The Obama administration recently informed the Supreme Court that the Affordable Care Act would be able to survive, even if the court announces that the healthcare coverage requirement is unconstitutional, according to Reuters.

The law is contested by more than half of the states, as well as other independent groups, but the administration claims that these people have not been able to prove that Congress would need to drop the whole law for just one aspect. There will be arguments heard in March before the future of the law is determined in June, the source noted.

"Many provisions of the act, focused on controlling costs, improving public health and other objectives, have no connection to insurance coverage at all," Donald Verrilli, solicitor general, wrote in the brief, according to the news source.

However, a representative of the National Federation of Independent Business noted to the administrators that the whole law would need to be canceled if that aspect is removed, the source added.

With the uncertainty of the healthcare law on the horizon, many consumers may not be comfortable with what the future holds. Comparing health insurance quotes now may lock in a plan that works for them.

The state of Kansas does not have any plans to halt its changes of the Medicaid program, even though many lawmakers are not happy with the speed of the process, according to The Associated Press.

Sam Brownback, governor of The Sunflower State, plans to get the project in motion this year by giving three contracts to companies in preparation of the switch. The program is worth $2.9 billion, and the contract would take place in 2013.

"We don't want to hurt Kansas patients," Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer told the news source. "We want to make sure that they start getting the benefits now, and we're talking about tens of millions of dollars."

The state has approximately 380,000 people using one of the programs in a given month, the source added.

Consumers may be uneasy about the impending healthcare reform, especially if they use a government-sponsored plan. In the meantime, it may not be a bad idea to compare affordable health insurance rates, as there could be a plan that is inexpensive but has what a person needs.

A report from the Institute for Alternative Futures showed that many healthcare patients could be paying much higher fees by 2025.

"Primary Care 2025: A Scenario Exploration," showed that the total cost of healthcare could increase significantly over the next several years. While 2011 figures show the healthcare costs for the country are as much as 17 percent of the country's gross domestic product, it could increase to 20 percent of that by 2020. In addition, health insurance premiums could increase, as they have jumped 131 percent from 1999 until last year.

"Community health centers will give high-quality care to  low-income people, and a small persistent group of affluent will receive great fee-for-service 'concierge' healthcare," said Clem Bezold, chair of the Institute for Alternative Futures. "You will see more virtual care, personal health avatars and doctors operating remotely. But the scenarios also include challenging and visionary possibilities."

While 2025 may be quite far off, it could be a good idea to note that affordable health insurance rates could be difficult to come by in the future. Instead, it may be a good process to compare health insurance plans to see what the most practical option is for the long-term.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services now will allow women to receive contraceptives covered as a part of their health insurance plan.

The program, which will be implemented in August of this year, and will require most health insurance programs to offer options without co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance or any other excess payments, the announcement said. However, some entities who consider themselves religious will have the opportunity to opt out.

Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary for HHS noted in the release that "This decision was made after very careful consideration, including the important concerns some have raised about religious liberty. I believe this proposal strikes the appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services."

The program was initially suggested last August, and is already being practiced by some entities at the state level, the report added.

For those who are unsure if their health insurance plan covers everything that they need, or they have to pay too much on their deductible, it could be a good idea to examine affordable health insurance rates.

The average per capita cost of healthcare under Medicare or private health insurance plans rose during the month of November, but not as much as it did in October.

The S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index showed that in November, the rate increased by 5.13 percent year-to-date. This is below October's year-to-date rate of 5.29 percent.

"After seeing a few months of increasing annual growth rates, particularly across commercial insurance plans, November's data presented us with some moderation in healthcare costs," said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Indices.

Commercial insurance plan claim costs increased by 6.96 percent in November, which was less than the previous month's figure of 7.1 percent, according to the report. In addition, the Medicare figure was also down from October, as in November it rose 2.37 percent, lower than the gain of 2.55 percent in October.

Affordable health insurance rates could be affected by overall healthcare spending, so it may benefit consumers to ensure they are utilizing the most affordable plan.

A recent survey completed jointly between the Emily Post Institute and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases showed that many Americans may not be taking influenza as seriously as they say they do.

The survey, "Are you That Guy?", showed that while more than 80 percent of Americans think that those who have flu-like symptoms should stay away from others until they are feeling better, close to two-thirds said that in the past three years, they have hung around others while dealing with some stage of influenza themselves. The illness is contagious and can be spread easily.

"Most of us try our best to be considerate and do the right thing," said Anna Post, great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post and co-author of the 18th edition of the Emily Post's Etiquette book. "While people recognize that the flu virus spreads easily, they admit to tossing proper etiquette aside when they have the flu."

There are many affordable health insurance rates available for consumers to take advantage of, and it may be a good idea to make sure a person and their family are properly insured in case someone becomes ill during flu season.

Many consumers are trying to quit smoking, but with recent budget cuts, government help may be harder to find, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The habit of smoking is the top cause of death in the country that is considered preventable. The source noted that approximately 70 percent of current smokers are trying to quit, but don't have the ability to, as they need help. Government-funded programs that promote smoking cessation have been cut by more than one-third over the past four years, as budget cuts are becoming the norm across the country. Of the money allocated for tobacco cessation, most states will be spending around 2 percent of it in 2012.

"It's a travesty," Danny McGoldrick, vice president for research at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, told the news source. "These programs more than pay for themselves."

For consumers who want to quit smoking, but don't think their health insurance plan will help pay for their cessation attempts, it may be smart to look for affordable health insurance rates. Not only will the consumer save money, but they may find a sufficient insurance plan, as well.

Recent health insurance rate increases by Trustmark Life Insurance Company forced the federal government to comment on the situation, requiring the organization to get rid of the hike, or explain why it increased rates.

Five states would be affected by the changes, including Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Virginia and Alabama, according to the release. In total, close to 10,000 consumers would witness the rate hike. The new healthcare reform rules allow the government to force companies to explain increases in health insurance rates.

"Before the Affordable Care Act, consumers were in the dark about their health insurance premiums because there was no nationwide transparency or accountability," said Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  "Now, insurance companies are required to disclose rate increases over 10 percent and justify these increases."

While the federal government has the ability to question rate increases, many states have taken advantage of the power, as well, the report noted.

Even with these actions in mind, the full effects of healthcare reform are unknown. It may be a good idea for consumers to try to lock in affordable health insurance rates now before any more changes are enacted.

While some consumers try to cut back on their health insurance options in order to save money, that many not be the best route to take. A report from health insurance company Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware showed that there are other ways to save money on a plan.

Consumers should be sure that all medical care providers are in their insurance company's network, the source noted. This is because it will save significant amounts of money on costs such as copays. In addition, patients need to make sure that if referrals are necessary, they obtain one, as this will prevent unnecessary costs.

Americans also need to take any available precautions and testing options that are covered on their plan, according to the source. This has the potential to keep consumers healthy and costs low. In addition, if something does happen, ensure that only major issues are brought to the emergency room. Minor problems can be dealt with at the doctor's office or clinic.

If the plan itself is the problem, it may not be a bad idea to compare affordable health insurance rates. This practice can ensure that the new plan is both sufficient and inexpensive.

Some moms may be unaware of some important aspects of germ knowledge, and this is something that is important to learn about when dealing with young children, according to a survey from Playtex.

A significant portion of moms did not score well in the survey, which shows there is room for improvement when it comes to germ knowledge. While nearly every mom noted the importance of washing hands after each diaper change, less than 35 percent of new moms knew that the diaper-changing table was the top area for germs.

"Keeping the nursery as clean and as germ-free as possible is such an important aspect for most parents," said Dr. Benjamin Tanner, a germ expert and microbiologist who partnered with the company in the study. "But when we surveyed moms, we found that they generally aren't aware of the best ways to do it. The good news is, with the right knowledge, keeping germ levels to a minimum in the nursery is much easier than most moms think."

Moms who are concerned about their young children's well-being may benefit from examining their insurance plan. If the coverage is not up to their standards, it may be a good idea to compare health insurance quotes and find the best fit.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality noted that during 2009, a total of 1 percent of Americans represented nearly 22 percent of healthcare costs.

The figure meant that for every $5 spent, $1 of that was used to treat one out of 100 patients, the report noted. This showed a total of $1.26 trillion was spent on that 1 percent during 2009, averaging out to a total of $90,061 per person per year. The 2009 figure was higher than 2008, as that year's most expensive 1 percent represented 20.2 percent of the total healthcare costs.

Despite the high figures, this was down from 1996, when the 1 percent was billed 28 percent of the total expenditures for healthcare in the United States, the source noted.

"[There was] some decrease in this concentration at the upper tail of the expenditure distribution," said Steven Cohen and William Yu, research experts for AHRQ.

Continued increases in healthcare industry expenses could mean health insurance rates could be rising, overall. This may mean consumers could benefit by comparing rates to see if there is a less expensive option available.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is informing Americans that it is important to take precautions during the winter, as it could keep them and their families safe.

Make sure that all family members wear the appropriate clothing for the weather outside, the report noted. That includes jackets, hats, gloves and boots. Other layered clothing underneath is also important.

Also, when around the outside of the home, be vigilant and make sure there are no ice patches around, the CDC stressed. If there are, it is important to spread items such as sand, ice melt or cat litter. Avoid traveling during big storms, as well. However, if traveling is necessary, it is important for consumers to inform someone of their planned route, as well as when they are expecting to reach their destination. When outside, try to be in a group, so if something happens, there is help immediately there.

Consumers who have to work outside can be exposed to extreme conditions, which can be unhealthy. It may be a smart idea to compare health insurance quotes, as these could ensure that the coverage a family has is sufficient.

Healthcare expenses are becoming burdens for a large portion of older Americans, according to a report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

The survey noted that 21.5 percent of households with Americans over the age of 50 have been forced to alter their prescription drug options due to cost. In addition, nearly 20 percent reported avoiding the doctor when they have needed to go.

"We know that consumption tends to fall with age, but it's difficult to measure whether falling consumption is voluntary," said Sudipto Banerjee of EBRI, author of the study. "However, we found evidence that a significant segment of the older population may be making spending adjustments to their health care in order to save money."

More than 27 percent of older Americans noted they have experienced trouble with their ability to make bill payments, due to their healthcare costs, the survey noted. Another 30 percent of older consumers who have struggling health needed to change their prescription drug habits.

Older Americans who are struggling with health insurance payments may be better served by a plan with a lower deductible. Comparing affordable health insurance rates may help save money, especially with rising costs elsewhere.

A survey from The American Psychological Association found that stress is a common issue for Americans, and this can be a problem for long-term health.

More than 20 percent of those surveyed noted they had very high stress levels, according to the association's survey "Stress in America: Our Health at Risk." Severe stress was determined anything higher than eight on a one to 10 scale. Another 40 percent of Americans noted their stress levels have gone up in the past year, while nearly 45 percent have witnessed an increase in the past five years.

"We are caught in a vicious cycle where our stress exceeds our own definition of what is healthy, and those who are already living with a chronic illness report even higher levels of stress," said Dr. Norman Anderson, chief executive officer and executive vice president for APA. "Yet we're ill-equipped to make changes to better manage that stress."

Consumers who deal with stress may want to ask for help from a professional, as it can be managed. In order to make their medical bills less expensive, it could be a good plan to compare affordable health insurance rates.

Health insurance company John Hancock recently released a survey that showed many Americans understand the importance of long-term care, but not many have such coverage.

A total of 60 percent of Americans noted they will likely need long-term healthcare later in life, and more than 80 percent noted it is a bad idea to not plan for long-term healthcare costs. Another 60 percent noted that one of these items is the best way to prepare for the future. However, only 11 percent said they actually own this type of insurance.

"While it is encouraging to see an increase in general knowledge," said Marianne Harrison, president of John Hancock LTC Insurance. "The survey's overall results are a cause for concern because most consumers appear to be making long-term care plans by default, thinking they'll rely on government programs, which already are showing signs of strain."

For those who have long-term care health insurance, it may also not be a bad idea to compare affordable health insurance rates, as there may be a more inexpensive plan out there that will reduce overall costs.

Popcorn company Orville Redenbacher recently released a survey showing many Americans not only like eating snacks, but have trouble sticking to resolutions that would cut down on their unhealthy eating habits.

With many people interested in keeping their snacking habit, approximately 40 percent said that in order to continue snacking, they would be okay with daily visits from relatives, according to the report. Another 33 percent would be fine with weekly visits to the dentist as an inconvenience in order to keep snacking.

More than 35 percent said that being able to see their favorite artist backstage would motivate them to stick to a healthy eating resolution, while nearly 30 percent said it would take free front row tickets to a major sporting event, the survey found.

Nearly 70 percent of Americans said they like salty snack choices, while 63 percent said sweet. However, only 40 percent noted they prefer healthy snacking options.

Consumers who do not take care of themselves are at a higher risk of health problems later in life. In order to ensure that a person is covered, it may be a good idea to compare affordable health insurance rates, as there may be a sufficient option available that is inexpensive.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids recently announced that a study from George Washington University showed that the state of Massachusetts has saved significant amounts of money by helping smokers quit.

The study, which was completed by the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, was published in PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed science journal. The program has been aimed at Medicaid patients in Massachusetts, and it offered consumers a way to receive help with kicking their smoking habit.

The study found that for every $1 that was spent by the Bay State for this program actually saved $3.12 in heart-related hospital expenses, according to the release. This equals approximately $14.7 million saved for Medicaid on an annual basis in the state. In addition, the study noted that more than one-third of Medicaid recipients are smokers, while less than one-fifth of all adults smoke.

Those Americans who are smokers not only are risking their health, but they may be paying higher health insurance rates and premiums due to their habit.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that January is National Radon Action Month, and consumers need to be vigilant, as the toxin can cause cancer.

The gas has no scent and is radioactive, the EPA noted. It is formed when uranium in the soil begins to break down, and it can enter the home through cracks in the foundation, as well as other entryways.

"Testing for radon is an easy and important step in protecting the health of your family," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation for EPA. "Radon can be found in every single state. Nationally, elevated radon levels are in as many as one in 15 homes - a statistic that is even higher in some communities."

Those consumers who think they may have been exposed to radon may want to ensure their health insurance is sufficient, as they could be at a higher risk for cancer. Those who don't think their plan is good enough may want to explore affordable health insurance quotes.

Health law practitioners recently announced that healthcare reform, mandating health insurance coverage for all Americans, may be the most important aspect of health law in the United States in 2012, according to Bloomberg.

The survey, which was completed by Bloomberg BNA's Health Law Reporter advisory board, showed healthcare reform is vitally important because of its many affects on all aspects of healthcare. In addition, fraud and abuse came in second and public options - such as Medicare and Medicaid - came in third. Other notable aspects that made the list were healthcare quality, health information and health plan regulation.

"Relying on their collective and comprehensive knowledge across a wide range of health law practices areas, including taxation, antitrust, fraud and abuse compliance, and Medicare reimbursement and compliance, they predicted that 2012 will be a blockbuster year for health law," said Peyton Sturges, senior legal editor in Bloomberg BNA's health division.

Those who are worried about the state of healthcare reform may want to preempt it by comparing affordable health insurance quotes. Grabbing a low health insurance rate could help avoid uncertainty.

A recent survey from Legacy showed that less than 15 percent of American smokers admit to their doctors they have the habit, creating health insurance concerns.

Only 13 percent of tobacco users were not able to readily admit it, the survey found. This could potentially hurt their chances to quit due to not taking advantage of their doctor as a knowledge tool. In addition, these consumers may feel a certain stigma to admitting such habits. This is likely due to the unpopularity of smoking around the country nowadays.

"Healthcare providers play a critical role in reaching smokers with appropriate messages and resources for quitting, especially now that insurance coverage has expanded to include some smoking cessation treatments," said Dr. Cheryl Healton, president and chief executive officer of Legacy.

Consumers should always tell their doctors about their habits so they can be treated more accurately for health issues. In addition, those who are trying to save money may want to look for affordable health insurance quotes, which may become more inexpensive if the person quits smoking.

A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine showed that those afflicted with diabetes need constant health insurance coverage to truly benefit from care.

The study, completed by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, found that of those diabetes patients who had continuous coverage typically fared better than those who did not have sufficient, uninterrupted insurance coverage.

A total of 48 percent of diabetes patients with constant care underwent lipid screenings at least three times in three years, according to the study. In addition, close to 75 percent of patients were able to receive at least screenings for blood glucose during the period.

"Our study shows that patients need continuous health insurance coverage in order to ensure adequate preventive care, even when that care is provided at a reduced cost," said Dr. Rachel Gold, lead author and investigator with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research.

For those who have to deal with chronic ailments, it is important to have strong health insurance coverage. Taking time to compare health insurance quotes could make the process more affordable.

The state of California witnessed significant rises in health insurance premiums over the past 10 years, which outpaced inflation markedly, according to a survey from the California HealthCare Foundation.

According to Consumer Watchdog, the survey noted that premiums for California residents increased by more than 150 percent. This is approximately five times more than the rate of inflation during that period, which was 29 percent.

"A 153 percent increase in health insurance premiums in just 10 years is unbearable and the fact that premiums have risen five times the rate of inflation is scandalous," said Carmen Balber of Consumer Watchdog.

The average premium cost for an individual health insurance plan in California is $5,970, while the national cost average is $5,429, according to the survey. Regulators in some states can reject healthcare insurance rate increases, but California is unable to at the current time.

No matter where in the United States a person lives, it may not be difficult to find a better health insurance plan. A smart idea could be to compare affordable health insurance rates, as this could secure a low-cost plan.

A recent survey from Consumer Reports showed that 43 percent of consumers have delayed getting dental care due to it costing too much money.

One-third of consumers noted they are not brushing and flossing when they need to and another 17 percent of those polled said they had to delay a check-up that was strictly for health reasons, the report noted. Another 23 percent noted that their insurance didn't cover the work they needed done, and approximately the same amount exceeded their plan's maximum limit.

"Consumers worry about pain when it comes to the dentist, but the financial burden of yet another medical expense is the greatest concern of all," said Nancy Metcalf, senior program editor, Consumer Reports. "It's worrisome that so many people are putting off dental care due to cost constraints."

Consumers who do not think their health insurance plan will cover a procedure, or won't do enough to make it worthwhile, may want to compare health insurance quotes to find something that covers a larger range of dental procedures.

A recent Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll showed that more Americans are trying to lose weight and quit smoking, and many are turning out to be successful.

