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The musician Grimes claims that her ex-boyfriend Elon Musk, the “love of my life,” has become “unrecognizable” to her — and not because he became Donald Trump’s leading cheerleader in the final months of his campaign. Grimes’ concerns have to do with Musk’s apparent unwillingness to cooperatively co-parent the three children they share together, according to the Daily Beast . The singer dated Musk from 2018 to 2022, and they share two sons, X Æ A-Xii and Techno Mechanicus, and a daughter, Exa Dark Sideræl. On Wednesday, Grimes took to X , the platform that Musk owns, to explain how their custody battle adversely affected her creative output and family life, the Daily Beast said. The custody issue was reportedly was resolved on Wednesday, but the details are unclear. The singer, whose real name is Claire Boucher, said she had “spent a year locked in battle in a state with terrible mothers rights.” She presumably was referring to Texas, where Musk, the world’s richest man, now lives and operates his SpaceX, Tesla and other companies. Grimes said she only had “a fraction of his resources” to fight for access to her children, while her Instagram posts and modeling were “used as reasons I shouldn’t have my kids.” Grimes added that she has been “fighting and detaching from the love of my life as he becomes unrecognizable to me ... all the while I didn’t see one of my babies for 5 months.” “Having babies rips you apart and puts you back together,” Grimes said. “Babies are ten thousand philosophy classes of (expletive) you can only learn from that experience.” In another post shared Wednesday, Grimes wrote that she was “going bankrupt” from the custody suit. “I just slept and cried every minute I wasn’t explicitly fighting for my kids during that year,” she said. Grimes teased that she could say a lot more, but said she’s limited in what she discloses publicly. She said that most of her experiences in recent years “should remain behind closed doors.” Business Insider reported that the clerk’s office in Travis County, Texas, where Musk filed suit, confirmed on Wednesday that a judge issued a final order, back in August. The office said the status was listed as “closed” but declined to provide further details. As the Daily Beast said, Musk has not responded to Grimes’ X posts, even though he seems to spend much of his time on X. Certainly, he’s been busy, holding court at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort and hatching plans to drastically reduce federal government spending as the co-lead of the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency. Then again, Musk also has been ripping off posts almost hourly, many about his SpaceX rockets but also about his plans to cut hundreds of thousands of government jobs on Trump’s behalf and his belief that he’s America’s free-speech prophet. Musk also regularly expresses his concerns about plummeting birth rates around the world, one of the reasons he has become almost evangelistic about fathering as many children as possible. He’s currently known to have fathered at least 11 children with three different women, including Grimes. Musk was reported to be building an “unusual family compound” in an upscale residential area of Austin, Texas. The New York Times reported in October that Musk hopes one day that all 11 of his children and their mothers can live there or at least stop by. The property appears to reflect Musk’s pronatalist ambitions, the New York Times reported. Pronatalists, from both the Christian right and Silicon Valley, believe that people should have as many children as possible, although they differ on the means of reproduction. Given Musk’s custody battle with Grimes, it’s hard to imagine that she’d want to be part of the compound, though her three children probably spend a lot of time there. The ex-couple’s oldest son, 4-year-old X, also has been seen in his father’s company quite a bit. Musk made news after he was photographed posing with the boy in a celebratory Trump family photo on election night.
