From my America Out Loud Pulse podcast with Dr. Jane Hughes, MD – https://www.americaoutloud.news/something-is-wrong-with-the-healthcare-system/
I wanted to pay tribute to a colleague, Marshall Allen who is gone too soon. You’ve heard him on the show. Some of you had written in with questions for him.
Marshall Allen was a journalist who investigated why we pay so much for health care in the United States and get so little in return. He was the author of “Never Pay the First Bill: And Other Ways to Fight the Health Care System and Win.” Never Pay The First Bill is a road map on how everyone can get a better deal on health care.
He was the founder of Allen Health Academy, which produces a curriculum of short on-demand videos to equip and empower employees to navigate the health care system. Marshall investigated the health care industry for 15 years, including a decade at ProPublica. And he spent a decade as an educator at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. His work has been honored with many journalism awards, including some of the top business reporting honors, the Harvard Kennedy School’s 2011 Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting and twice as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Before he was in journalism, Allen spent five years in full-time ministry, including three years in Nairobi, Kenya. He has a master’s degree in Theology.
In his own words:
“I’ve spent more than fifteen years investigating the health care industry as a journalist, exposing the insidious ways the system preys on vulnerable Americans: price gouging, sloppy billing, fraud, insurance denials, unnecessary treatment and more.
I wish I could say I’ve seen it all, but I haven’t.
It sours me when I hear about people getting beaten down by the system.
It’s become my personal mission to help individuals and employers understand the health care system and show how they can overcome the bullying and win.
People who push back are getting great health care at a much lower cost. I love highlighting real-life examples of these victories so everyone can see how it’s done.”
He was a brilliant, compassionate warrior for improving medical care for everyone.
Rest in Peace, Marshall Allen
Something is wrong with the so-called system.
Medical debt is especially concerning for many Americans. According to an investigation by NPR and Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 100 million Americans, including 41 percent of adults, carried medical debt in 2022. There are disturbing stories like the 76 year old man who killed his wife because he could no longer take care of her or pay the bills. This reminds me of the murder suicide some years back. After he was diagnosed with cancer, a 70s year old man killed his wife who had cancer and his disabled adult daughter feeling that there would be no one to take care of her. It is not just the money. There is a loss of connection between patients and their doctors. There is something wrong when people feel there is no one they can talk to or turn to.
My guest tonight will share her thoughts about medicine, our health care “system,” and the government’s role in our lives.
Bio
Dr. Jane Hughes is the current president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. She is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio where she also completed her residency. Dr. Hughes is co-founder of American Doctors for Truth and serves on Congressman Chip Roy’s Physician Advisory Council for Healthcare Policy.
To find an independent physician go to the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons website: https://aapsonline.org/direct-payment-cash-friendly-practices/; Join the Wedge (of Freedom) – https://jointhewedge.com