The results showed that nearly six in 10 Americans who were trying to lose weight in the past five years were able to successfully achieve this. In addition, more than 40 percent of smokers tried to stop smoking in the past five years. Of those, more than one-third were successful.

"As the country re-evaluates ways to reduce runaway healthcare spending, it is time for all Americans to be resolved to take better care of themselves and others,"  said Dr. Raymond Fabius, chief medical officer at the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. "Data demonstrates that the majority of medical costs can be traced back to poor lifestyle issues such as obesity and tobacco use."

Consumers who stop practicing bad habits will not only be healthier, but they can also potentially save money on their health insurance. If their plan does not award consumers for being healthy, it may be wise for consumers to compare affordable health insurance quotes.

While Medicaid is expected to expand when healthcare reform ramps up in 2014, the plan could receive a significant amount of state cuts in the interim that will affect both patients and industry members, according to The Associated Press.

The program costs $427 billion annually, and is funded at both federal and state levels. That number was due to be cut by a congressional committee this year, but the group was unable to come to a compromise on how to trim it, the news source noted. Some of the eventual cuts coming could be drastic and may have legal ramifications.

"Everybody understands that doctors are basically small business people, and we have to meet our cost plus make a living." Dr. Douglas Tolley, the head of a California practice, told the news source. "Just meeting our cost doesn't mean staying in business."

For those concerned about the future of public healthcare and its availability, it may be a good idea to explore private options. There could be many health insurance options with low rates that are attractive alternatives to public plans.

A recent announcement from the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services revealed that President Barack Obama has awarded millions to fund states' attempts to increase health insurance coverage for children.

The president has awarded approximately $296 million to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, according to Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of HHS. Since CHIP was reauthorized in 2009, more than 1.2 million children in the United States gained healthcare coverage. The money, which will be allocated through performance balances, will be awarded to 23 states that are eligible to receive it.

"More children now have the advantages health coverage provides," Sebelius said. "And parents now have the security of knowing their children can get the health care they need without worrying that an illness could leave them with a lifetime of medical bills."

If consumers are searching for a family plan, but for some reason are not qualified for a government-sponsored plan, it may benefit them to look for affordable health insurance quotes. There may be a private plan that has what they are looking for.

While some people's health insurance policies inform consumers that various procedures are free of charge, some items may be added that will be billed directly to the consumer without them knowing, according to USA Today.

Many health insurance plans have a high deductible. But, if the person who has the plan hasn't met that deductible, they could have a hefty bill to pay, the source noted. Healthcare reform attempts to prevent consumers from being hit with a large bill for preventive care, but some exceptions with the new law will prove problematic for some people.

Some doctors are not happy about it, as patients may receive a fee for not understanding their own policy.

"It erodes a trust relationship the patients may have had with their doctors," Dr. Joel Brill of the American Gastroenterological Association, told the news source. "We get blamed. And it's not our fault."

It is important for consumers to understand their health insurance policy before getting any procedures done, as this could help prevent unwanted bills. If the person's plan doesn't cover what they want or need, comparing affordable health insurance quotes may be the best medicine.

Due to the failure of many hip joint replacements, consumers may be witnessing an increase in bills and health insurance rates, according to The New York Times.

The hip replacements are made of a metal joint that has a tendency to scrape against itself and send debris into the body. The person who has the artificial joint is at risk of needing an early replacement, on top of many other medical bills that come with it, the news source reported. The joints are intended to last at least 15 years.

The all-metal designs make up around one-third of all hip replacements in the United States annually, according to the source. However, recent tests have found that in the past five years, no improvement has been made in joint replacements overall. This also showed that three in 10 of these items actually were worse.

Due to health insurance rates at risk of increasing in the United States due to this, it may be smart to compare affordable health insurance quotes. This could help keep costs down during a turbulent insurance period.

A recent report from Patients for Fair Compensation showed that close to 33 percent of all money spent in the healthcare industry is used to prevent lawsuits.

In total, the report noted that close to $40 billion is spent needlessly. This includes multiple tests and other types of preventative treatments undertaken in hopes that the physician will not be reprimanded for not covering all of their bases. Nearly 90 percent of doctors in the Sunshine State admitted to using defensive medicine practices.

"Doctors order unnecessary medical care because they are in fear that one mistake could wipe out everything they've ever worked for," said Richard Jackson, chairman of Patients for Fair Compensation, "That kind of money could certainly help pay for the healthcare of many uninsured Americans. If we eliminate defensive medicine, we can make healthcare more affordable for everyone."

With so much money being wasted, it may be important for consumers to ensure they have an inexpensive health insurance plan. Affordable health insurance quotes may not be difficult to find, and could still have the necessary options to keep consumers fully covered.

A recent study showed that many healthcare workers are unhappy with some of the decisions made in the intensive care units of hospitals, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, noted that 25 percent of nurses found some sort of incorrect care for at least one patient at the hospital. Nearly one-third of doctors noted the same thing, the report noted.

The care in question was typically either too much or too little for the situation. Close to 40 percent of those surveyed thought that some of the time spent on ICU care would have benefited another patient more than the one who was in the room.

"The main reason for perceived inappropriateness of care is a mismatch between the level of care and the expected patient outcome, usually in the direction of perceived excess intensity of care," researchers noted, according to the source.

It is important to make sure that consumers are equipped with health insurance, so they can avoid the emergency room and head to the doctor's office instead. For those who aren't sure what plan is good for them, it may be smart to compare affordable health insurance quotes.

The federal government will be adding an extra fee to consumer health insurance plans in 2012 in order to pay for healthcare research laid out in the healthcare reform bill, according to The Associated Press.

Research will center around whether new, brand name drugs are more useful to consumers to treat illnesses than the generic equivalent. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute will lead the research, according to the source. The organization was created by the federal government and will be partially sponsored by it.

"The more concerning thing is not the institute itself, but how the findings will be used in other areas," Kathryn Nix, a policy analyst for the Heritage Foundation, told the source. "Will they be used to make coverage determinations?"

In total, each fee will be $1 per person, according to the news source. While the federal government may not begin collecting immediately, those with insurance will still owe the funds.

Consumers who are worried about increased health insurance fees may want to examine affordable health insurance quotes to reduce their overall costs, as it may be possible to lock in a manageable rate before further healthcare reforms are implemented.

A recent announcement from the Pennsylvania Dental Association stressed that consumers should receive regular dental checkups in order to stay healthy.

Many people may be neglecting visiting the dentist due to the current state of the economy, but it is a practice that is not recommended, the announcement noted. By going to a dentist, many people can avoid bigger problems later on, as dental fixes can be more expensive and painful as time goes on.

"When a patient is not seen at a regular three-month, four-month or six-month intervals, problems are left to progress, which leads to more expensive treatments such as crowns, root canals or periodontal surgeries," said Dr. Tamara Brady, a PDA member dentist. "Not only are these procedures more expensive, they also may not be covered by a patient's dental insurance."

Consumers who don't have a dentist may want to ask around about good choices. If their plan doesn't allow for a satisfactory doctor, it may be a good plan to compare affordable health insurance rates, as this could make the process easier.

If a consumer finds out they have developed a medical condition that will last the rest of their lives, it may be a good idea to plan their financial futures with this in mind, according to Bankrate.com.

When someone learns that they have a chronic condition, it can be traumatic. This is because without a health insurance plan, costs can get very expensive. It is important to get a health insurance plan before becoming ill, the source noted. If a person's employer doesn't provide such option, a person may want to compare affordable health insurance quotes to ensure they will get the right plan.

In addition, the source noted the importance of having a financial backup plan.

"[I]t's extremely important to have an emergency fund," Joshua Schefers, a certified financial planner and licensed insurance agent from California, told the news source. "If you're struck with something unexpected, like a significant illness, you're going to have new expenses. You'll probably be working less, too, so you need savings to get you through the downtime."

There are many other insurance options that may need to be looked into as well, such as disability and long-term care, the source added.

A recent announcement from the National Council on Fireworks Safety warned partygoers to be careful when using fireworks during the holidays, and if people are impaired by alcohol, these items should not be used.

The announcement stressed that consumers should never use fireworks inside the home and also be sure to stay in line with any laws and local ordinances regarding fireworks usage. There should be a water source available when using fireworks, and it should be easily accessible. Finally, do not let young children light fireworks, as this could have dangerous consequences.

"Each New Year's Eve, consumers are injured because their judgment has been impaired by beer, wine, or another alcoholic drink," Nancy Blogin, president of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. "The lesson is simple: alcohol and fireworks don't mix."

Consumers should be certain that they have proper health insurance coverage, as accidents can happen. Being covered if you are injured in an accident can mean the difference between having costs covered and paying a significant amount of money out-of-pocket for treatment.

A recent report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted that states will receive more power regarding the Affordable Care Act, if a proposal is accepted.

The new proposal would give states more autonomy to do what they perceive to be the best interest of their citizens, the report noted. This includes selecting a current healthplan offered in the state to use as the option to build off of for use in its healthcare exchange. The choice could be either initially tailored for state, federal and commercial options.

"Under the Affordable Care Act, consumers and small businesses can be confident that the insurance plans they choose and purchase will cover a comprehensive and affordable set of health services," said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of HHS.  "Our approach will protect consumers and give states the flexibility to design coverage options that meet their unique needs."

Those consumers who are uneasy about what healthcare reform can bring, may want to look for health insurance quotes that could help them secure a plan now. Many private plans are affordable and could be good options.

The Public Health Institute recently released a report which showed that nearly one-quarter of California women were without proper health insurance by in 2009.

The report found that in the Golden State, 21 percent of all non-elderly women were uninsured in 2007. This increased to the aforementioned figure in 2009. This means that during that year, more than two million women in the state lacked coverage for at least some part of that year.

"Clearly, the implementation of the Affordable Care Act is coming at a crucial time for California women," said Dr. Roberta Wyn, the brief's lead author and an affiliate of the University of California at Los Angeles Center for Health Policy Research. "These are challenging times, and it is important to move forward in expanding coverage and access."

Despite perception, there may very well be affordable health insurance rates for people in any position. In order to find these, it may be best to compare health insurance quotes to match a consumer up with a program that fits them.

A recent poll found that a large percentage of those involved in the healthcare industry are on the fence about whether or not their workplace will be involved in the Medicare ACO program.

In total, 57 percent of industry members were unsure if they would be involved in the program, which is also known as the Medicare Shared Services Program, according to the poll by KPMG.

"Our survey findings indicate that healthcare leaders are still trying to get their hands around the opportunity and the risks associated with these programs," said Ed Giniat, partner and sector leader for KPMG Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals. "Clearly, the priority for executives is to rapidly increase their knowledge about payment model reform and to accelerate their organizations' movement toward new business models." 

If a certain Medicare program is not available to you, it may be a good plan to look at private health insurance plans. Not all of these are expensive, and there may be affordable health insurance rates attached to plans that fit a consumer's needs.

A recent report from S&P Indices found that the rate of healthcare cost increases picked in October.

The S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index showed the average cost of healthcare services increased 5.11 percent during the year period from October 2010 to October 2011. The commercial index noted costs increased 6.91 percent during the same period, while the Medicare index showed the annual rate rose by 2.39 percent.

"Over the last four months we have generally observed modest increases in the Composite's growth rate, with these increases driven by increasing growth trends in hospital costs," said David Blitzer, chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Indices. "Looking closely at the hospital costs, the most recent increases have been driven more by increases on the commercial insurance side."

The rising costs of healthcare may prompt many insurance companies to increase health insurance rates. For those who want affordable health insurance rates, it may be a good idea to shop around for a plan that is affordable, but still sufficient.

A recent report from public health foundation Legacy applauded the results of a University of Michigan study, which found a significant drop in the rate of smoking by young people.

The study, "Monitoring the Future," found that only 11.7 percent of American youth were using tobacco in 2011. This is down from 12.8 percent in 2010.

"This is very hopeful news for the public health of our nation's youth," said Dr. Cheryl Healton, president and chief executive officer of Legacy. "Any reduction is a welcome one, and this decrease in smoking prevalence can translate into thousands of lives saved from premature deaths from tobacco-related diseases. Legacy's mission in part is to create a world where young people reject tobacco."

Many people may be rewarded for not taking part in unhealthy habits - such as smoking - by their employer's health insurance plan. If they are not, it may be a good idea to look at and compare other affordable health insurance rates, as there may be a plan available that will.

A recent study from Deloitte found that many doctors are unsure that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will have a positive effect on the healthcare industry.

The study, "Physician Perspectives about Health Care Reform and the Future of the Medical Profession," found that more than seven in 10 doctors are concerned about the future of medicine, while close to 75 percent think costs will increase as a result of the bill. One-third of doctors think that the reform will improve current rifts in affordability.

"The data confirms that physicians are resistant to reform and are frustrated with the direction of the profession," said Dr. Paul Keckley, executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions and lead author of the report. "Understanding the view of the physician is fundamental to any attempt to change the healthcare model - this is the person prescribing the medicine, ordering the test and performing the surgery."

Consumers who are concerned about the oncoming changes regarding healthcare reform may want to look for affordable health insurance quotes to lock into an attractive plan now.

A recent survey from ADP found that only six in 10 employees understand their benefits packages provided by their employers.

The ADP HR/Benefits Pulse Survey on Employee Benefit Tools also found that four in five HR professionals think that it is important for their employees to completely comprehend their benefit plan.

"With many employees asked to take on greater responsibility for managing their own benefits, there is room for improvement by HR departments to engage employees in the decision-making process," said Tim Clifford, president of benefits services at ADP.

The survey also found that two-thirds of mid-size companies do not have a communications budget to help out employees, while one-third of large companies noted the same thing. Close to half of both types of companies noted budgets did not change this year compared to 12 months earlier.

If a consumer does understand their health insurance plan offered by their employer and still is unhappy with what they see, it may be a good idea to compare affordable health insurance quotes, as there may be alternative plans available.

A recent study from Quest Diagnostics found that approximately one-third of consumers are at risk of a serious medical issue, and do not know it.

The study, which was published in PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed journal, discovered that 36 percent of those participating in a wellness program for the first time were unaware of their susceptibility to a chronic medical problem.

"This is exciting research that documents the importance of using health risk data with actual lab results, not just relying on self-reports," said Helen Darling, president and chief executive officer of the National Business Group on Health. "Most employers know that helping employees and dependents understand and reduce their risk factors will improve health and quality of life, while also avoiding serious and costly medical problems down the road."

It may be a good idea to participate in regular check-ups with a physician to ensure that a consumer's health is good. If a person lacks insurance coverage, it may be a good idea to look for affordable health insurance quotes, as this could help them gain access to the proper care.

A recent report from the National Association of Free Clinics recently warned consumers without health insurance of the risks they take by not having a plan.

Pharmaceutical company Sanofi recently said that it will stop giving free clinics medicine, which could affect many consumers, the report noted. The company distributes Lantus, which is a form of insulin, as well as Lovenox, a blood thinner. The cost of Lovenox is $4,000 a month, while Lantus is more than $350 per month.

"The company's sudden shift in limiting pharmaceutical access for those who can not afford their medication came as a huge surprise to us," said Nicole Lamoureux, executive director of the National Association of Free Clinics. "At sites across the country, over $10 million worth of Sanofi medications were administered in the last year to our patients."

For those who are uninsured, the best choice may be to compare affordable health insurance quotes, as there are many available for consumers of multiple income levels. It could avoid a potentially bad situation for those losing access to their prescribed medications.

A recent report from the American Telemedicine Association showed more Americans are beginning to use fee-capped managed care health insurance plans.

These type of health insurance plans are used by 73 million Americans, which equals approximately 25 percent of the population. This figure was only 58 million patients six years earlier, which equals a 26 percent rise, the report noted. This could encourage insurance providers to use telemedicine as a part of their insurance options.

"The trend is great news for all forms of telemedicine, especially for mHealth and other emerging technologies, which have created great interest but are rarely covered by insurers," said Jonathan Linkous, chief executive officer of the American Telemedicine Association. "This shift in the way healthcare is paid will put providers in driver's seat when it comes to choosing the best way to deliver healthcare and whether or not to use telemedicine."

Those who are unsatisfied with their own health insurance plan may want to look into one of these options. By comparing affordable health insurance quotes, Americans could find the product that is right for them.

A recent proposal from the U.S. Department of Labor suggested two changes to the Affordable Care Act in order to help consumers who may be at risk of being defrauded when the plan goes into effect.

The changes are related to multiple employer welfare arrangements, which while useful to many small businesses, are susceptible to scams and other issues that do not allow these people to pay off their medical bills. This will protect consumers from being hurt by fraudulent activity, and it will also shut down problem MEWAs, that have been found to partake in such measures.

"Too many MEWAs are taking advantage of good employers who want to make health insurance available to their workers, and too many hardworking Americans have suffered," said Hilda Solis, secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. "These proposed rules under the Affordable Care Act will crack down on those who want to use MEWAs to defraud American families."

Those who are concerned about the future of health insurance may want to compare quotes to find a plan that suits them. There may be many affordable health insurance quotes available.

A recent survey from the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association found that many Americans are okay with their current access to prescriptions drugs.

Nearly 90 percent of consumers noted they are happy with their prescription coverage from their health insurance plan, while fewer than 10 percent of consumers are upset with it, the survey noted. Another 56 percent noted they are more concerned about saving money than any other aspect of drug access. Nearly one in five stated they prioritized access to all prescription drugs.

"While there is always more that can be done, consumers appreciate the savings and access that pharmacy benefit managers deliver," said Mark Merritt, president and chief executive officer of PCMA. "Likewise, consumers are unwilling to pay more in order to protect the financial interests of drugstores."

Nearly 85 percent of Americans refuse to pay any more to have additional drugstore options in their insurance network, Merritt added.

For those who think their plan could do better in offering affordable health insurance rates, it may be a smart idea to look for health insurance quotes that fit the person's situation.

A recent survey from GfK Custom Research North America showed that a significant percentage of employers are worried about what the new healthcare reform laws will bring, but many are planning on continuing to offer health insurance coverage.

Nearly six in 10 employers noted they will keep health insurance coverage for their employees no matter what, the survey said. Approximately one in 10 noted they were likely to stop offering such coverage. More than half of those polled stated they were concerned that health insurance costs will be on the rise.

"This survey suggests that firms aren't considering a wholesale flight from employee healthcare coverage as healthcare reform is implemented," said Tim Nanneman, vice president and director of health insurance research. "However, many employers are skeptical about the potential effects of healthcare reform."