( MENAFN - Newsroom Panama) You're witnessing a seismic shift in the entertainment industry, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. The metaverse is projected to generate up to $5 trillion in value by 2030, with over 50% of live events expected to occur within this immersive digital realm. Data-driven diversity and inclusion initiatives are influencing box office success and consumer engagement. Strategic partnerships and M&A activity highlight the importance of collaboration in adapting to changes in content distribution. Personalization through AI-driven technologies can boost revenues by 15%, while intuitive interfaces promote natural interactions with entertainment. Embrace these trends to stay competitive in the evolving global entertainment landscape. Two key trends are driving the future of entertainment: the rise of the metaverse and the growing demand for immersive experiences. As the metaverse is projected to generate up to $5 trillion in value by 2030, it's clear that this virtual reality landscape will play a significant role in shaping how we consume and interact with content. You can expect over 50% of live events to occur within the metaverse by 2030, signaling a major shift towards digital transformation in the entertainment industry. Content creators and companies investing in metaverse-related technologies will be at the forefront of innovation, redefining how we experience entertainment. The integration of gaming and filmed entertainment will blur the lines between passive and interactive content consumption, creating new opportunities for immersive experiences. With the virtual reality industry expected to reach $22 billion by 2025, it's evident that the demand for immersive entertainment will continue to grow. Embracing these trends will be crucial for staying relevant and competitive in the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, as the metaverse and immersive experiences become the new norm. Alongside the metaverse and immersive experiences, data-driven diversity and inclusion initiatives are transforming the entertainment industry, including Canadian IPTV . Authentic representation in films significantly impacts box office success, with movies featuring fewer than 11% underrepresented actors underperforming by 20%. Additionally, 64% of consumers report being influenced by diverse advertisements, highlighting the importance of representation in marketing strategies. However, companies face challenges in effectively recording Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) data: Despite these challenges, 59% of executives have increased their investments in DEI initiatives over the past year, reflecting a growing commitment to fostering inclusive environments in the media and entertainment industry. As the industry evolves, data-driven diversity and inclusion will play a crucial role in shaping personalized content and ensuring authentic representation across all platforms, ultimately driving the future of entertainment. Strategic partnerships and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are transforming the entertainment industry as companies adapt to the rapidly evolving content and distribution landscape. In the realm of entertainment, storytelling formats are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. Modern creators are leveraging mixed reality, participatory storytelling, and immersive theater to engage audiences in unprecedented ways. This shift is evident in: As technology continues to progress, the lines between creator and consumer will blur further, giving rise to even more interactive and personalized forms of storytelling. This evolution will not only reshape the entertainment landscape but also redefine how we connect with narratives and each other. The future of entertainment lies in the seamless integration of diverse formats, fostering deeper engagement and more meaningful experiences for audiences worldwide. Personalization and intuitive interfaces are poised to revolutionize the entertainment landscape, as AI-driven technologies and immersive experiences continue to shape consumer expectations. You'll find that personalization, powered by machine learning, can boost revenues by 15% through tailored customer experiences. Intuitive interfaces, such as gesture and voice recognition, will promote more natural interactions with entertainment, moving beyond traditional controls. As you demand more relatable content, immersive experiences designed with character recognition and emotional responsiveness will enhance your engagement. By 2030, your wearable devices will seamlessly integrate social, work, and entertainment environments, creating a personalized consumption experience. The rise of virtual reality and mixed reality technologies will redefine storytelling, allowing for personalization that enhances your interaction and engagement with narratives. Artificial intelligence will play