen, hiring is a challenge
by
Blake Farmer
Oct 6, 2022
Many rural hospitals have closed during the pandemic, and their staffers found other work far away.