Consumers who are concerned that this will affect them may want to check to ensure their health insurance coverage is sufficient. If not, it may not be a bad idea to compare affordable health insurance quotes.

A recent survey from health insurance company Aetna showed that many Americans are not sure of what health insurance plan to select.

The survey found that approximately one-third of consumers are unsure of the total health insurance cost regarding a plan, which includes both premium and cash costs. Another three in 10 Americans were confused about the difference between PPOs, HMOs and other types of health insurance plans. Close to one-quarter of individuals noted they were uncomfortable determining which providers are in their network, and at what point referrals are necessary.

"We know that health insurance can be confusing, but the Plan for Your Health website can help," said Dr. Wendy Richards, a National Medical Director for Aetna. "The site has information and tools that can help everybody better understand their health benefits, no matter their age or how much they already know about health insurance."

The confusion about the plans may note that more consumers may need to compare affordable health insurance rates in order to find the best plan for the money. Going over these options thoroughly may be wise before making a selection.

A recent report completed jointly by ID Experts and the Ponemon Institute showed that healthcare-related data breaches are occurring more frequently, and it is costing the industry billions of dollars.

The "2011 Benchmark Study on Patient Privacy and Data Security" showed that data breaches for health insurance providers and other healthcare organizations rose by 32 percent, and the companies examined had an average of four issues. On average, this costs $6.5 billion annually, but could reach to more than $8 billion some years.

"Hospital employees are exposing patient data like the back of a hospital gown," said Rick Kam, president and co-founder of ID Experts. "Identity theft and medical identity theft resulting from data breach exposure are commonplace, causing patients financial harm, frustration and embarrassment. Hospitals must vaccinate against data breach risks in order to take better care of patients and their data."

The effect on individual health insurance could be notable, as affordable health insurance rates may be harder to find if costs increase. In addition, it may be a wise decision for consumers to try to lock in a lower health insurance rate now.

A recent survey from Surgical Information Systems showed nearly eight in 10 healthcare executives are in favor of reducing the costs in the operating room.

There has been a one-third increase in operating room costs since 2010 and one quarter of hospitals are very concerned about cost reimbursements. This figure declined form 2010 to 2011 by nearly 60 percent.

Nearly every executive surveyed noted their belief that optimizing operating efficiently was important. The figure has been on the rise in recent months, and the survey found that the sentiment increased more than 7.5 percent in the past year.

"The payment reductions facing providers over the next 10 years require healthcare finance leaders to move beyond cost containment strategies," said Richard Clarke, president and chief executive officer for the Healthcare Financial Management Association. "Instead, organizations need to improve efficiency by removing waste and duplication within the delivery system.

Consumers who are concerned about affordable health insurance rates may want to examine health insurance quotes to see what is the best plan available for the money. 

A recent release from LTC Financial Partners noted that consumers should speak to their elderly relatives about their plans for long-term care, and the holidays may be the perfect opportunity to bring it up.

Health insurance is a big part of the conversation, as a consumer needs to determine if a government-sponsored plan is a good plan, the release said. In addition, for those not looking for a public plan, it may be a good idea to search for affordable health insurance quotes.

"Why not make every Thanksgiving, from here on, a little more hopeful - by attacking the long-term care threat now?" said Denise Gott, national sales manager and chairman of the board of LTC Financial Partners. "Consider all the thinking and discussing you do just to plan for the turkey dinner and getting together. Why not make time for a side conversation on long-term care - an issue vital to everyone's future happiness?"

It may be wise for a family to determine where the person will live when receiving long-term care, the release added. This is especially true if another family member needs to adjust their own housing situation.

With a congressional super committee unable to come to an agreement to cut Medicare costs, a standard 2 percent cut was put in place, but significant trimming could be looming in 2013, according to Reuters.

Overall, there is more than $700 billion that will be cut from the federal budget in the next 10 years, and more than $100 billion of it is attached to Medicare. However, some lawmakers had made their intended changes, cuts could have reached $700 billion.

The current default cut isn't worrying some industry professionals, though.

"Two percent is not a lot for Medicare to absorb," Joseph Antos of the conservative American Enterprise Institute, told the news source. "About all that happens is a few more providers, like doctors and hospitals, stop accepting new Medicare patients."

If no changes are on the horizon, healthcare programs sponsored by the government, as well as Social Security, will use up all revenue from taxes by 2047, the news source added.

Consumers may want to keep an eye on legislation, as it could have significant impacts on affordable health insurance rates.

A recent report from the Advertising Specialty Institute recently showed that approximately 90 percent of American corporations offer some sort of wellness program that encourages healthy living, and many include participation incentives.

The report cites another study from the Incentive Research Foundation which notes that only 20 percent of consumers would take part in such a program if there was no incentive attached to it. However, once there was a reason to join the plan, six in 10 employees would join in.

"It's clear from ASI's research that companies can attain a significant ROI through wellness programs - but while 90 percent of U.S. corporations provide employee wellness programs, only 44 percent offer promotional products as incentives for participation," said Timothy Andrews, president and chief executive officer of ASI. "There's clearly room for growth in this market. It's good for business, and it's great for reducing skyrocketing health-care costs."

For consumers who lead healthy lives, if their workplace does not offer such programs, it may be a good idea to go online and examine affordable health insurance rates while encouraging their company to adopt one. Finding the best plan for them may not be complicated or confusing.

A recent report from S&P Indices showed that the annual growth rate of healthcare costs increased for the fifth straight month.

The S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index showed the rate for September was 5.75 percent, slightly higher than August's figure of 5.71 percent. In addition, the figure has increased in every month of 2011 since April, when the rate was 5.32 percent.

"As we enter the fall, we continue to see the summer trends of a deceleration in the annual growth rates of Medicare costs, while those of commercial costs continue to moderately accelerate," said David Blitzer, chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Indices. "With September's data, both the Composite and Commercial Indices posted five consecutive months of accelerating annual growth rates."

Due to the steady increase of the rate of healthcare costs, more consumers may be missing out on affordable health insurance rates, as these costs could raise insurance prices, overall. The faster they act, the more they could end up saving in the long run.

A recent survey completed jointly from Aon Hewitt, the National Business Group on Health and The Futures Company showed that many consumers are interested in more of a commitment from their employers when it comes to health insurance.

Nearly 75 percent of employees noted they have a legitimate concern about being able to afford healthcare, the survey reported. Many noted their interest in having wellness programs available to them, but despite many consumers wanting options, one-third noted they didn't participate in such programs. This may have something to do with a lack of knowledge that their employers offer a wellness option.

"Employers continue to face countless challenges when it comes to offering health plans that effectively meet the needs of workers and their families, while also managing rising costs," said Helen Darling, president and chief executive officer of the National Business Group on Health. "In order to help with their challenges and reduce costs, they want health programs that speak to their individual and families' health care needs."

Consumers who don't receive the best health insurance options from their employer may want to look for affordable health insurance quotes, as these could give them a more well-rounded option.

A recent poll conducted by Harris Interactive for IMRE Healthcare showed that two-thirds of American adults are not living healthy lives.

The poll found that 30 percent of American adults blame high prices as to why they are unable to take care of their healthcare needs. Another 27 percent noted that they just don't have the time to practice healthy lifestyles. There was also 16 percent who noted that they don't feel living healthfully is a priority.

"Those individual decisions may continue to pummel our health economy as the prevalence of preventable chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity remains unaddressed," said Daphne Swancutt, director of healthcare strategy and healthcare practice leader for IMRE Healthcare. "This is especially true if there is not a stronger call to action to make healthy living for all Americans a priority all the time."

Consumers who don't make an effort to live healthy lives are putting their lives at risk. To protect themselves, it may be wise to ensure they have the best health insurance coverage money can buy. Going online and looking at affordable health insurance quotes may help this process.

A recent report from the Commonwealth Fund showed that from 2003 to 2010, premiums for health insurance plans increased markedly.

In total, the amount paid annually jumped by 50 percent during the time period, the report, "State Trends in Premiums and Deductibles, 2003-2010" noted. Overall, employees pay 63 percent more now toward their health insurance costs than they did in 2003. The average premium cost for a family health insurance plan from an employer was $13,871 in 2010, and premiums jumped in every state.

"Whether you live in California, Montana, or West Virginia, health insurance is expensive. Out-of-pocket costs for premiums and care are consuming a larger share of people's incomes at a time when incomes are down in a majority of states," said Cathy Schoen, Commonwealth Fund senior vice president and lead author of the report.

Consumers may be used to paying more nowadays due to the stressed economy, but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way for everyone. By comparing affordable health insurance quotes, consumers may get exactly what they are looking for.

A recent report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research showed that if more consumers were allowed to take paid sick days, the medical industry would save more than $1 billion each year.

There is more than $45 billion spent in the United States each year on emergency room-type services, the report noted. If there was a universal allowance of paid sick days, it is estimated that $1.1 billion would be saved each year. Close to half of this cost is covered by various publicly funded healthcare plans, such as Medicare or Medicaid.

"As high and rising health care expenditures continuing to be a top concern for policymakers and businesses alike, paid sick days is a cost saving solution that should receive serious attention," said Claudia Williams, research analyst with IWPR and author of the report.

Consumers who don't receive a sufficient health insurance plan from their employer may want to look into affordable health insurance quotes, as these items may help them get better healthcare service for less money out-of-pocket.

A recent survey from the LIFE Foundation showed that many Americans are aware of the daunting costs attached to long-term care, despite low enrollments in these types of health insurance plans.

More than 70 percent of those surveyed think that between half and 80 percent of senior citizens will need some sort of long-term healthcare. Another 65 percent think that those who have to move to a nursing home will need to spend between $58,000 and $88,000. The figure is actually around $78,000 annually.

"Most of us would quickly get wiped out financially if we had to come up with $70,000 or $80,000 every year for home care, nursing home care or an assisted living facility," said Deb Newman, chair-elect of the LIFE Foundation. "Long-term care insurance helps ensure that you'll get the care you need, without wiping out your life's savings."

Consumers who are not in one of these plans may want to act early, as they are more valuable the earlier they are acquired. Looking for the lowest health insurance rates may help lessen the load that comes with long-term medical care.

A recent poll from Gallup showed that nearly half of Americans are unhappy with the healthcare legislation set by the Obama administration.

A total of 47 percent of Americans are against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, while 42 percent of those polled noted they are still in favor of it, the poll found. The other 11 percent had no opinion on the matter.

The healthcare reform bill is feared due to the fact it may change the healthcare industry by raising taxes, hurting businesses and mandating individual coverage. In fact, the act will be reviewed by the Supreme Court, with a decision expected next summer. This is due to a lawsuit that claims the law is unconstitutional.

Americans still noted that they would be in favor of some government intervention in health insurance, but that the current Obama-created bill may not be it, the poll found.

Due to affordable health insurance quotes possibly becoming harder to find if the act remains a law, many consumers may want to try to get a reliable health insurance plan to remove doubt, at least in the short-term, when it comes to sufficient coverage.

A recent report from the Caron Treatment Center's Project CONNECT showed that many young people have misconceptions regarding smoking.

The report cited a study that noted close to 20 percent of teens smoke, and 3,000 young Americans become regular smokers each day. In addition, four in five of these people between the age of 11 to 19 at least entertain the thought of quitting.

The project reported that many incorrect presumptions are believed by children. Many think that smoking is a stress reliever, is not as dangerous in moderation and young people don't need to worry about health risks. In addition, the study noted that many think they can quit on their own, while they can't get addicted if they do it socially. All of these, of course are untrue.

"The actual commitment to smoking cessation is a process that can often be overwhelming for adolescents who try to alone," said Mylene Krzanowski, executive director of student assistance services at Caron Treatment Centers. "In order to keep teenagers focused on their cessation goals, it is crucial that parents and school administrators rely on evidence-based cessation programs that address the unique needs and concerns of this age group."

Consumers may want to not only inform their children of smoking risks, but quit themselves if they smoke. Many health insurance plans allow for discounted health insurance rates for participating in healthy habits and activities.

A lawsuit against the Obama Administration's Affordable Care Act will be heard by the Supreme Court.

With this, the lawsuit, which claims the health insurance law is unconstitutional, will have one more chance. However, the highest court in the United States will only take the decision from the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals into account. The decision was two to one and noted that the mandate in the law was not justified in some aspects.

However, the White House is confident that the law will be upheld.

"Earlier this year, the Obama Administration asked the Supreme Court to consider legal challenges to the health reform law and we are pleased the Court has agreed to hear this case, said Dan Pfeiffer, director of communications for The White House. "We know the Affordable Care Act is constitutional and are confident the Supreme Court will agree."

Consumers may be quite concerned about their healthcare situation if the law remains in place. For those who want to try to lock down a plan in the interim, it could be important to compare affordable health insurance rates. This could help a person save money and still earn the coverage they want.

Anyone who had has the experience of shopping for health insurance knows it’s not an easy task. Figuring out ways to keep premiums affordable can be a major struggle. Shopping for apples-to-apples coverage with several carriers is nearly impossible and premiums for similar plans are vastly different from one carrier to the next.

So what’s a person to do?

Purchasing health insurance requires a “think outside the box” approach. Here are three simple tips to help you along the way:

1. Consider shopping for a much higher deductible than you are accustomed to. Shop for plans that have a $10,000 deductible or more. It may shock you as to how drastically lower premiums will be. Too much risk for you? We will show you a way to combat that next. (If you would like to see a rate for a higher deductible in comparison please visit: High Deductible Quote for an instant online rate.)

2. To offset that high deductible, consider purchasing a Critical Illness Rider, which attaches to your major medical policy. Critical Illness riders pay a CASH benefit for conditions like: Cancer, Heart, Stroke, Coma, Kidney, etc. and this CASH benefit can be used to pay off your entire deductible and even leave you with additional monies for other expenses, such as loss of income. Riders can be purchased to cover your deductible and you can even purchase more, up to $100,000 in CASH coverage if you wish. Believe it or not, these premiums are very affordable.

3. Also to help offset risk, consider purchasing an Accident Rider to attach to your major medical policy. Like Critical Illness Riders, Accident Riders pay a CASH benefit for any accident or injury such as: cuts, burns, broken bones, strained and pulled muscles, etc. This CASH benefit can be used to pay your entire deductible in the event you or your family is injured. If you have children, especially ones in sports, this is a must-have rider. These premiums are even more affordable.

So what types of claims will you then need to worry about? Since health care reform passed, additional benefits have now been added so you will not have to pay out of pocket for:

- Adult and child wellness exams, such as: checks-ups, immunizations, lab work, mammograms, pap smears, PSA’s, EKG’s, etc. They are all covered at 100% with NO deductible. Why purchase a lower deductible when it’s covered regardless?

- Additionally, there are no lifetime maximums: After your deductible, you are covered at 100% until infinity now. There are no lifetime caps like $2 million, $3 million, etc. If you have a $20 million medical bill, your insurance must now cover it.

- With a high-deductible policy you will have to pay for such claims as: office calls for a cold/flu, asthma, skin disorders (other than cancer) and other forms of illness. However, most people would rather save $300, $400, or more per month and pay the occasionally office call themselves. Another bonus, you WILL still be receiving the insurance companies discounted rate for office calls and will not have to pay full price. To see exactly what these plans cover please visit: Free Health Insurance Quote

Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result……
well you know the rest. Thinking “outside the box” can not only save you money, but can also provide you with even better coverage than you had before.

If you have questions about this article or are shopping for insurance, please call JLBG Health at 1-800-800-5735 or visit Online health insurance rates

A recent Gallup poll noted that fewer consumers are getting health insurance coverage from their employer, and the figure has declined steadily since 2008.

The third quarter witnessed a total of 44.5 percent of Americans insured by their employers, the poll found. This is a slight decline from the previous quarter's 44.9 percent and a one percentage point change from the same period in 2010.

More consumers are going without health insurance, as well, according to the poll. In the third quarter, 17.3 percent of Americans went without coverage, which is unchanged from the previous quarter, but one percentage point higher year-over-year. More than 25 percent of consumers were on Medicaid, Medicare or a related government healthcare plan. This figure was almost unchanged during the previous quarter. Only 11.4 percent of Americans used other health insurance plans, but this increased from the previous quarter.

Consumers who are not being offered health insurance from their employer may want to inquire about affordable health insurance quotes. These can be found online and there may be a sufficient option available.

A recent report from the Center for Sustainable Health Spending of the Altarum Institute showed that healthcare cost inflation continues to increase, but is at a nearly unchanged pace over much of the past year.

The Health Sector Economic Indicators report for November showed that inflation increased 2.1 percent in September when comparing year-over-year figures. However, this shows that while there has been an eight-month streak of inflation around 2 percent, healthcare spending increased by more than 5 percent during September.

"The data show two potentially conflicting trends," said Dr. Charles Roehrig, director of the Center for Sustainable Health Spending. "Health spending for September, and the third quarter as a whole, appeared to accelerate, led by a 7.1 percent growth rate for hospitals. Yet health care prices, uncharacteristically, continued for a fourth month to trail economy-wide inflation."

Inflation may be steady at the moment, but this means that health insurance costs are increasing steadily. It may be a good plan to lock in a rate as soon as possible. This can be done by comparing affordable health insurance quotes online.

A recent decision from the third court of appeals upheld the Affordable Care Act, the Obama administration's healthcare reform law.

The decision was split, with a two to one vote in favor of the law. This was the third denial of the lawsuit, which was led by a Christian legal group, the news source reported. The suit was initially filed due to the belief that the law was unconstitutional and a religious freedom violation.

"With two prominent conservatives, this panel was thought to be a dream come true for conservative challengers of the act," said Doug Kendall, president of the Constitutional Accountability Center in Washington. "Today that dream became a nightmare, as the panel unanimously rejected the challenges to the Act, disagreeing only about why those challenges failed."

With the law looking as if it will survive unless the Supreme Court overturns it, consumers may want to act now to get their health insurance situations sorted. By looking for affordable health insurance quotes, Americans may be able to find what they need in order to improve their situation.

A recent report from the National Council of Aging noted that many older Americans are being hurt by the financial situation they find themselves in due to high medicare costs.

According to Census information, nearly 16 percent of Americans over the age of 65 are classified as poor individuals, the report noted. In addition, Medicare patients typically pay three times more of their budget on healthcare fees than those who do not use the government-sponsored benefits program.

"We have tested solutions that can help - increased access to benefits, employment and training assistance, better self management of health issues - but we need more systemic change from our elected leaders to help make these increased poverty numbers head back in the other direction," said Sandra Nathan, senior vice president for Economic Security at NCOA.

