(InvestigateTV) — Same test, same insurance, but a tenfold increase in cost. Caresse Jackman uncovers how a cross-country move turned one woman’s routine MRI into a billing shock – and why it could happen to anyone. Plus, they’re being called life-changing – even lifesaving. But for many, the promise of powerful new weight loss drugs comes with an unimaginable price.
WHERE TO WATCH ICYMI – Watch last week’s episode.
Costly Care – Price Differences: Patients often don’t realize that the same procedure at different locations (even with the same insurance) can have very different out-of-pocket costs. Unfortunately, one woman who has a high risk of developing breast cancer found out months after moving to another state that the prices of an MRI were much higher – ten times as much. In Costly Care, National Investigative Reporter Caresse Jackman examines why location and health care facility changes could impact your wallet. We look into potential solutions being discussed by federal lawmakers to help reduce the costs of life-saving procedures and tests.
New Tech in Breast Cancer Care: According to the American Cancer Society, this year in the U.S. alone doctors will diagnose an estimated 316,000 women with invasive breast cancer. Treatments can be intense and often come with painful side effects. Our Heather Graf shows us how new technology is helping patients cope with the physical and emotional toll – offering vital support during treatment and into recovery.
Weight Loss Drugs Unaffordable: Nearly half of all Americans are living with obesity – the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking. While there’s no magic fix, experts and patients say a new class of medications, like Wegovy and Zepbound, is showing real promise. These drugs curb appetite and food intake – and have been hailed as not only life-changing but also lifesaving. Access, however, remains a major barrier. Many insurance plans don’t cover them for weight loss alone, and the out-of-pocket cost can be staggering. Heather Graf shows us what that means for patients and what’s being done to change it.
Watching Your Wallet – Debt Collectors Calling: Getting calls from debt collectors can be intimidating, but many experts say don’t rush into a payment. Consumer Investigator Rachel DePompa finds out why it’s so important to validate your debt and know your rights, in this Watching Your Wallet.