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Center for Health & Democracy

@cforhd.bsky.social
74 followers 81 following 198 posts

The Center for Health & Democracy (CHD), led by Wendell Potter, seeks to build power and consensus on the need to expand healthcare coverage to all Americans

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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
The Keep Medicare Costs Down Act (HR 6112) would require Big Insurance to charge the government as much — or less — for each beneficiary as we spend on Traditional Medicare. Passing this bill would reduce corporate handouts + invest in guaranteeing quality health care for everyone on Medicare!
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Medicare Part B premiums will be more than $200 / month for the first time ever in 2026 — largely because Big Insurance is gaming the system with their Medicare Advantage plans. The more profit they extract from the Medicare trust fund, the more we have to charge seniors for Part B premiums.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Yet another major hospital system is expected to go out of network with one of the largest Medicare Advantage insurers in the country. www.montrosepress.com/free_access/...
montrosepress.com
Hospital dropping Humana Medicare Advantage; offers patient resources
Montrose Regional Health (MRH) will end its contract with Humana Medicare Advantage plans effective Jan. 1, 2026. The change will make MRH an out-of-network provider for patients covered by Humana
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
Unlike Traditional Medicare, insurance corporations offering Medicare Advantage often delay and deny care that patients need. The Disclose Your Denials Act (HR 6111) would require these companies to include their denial rates in advertising, ensuring that enrollees know what they’re signing up for.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
When a person enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s nearly impossible to know if their doctor will be in-network. The Find My Doctor Act (HR 6115) requires CMS to fix that problem by creating a nationwide online directory, making it easier for seniors to keep their doctor.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
As 2026 draws nearer, patients and providers brace for a big — and bad — change to Traditional Medicare. Prior authorization results in unnecessary delays and denials of care, and has no place in our cherished Medicare program. stateline.org/2025/12/04/m...
stateline.org
Medicare’s new AI experiment sparks alarm among doctors, lawmakers • Stateline
A Medicare pilot program will allow private companies to use artificial intelligence to review older Americans’ requests for certain medical care — and will reward the companies when they deny it.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
The Denials Don’t Pay Act would require HHS to cancel Medicare Advantage contracts with any insurance corporation that has over 25% of its prior authorization appeals reversed. This bill would make major changes in how for-profit insurers game the system at the expense of patients and consumers!
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
“We all pay a price when we restrict access to care for those who need it. When I talk about costs, I am not only referring to the dollars lost, but the impact on families, communities and society – those who become disabled or die prematurely because they couldn’t get routine care.”
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Earlier this month, Dr. Claudia Fegan, National Coordinate with our allies @pnhp.bsky.social, testified before the Senate HELP Committee to highlight the impact of growing health care costs on working families. www.ntd.com/live-now-sen...
ntd.com
Senate HELP Committee Holds Hearing on Making Health Care Affordable Again
The Senate HELP Committee holds a hearing on making health care affordable again.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
@repauchincloss.bsky.social's ACA Copay Cost and Affordability for Patients Act "will provide life-saving financial relief to millions of families,” per @wendellpotter.bsky.social franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-t...
franklinobserver.town.news
Cong Auchincloss Offers Health Cost Measure | Franklin Observer
Would limit annual prescription drug cost-sharing for patients in health insurance plans through the ACA Marketplaces
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
@wendellpotter.bsky.social joined @jayapal.house.gov's Podcast ‘The Power You Have’ to talk about the ways Big Insurance is working to jack up costs and cut health care benefits, and how we can fight back! Listen now on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
Medicare For All (Part 1) — The Broken System with Wendell Potter | #12
Podcast Episode · The Power You Have with Pramila Jayapal · 12/05/2025 · 48m
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Listen now to Part 2 of Dr. Madley's conversation about the lack of transparency in health care on Planet Seniors! Big Insurance must be held accountable for extracting profit at the expense of patients. radiokingston.org/en/broadcast...
radiokingston.org
Indivisible Ulster NY & The Center for Health and Democracy - Radio Kingston
In today's show, we have: Indivisible Ulster NY & The Center for Health and Democracy In the first part, I welcome back Carla Fjeld from Indivisible Ulster and Dr. Rachel Medley from the Center for H...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Real Medicare allows patients to go to virtually any doctor or hospital in the country. Medicare “Advantage” plans limit what doctors you can see — and unfortunately, figuring out which doctors are in-network is no simple task. www.medicarerights.org/medicare-wat...