Those consumers who are not able to find affordable health insurance quotes may want to go online and examine the options available. There may be an alternative plan that is attractive and fits the budget the person has set out.

A recent report from health insurance company Cigna noted that the open enrollment period is a great time to find affordable heatlh insurance quotes that still have the coverage a person is looking for.

The process can be daunting, and many try to put off the process of comparing coverage and prices for health insurance plans, the report said. However, the decision should be well thought out so that for at least the next year, the consumer is covered as sufficiently as possible.

"Each individual's personal circumstances and health needs are different, and so no two people will approach their decision in the exact same way," said Ingrid Lindberg, chief customer experience officer for Cigna.

She added that there are myriad things consumers should do in order to prepare for enrolling in a new plan. One of those is to see if the current medication a consumer or their family takes is covered under the health insurance plan, as well as ensuring their primary care doctor is also available under that plan.

The internet may be one of the best places to search and compare affordable insurance quotes.

A recent announcement from CVS/Caremark's MinuteClinic reminded that Texas college students that they need to receive a meningitis vaccine before returning to school in 2012.

The state passed a law in 2010 that would make it the first state in the union to make meningitis vaccines for students compulsory if they are under the age of 30 and have not had one in the past five years, the announcement noted. Most health insurance plans are expected to cover a section of the cost, but it may require consumers to pay as much as $147.

"MinuteClinic makes it easy for students to fulfill this vaccination requirement by making meningitis vaccinations available seven days a week with no appointment necessary and providing students the proper documentation to submit to their school," said Angela Patterson, nurse practitioner and MinuteClinic regional manager.

Consumers who need the vaccine, but don't think their current plan will cover a significant amount of the cost may want to obtain affordable health insurance quotes, which could improve their chances to save money.

A recent poll from Thomson Reuters found many consumers aren't happy they may have to pay more for heath insurance rates due to other people's bad habits.

Three in 10 Americans think that those consumers who are overweight should pay higher prices for health insurance, according to the poll. More than 58 percent of those polled think that consumers who smoke should also pay more. Another 85 percent noted that consumers who practice positive health habits should pay less than they typically do.

"Discounts for good behaviors are always more popular than surcharges for bad behaviors, but the science of behavioral economics teaches us that loss avoidance is three times more powerful than receiving a gain," said Dr. Raymond Fabius, chief medical officer for the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. "Our research shows that obesity is a much higher driver of healthcare costs than smoking."

While not all health insurance companies give discounts for being healthy, there may be other ways to get better health insurance. One of these ways is to compare affordable health insurance quotes, which may get consumers the best rate available.

Remember 3+ years ago when the election was going on and people accused the government (if they passed ObamaCare) that they would have these "death panels" and Obama said that's not true "No one is going to pull the plug on Grannie".

As we all know, we now have the USPSTF - The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a committee of "experts" appointed by the Department of Health & Human Services which determine what, when, and which procedures are necessary as part of a wellness exam. This includes all new ObamaCare 100% wellness services. As you may have heard the USPSTF has now said PSA tests for men don't work and they are no longer recommending them, just like they no longer recommend women have mammograms until age 50+. Are they getting ready for 2014?
We all thought many new procedures would be introduced (and they have been) since the new law took effect, and remember insurance plans are now required to pay 100% of all wellness. The problem is.........the government will also have to pay for the same procedure later and I'm sure their actuaries told them the same thing.....you can't afford to pay all of this.....better cut it back or you have big issues coming later with high costs.

The problem with all of this is: IF the government takes over health care or we have the majority of people insured by government over private insurance, which procedures for wellness, or even worse an illness, will they "recommend" in the future? Grannie literally might not have the "plug" pulled on her but you can bet if she is old and the procedure is too costly her care will be "rationed" at best. "Take this pill Grannie you don't get a new heart at 83 years old". If you have one payer in the system (tax payers) you HAVE to ration health care there is NO other way.

It's just like Canada...."health care is free". Well forgot about the "free" part for a minute which we all know isn't true, the real problem is health care that THEY tell you and THEY approve is free but as we all know that might not be the best care available hence why many come to the US each year. Canada is just one big USPSTF.

There has to be somewhat of a policing mechanism with all of this, right now we know each state government was given over a $1 million by the Federal government for one purpose: To police the insurance companies and make sure they are compliant with the new health law.

My question is this:
WHO is going to police the government later on what is, and what is not covered? The government?

To read more on this subject click here: New death panels

The opinions in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of JLBG Health.

A recent report from the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance reminded consumers that they can possibly find a more affordable health insurance plan during the open enrollment season.

It may be a good idea for consumers to calculate how much it would cost to cover an entire year of healthcare needs, the report noted. Also, thinking about what could happen in a really bad situation is also necessary to really get an idea about which plan is the best. Consumers should look to their employers to see if wellness benefits are available, as well.

"Wellness programs offer money-saving incentives for healthy behaviors such as exercising regularly or not smoking," said Mike Consedine, Pennsylvania state insurance commissioner. "Also, look into tax-free or pre-tax savings, as you may be eligible to open a Flexible Spending Account or a health savings account, and don't forget to ask about dependent-care savings accounts."

Checking up on a person's healthcare plan is important, as they may not always have the most affordable one. This is why it could be a good plan to seek out more competitive health insurance rates.

A recent survey from Practice Fusion and GfK Roper discovered that a majority of doctors think healthcare information is safer when it is electronically stored compared to the paper alternative.

Nearly 55 percent of doctors think that Electronic Health Records are safer for patients' information than paper, while less than one in five disagree with this. A total of 36 percent of doctors who were against the technology though that paper would prevent medical data from getting lost or hacked. For those who thought the electronic plan was a great idea, more than 60 percent thought it would make access much easier.

"The medical community is rejecting paper charts and embracing technology," said Robert Rowley, Practice Fusion's medical director. "As a practicing physician using an EHR, I understand the benefits and some of the concerns both physicians and patients have."

With consumers already worried about their medical records and how they are kept, it may be a good plan to put their health insurance woes to bed. Going online and comparing affordable health insurance rates could be a sound plan.

A recent report from CVS Caremark noted that employers may have to make a choice in 2014, when additional aspects of healthcare reform take effect, and many consumers may be without job-sponsored health insurance.

The government's healthcare reform will require an insurance exchange with may be unsavory to many employers. In turn, they will have to decide whether or not to continue with a sponsored plan, or allow all employees to pay their own way, the report noted.

"What we know is that there are actions and programs that have had a direct impact on employee heath and productivity," said Troyen Brennan, executive vice president and chief medical officer of CVS Caremark. "It seems clear those of us in the healthcare industry have to be creative and diligent in developing and administering these programs, because absenteeism and productivity go to the bottom line."

Consumers may want to circumvent the confusion surrounding what the new health care reform bill will bring and get their own health insurance. It could be even easier if consumer compares multiple health insurance quotes to find the best fit.

1) Guaranteed Issue Clause:
Guaranteed Issue, which means the insurance company cannot ask any medical questions to find pre-existing health conditions is a very hot topic these days. On one hand, this concept is great since an individual cannot be turned down if they have a pre-existing condition. On the other hand, this may cause insurance premiums to increase, perhaps even substantially. How? Currently insurance companies ask health questions to determine if there are any pre-existing health conditions. If so, they can assign a premium increase to counter potential risk. Currently healthy people pay less and those with pre-existing conditions may pay more to help offset the financial risk the carrier is taking on. In 2014,everyone will be guaranteed coverage and all premiums will be the same. This means that the carrier needs to build into the rate the financial risk they are taking on by accepting anyone with pre-existing conditions. In addition, healthy individuals may be subsidizing individuals with pre-existing conditions. ABA members can obtain guaranteed issue limited medical coverage now by clicking here: Free Online Quote or by calling 1-800-649-1315

2) Individual Mandate Clause:
The individual mandate clause of the law means all individuals must purchase health insurance or face a fine/penalty. The concept of this goes hand in hand with guaranteed issue because if no one can be turned down, this prevents people from signing up only when they need it and canceling it when they don’t. Some argue, however, that it is unconstitutional to force individuals to buy insurance coverage. It is expected this issue will go to the U.S. Supreme Court sometime in 2012.

3) Health Insurance Exchanges:
Starting in 2014, each state is required to have a health insurance exchange available so individuals can shop for medical insurance from multiple insurance companies. Each insurance company will be required to provide premium subsidies based on income. As an example, families of four that earn under $80,000 per year will receive some subsidy. If that family earns closer to $80,000 per year, the subsidy will be minimal. This can be a good concept for those who currently cannot afford health insurance and will have their premium subsidized. For a quote through the ABA member health insurance exchange please click here: Shop For Health Insurance Rates or call 1-800-649-1315

4) Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC):
In 2014, each individual must buy a health insurance plan that is considered credible coverage and this clause outlines what features must be included in a health insurance plan so you are exempt from fines/penalties. It is believed today that in 2014 the highest deducible medical plan you can purchase for an individual will be $2,000 and for a family may be $4,000. This means that if you currently have a $5,000 or $10,000 deductible medical plan, it may not qualify as credible coverage and you could face a fine/penalty. In addition, you may see significant increases in premium if you are required to switch from a $10,000 deductible medical plan to a $4,000 deductible plan. Your premium will more than likely double!

5) Minimum Loss Ratio (MLR) clause and how it affects your rates:
Starting in 2011, each insurance carrier is mandated by law to pay out 80-85% of premiums paid in claims. If the carriers do not pay out at least these amounts, they will be forced to refund money. In theory this will help reduce and control rates, however, if the insurance companies end up paying out more than the minimum required by law, they may ask for and will most likely receive any rate increase they request.


Want to learn even more about the health care law? Click here for a timeline of events and more specific details:Health Care Law Update or call 1-800-649-1315


About the Author
By Todd Page, Vice President JLBG Health - administrator of ABA/ABI Member Health Plans.

Todd has been in the health insurance industry for over 24 years, beginning his career with Aon Corp. For the past 17 years with JLBG Health he has designed health care plans for over 300 associations and franchise groups including American Bar Insurance (ABI), The American Medical Association (AMA), and The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

About ABI
American Bar Insurance Plans Consultants, Inc. was established in 1989 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American Bar Endowment. ABI was created to generate an additional source of revenue to support the Endowment's charitable goals.

The American Bar Endowment supports the charitable activities of the American Bar Association. ABI sponsors insurance programs for ABA members that the Endowment is unable to offer, due to its dividend contribution structure.

ABI is paid compensation by the underwriters of the programs it sponsors, and will transfer an appropriate portion of net profits to the Endowment for its charitable work.
About JLBG Health
JLBG Health is the Nation’s largest provider of Association Health Plans. In business for nearly 40 years they administer health plans for 350+ Associations including the American Bar Association, the American Medical Association (AMA) and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
The opinions and views expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of the American Bar Association or its affiliates.

A recent study from The US Oncology Network showed that per-patient-per-month cancer treatment for those with Medicare cost less when procedures are carried out in the doctor's office.

The Site of Service Cost Difference for Medicare Patients Receiving Chemotherapy study noted that PPPM enabled costs to be as much as $600 less than non-physician's office treatments. Copays were also, on average, 10 percent lower in these situations. Currently, the federal government is pondering a major Medicare cut that could jeopardize these types of treatments for those without private health insurance.

"When cancer care providers shift from the community to more urban settings, this often represents an access to care challenge for patients constituted by added travel costs and lodging requirements that many patients simply cannot afford, especially those patients residing in rural communities," said Nancy Davenport-Ennis, founder and chief executive officer of the National Patient Advocate Foundation.

It may be a good plan for those who are getting cancer treatment to make sure that their health insurance plan is sufficient. If not, shopping around for alternative coverage may not be a bad idea.

A recent announcement from Consumer Watchdog noted that insurance rates need to be regulated more strictly, as it will stop doctors and consumers from being hurt by medical malpractice insurance companies.

Proposition 103, which was made a law in the state of California in 1988, prevented insurance companies from implementing rate hikes without permission from government insurance regulators, the release noted. The companies would need to justify any rise in rates that would be made, which can make the process much more difficult for them.

"California's medical malpractice insurance industry was price-gouging doctors to rake in profits while blaming rising premiums on injured patients," said Harvey Rosenfield, author of California insurance regulatory reform law Proposition 103, and founder of Consumer Watchdog. "Only Proposition 103's insurance rate reform gave state regulators the power to force insurers to open their books and back down on excessive rates."

Consumers who think they may be getting hurt from rising health insurance rates in their state may want to consider comparing insurance quotes online, as this could help find a better plan.

A recent survey from the Rochester Business Alliance found that many companies in that area of New York will need to increase health insurance rates, which could jump as much as 12 percent, on average, according to the Rochester Business Journal.

More than 200 businesses responded to the survey, with these entities planning to still cover a significant amount of premiums. For single plans, coveraged averaged nearly three-quarters of all payments. For plans involving more people, the average was roughly two-thirds of payments for two-person setups, or family plans, the news source reported. Those plans that did not cover a spouse but covered the remainder of the family typically were approximately 70 percent paid for.

One insurance company in the area noted it could increase health insurance rates close to 20 percent, the news source added.

This information could be useful for consumers across the nation, as rates have been increasing all over. In order to best defend against this, it may be a smart idea to lock in an affordable health insurance rate now, as it could benefit in the long run.

A recent report from the Health Resources and Services Administration showed that many young people living in rural America may have more limited access to care compared to children who live in cities.

The National Survey of Children's Health showed that those living in more rural parts of the United States were likely to have public insurance programs including the Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid. Those children who live in cities are more likely to be insured privately. In addition, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma are more prevalent in rural areas.

"This national survey demonstrates how children in rural areas face particular health risks," said Mary Wakefield, administrator for HSRA. "Using the information provided by parents about their children will give public health officials a more complete picture for how to improve these children's health outcomes."

Consumers who want what is best for their child may need to compare affordable health insurance rates to find the best plan for them. This could be especially important in rural areas, where healthcare options may be more scarce.

A recent announcement from Republican Senator from Nebraska Ben Nelson, noted his intent to keep Medicare as well-funded as possible.

He made the announcement in a press release after visiting a nursing home in his home state, which made him comment on the special needs of retired individuals who are looking for affordable health insurance.

Nelson was hopeful that the current state of Medicare can be improved, due to its widespread use across the United States. He noted his intention to lead reform that will not only make the plan more widespread, but more affordable. The Medicare Secondary Payer Program may be able to be made cheaper, as it is being coupled with the SMART Act. There is hope that this will lower costs for taxpayers, while still allowing for efficient, top-level healthcare for senior citizens.

Consumers who are interested in obtaining health insurance, but don't think they will be approved for Medicare may want to obtain affordable health insurance quotes and compare rates. This could help find a plan form-fit to a person's needs at the lowest cost.

A recent report from Colonial Life showed that many consumers who are employees in the public sector have a sub par knowledge of health benefits.

A total of 89 percent of human resource officials in the public sector reported that it is very important for an employee to understand their health benefits options, the report said. But only 54 percent noted that their workers have a remote understanding of such plans. Less than 45 percent noted their employees understand these plans well enough.

"Public sector employers have a tremendous opportunity to improve benefits communication without raising costs if they partner with a benefits provider that offers communication and enrollment services," said Pat McCullough, assistant vice president and public sector practice leader for Colonial Life."It doesn't have to cost them - or the taxpayers - one dime."

Consumers who do not understand their health insurance policy should examine the options that their employer offers them. If these turn out to be insufficient, it may be smart to examine private health insurance quotes to supplement them. 

A recent study from the American Journal of Public Health found that consumers who are behind on their mortgages are more prone to serious depression-related issues than those who are up to date on their bills, showing the need for health insurance.

For consumers over the age of 50 who are delinquent on their mortgage, more than 20 percent had depressive symptoms show up during the two-year long study. Those who were not late on their mortgage payments only had these symptoms show up 3 percent of the time.

"More than a quarter of people in mortgage default or foreclosure are over 50," says the study's principal investigator, Dr. Dawn Alley, assistant professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. "For an older person with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, the types of health problems we saw are short term consequences of falling behind on a mortgage that could have long-run implications for that person's health."

Consumers who are concerned about their health due to their current financial situation may want to try to save money by obtaining affordable health insurance quotes.

A recent report from S&P Indices showed that healthcare costs increased 5.73 percent over the 12-month period from August 2010 to August 2011.

The S&P Healthcare Economic Commercial Index found that commercial health insurance increased 7.89 percent during the time period, which was the fourth month in a row that the figure rose. Costs for medicare claims grew at a slower pace, and only rose by an annual rate of 2.16 percent. This is a stark contrast from two years ago when the figure witnessed an increase of 8.02 percent.

"As the summer of 2011 ended, we continued to observe the recent trend of a deceleration in the annual growth rates of Medicare costs and a sustained acceleration in the annual rates of commercial healthcare costs," says David Blitzer, chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Indices.

Consumers may want to examine affordable health insurance plans in order to lock in a rate. This could be important if the industry needs to increase costs due to its own rising expenses. 

A recent report from Aon Risk Solutions noted that the healthcare industry could see sizable changes due to the recent health insurance reform, which may make medical systems need to merge to continue to be profitable and produce quality care.

The Hospital and Physician Professional Liability Benchmark Analysis found that small-scale health systems may need to merge or be bought out in order to survive, as they may not have the money to stay afloat. In addition, it may be necessary for regional systems to purchase these smaller ones to round out their practices.

"We believe this report to be the most comprehensive analysis of self-insured risks in the health care industry. Our findings reflect that when hospitals team up with physicians, they are effectively doubling down on medical malpractice risk," said Erik Johnson, author of the analysis and healthcare practice leader for Aon Global Risk Consulting. "As a result, medical malpractice for new physician-hospital arrangements will be a critical issue."

Consumers who are concerned about the uncertain future in the health insurance industry may want to seek out affordable health insurance quotes now in order to lock in the best rates.

A recent announcement from an employee benefits expert noted that companies may be able to utilize different methods to save money on health insurance, including trimming it or cutting it altogether.

Patrick Haraden, principal of Longfellow Benefits, recently spoke at a conference to explain options for companies in order to deal with the possibility of heatlhcare reform. One idea was that employees could pay in full for any dependent's coverage. This could cut down on the employer's costs, while still allowing the company to offer some type of healthcare plan.

"The opt-out credit is undergoing a revival," Haraden said. "This means rewarding employees who rely on their spouse's employee for coverage. Regulations, not human resources, define who's deemed a full-time, temporary or seasonal employee."