a crucial role in driving these advancements, enabling entertainment providers to deliver highly customized content and experiences. As personalization and intuitive interfaces become the norm, you can expect a more immersive and engaging entertainment landscape that adapts to your preferences and behaviors, ultimately transforming the way you consume and interact with content in the future. You'll witness a transformation in entertainment, driven by content diversity and personalized experiences. Streaming competition will intensify, while virtual reality and AI redefine audience engagement. Prepare for a future of immersive storytelling and global cultural exchange. You'll witness streaming dominance, immersive experiences, and diverse content driving audience engagement. Virtual reality and cultural exchange will reshape entertainment, while data-driven insights and forward-looking strategies will be essential for success in this evolving landscape. You'll experience immersive entertainment through virtual reality and AI-driven storytelling on streaming platforms. Interactive media and personalized content, powered by advanced technologies, will reshape how you engage with and consume entertainment in the future. Globalization has transformed entertainment through cultural exchange and audience diversity. Streaming platforms now offer regional content, fostering global collaborations. As language barriers diminish, you can access a wealth of international films, shows, and creators like never before. MENAFN24122024000218011062ID1109028674 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Pep Guardiola spoke of his relief after Manchester City finally got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The champions had descended into crisis after a run of seven games without a win – six of which were defeats and the other an embarrassing 3-3 draw after leading 3-0. Four of those losses had come in the Premier League, heavily damaging their chances of claiming a fifth successive title, but they appeared to turn the corner by sweeping Forest aside at the Etihad Stadium. “We needed it,” said City manager Guardiola. “The club, the players, everyone needed to win. A good night's work 🫡 Thank you for backing us all the way, City fans 🩵 — Manchester City (@ManCity) “But it is just one game and in three days we are at Selhurst Park, where it has always been difficult. “We played good. We still conceded some transitions and missed some easy things and lost some passes that you have to avoid, but in general, the most important thing was to break this routine of not winning games and we won it.” Kevin De Bruyne, making his first start since September after overcoming a pelvic injury, made a huge difference to a side that appeared rejuvenated. His powerful header was turned in by Bernardo Silva for the opening goal and the Belgian followed up with a powerful strike to make it 2-0. The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but it was a strong riposte to recent suggestions of a rift with Guardiola. A sweet strike 💥 ⚡️ | — Manchester City (@ManCity) “I’m so happy for him,” said Guardiola of De Bruyne’s telling contribution. “Last season he was many months injured and this season as well. “I’m so happy he’s back. He fought a lot, he’s worked and he’s back with his physicality. The minutes he played in Anfield were really good and today he played 75 fantastic minutes.” Jeremy Doku wrapped up a pleasing win when he finished a rapid counter-attack just before the hour but there was still a downside for City with injuries to defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. Guardiola said: “For Nathan it doesn’t look good and Manu has struggled a lot over the last two months. We will see. “Phil (Foden) has bronchitis but when he doesn’t have fever he will be ready.” Despite City’s dominance, Forest did have some bright moments and manager Nuno Espirito Santo was not downbeat. He said: “When you lose 3-0 and you say it was a good performance maybe people don’t understand, but I will not say that was a bad performance. “There are positive things for us in the game. Of course there are a lot of bad things, mistakes, but we had chances. “We didn’t achieve but I think we come out proud of ourselves because we tried. For sure, this game will allow us to grow.”
