Health Insurance - Should Protect People From Claimities

From Twincities.com

Julie Forster's Dec. 1 article, "Health insurers pushing consumer-driven plans," described a disturbing trend ? plans with high out-of-pocket costs. Such plans may offer scant financial protection for those with limited disposable income.

Insured people already shoulder a tremendous financial burden for health care. Studies have found that many families with health insurance exhaust savings and forgo other necessities to pay bills not covered by health insurers. A recent Access Project report documented that bills of $500 to $1,000 can create serious financial hardship for families, including housing, employment and credit problems. If deductibles are excessive, policyholders may be discouraged from using it at all.

At the Access Project, we fear such plans offer low-income workers a false sense of security. Health insurance should assure access to needed services and protect people from financial calamity. Health insurance must include protection that would cap out-of-pocket expenses based on policyholders' incomes.

Health Insurance - Are Getting What You Pay For?

When a special committee of the Ohio legislature finished work this month, it failed to answer an important question: Are Ohioans getting what they pay for when they buy health insurance?

To explore the answer, ThisWeek, with the help of journalism students from Otterbein College and The Ohio State University, spent five weeks reviewing more than 5,000 insurance filings by more than 94 insurance companies since 1996.

The review found virtually every insurance company operating in Ohio is protecting its own interests at least potentially at the expense of its injured customers, who are buying insurance that they expect will protect them from devastating loss. In some important circumstances, it does not.

The issue is so complex that few ordinary consumers understand it, even in the unlikely event they read their insurance contracts in the first place. The bottom line is, if you are severely injured by someone else, Ohio law may require that your health insurance company be "made whole" for its expenses before you are made whole for your loss.

As one attorney told the commission, when people first become aware of this problem, after it is too late for them to do anything about it, they nearly universally ask, "If that's what the law is, what's the premium for?"

Health Insurace - Cost Go Through The Roof

From BostonHerald.com
By Jennifer Heldt Powell

Health insurance for a family of four could cost a whopping $30,000 a year a decade from now unless drastic steps are taken to curb skyrocketing costs, according to a study to be released today.

Doctors and hospitals have to be more upfront about their charges and consumers must be pushed into being more cost conscious, according to the report by the Massachusetts Business Roundtable.

?Unless the system becomes more affordable, we?re going to crash into a wall,? said Alan MacDonald, head of the business group.

The report was co-written by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care chief Charles D. Baker and Thomas H. Lee, network president for Partners HealthCare, parent of Brigham and Women?s and Massachusetts General Hospital.

The two normally sit on opposite sides of the negotiating table, but in the report they agree that costs are too high and that not enough is being done to bring them down.

The report suggests creating an independent agency that can collect information about health-care costs, quality and how well hospitals and doctors are doing. Among other suggestions, the report calls for more consideration of consumer-driven health plans, which have high deductibles.

If consumers have to pay more of the cost of health care, they are less likely to seek services they don?t need and more likely to choose cheaper providers, MacDonald said.

The report is an update to one done three years ago that called for more transparency in the system.

Only a small amount of progress has been made since then, MacDonald said.

Health Insurance - Children Health Insurance In Iowa

As companies trim their health insurance coverage to compensate for rising costs, two studies highlight economy's effects on children's health care.

The first found 16% of the children's parents lost their jobs and 14% lost health insurance coverage.

Children whose parents lost or simply changed jobs were twice as likely to lose their health insurance. Those who had private health insurance fared worse; they were three times more likely to lose health coverage.

the second study looked at 15,447 children for the effects of on-and-off health insurance coverage. The youngsters faced unfilled prescriptions, delayed care, and lack of doctor visits similar to their completely uninsured peers.

But Iowa, high on the list of children's health-insurance rates in the nation, doesn't seem to be hurting yet. In 2006, 93.7 percent of Iowa's children under age 18 had insurance, and most were covered by employment-based private plans, according to the State Data Center of Iowa.

And Iowa is an "interesting" case: High numbers of self-insured and self-employed individuals (i.e., farmers) are "doing a good job of covering their families," said Peter Damiano, a UI professor and the director of the Public Policy Center.