Consumers who work part-time or are involved in seasonal employment may want to still acquire a health insurance plan. In order to do this, it could be a good idea to examine multiple rates, as there could still be something that may be a perfect fit.

A recent study from the American College of Emergency Physicians found that the number of emergency room patients increased approximately 10 percent in 2009.

Close to 136 million emergency room visits occurred in 2009, which may suggest that fewer consumers have sufficient health insurance coverage. Nearly nine in 10 patients were recorded as having insurance, but the emergency visits may mean that the healthcare plans are not good enough.

"There can be no meaningful health care reform or cost control without liability reform," said Dr. David Seaberg, president for ACEP. "One of the new studies shows emergency physicians applying a different standard of admission to their patients than they would apply to themselves largely because of concerns about being sued."

Some sort of liability reform may be the best way to reduce ER visits and create lower rates for consumers, Seaberg added.

Consumers who do not have coverage that allows them to get a comprehensive checkup when sick may want to look for a heath insurance plan with more a more affordable rate. This could be a good hold over, as there is no guarantee that reform will occur anytime soon.

A recent survey from Kelton Research found that only 47 percent of consumers know exactly how much of their annual salary goes toward health insurance costs.

Only 35 percent of employees knew how much their deductible was, while slightly less knew how much they had to play for premiums of any dependents on the plan, the survey noted. Only 18 percent noted that they know how much their company puts toward their premiums each month.

More than four in five consumers think they are better prepared to pick a health insurance plan than their employers are, according to the survey, while 53 percent noted they would stay with the current plan they have if an open enrollment period appeared. Approximately one-third of those polled noted they go out of their way to review their health insurance plan annually.

Consumers may want to find out how much they pay per paycheck to their plan, as well as how much their employer spends. If the plan is not sufficient, it may be a good plan to look for other health insurance plans online.

A recent study from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia noted anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tears in children have spiked over the past 12 years, potentially leading to higher healthcare costs.

From 1999 through the start of 2011, more than 150 tibial spine fractures were dealt with, while more than 900 ACL tears and close to 1,000 meniscus injuries were documented. The rate of fractures increased by approximately one per year, while ACL injuries increased by more than 10 annually and meniscus injuries increased by nearly 15 each year.

"Many people in sports medicine have assumed that these knee injuries have increased in recent years among children," said Dr. J. Todd Lawrence, orthopaedic surgeon at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and primary investigator of this study. "Our study confirmed our hypothesis that, at least at our large academic pediatric hospital, knee injuries are an ever-growing problem for children and adolescents involved in sports."

Parents may want to ensure their children's health insurance is sufficient, especially if they play sports. If not, it may be a good idea to go online and look for affordable quotes.

A recent study from Lysol found that more than half of consumers noted they take part in good hygienic practices, which is vital as cold and flu season is approaching quickly.

Those who are typically nervous receive colds 10 percent less often than other people, while consumers who cover their mouth when they sneeze are sizeably more likely to have a more impressive health record.

The Center for Disease Control noted that more than 20 million school days are lost annually by students who get sick from the common cold. In addition, anywhere between 5 percent and 20 percent of the population are likely to get influenza at some point this year.

"Adopting good hygiene habits is a responsibility we all share," said Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician and author. "It is important for families to integrate regular hygiene practices at home, school and work throughout the year to keep germs from spreading, especially during cold and flu season."

For those who don't have insurance coverage and are fearful of catching an inconvenient sickness, it may be a smart idea to look for competitive health insurance rates.

A recent study from the Kansas City-based Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics noted that doctors give overweight children tips on how do deal with their situation, but more than half of these young people do not receive any additional advice.

Popular opinions on childhood obesity promote the idea that children should receive counseling and multiple follow-up visits. But many children are not receiving this promoting weight loss, and their doctors are not requiring common examinations, which can be problematic for those who don't know how to go about treatment, the study noted.

"These results are concerning because it means a significant percentage of children are not receiving the support and counseling they need to prevent the onset of adult obesity and some of its serious complications," said Kerri Wade, a nurse practitioner and lead author of the study. "Research has demonstrated that more frequent patient contact is associated with improved weight status."

Consumers who are not happy with their child's pediatrician may want to see what their health insurance plan offers for options, as there are typically a number of available doctors that can be utilized.

A recent initiative in Yamhill County, Oregon, introduced a new card that will help residents cut cost on prescription medications.

The county partnered with the National Association of Counties to distribute the Prescription Discount Card, which can cut prices of medicines up to nearly 25 percent. Consumers who live in the county can utilize the program with or without health insurance.

"Recognizing the difficulties many of our residents face when trying to pay for their health care needs, all three County commissioners are happy to be able to provide them with the Prescription Discount Card," said Kathy George, commissioner in Yamhill County. "This card offers residents - both insured and uninsured - significant savings on prescription medications."

While this program may be very useful for residents of the included areas, many Americans are not as fortunate to have such programs. For those who are looking to get lower medical costs, it may be a good plan to explore other health insurance options, as many affordable plans are available that have a significant amount of perks.

A recent report from the National Committee for Quality Assurance named HealthPlus the number one Medicare plan in the State of Michigan, as well as the 21st in the United States.

The organization's Health Insurance Plan Rankings also awarded the HMO-POS plan with a rating of "Excellent." This is not the only notoriety that HealthPlus has recently earned. The Medicare and You handbook gave the plan five stars out of a possible five, while Medicare.gov listed the insurance policy with a 4.5 out of five rating.

"We recognize that, when it comes to choosing a Medicare plan, quality ratings are one of the most important factors causing members to stay with a plan or to switch to a new one," said Bruce Hill, president and chief executive officer for HealthPlus.

Consumers who need affordable health insurance, but do not qualify for Medicare programs such as these, may want to examine other private options. There are many plans available, and it may be best to compare rates before making a decision.

A recent group was created in order to discourage lawmakers from making further cuts to mental health services, which have been significant as of late.

In the past two years, state governments have cut close to $2 billion from budgets related to mental healthcare for both adults and children. The "Mental Health Hope: Lost People, Lost Dollars, Lost Hope" symposium plans to bring awareness to stopping these types of cuts, and encouraging lawmakers to avoid these cuts further down the line.

"The work we have done to increase access and quality of care for those in need will be severely threatened without the resources to keep the programs going," said Mark Covall, president and CEO of the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems. "We're already struggling to deal with increased demand due to the down economy."

With mental healthcare cuts prevalent, many consumers may notice a jump in their rates, especially if they need this type of coverage. As the current state of the economy is less than ideal, consumers may want to ensure that they have the lowest insurance rates possible, without skipping out on good protection.

A recent development in Congress may save the United States a significant amount of money by moving a number of Medicare patients to private plans, according to Bloomberg.

The country could save approximately $125 billion over a 10-year period if healthcare companies took over the roughly 9 million accounts. As a whole, the program cost more than $875 billion in 2009, according to the news source. Those who belong to the Medicare and Medicaid groups typically the most specific and complete care when it comes to health plans.

"There probably is plenty of opportunity in terms of dollars saved to deal with these very sick people," Les Funtleyder, a healthcare analyst with Miller Tabak and Company, told the news source. "The payoff is the delta between what these high utilizers currently cost, and what they could cost if they were getting 'optimal' care."

If a person who is in this category wants a better option, it could be a good idea to jump the gun and examine cheap health insurance rates with coverage that is sufficient.

Consumers who are looking for Medicare coverage tailored to their needs may be in luck, as the Annual Open Enrollment Period is set to begin in mid-October and continue to early December, according to the National Council on Aging.

The program allows for the typical consumer to select a wide range of options. However, many people do not know about the program's enrollment options, or the changes that occur each year, the release noted.

"Beneficiaries should review their current plan and their health needs and explore options during Open Enrollment," said Nora Dowd Eisenhower, vice president, Benefits Access Group, and director of NCOA's National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment. "Since plans change, it's important to make sure you're in the one that best meets your coverage needs. This could save you hundreds of dollars."

Even those who do not qualify for a medicare plan can still find affordable health insurance rates, and it may be wise for these consumers to examine different quotes to find what they want.

A recent announcement from the American Association of Retired Persons revealed that a significant amount of its base will be traveling to the East Coast to visit members of the federal government and plead that cuts are not made to Medicare.

Medicare, the government-funded health insurance plan typically used by seniors, may lose some funding, which could potentially make health insurance for seniors more expensive, while limiting their ability to seek out a doctor. Social Security is also at risk of facing cuts, which could damage seniors' ability to pay for services or bills.

"Seniors have spent their lives working for their Medicare and Social Security benefits and they should not be just another line-item in the budget," said David Mitchell, AARP Arizona state director. "Congress instead should be looking at closing tax loopholes and cutting waste as ways to cut our federal budget."

Consumers who are concerned about this may want to look at other healthcare options that are available, as not every private plan is expensive. Examining health insurance rates could help a consumer find something that is both affordable and useful.

A recently-formed group pleaded with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to lower the cost of essential health benefits in order to make it more affordable for Americans.

The Essential Health Benefits Coalition, which consists of many members of the medical industry, warned HHS that if a project like this was put into place many consumers and employers would not be able to realistically afford it, making general healthcare less attainable for a significant amount of the population.

"HHS has an opportunity to develop an essential health benefits package that is both affordable and flexible to ensure workers can get the health coverage they need," said Brendan Daly, executive director of the Essential Health Benefits Coalition. "We look forward to working with HHS Secretary Sebelius toward that crucial goal."

The coalition stressed that benefits packages need to be affordable and easy to customize, the news source added.

Consumers may want to look for more affordable health insurance plans if they don't feel their current plan is the best they can obtain.

A recent survey from Euro RSCG Worldwide found that more consumers are trying to save money by cutting out healthcare costs, but many of these people are not becoming more ill as a result.

More than 40 percent of Americans have a financial situation that is worse than it was last year, while close to 30 percent have preferred to spend less money on medical visits. Another 28 percent have lowered their medication expenses.

"The dire economic news just keeps coming, and clearly a lot of people have been badly affected, yet the survey results show a lot more positivity and resilience than you might have expected," said Julie Monroid, partner and chief strategic officer of Havas Worldwide Health. "After all those years of apparent plenty, Americans are now figuring out ways to maintain good health and good spirits through tougher times."

Consumers are not recommended to stop visits to the doctor or stop taking medication without a physician's blessing. There are also many other ways to save money that will not endanger someone's own well-being. One idea could be to look for and compare affordable health insurance quotes, as this could save a significant amount of money in the long run.

A recent survey found that many consumers think that their friends and family members influence their health habits as much as those in the medical field.

The Edelman Health Barometer 2011 noted that 43 percent of people think their family and friends make the most difference when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, which can impact their health insurance premiums. Another 36 percent think that these people have the largest impact on their own nutrition habits. Close to one-third of respondents noted that they regularly distanced themselves from those who took part in unhealthy activities.

"Whether we mean to or not, we influence public and personal health in all aspects of our lives," said Nancy Turett, global president of Health for Edelman. "Health - good and bad - is communicable, and it is the responsibility of every citizen, especially those of us with leadership roles in any sector or industry, to act on this."

Consumers who do not have coverage may want to inquire about health insurance, so they can make sure they can attend physicals and other medically-related visits at more affordable rates.

A recent study from MetLife revealed that women may have trouble saving a comfortable amount of money for when they retire, and much of this is due to living longer than men and needing more care.

Women live approximately 8 percent longer than men do, according to the MetLife Study of Women, Retirement and the Extra-Long Life: Implications for Planning. Many women are concerned about the possibility that they could outlive their wealth, which is why it is important to adequately plan early.

"The risks and costs of 'living long and living female' call for an 'affirmative action' plan," said Dr. Sandra Timmermann, director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. "We find that those who plan for a steady stream of income, along with some flexibility for the unexpected, are best prepared for what can be an extended future."

One smart way to ensure that a person has enough money later on is to save money now. This can be achieved if a consumer looks out for cheap health insurance quotes and compares to see which is the best for them.

A recent health insurance plan ranking from the National Commitee for Quality Assurance was analyzed by Consumer Reports, and it was noted that some of the smaller health insurance companies had better satisfaction ratings from users.

A total of 33 percent of healthcare plans that were not under the umbrella of a major insurer received top scores in the rankings. Only 4 percent of all plans owned by the largest insurance companies matched this score. In addition, just 15 percent of Health Maintenance Organization plans and 6 percent of Preferred Provider Organization plans were given top marks in the rankings.

"American consumers who assume that 'bigger is better' and that doctor choice equates with quality might be surprised when they see how insurance plans stack up in the rankings," said Nancy Metcalf, senior program editor, Consumer Reports. "We were struck by the strong performance among HMOs in general, and by some of the smaller, community-based plans."

Consumers looking for a better health insurance plan may want to go compare rates to not only find the most affordable plan, but also to ensure they have the best quality coverage available.

Healthcare costs for employers will cost more than $10,000 on average for 2012, and this means an increase in contributions for workers as well, according to a report from Aon Hewitt.

There will be an average increase of 7 percent for healthcare premium insurance rates in the United States next year. While this is less than the 7.5 percent in 2011, it will put the amount companies have to pay per employee to approximately $10,475, the report noted. This is higher than the 2011 average of $9,792.

"In what continues to be an uncertain economic environment, organizations cannot afford health care costs growing at 7 percent each year," said John Zern, executive vice president and the Americas Practice Director for Health & Benefits with Aon Hewitt. "While health care reform continues to represent potential systemic change in a few years, employers will continue to shift cost to employees in order to keep company costs to a manageable level."

Consumers will have to pay 22 percent of their healthcare premiums, compared to last year's 21.3 percent, the report added. These figures may motivate some consumers to look for new health insurance quotes to lower their costs.

A recent survey found that U.S. consumer confidence in both the payment and accessibility of health insurance increased during the month of September.

The Thomson Reuters Consumer Healthcare Sentiment Index increased to 98 in September, one point higher than August's figure. The threshold for the index is 100, which was created in 2009, meaning that the index is nearing stability.

The index, which is comprised of two parts, did not witness a drop in either for the month of September. The retrospective index, which records the overall healthcare experience of respondents during the month, increased to 98, compared to 96 in August. More consumers noted that they would not delay or postpone an appointment with a physician, and were less likely to not fill their prescriptions.

The prospective index was stagnant at 98 in September. This part of the index, which projects what consumers feel will occur for the coming three months, showed that consumers are still more confident that they will be able to take care of healthcare payments in the near future.

This news may encourage more consumers to look at health insurance quotes, as they may find a better plan than they currently have for less money.

A recent poll found that approximately 25 percent of Americans think that vaccines are not safe, and more than one in five consumers think that these preventative treatments are a cause of autism - a link which has never been proven.

The Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll also found that nearly 27 percent were worried about the safety of vaccines. Of this group, 30 percent belonged to households with children under 18 years of age, while fewer than 20 percent from those were classified as senior citizens.

"Ironically, these survey results are a testament to the effectiveness of vaccines: older people remember what illnesses like polio did to cripple and kill patients, but the younger generation has never seen someone with polio," said Dr. Raymond Fabius, chief medical officer at the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters.

Consumers who want to make sure their child is properly vaccinated should be sure their health insurance coverage is sufficient. If not, it may be a good idea to check online to compare health insurance rates and get a quote that works for the whole family. 

A total of 26 states, as well as the National Federation of Independent Business, recently asked for an accelerated decision from the Supreme Court in order to end healthcare reform in the United States, according to The Associated Press.

The law would require consumers to buy insurance or pay a penalty starting in 2014. But these states and organizations want the courts to make a decision before the next presidential cycle, as fees and other requirements could change sooner than that, the news source reported. Not only would private insurance be extended, but Medicaid would be as well.

"It would be better to have that known about than be speculated as a part of the political argument," John Paul Stevens, retired Supreme Court justice told the news source.

 Many businesses and states are opposed to the government setting healthcare cost levels, the news source added.

While the future of the law is unclear, it may be a good idea for consumers to procure a health insurance plan, if they have not already. But when looking online, it is important to compare health insurance quotes to ensure that the best rates are found.

A recent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation/Health Research & Educational Trust found that premiums for family health coverage given by employers rose 9 percent in 2011.

The 2011 Employer Health Benefits Survey found that the cost of family plans was more than $15,000. In the past decade, premiums have increased more than 110 percent. Wages have only increased 2.1 percent in 2011 and 34 percent during the past 10 years, while inflation rose 3.2 percent this year, and 27 percent in the past decade.

"This year’s nine percent increase in premiums is especially painful for workers and employers struggling through a weak recovery," said Dr. Drew Altman, president and chief executive officer of Kaiser.

Many consumers may be frustrated with this finding, but it may not be a difficult one to fix. Those who want to improve their healthcare situation could compare health insurance quotes to find which is the best fit for their budget. There are many options available, and consumers don't necessarily have to cut down their amount of services to have an affordable plan.

A recent poll from Consumer Reports found that 48 percent of all American consumers are not making good decisions when it comes to prescription drug costs.

The aforementioned figure was due to these consumers avoiding a doctor's appointment or necessary procedure in hopes that it would cut healthcare fees. Nearly 30 percent did things regarding healthcare that may have been dangerous to their own well-being. Of those, 16 percent did not fill their prescriptions, while close to 15 percent took pills that were expired.

"Our polling suggests that the burden of prescription drug prices is coming down as our medicine cabinets are more frequently filled with generic drugs," said Lisa Gill, prescription drug editor for Consumer Reports Health. "But the costs of multiple prescriptions has proved to be onerous for many Americans, so much so that some consumers are making unhealthy tradeoffs."

Consumers who are not confident that they can afford their medication may want to reexamine their healthcare plan. Going online and comparing health insurance quotes may be the best way to make sure that they have the best health setup possible. 

The state of New York has yet to create a healthcare exchange, and this could put it at a big disadvantage if there is no decision on complying with the Affordable Care Act, according to Elmira-based Star-Gazette.

The Act, which was enacted by the Obama administration, forces every state to require health insurance by the start of 2014. While the Empire State could make $100 million from federal grants, this would be jeopardized if the state senate doesn't come up with an agreement, the news source reported. Nearly $40 million has already been allocated to the state, but it cannot get any more money until lawmakers agree on a budget and assistance for consumers looking for affordable insurance rates.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services plans to examine each state's progress in 2013, according to the news source. If New York is not set up by then, the government will intervene.

It may be wise for Americans who are not insured to find a plan now, as it will be mandatory in only a couple of years.

