• By Real World Health Care Editorial Staff  |  Feb 11, 2026

    When Insurance Companies Say “No” – Non-Profit Helps Patients Fight Claim Denials

    Selecting a health insurance plan has become an annual event for millions of Americans. Whether they receive insurance through an employer, the ACA Marketplace, or Medicare/Medicare Advantage, they set to the task of weighing plan options with varying premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket expenses, and doctor networks. However, one metric for comparing…more.

  • By Real World Health Care Editorial Staff  |  Jan 28, 2026

    What Patients Don’t Know About Hospital Financial Assistance – But Should

    Every year, hospital patients are billed $14 billion that should be waived through financial assistance, making “charity care” one of hospitals’ best kept secrets. By law, non-profit hospitals must offer programs that forgive bills. Many for-profit hospitals also offer help through which patients’ bills may be reduced or eliminated. However,…more.

  • By Real World Health Care Editorial Staff  |  Jan 14, 2026

    Real-Time Solutions for Financial Toxicity & Patient Navigation: A New Series from Real World Health Care

    Almost 60% of Americans live at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. In 2025, that equated to about $128,000 in annual income for a family of four. For these Americans, paying for daily necessities like rent, food, and utilities can be a juggling act. Add a chronic or…more.

  • By Michael Heimall, President & CEO, HealthWell Foundation  |  Dec 17, 2025

    Breaking Down Barriers to Care

    The end of 2025 is quickly approaching, and with it, the opportunity to reflect on a year in which the health care landscape started to change dramatically, in ways that may have lasting impacts. As I wrote in my November 12th column, health care is becoming more expensive and harder…more.

    Categories: General
  • By Real World Health Care Editorial Staff  |  Dec 1, 2025

    GivingTuesday: Bringing Smiles and Hope to America’s Underinsured

    GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement created in 2012 to unleash the power of radical generosity. Starting as a simple idea – a day that encourages people to do good – Giving Tuesday has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate,…more.

    Categories: General
  • By Michael Heimall, President & CEO, HealthWell Foundation  |  Nov 19, 2025

    How Federal Spending Cuts Will Increase Health Care Costs in 2026

    The Republican budget reconciliation legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” (OBBB) was signed by President Trump in early July. The OBBB cuts over $1 trillion from Medicaid programs over the next 10 years – the largest rollback of federal support for health care in American history. As a…more.

  • By Real World Health Care Editorial Staff  |  Sep 10, 2025

    Can Financial Toxicity Impact a Patient’s Mental Health?

    The high cost of health care is a burden for millions of Americans. Health care costs have grown faster than inflation, making it difficult for many – even those with insurance – to afford medical care and drugs. Consider these concerning statistics: Nearly half of U.S. adults struggle to cover…more.

  • By NCODA Editorial Staff  |  Jul 16, 2025

    The Importance of Mental Health in Cancer Treatment

    When it comes to cancer treatment, the focus is often limited to mechanisms by which the disease itself can be managed, through standard regimes such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical interventions. However, the mental health challenges that accompany a life-threatening diagnosis are just as critical and frequently overlooked. Many cancer…more.

    Categories: Behavioral Health
  • By Real World Health Care Editorial Staff  |  Apr 23, 2025

    Psychosocial Oncologists Committed to Ending Disparities in Cancer Care

    Patients with cancer and their care supporters may experience many forms of physical and mental distress throughout their cancer trajectory. As an integral component of cancer care, psychosocial oncology helps cancer patients and their loved ones, address the psychological, behavioral, emotional, and social issues that may arise. The American Psychosocial…more.

    Categories: Behavioral Health
  • By Real World Health Care Editorial Staff  |  Nov 6, 2024

    A Conversation with Michael Heimall – New HealthWell Foundation President & CEO

    This week, the HealthWell Foundation, publishers of Real World Health Care, welcomed its new President & Chief Executive Officer. Michael S. Heimall, FACHE, is an accomplished executive with experience at some of the nation’s most respected veterans medical centers. He comes to HealthWell after serving as executive director of the…more.

    Categories: Access to Care, General
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