Health Insurance - Premium Up Sharply

Health insurance premiums rose this year at their slowest rate since 1999 However, that is still twice the rate of inflation.

Premiums rose 9.2 percent in 2005 and 11.2 percent in 2004, A Kaiser report said. Gary Claxton, a co-author, said the moderation in premium increases might be caused by a slowing in underlying medical cost inflation as well as by more competition in the insurance market.

The Kaiser Family Foundation's findings are based on a phone survey of 3,159 randomly selected private and public employers.

More than 155 million Americans get insurance through their jobs. Employers on average pick up 84 percent of the cost for individuals and 73 percent for families.

Overall, the total cost of health insurance for individuals now averages $4,242 a year. For families, the costs average $11,480.

Employers and their workers probably won't find much relief next year either, according to another survey of 167 large corporations that was conducted by Towers Perrin, a consulting firm. The companies expect their health care costs to rise by about 6 percent next year, which is well above the anticipated rate of overall inflation.

Health Insurance - New Massachusetts Health Insurance Plan

The premiums that health insurance companies in Massachusetts will charge to cover Massachusetts residents are in line with what the architects of the state's new health insurance law predicted, meaning there should be enough money to pay for the plan in its initial year, state officials said.

State regulators set the health insurance rates Thursday for residents who now lack insurance and earn less than 300 percent of the poverty level. The four insurers offering health coverage will charge monthly premiums of $276 to $391, depending on the type of plan a resident enrolls in and where they live. For residents at or below the poverty level -- $9,804 for a single person -- the state will pay the entire premium. For those above the poverty level, the state will pay a portion of the cost, with the state subsidy shrinking as income rises.

Health Insurance - Okhlahoma Health Insurance Rates

Family health insurance rates in Oklahoma rose 50% between 2001 and 2005 while the income of Oklahoma policyholders remained flat. Oklahoma led the nation in increased health insurance rates paid by employees of companies which offer health insurance coverage to their employees. The national average increase was 30% over that same period.

The average cost of family health insurance coverage jumped almost $2,500 across the nation, (from $8,281 in 2001 to $10,728). In Oklahoma, the cost of health insurance soared $3,664 (from $7,322 to $10,985)

Comparatively, the increase in health insurance premiums in surrounding states ranged from 8% in Kansas, 14.4% in Arkansas and 40% in Texas

Health Insurance - Uninsured Kids

Both poor & middle class kids under age 18 share at least one thing in common: If they do not have health insurance coverage, they are likely to go without any health care... period.

New research from the University of Rochester Medical Center said more than 40% of children in families earning between $38,000 and $77,000 annually without health insurance for 1 year see no physicians and have no prescriptions during that time.

The percentage is as high as 55% for uninsured children in families earning less than that.

Nearly 3 million uninsured children in the country received no medical care or prescription use for a full year, according to an analysis of nationally representative data from a 2004 survey. About 1.6 million of those children may qualify for public health coverage but are not enrolled for coveage.

Since 1997, the U.S. State Children's Health Insurance Program has provided health insurance to low-income children who are not eligible for Medicaid and do not have private coverage.

Health Insurance - Pennsylvania Health Insurance Reform Plan

A Pennsylvania health insurance reform plan adopted by the state House could cover almost 300,000 uninsured Pennsylvania residents affordably within 10 years

The Access to Basic Care program passed by the House, known as the PA ABC bill, utilizes private health insurance companies and offers health insurance coverage to eligible small businesses and low to middle income families. An estimated 767,000 adults are uninsured in Pennsylvania.

Adults without health insurance in Pennsylvania regardless of employment status will be able to buy health insurance on a first-come, first-served basis through the ABC program.

Total program costs would begin at just $501 million during fiscal year 2009 and would reach nearly $1.4 billion by fiscal year 2018.

Health Insurance - Rising Number Of Uninsured

The decline in the number of employers offering health insurance has led to an increase in the percentage of Americans who are uninsured.

U.S. Census Bureau figures released in August found that the populatio uninsured grew by 15.6% to 15.9% in 2005.

The census figures also show that the number of uninsured children under age 18 increased for the first time in seven years.