A recent study from the US Oncology Network found that cancer care in the United States could be improved in both cost and quality.

The study, called "Benchmarks for value in cancer care: an analysis of a large commercial population," found that cancer patients who have a private health insurance plan averaged a medical bill of $111,000 annually. This includes chemotherapy, trips to the emergency room as well as end of life care. In total, this costs more than 25 times the amount for non-cancer patients and four times more than cancer patients without chemotherapy.

"This study shows that the cancer care community needs to focus on delivering high-quality, evidence-based medicine with a focus on disease management that emphasizes the importance of advance care planning and end of life support," said Dr. Michael Kolodziej, the lead author of the study and an oncologist with New York Oncology Hematology.

The study found that less than 1 percent of total diagnoses in a total privately-insured population are for cancer, yet it results in 10 percent of the costs, despite much of the treatment being relatively ineffective.

Multiple studies released recently showed that more young Americans are finding health insurance, according to The New York Times.

A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that in the first part of this year, approximately 900,000 more young adults gained insurance. This may be due to a large amount of people taking advantage of the new law that allows for those under the age of 26 to be on their parents' heath insurance plan, the news source reported.

In addition, a report from the U.S. Census Bureau noted that the total amount of young adults who do not have coverage fell approximately two percentage points, and stood at 27.2 percent in 2010. Overall, more than 500,000 people from the ages of 18 to 24 got coverage, according to the news source. A large percentage of that group earned private insurance.

The Department of Health and Human Services also predicted last year, that 650,000 people would have new coverage in 2011, the news source added. Many of the sign-ups may have to do with increased enrollments from private health insurance companies. 

A recent poll from the National Council of Aging found that many older Americans who are eligible for Medicare do not know enough about it, and may still improve their situation by comparing different health insurance rates.

Nearly half of the people polled by the NCOA, UnitedHealthCare and GfK Roper, never shopped around for different Medicare rates and coverage. A total of 35 percent of these people were confused by Medicare, while nearly 20 percent didn't understand the plan whatsoever. Two in five of those polled thought it was a lost cause to try and save money.

"In this economy, many seniors are justifiably worried about their financial future," said Jim Firman, president and chief executive officer of NCOA. "When it comes to Medicare costs, now is the time they can do something about it. Research your options and apply for available extra benefits. You'll be surprised how much money you can actually save."

It may be a good idea for those looking for healthcare coverage to look at multiple insurance quotes, as it could make the plan much less expensive.

A recent announcement from Michigan's Health Insurance Program informed citizens that the state's government sponsored healthcare plan for those without coverage, or a pre-existing condition will have premiums cut by 10 percent.

The Wolverine State is one of 27 states that offer the government-sponsored program, while the remaining states have a system run by the federal government. In addition to standard healthcare, the program offers prescription coverage, hospital services, hospice care and behavioral health services.

"The approval by HHS allows HIP Michigan to provide new lower premiums for most applicants and additional ways for them to demonstrate eligibility," said Scott Wilkerson, the president and chief executive officer of Physicians Health Plan, which administers HIP Michigan. "These changes will make it easier for consumers to obtain the peace of mind and affordable health care that HIP Michigan delivers."

Consumers who are looking for specific health insurance rates may want to look at multiple quotes. The more that a person shops around, the better chance they have to get the best deal.

A recent poll from Harris Interactive found that a large majority of American adults have looked for healthcare information online, and a significant percentage do so regularly.

The Harris Poll discovered that 74 percent of adults reported using the internet to find healthcare information, while approximately 60 percent have done it in the past month. The people who do this excessively were named "cyberchondriacs" by the report's authors.

A larger amount of people used the internet often for this purpose in 2011 than they did in 2010 or 2009. In 2010, nearly 32 percent of consumers reported using the service compared to 22 in 2009, the report said. About 40 percent of people admitted to this in 2011.

Close to 90 percent of consumers think the information they find about healthcare on the internet is accurate. This was higher than each of the past two years.

Many of these consumers may not only be worried about their everyday ailments, but they also may worry about their health insurance coverage as well. It may be a good idea for these people to examine different quotes to find the policy that is best for them.

A recent initiative from the Mid-America Coalition on Health Care, the National Business Coalition on Health and Pfizer helped the employers of the Kansas City Collaborative save approximately $11 million in healthcare costs by implementing preventative programs.

The collaborative represented nine employers who had 56,000 employees. These people saved approximately $200 each, while trying to reduce the chances of developing expensive chronic diseases. In addition, 30 percent of companies crated new benefit programs to promote quitting smoking, which is a large contributor to chronic disease.

"By implementing a value based approach to health benefit design, this group of employers has been able to better address worker health and productivity while also lowering overall health care costs," said Christine Wilson, MACHC president and chief executive officer.

With consumers being able to save nearly $200 on average, it is likely that many were quite happy with the initiative. For those who want to save further, it may be a good idea to explore multiple health insurance quotes to ensure that the best rates are had.

A recent report from compliance service Allsup showed that senior citizens need to do their part to plan for their healthcare planning later in life.

Many people have financial planners to help them along when it comes to expenses, but the organization stressed that they need to do their part in the process when looking at Medicare plans, as well.

"Seniors are expected to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on healthcare during retirement, as fewer employers offer retiree healthcare benefits and the baby boomers now entering Medicare live longer. This makes healthcare planning a very real financial issue," said Adrienne Muralidharan, senior Medicare specialist for the Allsup Medicare.

One important point is to be clear if a health change has occurred recently, the report noted. If so, it may be necessary to note this to see if the healthcare plan will cover it.

Seniors who are looking for a healthcare option may want to abandon their current options, as there may be affordable plans out there. Those looking for inexpensive options are encouraged to examine health insurance rates to find which is best for them.

A Pennsylvania-based federal judge ruled against the clause in the healthcare law that would require Americans to buy health insurance on the grounds that it is unconstitutional, according to the Associated Press.

Judge Christopher Conner said that if Americans were forced to purchase a health insurance plan or pay a fine for lacking it by 2014 that would be unconstitutional. He said that it would be an unlawful authoritative act by the federal government due to a clause in the Constitution that clarifies commerce, the news source reported. He further added that this would allow Congress to exercise a sort of policing ability.

"Scores of individuals are uninsured and the costs to all citizens are measurable and significant," Conner said. "The federal government, however, is one of limited enumerated powers, and Congress' efforts to remedy the ailing health care and health insurance markets must fit squarely within the boundaries of those powers."

While the ruling will not force people to get health insurance, those who want it may be interested to look at different rates, as this could help them in obtaining the best deal possible.

A recent report from S&P Indices showed that the average cost of commercial and Medicare-related care covered by health insurance increased by more than 5.7 percent from July 2010 to July 2011.

The S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index found that the past three straight months have shown successive increases. April had an increase of 5.34 percent, while May's figure was 5.55 percent and June's was 5.59 percent. The Healthcare Economic Commercial index increased 7.73 percent for the year ending in July 2011, while Medicare claim costs increased 2.35 percent, which was the annual rate.

"Continuing the general trend witnessed since April, July saw some modest acceleration in the annual growth rates in commercial healthcare costs, while there was modest deceleration in Medicare costs," says David Blitzer, chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Indices.

The growth rates in the indices that S&P examined include healthcare cost changes, not only changes in the price of healthcare, Blitzer added.

This information may show that it is important to get multiple health insurance quotes, as consumers who do this may find the best rates available.

A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau showed the number of those covered by health insurance in the United States increased from 2009 to 2010.

The Income, Poverty and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2010 report found that during that year, more than 256 million Americans had health insurance, compared to nearly 225.5 million in 2009. Overall, the percentage change for Americans was marginal.

Close to 16 percent of consumers were covered by Medicaid, which was close to 2009's figures, the report noted. Slightly less than 10 percent of minors lacked in health insurance. This is 7.3 million people, overall. The uninsured rate for poverty-stricken children was 15.5 percent, and this figure was much higher than the overall rate for children - 9.8 percent.

The uninsured rates for Americans declined in 2010, the report added. For households earning less than $25,000, nearly 27 percent were without insurance. But when examining households with salaries of $75,000 or more, the uninsured rate crashes to 8 percent.

This information could mean good things for the health insurance industry, as more consumers may be going out of their way to ensure they are covered.

Those whose health insurance is through Medicare may be confused later this year, as the federal government has changed the annual enrollment process, as well as its policies.

The Affordable Care Act changed the annual open enrollment period from mid-November through the end of the year to mid-October through the beginning of December. The period is used by people who want to make changes to their plans, and while it could be a shock to some, it will actually help make sure that consumers have the proper insurance cards by the beginning of the year, the report said.

"With this change, people will have an easier time seeking healthcare when January arrives, since Medicare will have more time to confirm coverage for 2012," said Adrienne Muralidharan, senior Medicare Specialist for Allsup. "In the past, some people with Medicare had to pay out-of-pocket for care at the start of the year because enrollment went through Dec. 31."

Prescription drug prices will likely increase due to the changes, albeit only a little, the report added. Medical insurance premiums will also be a bit higher for Part B, as well.

A significant number of consumers have difficulty getting accepted for health insurance, as denial rates are high, according to Kaiser Health News and USA Today.

While a study from America's Health Insurance Plans noted in a study that nearly nine in 10 people are approved for policies, this includes many people who were previously turned down. The plan they get may have higher costs or fewer options, the news source reported. But a large part of being denied or approved depends on where a person lives. A company operating in one state may not have the same denial rate in another state.

"It's not surprising that denial rates are high, because insurers have an incentive to only enroll the healthy risks," Sara Collins, vice president of the Commonwealth Fund, told the news source. "If a person comes in with a health problem that will potentially cost [the insurer] money, they are probably not going to cover them."

While health insurance may be important for many consumers, it may be a bad idea to get discouraged if the person is turned down. Instead, examining a series of different options may be the best way to find a good plan that is within a consumer's price range.

A recent study from Columbia University found that in the United States, doctors are paid much higher fees than most other nations, which has raised health insurance rates, according to The New York Times.

The study found that the overall incomes of both orthopedic surgeons and primary care doctors were much higher in America, but not due to the cost of medical practice, volume of service, tuition or other costs. The problem was mainly due to the higher fees they charge insurers, the news source reported. Because of this, lawmakers have had difficulty lowering healthcare costs.

"Fees paid by public payers to orthopedic surgeons for hip replacements in the United States are considerably higher than comparable fees for hip replacements in other countries," the report noted, according to the news source. "[F]ees paid by private insurers in the United States for this service are double the fees paid in the private sector elsewhere."

The study also noted that primary care doctors earned nearly $187,000 annually on average, while countries such as France and Australia had their personnel earning less than $96,000 in 2008, the news source added.

A recent Gallup poll found a significant amount of workers are unhappy about the current state of their health insurance benefits, as well as their ability for a promotion.

In total, 30 percent of workers are not satisfied with their current health insurance options provided by their employer. This is an 11 percentage point increase from the same poll taken in 2008, the poll noted. In addition, more than one-quarter of workers think their promotion chances are poor, compared to 19 percent in 2008. Job stress also increased to 34 percent. This was a six percentage point rise.

The Work and Education poll, from Gallup, also found that 35 percent of consumers are completely satisfied with the benefits offered by their company, while another 23 percent were only somewhat satisfied. A total of 12 percent were somewhat dissatisfied, while 18 percent were completely unhappy with their work option.

Many people are dissatisfied with their insurance options, and it may benefit them to look for other healthcare quotes in order to improve their situation.

A recent decision in a Virginia federal court of appeals turned down two lawsuits, one by the state of Virginia, that claimed the current healthcare changes by the Obama administration were unconstitutional, according to The Associated Press.

The ruling was 3-0 against the ability for a state to sue over the healthcare overhaul, the news source reported. The final decision by the panel did not rule on anything relating to the constitutional questions brought up by the suit.

"[I]f we were to adopt Virginia's standing theory, each state could become a roving constitutional watchdog of sorts; no issue, no matter how generalized or quintessentially political, would fall beyond a state's power to litigate in federal court," Judge Diana Gribbon Motz wrote in her decision.

The law would have had a significant impact on health insurance rates, if it is upheld. The Attorney General of Virginia, Kenneth Cuccinelli, planned to appeal the court's decision, as he felt no resident of Virginia should be ordered to have insurance, the news source added.

More than one out of every four Texans do not have health insurance, according to a recent Gallup Poll.

The state was by far the one with the highest amount of uninsured persons, with Mississippi and Alaska coming in second and third. The Magnolia State had 24.5 percent of its population uninsured, while 23.5 percent of Alaskans lack coverage, the poll noted. The West and South dominate the highest amount of uninsured list.

Overall, nearly 17 percent of Americans over the age of 17 were without insurance during the first part of the year. This is close to the 16.4 percent during the same time period last year.

Some states did post impressive healthcare numbers, the poll noted. Massachusetts ran away with the title of "Lowest Percentage of Uninsured Residents," with only 5.3 percent without coverage. Vermont came in second, with just over 9 percent of its population uninsured, and Minnesota reportedly had 9.4 percent of its population without health insurance.

Much of the reason for the Bay State's success is the fact that health coverage is mandatory in the state, the poll added. 

Blue Shield of California will work with San Francisco-based hospitals and medical personnel in order to improve patient care and help create a cost and quality standard in the area, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

There are more than 25,000 employees in the city's public sector, and while health insurance is typical, the quality and cost of care varies greatly. San Francisco is not the only city to try something new, the news source reported. Sacramento worked out a program recently that prioritized further medical training for personnel in order to give patients cheaper alternatives, by aiding them in obtaining procedures that were not as drastic, but still accomplished their goal.

"When you have over-utilization, it is both a cost and quality issue," Paul Markovich, Blue Shield's chief operating officer, told the news source. "Hospitals are not really safe places to be. ... You only want to be there if you have to be there."

Blue Shield, in concert with other local healthcare providers, created the accountable care organization, the news source added. This coordination of healthcare could make it easier and more practical for locals to afford care.

A California health insurance rate bill, which would have given the insurance commissioner the ability to reject premium increases, died in the state Senate, as there was not enough people poised to vote in its favor.

The bill, named AB 52, had hope of being passed after it was supported by many consumer advocates and Dave Jones, the state's insurance commissioner. Jones had already attempted to pass similar legislation multiple times.

"Right now, not enough senators are prepared to vote for any form of health insurance rate regulation," said Mike Feuer, the California Assemblyman who was also the author of the bill. He still has plans to reintroduce the bill at a later date.

The legislation would help consumers get the lowest health insurance quotes, but also would give companies the opportunity to justify their rate increases to regulators.

Feelings for this type of legislation stemmed from proposals from two insurance companies, as many felt the rates were too high. But due to a significant number of Democrats not agreeing with some aspects of the bill, there was little chance it could actually have passed.

While a new federal law requiring health insurance companies to give public support for any increase of 10 percent or more to consumers health insurance quotes, one consumer agency says just disclosure won't be enough.

The thought behind the new regulations is that insurance companies will be wary of hiking rates too much because of the media and public pressure which could come from the move.

However, the nonprofit organization Consumer Watchdog says officials need to also have the power to actually reject any changes that they feel are excessive.

"Without at least the threat of enforcement, public complaints about unreasonable increases will continue to fall on deaf ears," said Carmen Balber, Washington director for Consumer Watchdog. "It's up to the states to require approval of health insurance rates and hold down rate hikes where federal health reform has failed."

The group says the ability of officials in California to reject excessive rate hikes for auto and property insurance has saved consumers $62 billion during the past 13 years.

Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation finds that less than half of the states in the country currently require state approval for rate increases in both individual and group insurance plans. 

The stress of foreclosure may be taking a toll on the economy and on public health, according to The Wall Street Journal.

A recent study titled "Is Foreclosure Making Us Sick?" compiled information about local foreclosures and health insurance data, including emergency room visits, found that areas with a large number of distressed properties also saw more patients complaining of mental health issues and preventable conditions such as hypertension. Anxiety-related issues and ailments related to stress were prominent in neighborhoods with high foreclosure rates, as were suicide attempts, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Researchers Janet Currie and Erdal Tekin focused their efforts on data from hard-hit housing markets in Arizona, California, Florida and New Jersey. They used data collected between 2005 and 2009 and in addition to highlighting the health insurance woes of communities in housing crisis, they also pointed out that individuals between the ages of 20 and 49 were the most impacted, NBER reports.

Some may also be quick to point out that it is not just distressed homeowners that may be suffering, but also their neighbors who have seen their home values and equity decline as a result of the market dips, The Wall Street Journal explains.

"Everybody's stressed out," Janet Currie told the news source. "There is a connection between people's economic well being and their physical well being."
 

While the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was designed in large part to protect consumers and curb rising health insurance costs, it was also drafted to help protect the healthcare industry from fraud, USA Today reports.

The legislation has already aided officials in efforts to prosecute individuals who have made fraudulent medical claims, and the number of suits is predicted to rise by 85 percent this year. Thus far, there have been 903 prosecutions in 2011. That is a 24 percent increase over 2010 and a 71 percent rise from five years ago, the source reports.

In the past, many fraudulent claims were filed through Medicare's electronic payment system . The Medicare Fraud Task Force, established by the Obama administration, now uses that same system to target those that make false claims and rid the health insurance system of illegal transactions. In 2010 alone, the efforts of the task forced recovered $4 billion in tax payer dollars, The Los Angeles Times explains.

The task force has been busy locating health insurance scammers in the past two years and the number of medical fraud convictions has been steadily rising as a result. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice saw a total of 23 trial convictions for Medicare fraud, while they have already had 24 in the first half of 2011, according to USA Today.

While wellness programs may have become the norm in most companies, those businesses that offer incentives to their employees may see greater savings when it comes to group health insurance, according to the Incentive Research Foundation.

In a recent survey, the IRF found that employees who were promised incentives if they participated in workplace wellness programs were much more likely to join in. Those companies that do not offer incentives for health habits saw less than 20 percent of their staff take part in wellness programs, while those that do offer incentives found that four in five staff members participated, according to the source.

Because those who live healthy life styles will likely spend less when it comes to health insurance, ramping up wellness program incentives may be well worth the investment for many companies, the source explains.

"The U.S. is spending about $2.5 trillion per year on health care," Robert Stotz of IRF explained. "As much as 75 percent of that is spent on preventable conditions, so the potential savings through preventative health care measures that include workplace wellness programs could be as high as $1.9 trillion per year."
 

