"There is no public evidence of an intentional plot to buy up the world's medical supplies, though China did muzzle doctors who warned of the virus early on."
Global markets drop, spooked by China-US virus tensions
May 4, 2020
BANGKOK (AP) — Global stock markets dropped on Monday as tensions between the Trump administration and China over the origins and handling of the coronavirus pandemic rattled investors.
Benchmarks fell in most countries except for Australia, which was lifted by signs...
("Who Must File A 1040 ASAP To Get A Stimulus Check" redirects here.)
"The most recent guidance states that, at least for SS recipients, some veterans and others not otherwise required to file, no return is necessary ... There now is no need for these people to file an 'abbreviated' return, whatever that is." – Dan Pilla, the nation’s leader in taxpayers’ rights defense and IRS abuse prevention and cure
IRS-published information on the economic stimulus checks...
"Capitalizing on this crisis to reap illicit profits or otherwise preying on Americans is reprehensible and will not be tolerated." – Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen
April 2, 2020
Coronavirus scams include Costco 'stimulus check' ploy, FBI warns
Fox News – As Americans await much-needed stimulus checks from the coronavirus bill that President Trump signed last week, federal authorities are warning of a new scam targeting people already wary about the pandemic.
The FBI's San Diego office said...
“Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he expected most people to get their payments by April 17.” – The New York Times, March 31, 2020
Coronavirus $1,200 stimulus check:
See if you're eligible, how to get your cash payment amount
April 1, 2020
Cnet – For many US taxpayers, the stimulus checks that are part of the $2 trillion economic stimulus package may help lessen the economic blow caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
It's estimated that nine...
"COVID-19 patients may be very expensive to treat and may or may not have private insurance. At the same time, canceling profitable procedures presents a 'double whammy.'"
March 16, 2020
Modern Healthcare – COVID-19 could be a double whammy for hospitals' finances in that they're putting off high-margin surgeries to treat expensive, complex coronavirus patients with no way to predict reimbursement.
Chip Kahn, CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, said of the novel coronavirus' financial impact...
By William E. Bennett Jr.
Oct. 22, 2019
Washington Post – We know how important it is to have insurance so that we can get health care.
As a physician, parent and patient, I cannot overemphasize that having insurance is not enough.
As a gastroenterologist, I often prescribe expensive medications or tests for my patients.
But for insurance companies to cover those treatments, I must submit a “prior authorization” to the companies, and it can...
Jan 27, 2020
The Hill – It is no secret that the cost of prescription drugs is a major concern for Americans today.
Around 79 percent of the public agree that the price of prescription medication is unreasonable.
But while much attention is focused on the role of drug manufacturers, a new report details how almost half of consumer spending on brand-name drugs goes to providers and Prescription Benefits Managers (PBMs), who act as the middlemen that...