medicarerights.org
Harm to Medicare Advantage Enrollees From Directory Errors and Inadequate Networks - Medicare Rights Center
Two important developments reveal continuing issues with provider directories and Medicare Advantage (MA) networks. Some Directory Information Now on Plan Finder Last month, we noted important changes...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
As Big Insurance works to squeeze as much profit as possible out of Medicare Advantage, fewer plans offer in-home services that are essential for recovering at home rather than in a skilled nursing facility. #CareCantWait! homehealthcarenews.com/2025/10/fewe...
homehealthcarenews.com
Fewer Medicare Advantage Plans Offer In-Home Supports
Despite increasing Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment growth, the plans offering in-home support services decreased between 2024 and 2025. That was one
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
"Insurance companies benefit from medical inflation. They just jack up their premiums enough to cover the additional cost and guarantee them a tidy profit." ~@wendellpotter.bsky.social w/ @moreperfectunion.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9ri...
youtube.com
Your health insurance premiums are going up. Here’s who’s profiting.
YouTube video by More Perfect Union
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Huge news in the fight against Big Insurance — @pocan.house.gov just introduced 8 bills to hold greedy corporations accountable for delays, denials and overpayments in Medicare Advantage! Stay tuned for more updates in the fight to #ReclaimMedicare.
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Reposted by Center for Health & Democracy
Health Care Voices @healthcarevoices.org · 18/11/2025
The increasing use of pre authorization in private health insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage, is a growing concern for patients.  Learn more from Rachel Madley at the Center for Health & Democracy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCdx...
youtube.com
Why Are Insurance Plans Delaying Your Care?
YouTube video by Health Care Voices
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Tune in 🔊 CHD’s Dr. Rachel Madley discusses the #PatientsOverProfits Act on Radio Kingston's Planet Seniors! This bill would break up big vertically integrated health care corporations and protect patients from corporate greed! www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUhe...
youtube.com
Planet Seniors: Patients Over Profit
YouTube video by IndivisibleUlster - NY18 & 19
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
“Federal Government Shutdown Exposes Crisis in Long Failing U.S. Healthcare System” w/ @wendellpotter.bsky.social “The people are going to be getting notices from their insurance companies if they get coverage in the ACA marketplaces. Big, big, big increases” btlonline.org/federal-gove...
btlonline.org
Federal Government Shutdown Exposes Crisis in Long Failing U.S. Healthcare System
Wendell Potter, a former health insurance industry executive turned whistleblower, who links the current federal government shutdown to America’s long failing healthcare system.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
A new poll from @familiesusa.bsky.social shows that health care affordability is the # 1 issue on voters' minds heading into 2026. Big Insurance is making a huge profit while working people struggle to get by. familiesusa.org/press-releas...
familiesusa.org
NEW POLL: Crushing Health Care Costs Top Priority for Voters - Families USA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Families USA is releasing a new poll conducted by Hart Research Associates showing that lowering health care costs is the top priority for American voters across party lines,
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Not only will work requirements result in millions of people losing their coverage due to faulty eligibility checks — it also creates a new opportunity for big corporations to profit from our health care system in new and unnecessary ways. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/03/h...
nytimes.com
‘A Big Positive’: How One Company Plans to Profit From Medicaid Cuts
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
For the first time in many years, Medicare Advantage enrollment is expected to decrease. While consumers may be increasingly aware of the drawbacks of these so-called Advantage plans, rising costs and worse benefits are also likely contributing to lower enrollment. www.cnbc.com/2025/09/29/c...
cnbc.com
Medicare Advantage enrollment expected to fall in 2026 as insurers cut back on unprofitable plans
CMS sees Medicare Advantage enrollment falling in 2026, as insurers facing lower profits cut back on unprofitable plans
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Check out CHD Director of Policy & Advocacy Dr. Rachel Madley on @codewack.bsky.social! If you’ve ever worried about losing coverage, struggled with medical costs, or want to understand how we can build a fairer system — this episode is for you. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/c...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
It might sound wonky, but when corporate insurers game the Medical Loss Ratio, the result is higher costs for consumers and bigger profits for CEOs and shareholders. By paying a subsidiary that the insurance company owns, they are able to hide their profits as money spent on providing care.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
“How Insurers That Own Providers Can Game The Medical Loss Ratio Rules“ ~Health Affairs “The recently released Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group shows that it grew more than 10 times its size over the past decade.” www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...
