The Platinum Patients
Each year, one in every 20 Americans racks up just as much in medical bills as another 19 combined. This critical 5 percent of the U.S. population is key to solving the nation's health-care spending crisis.
This project was done in collaboration with the Solutions Journalism Network, and is supported by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund. (More)
The Health-Care Cost of Homelessness
Anthony Ruffin’s personal mission to place the most vulnerable people living on the street in housing
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Elaina Natario / Katie Martin / The Atlantic How to Beat Asthma
The common lung disease debilitates millions of Americans and costs the country billions of dollars, but some very new—and very old—methods are emerging in fighting it.
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The Super-Users of America's Health-Care System
America’s collective medical spending can be traced back to a very small group of people. -
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Elaina Natario / Katie Martin / The Atlantic Fixing the 5 Percent
“Super-users” with complex medical needs make up a small fraction of U.S. patients, but they account for half of the nation’s overall health-care spending. Now, innovative efforts are providing better care at lower costs.
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Elaina Natario / Katie Martin / The Atlantic Therapy for Everybody
In Appalachia, a primary-care clinic offers quick bursts of psychotherapy on the spot.
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Elaina Natario / Katie Martin / The Atlantic Even the Insured Often Can't Afford Their Medical Bills
The debate over the future of healthcare is obscuring a more pedestrian reality: Insurance may handle most costs, but many Americans still need to turn to charity for help when they get sick.
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Elaina Natario / Katie Martin / The Atlantic How We Spend $3,400,000,000,000
Why more than half of America's healthcare spending goes to five percent of patients
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Polygraph/Can Stock Photo/Qingwa The Platinum Patients
Each year, one in every 20 Americans racks up just as much in medical bills as another 19 combined. This critical five percent of the U.S. population is key to solving the nation's health care spending crisis.