Despite an economic upturn, the percentage of American workers covered by employer-sponsored insurance declined from 81.2% in 2001 to 77.4% in 2005.

Furthermore, there was no increase in Medicaid and Schip coverage last year to offset the decline in employer sponsored health care

Health Insurance - Tough For Minorities

From HealthDay News

Hispanic and black adults are up to three times more likely to lack health insurance than their white counterparts.

Minority groups are also more likely to lack access to health care, forego needed care, and struggle with withering medical debt.

Based on telephone interviews with more than 3,000 adults throughout the United States, the researchers found that almost two-thirds (62 percent) of Hispanic adults aged 19 to 64 were uninsured at some point during the past year, a rate more than triple that of working-age white adults (20 percent).

The study also found that one-third of black adults were also uninsured or experienced a gap in coverage during the year.

Health Insurance - Costs can be shocking

Several times, the biggest surprise for many independent individuals when starting their own business is the high cost of individual health insurance.

The monthly premiums for health insurance policies can easily exceed $ 500 per month (depending on your state of residence) and that the hypothesis of a pre-condition does not disqualify you.

Diane D'Agostino-Smith, who began a life-coaching advice of his house Rowlett, bought an individual policy by AARP of "health care program options and pays $ 540 per month. Before that, she bought coverage by the National Association for the self-employed.

Bob and Cathy Dammeyer's 3-year-old frozen-drink distribution spends more than $ 6000 per month for coverage for the couple and their four full-time employees.

Health Insurance - Medicare Drug Plan Deadline

Insurance Medicare drug deadline

Time is running out to enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) or change plans for next year.

Medicare recruits only have until Sunday to sign up for coverage of prescription drugs. In addition, seniors who have already signed for a Medicare Part D plan can change plans until then. The changes to the plans are effective January 1.

-- Sickness beneficiaries who have coverage of prescription drugs which is considered at least as good as Medicare Part D (sometimes called "credit hedging"), are not enrolled.

Maintaining the elderly who "credible coverage" not face the end of the registration of sanctions if they decide to move to a Medicare Part D plan at a later date. However, those who do not have credible coverage which has not signed for a Medicare Part D plan in the initial open registration period will pay an extra $ 1.91 per month if they register at a date Later. In addition, the penalty increases another 1 percent every month they wait to register.

Health Insurance - Oklahoma Health Insurance Rates

Family health insurance rates in Oklahoma rose 50% between 2001 and 2005 while the income of Oklahoma policyholders remained flat. Oklahoma led the nation in increased health insurance rates paid by employees of companies which offer health insurance coverage to their employees. The national average increase was 30% over that same period.

The average cost of family health insurance coverage jumped almost $2,500 across the nation, (from $8,281 in 2001 to $10,728). In Oklahoma, the cost of health insurance soared $3,664 (from $7,322 to $10,985)

Comparatively, the increase in health insurance premiums in surrounding states ranged from 8% in Kansas, 14.4% in Arkansas and 40% in Texas.

State Battle Over Health Insurance

The battle over the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is being fought largely between members of Congress from high-income states, such as Maryland, versus members from low-income states, such as South Dakota and Mississippi, which rank near the bottom in median household income.

Eligibility Varies

Some states, such as South Dakota, currently offer CHIP only to people with incomes up to twice the federal poverty threshold, which is $20,444 for a family of four with two children.

So in those states, families with income of $40,888 are eligible.

But other states, such as Maryland, which has the highest median household income in the nation, provide CHIP coverage to people with incomes three times the poverty line.

On the decisive Senate vote to push ahead with expansion of the CHIP program, where both senators from a state voted for CHIP expansion, they came from states with an average household income of nearly $50,000.

But where both senators from a state voted against CHIP expansion, they came from states with an average household income of under $42,000, including the lowest-income states such as Kentucky, Oklahoma and Mississippi.

The economic clash works between congressional districts, too: House Republican Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri, an outspoken opponent of CHIP expansion, represents a district where the median income is $36,962.