healthaffairs.org
How Insurers That Own Providers Can Game The Medical Loss Ratio Rules | Health Affairs Forefront
As states pursue policies to slow cost growth, they must apply greater scrutiny of vertical integration arrangements—especially around internal financial transactions between affiliated entities.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
By passing the NO UPCODE Act, Congress can cut overpayments to Big Insurance by $124 billion every year, and reinvest that in expanding benefits and lowering costs for consumers. www.legalnewsline.com/legislation-...
legalnewsline.com
No UPCODE Act could be part of shutdown solution … and more
Days into the federal government shutdown, health care funding is perhaps the key issue in talks to end the partisan stalemate.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Dr. Oz has loved the for-profit, privately-run corporate Medicare Advantage plans. But even he knows that Big Insurance is gaming the system and overbilling U.S. taxpayers by $140 billion every year. www.healthcaredive.com/news/oz-medi...
healthcaredive.com
Oz reiterates need to improve Medicare Advantage payment accuracy
The CMS administrator’s comments at an industry event in D.C. on Wednesday reflect the difficult tightrope regulators in the Trump administration walk as they pursue MA reform.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
With enrollment season underway, hundreds of millions of Americans are about to see their premiums go up 📈 Tell us what you’re hearing at c4hd.org/ShareMyStory
Image that reads: “I’ve worked for the same company for 26 years. We’ve had the same health plan provider the entire time. We’ve already been notified we will be changing carriers due to the steep increases in premiums. While our company is switching to help, they’ve still indicated premiums will be going up. They’ve gone up every single one of my 26 years. I have chronic illness so my out of pocket costs are higher than my mortgage.”
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
“Racial minority enrollees in MA suffer from worse clinical outcomes and face barriers accessing best quality care. These disparities stem from factors such as restrictive networks and misaligned financial incentives that fundamentally oppose public health priorities.”
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
NEW from our allies @pnhp.bsky.social — “No Real Choices: How Medicare Advantage Fails Seniors of Color.” This new report looks at how for-profit Medicare Advantage plans result in worse health outcomes for communities of color. Read the report now ➡️ pnhp.org/EquityReport
pnhp.org
No Real Choices
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Join @ctcag.bsky.social for an electrifying movie about a group of young people who take on the broken health care system, followed by a discussion with national and state leaders in health insurance advocacy, including @wendellpotter.bsky.social! RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/is-he...
actionnetwork.org
Is Health Insurance Making Us Sick? MIDAS Screening and Discission with Wendell Potter
When: Wednesday, October 15, 6 pm What: Film screening and Panel Discussion Where: CT Legislative Office Building Room 2E Why: Every day, health insurance companies make billions of dollars for exe...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Today, @merkley.senate.gov, @warren.senate.gov, @repvalhoyle.bsky.social, @pkryan.bsky.social and @jayapal.house.gov introduced The #PatientsOverProfits Act Here's what you need to know: 🧵 www.merkley.senate.gov/merkley-warr...
merkley.senate.gov
Merkley, Warren, Hoyle, Ryan, Jayapal Introduce New Bill to Crack Down on Health Insurers Buying up Clinics Across the U.S. - Merkley
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Massachusetts’ U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren teamed up with U.S. Representatives Val Hoyle (OR-04), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Last week, our team hosted a webinar featuring @wendellpotter.bsky.social and Rep @doggett.house.gov to discuss The Sunlight Report — the first-ever analysis of UnitedHealth Group's ~2,700 subsidiaries! Watch the recording now at c4hd.org/SunlightWebinar and learn more about what we found!