While many small businesses try to cut corners when it comes to spending, they may be unable to do so when it comes to group health insurance, according to Inc.com.

Many smaller companies may be overpaying for employee health insurance plans by as much as 29 percent, according to a recent report. This may be because these businesses lack access to quality affordable options, the source reports.

This is due in part to search frictions when it comes to health insurance shopping. Companies with fewer employees have less buying power and reduced access to information regarding healthcare plans. This friction causes small businesses to frequently change their insurance packages, perhaps because they are dissatisfied with their options and service, the Incidental Economist explains.

"High turnover rates undermine the quality of health plans by reducing insurers' incentive to finance care that makes their policyholders healthier in the future," said Dr. Randall Cebul, according to Inc.com.

While this may not bode well for companies shopping for employee benefits right now, impending public options may change the situation and create more affordable options to choose from, the source reports.  

Consumer-driven health plans are continuing to grow in popularity as businesses seek ways to eliminate the growing cost burden of obtaining health insurance, according to United Benefit Advisors.

While CDHPs saw minimal growth in 2010, they have risen in prominence 13.9 percent in 2011. The consumer-centric plans now make up 22.9 percent of the health insurance marketplace, the source reports.

CDHPs have even become more prevalent than health maintenance organizations, which have been employed in recent years to curb costs when it comes to group health insurance. HMOs currently comprise 11.9 percent of the insurance market, according to the source.

"This year experienced an increase [of CDHPs], albeit less than the average 8.2 percent increase of all plans," explained Bill Stafford of UBA. "As these plans become more prevalent, the percentage of savings has continually declined."

However, as consumers will be able to control costs by using preventative care, the overall cost savings may still continue. Individuals should take advantage of wellness plans that come with their policies, 80.6 percent of which will include a health risk assessment, the source explains.
 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced plans this week to improve coordination of care for patients being discharged from the hospital after a severe illness or injury.

The initiative, called the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement, is part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and will align payments for medical services over an episode of care, according to HHS. This could significantly reduce the strain on health insurance that often occurs during a period of illness.

HHS hopes that the new plan will incentivize coordination of care between doctors, hospitals and other facilities while it improves quality of care and curbs rising health insurance costs.

"This Bundled Payment initiative responds to the overwhelming calls from the hospital and physician communities for a flexible approach to patient care improvement," explained Dr. Donald Berwick. "All around the country, many of the leading healthcare institutions have already implemented these kinds of projects and seen positive results."

The payment system may even improve patient care and recovery by prompting doctors to work more closely with physical therapists. The collaborations may make for more comprehensive rehabilitation and improved results, HHS reports.  

Many companies are planning to make only modest changes to their group health insurance offerings despite new regulations created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to Towers Watson.

While employers may not be make vast changes to their benefits packages they are making attempts to control costs, and 88 percent of those polls stated that they were making plans to reduce overhead and avoid health insurance excise taxes. These companies may be aided in their efforts as healthcare costs are set to see moderate increases this year, the source reports.

Between 2010 and 2011, health insurance expenditures rose 7.6 percent. However, costs are predicted to rise 5.9 percent in 2012, according to the source.

Despite diminished inflation, many companies are still devising plans to share health insurance spending with their employees, according to the source. These changes may include higher deductible plans and incentives for employees that display healthier habits and utilize preventative care methods.

"A small group of employers is driving more fundamental change in 2012 by using account-based platform designs, aggressively positioning incentives and rethinking subsidization levels," Ron Fontanetta of Towers Watson said.
 

While the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may still be a hotly debated topic in many political circles, many of its mandates are already taking effect and its stipulations will likely change the healthcare industry, according to the Boston Consulting Group.

The health insurance industry will become more consumer driven and slow healthcare spending in many areas, the source explains. Many health insurance providers are already revamping their platforms in order to meet the demands of healthcare reform, and more often than not, companies are looking towards a consumer directed health plan model.

"To control medical costs, insurers are relying on initiatives that revolve around the quality of care and patient outcomes," explained report co-author Dr. Martin B. Silverstein. "There is growing recognition that these approaches represent the best chance to bend the cost curve."

While the business-to-business model will likely still play a part in the health insurance industry, health insurance exchanges will create the opportunity for business-to-individual selling relationships to grow. As a result of the shift towards consumer-driven plans, insurers may need to focus on creating new innovative products that will appeal to the masses in a free marketplace, according to the source.
 

Consumer-directed health insurance plans may gain in popularity in the coming months as employers struggle to resolve issues surrounding rising healthcare costs during the impending open enrollment season, according to Employee Benefit News.

Because health insurance benefits are important to many employees and job seekers, CDHPs allow companies to provide the benefits while sharing some of the cost increases with staff. However, some experts feel that companies adopting CDHPs need to educate their employees on health insurance so they understand cost increases and how to use their group health insurance plans in the most cost-effective manner, the source explains.

"If the consumer isn't actively engaged and has some financial stake there is absolutely no hope in controlling health care costs in our country," explained Helen Darling of the National Business Group on Health, according to the source.

CDHPs, which meet the minimum requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, will cover at least 60 percent of an employee's health insurance costs. The remainder is the responsibility of the individual and is paid in the form of monthly premiums and deductibles. The shared costs and lesser premium contributions of these consumer directed plans may help companies and individuals to reduce healthcare spending, according to Business Insurance.
 

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services announced today that it would be granting $40 million in federal funds to local communities in order to help identify and enroll children eligible for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.

The monies will be distributed nationwide and awarded to 39 agencies, school-based organizations, non-profits and community health centers. The grants will last for two years and are aimed at getting children not currently covered under a family health insurance plan the healthcare they need, according to HHS.

Some of the grant money will go to those focusing on engaging schools and school districts in enrolling students in the health insurance programs. Considerable attention will also be given to encouraging families to renew health insurance policies they have already taken out, HHS explains.

"Keeping Americans healthy from a young age is the right thing to do, and it saves money by avoiding preventable diseases and conditions as they get older," explained HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "The activities we are funding will help eligible children get covered, stay healthy and prepare them to succeed in school."

Many state agencies have already made headway when it comes to enrolling eligible children inthese important healthcare programs, and many hope these grants will forward those efforts.

A recent survey conducted by the National Business Group on Health showed that many large American employers expect health insurance costs to rise in 2012.

Almost two-thirds of those businesses polled stated that they expected significant increases. Overall, companies predicted that group health insurance fees would rise by 7.2 percent. While that number was lower than the average increase of healthcare costs in 2011, it is higher than the rate of economic recovery in the nation, the source explains.

Because economic recovery may impact a business’ ability to cover all healthcare costs for their staff, many companies will be using cost-sharing methods in the coming year. Furthermore, many entrepreneurs will be employing cost reducing programs that incentivize thrifty healthcare use by employees, the source reports.

In order to combat some of these expenses, 73 percent of companies stated that they would offer consumer directed health plans, up from 61 percent this year. The most common form of CDHPs offered are ones that include high patient deductibles, meaning much of the cost burden will be shifted onto individuals, according to the source.
 

Thanks to efforts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, selecting a health insurance provider and appropriate coverage will be getting simpler for many Americans.

New rules governing how information on plan benefits is relayed to businesses seeking group health insurance and individuals seeking coverage were recently proposed by the HHS. The legislation will mandate that health insurers provide consumers with an easily understood explanation of benefits as well as a glossary of commonly used health insurance terms for individuals to refer to, according to HHS.

The new rules are set to take effect in 2012, and insurers will need to provide the information before consumers purchase health insurance plans, the HHS reports.

"Today, many consumers don’t have easy access to information in plain English to help them understand the differences in the coverage and benefits provided by different health plans," explained Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of HHS. "Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, that will change."

Having access to benefit information written in plain English may become even more important in the coming years, as many Americans may choose to take advantage of health insurance exchanges in the future.
 

A recent study found that music therapy can aid cancer patients in their road to recovery, according to The New York Times.

Conducted by Drexel University, the study found that music therapy and music medicine could help minimize pain and anxiety related to cancer treatments and improve quality of life for those battling the disease, according to the source. Music medicine includes the playing of music while music therapy employs various elements of music to evaluate and treat individuals.

Patients that attend music therapy sessions may sing, play instruments, write lyrics or simply listen to songs. Trained music therapists lead the exercises, which can reduce discomfort and even curb the nausea often associated with chemotherapy. Many healthcare facilities are beginning to have certified music therapists on site, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Music therapy is classified as active therapy under Medicare guidelines and some health insurance carriers may reimburse for the service, according to the American Music Therapy Association.

While the positive effects of music therapy on cancer patients can bot be conclusively determined because creating a control group is not possible, it may continue to grow in importance when it comes to battling the disease, according to The New York Times.

"Music is something we use every day and its powers can be used in a very targeted way with cancer patients," the study's lead author, Joke Bradt, told the source.  

While some predict that health insurance exchanges may all but eliminate employer-sponsored group health insurance, some benefits brokers are more optimistic about future growth, according to MetLife.

A recent survey conducted by the insurance company found that 52 percent of the benefits consultants polled felt that large companies - those with 1,000 or more employees - would continue to see growth when it comes to health insurance benefits.

While the results for mid-sized companies were not as positive, some still expected expansion. Of those brokers and consultants polled, 31 percent expected small and mid-sized businesses to bulk up on benefit packages int he near future, according to the source.

"While wary of how health care reform might change their own business operations as well as those of their clients, four out of five benefits brokers and consultants say their firms are actively exploring new models and strategies in order to stay relevant and pursue growth opportunities," explained Anthony Nugent of MetLife.

While some of these companies may be downsizing when it comes to health insurance after the exchanges are rolled out in January 2014, many state that they may consider offering voluntary benefits to their staff to supplement public health insurance, the source reports.
 

While many job seekers may put much weight into whether a hiring company offers health insurance benefits, some small businesses may be putting just as much emphasis on curbing the employee benefit, according to CNNMoney.

Many small companies are attempting to cut costs by hiring part-time employees instead of full-timers. This relieves them of the burden of offering benefits like health insurance and life insurance, which can help their bottom line at a time when saving money is vital, the source explains.

While all businesses are required to offer some benefits - including Social Security and workers' compensation - others are not legally necessary, according to the Small Business Association.

As such, many job seekers hoping to get healthcare coverage for themselves and their families may be thwarted in their efforts. Some small business owners even go so far as to warn the unemployed that demanding health insurance may put them well out of the race for a position, the source explains.

"Every time we hire an employee that is full-time, whatever salary we give them, we attach 35 percent to the cost as an employer," explained business owner Liz Parker, according to the source.
 

With some states recently passing laws to allow for same sex marriage, some may be speculating whether the new legislation will put an end to domestic partner health insurance benefits in the nation.

Some experts believe that in states where same-sex marriage is legal, businesses will stop extending group health insurance to non-married partners. Furthermore, newly married gay couples will face the same health insurance requirements as their heterosexual counterparts, the source explains.

With only seven states currently condoning same-sex unions, the shift away from domestic partner benefits may be a ways off, according to the source.

However, in states like New York, where gay marriage was recently made legal, some companies are already considering dropping health insurance coverage for domestic partners. Several businesses are reporting that after a grace period, they will discontinue the employee benefit, as domestic partners transition into spouses. But other institutions will not be so fast to act, according to the Ithaca Journal.

"Not recognizing domestic partners anymore would go against our inclusiveness message," Paul Bursic of Cornell University explained to the source.
 

While most Americans struggle with rising healthcare costs, a recent report by Thomson Reuters explains that some individuals may be paying much more for health insurance because of where they live.

The study found that there was a large discrepancy in individual health insurance costs in the nation based upon geographic location. Consumers in Ogden-Clearfield, Utah, faired the best, with an average annual insurance premium of $2,623 per person, the source reports.

While many may have expected high-priced cities like New York and Los Angeles to top the list, however, Anderson, Indiana, actually had the highest health insurance costs. The average resident in the metropolitan area pays $7,231 for healthcare each year, according to the source.

While prices may cover a wide range, quality of care does not seem to be compromised in lower-priced areas, the source explains.

"Studying these geographic variations can help us identify locations where healthcare costs are less, yet the quality of care and outcomes are not compromised," said the chief medical officer for Thomson Reuters, Ray Fabius. "Understanding where, why, and how medical care costs less can provide solutions to control our nation's healthcare spending."
 

Walgreens may be getting a jump on health insurance exchanges this fall, as the national pharmacy chain will soon be selling health insurance, according to The Chicago Tribune.

While company officials could not confirm or deny their plans, a spokesman explained that no option was off the table, according to CNNMoney.

"As always, we're looking at a number of options in light of health care reform as we continue to seek ways to help our customers better navigate today's health care system," an unnamed company spokesman said, according to the source.

Health insurance exchanges are not required to be fully functional until 2014. However, several companies that are not known for offering healthcare coverage may be getting into the ring when it comes to health benefits. In addition to retail stores like Walgreens, financial institutions and a paycheck processor have been singled out as possible health insurance providers, the source reports.

Walgreen’s product will offer variety when it comes to cost and level of coverage. The health insurance is slated to be sold national through a private exchange, according to the source.  

While many tout public health insurance as an important way to cover families who would otherwise be unable to afford healthcare, some children covered by government-sponsored plans may be at a disadvantage when it comes to primary care.

A recent study showed that children with public-sponsored family health insurance are 22 percent less likely to receive thorough primary care services than their privately insured counterparts, according to the University of Michigan Medical School.

With one-third of American children currently covered by publicly funded health insurance plans, the report sheds light on a potentially problematic issue in healthcare. These government-sponsored policies include Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, according to the source.

The public policies provide much needed coverage for families. However, many of those with such policies reported that their primary care physician spent less time with children and did not provide adequate information to families, the source reports.

"While we need to continue to assure adequate access to primary care for publicly insured children, we also need to pay attention to the care they receive once they're in the door," explained Joseph S. Zickafoose, a professor at the University of Michigan Medical School.  

Despite rising costs, many employers will continue to offer group health insurance coverage to their staff, according to Mercer.

In its recent survey, the company found that the vast majority of employers will continue to offer health benefits even after health insurance exchanges become law in January 2014.

Only 2 percent of respondents stated that they would be "very likely" to discontinue employer-sponsored health insurance after the exchanges become active. Furthermore, a mere 4 percent said that they would be "likely" to opt out of offering the benefits, according to the source.

While many businesses intend to continue offering the coverage, they will likely be looking for ways to reduce costs amid rising healthcare bills, according to Mercer.

"There are reasons other than richness of benefits that drive up cost, such as having an older population or being located in a high-cost metropolitan area – both factors that are not under an employer's control," explained Tracey Watts of Mercer.

Some companies have reported that they will reduce contributions for dependent coverage, while others stated that they would limit the costs by setting a base amount to spend per employee, according to the source.
 

While health insurance costs are rising for most Americans, it seems the nation’s seniors may be getting a break on their premiums. That is because the Obama administration has announced that the Medicare Part D prescription drug program for retirees will not be getting more expensive in 2012, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The Medicare Part D program was created during President George W. Bush’s tenure and works to subsidize prescription drug costs for the elderly. The plan is far less expensive for the government than experts predicted and it will now be cheaper for seniors as well, the source reports.

Individuals adding Medicare Part D to their health insurance plan had to pay an additional $30.76 per month this year. In 2012, the cost will be just $30, according to the source.

This is just one of the many pieces of legislation enacted by the Obama administration that helps make healthcare more affordable. Another important law helped get seniors out of the “doughnut hole” when it comes to prescriptions by creating a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs, subsidized in part by drug companies, according to Kaiser Health News.  

While many individuals may focus on healthy living in an attempt to forgo health insurance bills and lead a long life, some researchers recently found that long life may have more to do with the gene pool than the lap pool, according to The Los Angeles Times.

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older individuals surveyed - age 95 and up - had similar habits as the general population. They drank alcohol as much as the average person, and their exercise and eating habits were on par with their younger counterparts, the source reports.

"This study suggests that centenarians may possess additional longevity genes that help to buffer them against the harmful effects of an unhealthy lifestyle," stated study author Dr. Nir Barzilai, the source reports.

That means individuals with long-living parents and grandparents may be more disposed to live as long themselves.

While the researchers do not recommend picking up unhealthy habits, they do theorize that those with longevity genes would not be too affected by a bit of bad behavior. Barzilai warns that they have yet to determine if every family member inherits the set of genes that lead to a longer life, according to The Washington Post.
 

Californians with pre-existing conditions may be getting a break on health insurance premiums thanks to new legislation approved by the state's Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board and the federal government.

The board recently received federal approval to lower health insurance payments for individuals who qualify for the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Program. The discounts will be determined by age and location of the health insurance subscriber and individuals can save between 8.2 and 24.3 percent on their premium payments, according to MRMIB.

The new premiums took effect on Monday, August 1, the source reports. Many may be relieved by the legislation, as those with conditions like asthma and diabetes may have significant difficulty obtaining affordable quality health insurance as a result of their illness.

"We believed premium cost was a barrier to access for some Californians," explained Cliff Allenby, chairman of MRMIB's board. "We want to make sure that everyone who qualifies for this program has access to its benefits and is not deterred by price."

Officials hope that the premium reductions will offer a solution to citizens struggling to keep up with rising healthcare costs.  

While many older adults are aware of the troubles associated with high blood pressure, or hypertension, and the toll it can take on everything from a daily routine to health insurances costs, many young people would do well to pay attention to the risk factors associated with letting blood pressure get out of control.

A recent study found that those individuals suffering from hypertension may be at risk of losing brain volume over time, according to Medical News Today. Those individuals who put themselves at risk for high blood pressure with certain life style choices were also found to be far more likely to suffer brain shrinkage as a result.

Hypertension can be influenced by many factors. For example, individuals who drink in excess or smoke are much more likely to develop high blood pressure than those that do not. Overweight individuals and people who have diets high in salt are also more disposed to hypertension, according to Pub Med Health.

Individuals who developed diabetes as a result of their habits also lost brain volume in the hippocampus area. Additionally, those who were already obese in middle age were 25 percent more susceptible to brain shrinkage than those that were not, according to Medical News Today.
 

As the number of Alzheimer's cases steadily rises across the nation, experts insist that fine-tuning tools used to detect the signs of the debilitating disease will be crucial in the coming years, according to CNN Health.

As of 2011, there are 5 million diagnosed cases of Alzheimer's disease in the United States. That number is slated to rise to 16 million by 2050, the source reports. Because there is no way to stop or reverse the disease's symptoms, scientists feel that catching the illness early is the only way to curb its progress.