The champions had descended into crisis after a run of seven games without a win – six of which were defeats and the other an embarrassing 3-3 draw after leading 3-0. Four of those losses had come in the Premier League, heavily damaging their chances of claiming a fifth successive title, but they appeared to turn the corner by sweeping Forest aside at the Etihad Stadium. “We needed it,” said City manager Guardiola. “The club, the players, everyone needed to win. A good night's work 🫡 Thank you for backing us all the way, City fans 🩵 pic.twitter.com/UOcKm0Y6Ry — Manchester City (@ManCity) December 4, 2024 “But it is just one game and in three days we are at Selhurst Park, where it has always been difficult. “We played good. We still conceded some transitions and missed some easy things and lost some passes that you have to avoid, but in general, the most important thing was to break this routine of not winning games and we won it.” Kevin De Bruyne, making his first start since September after overcoming a pelvic injury, made a huge difference to a side that appeared rejuvenated. His powerful header was turned in by Bernardo Silva for the opening goal and the Belgian followed up with a powerful strike to make it 2-0. The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but it was a strong riposte to recent suggestions of a rift with Guardiola. A sweet strike 💥 ⚡️ #HighSpeedMoments | @eAndGroup pic.twitter.com/WJOkfKo2zr — Manchester City (@ManCity) December 4, 2024 “I’m so happy for him,” said Guardiola of De Bruyne’s telling contribution. “Last season he was many months injured and this season as well. “I’m so happy he’s back. He fought a lot, he’s worked and he’s back with his physicality. The minutes he played in Anfield were really good and today he played 75 fantastic minutes.” Jeremy Doku wrapped up a pleasing win when he finished a rapid counter-attack just before the hour but there was still a downside for City with injuries to defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. Guardiola said: “For Nathan it doesn’t look good and Manu has struggled a lot over the last two months. We will see. “Phil (Foden) has bronchitis but when he doesn’t have fever he will be ready.” Despite City’s dominance, Forest did have some bright moments and manager Nuno Espirito Santo was not downbeat. He said: “When you lose 3-0 and you say it was a good performance maybe people don’t understand, but I will not say that was a bad performance. “There are positive things for us in the game. Of course there are a lot of bad things, mistakes, but we had chances. “We didn’t achieve but I think we come out proud of ourselves because we tried. For sure, this game will allow us to grow.”Gary O’Neil accepts criticism from Wolves fans after heavy defeat at EvertonPep Guardiola spoke of his relief after Manchester City finally got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. The champions had descended into crisis after a run of seven games without a win – six of which were defeats and the other an embarrassing 3-3 draw after leading 3-0. Four of those losses had come in the Premier League, heavily damaging their chances of claiming a fifth successive title, but they appeared to turn the corner by sweeping Forest aside at the Etihad Stadium. “We needed it,” said City manager Guardiola. “The club, the players, everyone needed to win. “But it is just one game and in three days we are at Selhurst Park, where it has always been difficult. “We played good. We still conceded some transitions and missed some easy things and lost some passes that you have to avoid, but in general, the most important thing was to break this routine of not winning games and we won it.” Kevin De Bruyne, making his first start since September after overcoming a pelvic injury, made a huge difference to a side that appeared rejuvenated. His powerful header was turned in by Bernardo Silva for the opening goal and the Belgian followed up with a powerful strike to make it 2-0. The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season but it was a strong riposte to recent suggestions of a rift with Guardiola. A sweet strike 💥 ⚡️ #HighSpeedMoments | @eAndGroup pic.twitter.com/WJOkfKo2zr — Manchester City (@ManCity) December 4, 2024 “I’m so happy for him,” said Guardiola of De Bruyne’s telling contribution. “Last season he was many months injured and this season as well. “I’m so happy he’s back. He fought a lot, he’s worked and he’s back with his physicality. The minutes he played in Anfield were really good and today he played 75 fantastic minutes.” Jeremy Doku wrapped up a pleasing win when he finished a rapid counter-attack just before the hour but there was still a downside for City with injuries to defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji. Guardiola said: “For Nathan it doesn’t look good and Manu has struggled a lot over the last two months. We will see. “Phil (Foden) has bronchitis but when he doesn’t have fever he will be ready.” Despite City’s dominance, Forest did have some bright moments and manager Nuno Espirito Santo was not downbeat. He said: “When you lose 3-0 and you say it was a good performance maybe people don’t understand, but I will not say that was a bad performance. “There are positive things for us in the game. Of course there are a lot of bad things, mistakes, but we had chances. “We didn’t achieve but I think we come out proud of ourselves because we tried. For sure, this game will allow us to grow.” We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.Is AI progress slowing down?