His Republican colleague from New York, Rep. Vito Fossella, who voted to expand CHIP, represents a district that includes Staten Island and part of Brooklyn in New York City. In Fossella’s district, the median income is $62,108, nearly 70 percent higher than in Blunt’s district

Phony Arizona Health Insurance

Press release

Insurance Director Christina Urias has ordered National Trade Business Alliance of America to immediately stop offering, soliciting, issuing or delivering health insurance to Arizona residents.

This unlicensed entity may also have marketed products under the names: Affinity Health Plans of America, National Trade Business Association, NTBAA, National Transportation Benefit Alliance, Qualified Administrative Specialists of America, Family Health Care Services, Inc., America’s Best Benefits, and American Employers Association.

The Texas, North Carolina and Pennsylvania insurance departments previously sanctioned some of these entities for similar unauthorized activity in their states.

This bogus health insurance plan sent an unsolicited fax to an Arizona small business and its employees. The faxed advertisement stated: “Attention Employees: Health care you can afford, $124 individual rate, $173 family rate…Expires Friday!”

Individual Health Insurance In Maine

The individual health insurance market in Maine is broken.

The Superintendent of Insurance has approved premium increases of more than 100% over the past five years, the average deductible sold in this market has increased considerably during the same period, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has lost millions dollars over this business the last two years.

The insurance is for the self-employed, as well as young retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare and young people entering the workforce.

Many people who have insurance are barely hanging by purchasing policies with deductibles that are unreasonably high for their income.

So why are Maine individual health insurance rates among the highest in the country?

The rising cost of medical care and increased use of medical services are driving some of the increases, but Maine insurance laws are a big part of the problem, too.

Guaranteed issue requires health insurance coverage to all persons who seek to obtain. Maine of the community rating law limits the factors that can be used to determine the price of coverage.

Although these laws have been adopted with good intentions, many things have changed in 15 years - especially in health care.

These laws have contributed to all major insurance companies, except leaving the anthem market here. They have led to premiums and deductibles, forcing many people to abandon coverage.

This problem is not unique to Maine. Other states, including Idaho, Kentucky, New Hampshire and Washington, have faced a similar situation

Wyoming Health Insurance

Golden Rule Insurance Company, a leader in the health insurance market for nearly 60 years, this week begins offering new choices of coverage for individuals and families in Wyoming who buy their own health insurance.

Golden Rule's product portfolio includes a Wyoming health savings account (HSA) plans, other low-cost high-deductible plans and traditional copay plans and short term health insurance.

Network discounts on health care can result in savings even smaller and sundry expenses for golden rule in Wyoming customers will have access to UnitedHealthcare network of 162 physicians and 18 hospitals across the country and that an extensive network throughout the country.

Golden Rule save customers generally 45-55 percent or more in premiums by choosing one of their HSA plans on a more traditional. In addition, HSAs offer triple tax advantages: the savings go in tax deductible, raise taxes and can be withdrawn tax free as long as they are used for qualified medical expenses, including vision and dental.

Today, nearly 40 percent of Golden Rule customers are covered by HSA plans.
Funding for health insurance expansion comes from several sources, including slot machines and a game and the tax on tobacco. Both must still be approved.

Maryland Health Insurance Plan

The Maryland Senate has signed on a health insurance plan to pump $ 600 million in health insurance for residents of Maryland over the next five years.

The Senate voted 31-16 in a largely online voting to adopt Gov. Martin O'Malley's plan to expand Medicaid eligibility and give small businesses a grant to help provide health insurance to their employees .

The bill still needs final approval in the Senate before heading to the House, which adopted a similar plan last year and is thought to approve a version of its plan O'Malley.

The financing of health insurance expansion comes from several sources, including slot machines and gaming tax on tobacco. The two have yet to be approved.

Clinton Touts Health Insurance Plan

According to Hilary Clinton, health insurance companies face the same type of federally regulated companies that sell stocks and bonds.

The patchwork of state regulation that insurers are now operating under has allowed some carriers to get away with offering a sub-regional health insurance and move to states with more favourable rules.

Clinton also stressed his universal health care, which would give tax credits for health insurance more affordable and requires companies to provide health coverage to workers or pay into a pool for people without it. His plan also develop the disease and the federal employees' health insurance plan to cover those who have no insurance in the workplace appropriate.