c4hd.org
Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group Webinar
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Tonight is the night! Join CHD President @wendellpotter.bsky.social and Rep. @doggett.house.gov for a webinar to discuss UnitedHealth Group’s strategy to dominate our health care system at the expense of patients and their families. You won’t want to miss this! Sign up here: c4hd.org/Webinar
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
In 2024, UnitedHealthCare had $295 Billion in revenue — 75% of that revenue came from your tax dollars through programs like Medicare Advantage. As the company grows bigger, it is increasingly funded by public dollars. TOMORROW: Join CHD’s Webinar to learn more c4hd.org/Webinar
c4hd.org
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group Webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join the Center for Health & Democracy for a special webinar on our groundbreaking project, The Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group on September 3, 2025 at 8:00PM EST. UnitedHealth Group has grown ...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Happy #LaborDay! While big corporations like UnitedHealth Group profit off of our broken health care system, workers and their families endure higher costs and lower quality care. Learn more about how corporate greed is ruining our health care system this Wednesday @ 8pm ET! c4hd.org/Webinar
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Sept 3! Join CHD’s webinar to learn more about The Sunlight Report — a first-of-its-kind analysis of UnitedHealth Group’s ~2,700 subsidiaries. We’ll look at the types of entities they own, why they own these entities, and how they’ve become more than just a health insurance company c4hd.org/Webinar
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Big news! CHD’s Webinar on Sept. 3 will feature remarks from Rep. Lloyd @doggett.house.gov Rep. Doggett has been fighting to combat corporate greed in health care for many years, and he has a lot to say when it comes to UnitedHealth Group. RSVP now @ c4hd.org/Webinar #SunlightUNH
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Last month, CHD’s President @wendellpotter.bsky.social briefed Senators about The Sunlight Report, a first-ever look at UnitedHealth Group’s ~2,700 subsidiaries. Now, Wendell wants to brief you! RSVP for our webinar on Sept. 3 at c4hd.org/Webinar #SunlightUNH
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
Re-upping this 🧵 — UnitedHealth Group touches every point of a patient's journey through the health care system. Join the webinar on Sept. 3 to learn more about how the biggest health care company in the world is working to monopolize health care. RSVP ➡️ c4hd.org/Webinar #SunlightUNH
c4hd.org
Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group Webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.
Join the Center for Health & Democracy for a special webinar on our groundbreaking project, The Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group on September 3, 2025 at 8:00PM EST. UnitedHealth Group has grown ...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
🚨 1 in 10 doctors in the US are owned or have close contractual ties with UnitedHealth Group. 🚨 When a company owns your insurance plan, your doctor and your specialist, that company is making $ every step of the way. RSVP now for CHD’s Webinar on Sept. 3 to learn more ➡️ c4hd.org/Webinar
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Why does UnitedHealth own “Exploration for Mine Clearance LLC” in Iraq? Your guess is as good as ours, but one thing is for sure — they wouldn’t have bought it if there wasn’t money to be made. Find out more about the ~2,700 subsidiaries UnitedHealth owns at our webinar on Sept 3 c4hd.org/Webinar
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
RSVP: Join The Center for Health & Democracy + @wendellpotter.bsky.social for a webinar to discuss The Sunlight Report, a first-ever look at UnitedHealth Group's strategy to dominate health care from cradle to grave. 🔗c4hd.org/Webinar Here's what we'll discuss...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Higher premiums means less freedom for U.S. patients + consumers. Thinking about moving? About to start a family? Our chances to pursue our dreams are hindered by increasing health care costs, all so insurance companies can increase their shareholder value. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
kffhealthnews.org
Considering a Life Change? Brace for Higher ACA Costs - KFF Health News
Consumers contemplating an early retirement or starting a business should calculate how Trump administration and congressional policy changes could increase their health insurance costs — and plan acc...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
🎥 CHD President @wendellpotter.bsky.social presents findings from the Sunlight Report on UnitedHealth Group during his testimony to the Senate HELP Committee. Watch the clip below! #SunlightUNH
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
“[UnitedHealth Group is] going to be raising premiums by double digits. And they're going to be cutting benefits across the board." ~ @wendellpotter.bsky.social www.benefitspro.com/2025/08/04/s...
benefitspro.com
Sen. Sanders accuses UnitedHealth of using deals to build 'single-payer system'
Witnesses at a Senate hearing on health care costs attacked insurer dealmaking and data access restrictions.
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
🎥 Last week, @sanders.senate.gov asked CHD President @wendellpotter.bsky.social about our recent report on UnitedHealth Group’s vertical integration throughout the entire health care ecosystem. #SunlightUNH
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
From the Sunlight Report (www.sunlightreportinsurance.com) HOW UNITED HEALTH GROUP GOT SO BIG 🧵 #SunlightUNH
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
🎥 CHD’s President @wendellpotter.bsky.social will be testifying before the Senate HELP Committee at 10am ET today to discuss making health care affordable! Tune in here: www.youtube.com/live/J90-mSp...
youtube.com
Senate HELP Committee on health care affordability
Witnesses from VerSan Consulting, the American Enterprise Institute, Johns Hopkins University, the Center for Health and Democracy, and Harvard Medical School testify before the Senate Health, Educati...
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Center for Health & Democracy @cforhd.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
60 years ago today, Medicare & Medicaid were signed into law. Now, the programs that provide essential coverage to over 150 million people are threatened by greedy corporations and billionaires. Join People’s Action’s webinar at 8pm ET to hear where our fight goes from here. ppls.ac/fightforward
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