Texas and Georgia are battling for recruiting supremacy before duking it out for a Southeastern Conference title. Alabama, which also appears to be headed to the playoffs, is right behind them. The two Atlanta-bound and presumably playoff-bound SEC powers are leading the way in recruiting league-wide and nationally during the early signing period that started Wednesday. They'll meet Saturday in the SEC championship game in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They're currently No. 1 (Texas) and No. 2 (Georgia) nationally, but the SEC holds a sweep of the top three with the Crimson Tide ranked third in Kalen DeBoer's first full recruiting cycle. The league holds eight of the top 11 spots. The final rankings are pending the decision of the nation's top uncommitted prospect, defensive tackle Justus Terry, who is expected to choose among three SEC schools: Georgia, Texas and Auburn. The Longhorns landed four five-star prospects, per the 247Sports composite rankings of recruiting sites. They also picked up No. 1-ranked athlete Michael Terry III on signing day when he chose Texas over Nebraska. Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns class is led by five-star safety Jonah Williams of Galveston, Texas, the nation’s No. 8 overall prospect, according to the composite rankings. They signed five-star wide receivers Kaliq Lockett and Jaime Ffrench, along with edge rusher Lance Jackson. Only Florida’s Ffrench was from out of state. Georgia had pledges from five five-star prospects entering signing day, led by No. 3 overall recruit defensive lineman Elijah Griffin, edge rusher Isaiah Gibson and linebacker Zayden Walker. Alabama got a potential successor to quarterback Jalen Milroe. Keelon Russell of Duncanville, Texas, is rated as the No. 2 quarterback and overall prospect per the composite rankings. Auburn coach Hugh Freeze has been touting his recruiting success frequently as building a solid foundation amid losing records in his first two seasons. The Tigers are currently at No. 6 and landed a much-needed quarterback in five-star Deuce Knight from Lucedale, Mississippi. LSU had the eighth-ranked class, a group led by five-star prospects in cornerback DJ Pickett, running back Harlem Berry and offensive lineman Solomon Thomas. Texas A&M stands at No. 9 after late flips in five-star signees in wide receiver Jerome Myles (from USC) and offensive tackle Lamont Rogers (Missouri). The Aggies are followed in order by LSU, Tennessee and Florida. The Volunteers were still awaiting the letter-of-intent from top-five prospect offensive tackle David Sanders Jr., who has been committed since August but is reportedly considering Ohio State. The Gators' class was highlighted by five-star receiver Vernell Brown III. Ole Miss wide receiver signee Caleb Cunningham is too highly rated to be truly under the radar for most programs. But Lane Kiffin has built the Rebels into an SEC contender largely with transfers, not blue-chip high school recruits. Cunningham, who de-committed from Alabama on Nov. 13, is rated as the No. 2 receiver and 18th-best player in the class. Ole Miss is looking for a replacement to star receiver Tre Harris. Alabama's Russell was the highest-rated recruit and plays at the most prized position. The 6-foot-3, 175-pounder led Duncanville High School to state championships in 2022 and 2023 and was MVP of the Elite 11 quarterback competition this year. Alabama returns Ty Simpson and Austin Mack at quarterback, so there may not be a pressing need for an immediate impact. Myles was a big addition to the Aggies at a position of need. The nation's No. 5 receiver and 23rd-rated recruit had decommitted from USC after visiting College Station last weekend. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko's team is down to five scholarship receivers entering the postseason. Billy Napier and Florida flipped four-star safety Lagonza Hayward from rival Tennessee. Hayward ranks as the No. 9 safety in the country and had decommitted from the Vols on Sunday. Get poll alerts and updates on AP Top 25 football throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
North Carolina interviews Bill Belichick for head coaching job, AP sources say
NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of stock of Metagenomi, Inc. MGX pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's initial public offering conducted between February 9 and 13, 2024 (the "IPO"), of the important November 25, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Metagenomi stock you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Metagenomi class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29254 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 25, 2024 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions. Rosen Law Firm does. Rosen Law Firm is a recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improving corporate governance structures, and holding company executives accountable for their wrongdoing. Since its inception, Rosen Law Firm has obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, Metagenomi introduced itself to investors during its IPO as a "genetic medicines company" having a long-standing business relationship with Moderna, one of the leading Covid-19 vaccine companies. Integral to Metagenomi's collaboration with Moderna was the claim that the two companies had entered into a Strategic Collaboration and License Agreement on October 29, 2021, which included multiple four-year research programs and a subsequent licensed product-by-licensed product agreement. Metagenomi completed its initial public offering on February 13, 2024, selling 6.25 million shares at $15 per share. However, less than three months later, on May 1, 2024, Metagenomi announced that it and Moderna had "mutually agreed to terminate their collaboration" agreement. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Metagenomi class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29254 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? Health | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | U.S. towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.25 Cute, Cheap Stocking Stuffers From Walmart That May Be Small But Will Bring Major JoyStock market today: Tech stocks and AI pull Wall Street to more records
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