Those with a family history of the disease may be even more susceptible, though everyone can look out for warning signs in an effort to get preventative care from their health insurance, rather than disease management.

The Alzheimer's Association has outlined primary warning signs to look out for when it comes to the disease. Some individuals will suddenly start having trouble making or following through with simple plans. Others may confuse time, seasons or the date.

Additionally, changes in mood and uncharacteristic anti-social tendencies may also be indicative of the disease's onset, according to the source. Those experiencing such symptoms should consult a physician.

More American women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth are suffering from strokes, according to a new report in the journal Stroke.

Between 1995 and 2007, the number of women hospitalized for stroke while pregnant or soon after giving birth rose considerably. Pregnant women saw a 47 percent increase in hospital admission due to stroke, while new mothers saw an 83 percent spike, the source reports.

Some experts believe that these numbers are rising because many women are entering pregnancy with increased risk factors that make them susceptible to stroke, according to a recent study.

"Now more and more women entering pregnancy already have some type of risk factor for stroke, such as obesity, chronic hypertension, diabetes or congenital heart disease," explained Dr. Elena Kuklina, the study's lead author. "Since pregnancy by itself is a risk factor, if you have one of these other stroke risk factors, it doubles the risk."

High blood pressure was often associated with afflicted women. The study suggests using preventative means to ensure safety during pregnancy, a tactic that could lower the risks for other ailments as well and remove some strain from over-taxed health insurance policies.

While optimism is typically heralded as a good lifestyle choice overall, recent research shows that looking on the bright side may go so far as to improve heart health, according to ABC News Health.

The University of Michigan recently found that being optimistic significantly reduced incidence of stroke, according to the source. The institution's study reviewed the lifestyle and habits of 6,000 patients over 50 with no history of stroke.

"Past research has linked optimism with a range of health benefits, including cardiovascular outcome," study author Eric Kim explained to the source.

In a country where strokes effect millions of families and add strain to health insurance costs, this study may provide an essential key to helping to fight heart disease. Stroke is also the third leading cause of death in the nation, with approximately 137,000 Americans dying of it annually, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the research does show a direct link between a good attitude and improved health, researchers are unclear on how exactly this connection is forged. Some speculate that optimism may help keep blood pressure under control, and take subsequent strain off of the heart, according to ABC News Health.
 

While 2014 may seem like a long time off, many business owners are already considering whether or not they will "pay or play" when the healthcare reform bill begins to impact insurance benefits in 2014, according to CFO Magazine.

While the penalties for opting out of employer backed health insurance will be somewhat steep - $2,000 per full time employee - some are saying that they may still drop company coverage and send staff to seek out their own plans through health insurance exchanges, the source reports.

"Over the past year I've talked to many CFOs about pay or play, and more often than not they've said that the annual penalty is less than what they're paying now," Ed Bray, and insurance expert, told the source.

A recent survey conducted by McKinsey & Company supported these opinions. The report found that 30 percent of business owners stated that they would either definitely or probably discontinue group health insurance coverage after 2014. While there were fewer entrepreneurs completely decided on dropping coverage - only nine percent were definitely going to "pay" - the statistic could be indicative of a trend to look out for once health insurance exchanges develop

While 2014 may seem like a long time off, many business owners are already considering whether or not they will "pay or play" when the healthcare reform bill begins to impact insurance benefits in 2014, according to CFO Magazine.

While the penalties for opting out of employer backed health insurance will be somewhat steep - $2,000 per full time employee - some are saying that they may still drop company coverage and send staff to seek out their own plans through health insurance exchanges, the source reports.

"Over the past year I've talked to many CFOs about pay or play, and more often than not they've said that the annual penalty is less than what they're paying now," Ed Bray, and insurance expert, told the source.

A recent survey conducted by McKinsey & Company supported these opinions. The report found that 30 percent of business owners stated that they would either definitely or probably discontinue group health insurance coverage after 2014. While there were fewer entrepreneurs completely decided on dropping coverage - only nine percent were definitely going to "pay" - the statistic could be indicative of a trend to look out for once health insurance exchanges develop

A recent survey conducted by Kelton Research found that many single young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 think that having health insurance makes an individual more attractive.

Of the 506 men and women polled, 90 percent of college students and 93 percent of graduates stated that a potential mate that had health insurance was more appealing. Furthermore, many respondents reported that they would be willing to give up some of their everyday luxuries in order to obtain health insurance for themselves, the source reports.

Many individuals - 68 percent - would be willing to eat at home and forgo a weekly night out at a restaurant if the end result was a health insurance policy. Weekly movie nights and daily coffee may also be cut for healthcare, as 65 percent and approximately 50 percent of those questioned, respectively, stated they would trade those things for coverage, according to Kelton.

Young adults also indicated that they would avoid certain activities if they were not covered by health insurance. For example, many reported that they would not ride a motorcycle, ski or rock climb if they did not have access to healthcare through an insurer, according to the source.
 

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care act was designed in part to make health insurance available to those consumers that do not currently have access to affordable care. A large part of the legislation is aimed at small businesses, which are not generally able to carry the high costs of group health insurance premiums on their own.

However, many small business owners have expressed skepticism when it comes to the small business benefits of the legislation, according to the National federation of Independent Business.

In a recent survey, the NFIB found 87 percent of companies that do not currently offer health insurance to their employees would not be prompted to do so by tax incentives created by the bill. Furthermore, 20 percent of small ventures expect to make changes to their current health insurance packages that will include decreased benefits, a spike in premiums or both.

While these entrepreneurs expressed negative sentiments against the PPACA in the survey, they also did not claim to have a vast knowledge of the bill on the whole. Only 18 percent of respondents claimed great familiarity with the Act, while 40 percent were "somewhat familiar."
 

Health insurance costs are rising for many in the nation, and college professors and other employees are not faring any better than most. Group health insurance coverage for college employees is set to rise in the upcoming school year, according to the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.

CUPA-HR's 2011 Comprehensive Survey of College and University Benefits Programs recently found that the average price of health insurance would rise by 7.3 percent during the 2011-2012 school year. These increases were predicted to be across plan types and will affect HMO, PPO and POS members.

Now, college employees will pay a median price of $5,868 for individual health insurance coverage. Family health insurance will cost $16,388 on average, the source reports.

With increased premiums and rising out-of-pocket costs due to copays and up-front deductibles, many institutions will also be offering wellness programs and voluntary benefits. Of the 415 establishments polled, 60 percent reported that they would, or have, implemented employee wellness programs, which can positively impact wellness and healthcare costs. Additionally, voluntary benefits are being offered by most schools to supplement healthcare expenses, CUPA-HR explains.  

Healthcare costs are already nearly unaffordable for some, and an increasing number of health insurance plans currently come with high copays and upfront deductibles, as health insurers and businesses move to shift more of the cost burden towards employees. In light of this, voluntary benefits could be on the rise, according to Entrepreneur.

Accident insurance and critical illness insurance will likely see the greatest gains, according to A.M. Best. Small businesses may be especially inclined to see a spike in demand for these supplements to health insurance as companies with fewer employees may purchase their group health insurance coverage through the health insurance exchanges that will be up and running in 2014.

As healthcare costs continue to rise, voluntary benefits will likely persistently do the same.

Because these benefits pose no financial risk to business owners, they are being seen as an effective way to pad employee benefits without incurring high annual costs, Entrepreneur reports.

"Lots of small companies are saving money by increasing deductibles on their healthcare plans and offering voluntary benefits to bridge the gap," business owner Steve Roper told the news source.
 

In a recent Gallup poll, Americans reported that a lack of liquid assets and rising healthcare costs were the top two financial concerns for their families.

In the poll, conducted in early July, 17 percent of respondents cited lack of cash as a major concern. Affordability of needed healthcare came in a close second at 12 percent, Gallup reports.

Women were more concerned about health insurance costs on the whole, as 16 percent of the females polled expressed concern over paying for medical care. However, males did not find paying for healthcare as pressing as their feminine counterparts. While health insurance costs remained in the top five financial concerns for men, only 8 percent of male respondents ranked it as their prime concern, according to Gallup.

While individuals may not be able to change the tide of rising health insurance costs, they can change some habits and thereby curb personals medical debts. Prevention is possibly the best remedy, according to WebMD.

Staying healthy through exercise and a balanced diet is one important way to ward off unwanted medical bills, the source reports. Following through with routine care and doctor’s recommendations is another simple way to avoid potentially costly illnesses.
 

Flexible spending arrangements and health spending accounts can be incredibly helpful to consumers attempting to curb medical costs and save for routine medical services. Because the funds are comprised of pre-tax dollars and are often boosted by employer contributions, they can act to relieve much of the financial burden for families seeking medical care.

Unfortunately, legislation that took effect in January bars consumers from purchasing over-the-counter medicines with these accounts. Now a group of bi-partisan lawmakers is trying to remedy that by proposing a bill that would allow OTC medicines to bought using FSA funds, according to The Consumer Healthcare Products Association.

At present, individuals would need to get a prescription from their doctor in order to use FSAs to buy OTC products. Allowing families to purchase these OTC remedies without having to spend money on copays may significantly reduce health insurance costs.

"Over-the-counter medicines empower consumers to practice smart self-care, efficiently and cost-effectively," CHPA president Scott Melville said. "It's part of our health system that works well and effective health reform should build on what's working."
 

Union members may have an advantage when it comes to obtaining employer-sponsored health insurance. The Employee Benefit Research Institute recently noted that union employees were covered by employer provided group health insurance more often than their non-union counterparts.

As of 2007, 82 percent of union contracted employees and 55.9 percent of non-union staff were covered by business sponsored health insurance. By 2009 those percentages fell to 80.4 and 52.2, respectively. While that shows less than a 2 percent dip for union workers, it was a 6.5 percent drop for non-union employees.

"The analysis shows that unionization is a key to many workers having health benefits, and that during tough economic times, union worker health benefits suffer less," EBRI's Paul Fronstin explained.

With union membership on the decline in the private sector, employee-sponsored health benefits could see even greater declines in the coming years. Luckily, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act may make purchasing health insurance easier for individuals in the future when health insurance exchanges become law in 2014. However, many workers are currently left holding the ball when it comes to accessing healthcare today.
 

Prescription drugs make up a large part of overall health insurance costs for most people. The elderly are especially prone to shelling out substantial amounts of money each month to refill their medicine. While prescriptions cannot be eliminated, shopping smarter can help save healthcare dollars, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Those looking to reduce drug costs should not be afraid to consult their physician or pharmacist for advice on how to do so, according to the source. As experts, doctors and pharmacy consultants can point consumers trying to lower health insurance copays in the right direction.

Buying larger pills and cutting them and scouring local pharmacies for the best prices are two additional ways to curb costs, the source reports. For pills that are not time-released, buying larger tablets and cutting doses in half can be an easy way to cut prices. Different stores may also have different rates, so calling around to ensure one is getting the lowest price is a good strategy.

Perhaps the best way to lower monthly medical bills is to go generic, according to the source. There are plenty of generic options already on the market, and as NPR points out, big names such as Lipitor are about to lose their patents, making more affordable options readily available.  

In a bid to bring healthier food to areas that need it most, several of the nation’s food chains have committed to opening new stores in low-income areas, according to The Partnership for a Healthier America.

The PHA is a conglomeration of several health industry leaders and influential role models like First Lady Michelle Obama. They aim to improve overall health, curb childhood obesity and take the strain off of family health insurance by preventing diseases like diabetes before they start.

Over the next five years, seven national chains - including Walmart and Brown’s Super Stores - have promised to open or expand a combined 1,500 locations in low-income areas. Because many disadvantaged neighborhoods lack access to affordable and nutritious foods, the move could make for much healthier lifestyles in those regions.

"The commitments we're announcing today have the potential to be a game-changer for kids and communities all across this country," First Lady Michelle Obama explained. "We can give people all the information and advice in the world about healthy eating and exercise, but if parents can't buy the food they need to prepare those meals because their only options for groceries are the gas station or the local minimart, then all that is just talk."  

Women may soon be able to cut costs when it comes to preventative healthcare thanks to a proposed amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to The New York Times.

The senate passed the amendment on Thursday, which was proposed by Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, a Democrat from Maryland. The legislation would require health insurance companies to provide free mammograms to women, and also suggests making free birth control available as well, according to the news source.

"My amendment would eliminate one of the major barriers to care by getting rid of high co-payments and deductibles," Mikulski explained to the source. "It does not tell women, 'You will have a mammogram at 40.' It says, 'You will have access to that mammogram if you and your doctor decide it’s medically necessary or medically appropriate.'"

The vote came as the Institute of Medicine released a report stating that highlighted gaps in the availability of preventative services for women. The IOM suggests that services such as increased contraceptive education and methods and counseling for sexually transmitted diseases should be made available.
 

In an effort to shore up the federal budget before the nation falls more into the red, the bi-partisan "Gang of Six" has drafted a proposal to cut spending and reduce the nation's deficit by $3.7 trillion over ten years, according to Forbes.

The plan outlines several suggestions on how to cut spending, and curbing health insurance costs is prime among them. Under the directives, Medicare and Medicaid would be overhauled in an effort to reduce wasteful healthcare spending, according to Kaiser Health News.

The current Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate formula would also be either scrapped or overhauled. Costs would be balanced with health savings, and health insurance coverage for the poor and elderly would benefit from additional funds as a result, according to the bipartisan plan.

Medicare doctors would also likely face a pay change, something that has been floated around congress for a decade, Forbes reports. While physicians may not be pleased with the cuts, they may be essential to curbing out of control healthcare spending and shoring up the national debt. Long-term care health insurance may also find itself on the chopping block if the plan is enforced, according to Kaiser Health News.

College students and recent graduates report that health insurance is a prime concern in their job-seeking efforts, according to Kelton Research.

In the organization's recent survey of college students and recent graduates, the firm found that many young adults would take a job they did not like if it came with health insurance and other essential benefits. Many collegians - 57 percent - stated they would put group health insurance above a career in their field, while 49 percent of recent college graduates who are already in the workforce stated that taking a job with benefits was more important than taking one that is enjoyable.

Many of those surveyed also reported that a job offer that did not come with health benefits would not be accepted. Undergraduates and alumni seem to find health insurance equally important in this matter, with 38 percent of students and 39 percent of alumni reporting that lack of health insurance in the workplace could be a potential deal breaker on the job front, according to organization officials.

While recent laws may make job-offered health insurance less of a necessity, healthcare access is still a hot topic at present.

The commonwealth of Pennsylvania recently announced that it would hold a series of forums designed to get resident feedback on the upcoming implementation of health insurance exchanges in the state, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

"Under federal health care reform, states can develop their own exchanges, or default to the federal government," explained insurance commissioner Mike Consedine. "The Insurance Department is currently exploring options for our health care consumers, payers and other stakeholders."

Health insurance exchanges will need to be in effect in each state by January 2014, and the programs are designed to offer competitively priced health insurance plans to individuals and small business, according to The Kaiser Family Foundation. To many who are facing rising healthcare costs that are difficult to keep up with, the exchanges offer a welcome relief.

These exchanges will also provide easy-to-understand information about policy coverage to aid consumers in their health insurance decisions, the organization reports.

The three information sessions scheduled by the PID will take place in August, and all interested parties are welcome to register for the events, which will last approximately six hours each.
 

Californians have won a battle against two primary health insurance companies in the state when it comes to covering services for autistic children. Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross have both agreed to cover medically necessary applied behavior analysis for children suffering from autism spectrum disorders, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The health insurers had previously argued that treatments for autism fell under educational services, and not medical treatments. While the companies claim they were not in the wrong for previously denying autism related claims, they have come to an agreement with the California Department of Managed Health Care, the source reports.

BSC and ABC will now cover up to six months of medically necessary autism treatments for its HMO members. The state is also working on a similar agreement with Kaiser Permanente HMO, according to the source.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every 110 children suffer from an autism spectrum disorder. As the number of Autism cases rise nationwide, the importance of medically covered autism services is becoming an important issue, and many in California may be breathing a sigh of relief as relevant services will now be within reach.
 

The United States Department of Health and Human Services announced this week that it was offering a basic framework to assist states in constructing health insurance exchanges, which need to be in place nationwide by 2014.

HHS proposed new rules that are aimed at helping states navigate the murky territory of setting up exchanges, which lawmakers hope will relieve some of the cost burden of obtaining health insurance plans for individuals and small business owners.

At present, HHS is recommending that states set up a Small Business Health Options Program to help small business owners who wish to provide healthcare coverage for their staff. HHS also suggests certifying health insurance companies before allowing them to take part in exchanges.

While naysayers complain that insurance exchanges go against competitive market practices and may harm consumers in the long run, supporters assert that the exchanges will be beneficial for all involved.

"Exchanges offer Americans competition, choice, and clout," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius explained. "Insurance companies will compete for business on a transparent, level playing field, driving down costs; and Exchanges will give individuals and small businesses the same purchasing power as big businesses and a choice of plans to fit their needs." 

As health insurance costs rise and federal funds dry up, many teaching hospitals may be facing tough cuts to their budgets in the coming months.

Many New York state teaching hospitals are bracing for possible cuts that could take $1 billion in funding away annually, according to The New York Times. Coming directly from Washington, D.C., the cuts would limit Medicare grants that are currently used to train physicians and provide specialty centers such as trauma units and cutting-edge equipment.

Many in the healthcare industry are concerned that the budget shortfalls affecting teaching hospitals nationwide will cause irreparable damage to the healthcare industry. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the cuts could impact more than just quality of care and the availability of well-trained doctors.

Jobs, research advances and business developments are all standing in harm's way. These factors could cause problems on several, the source reports. As a result, the issue needs to be dealt with on a broader level, with members of every community, not just the healthcare industry, involving themselves in the discussion.

"Cuts in Medicare support for teaching hospitals would have serious economic consequences at the local, state, and national levels," Paul Umbach of the AAMC explained.

Many consumers may believe that once a health insurance claim is denied the issue is a done deal. However, as the Los Angeles Times points out, many claims may be denied because of a billing or eligibility issue that could easily be worked out through the member appeals process.

While the process may be time consuming and irritating, it is quite likely that one's efforts will be rewarded, as about half of all appealed medical claims are overturned, according to the source.

The New York Times offers advice to individuals who are looking to question some of the decisions their health insurance company has made. Being aware of the details of personal benefit coverage and knowing the amount of time allotted to file an appeal is prime among the tools needed to go through the appeals process.

Equally important is having paperwork and notes to support an argument. Consumers should retain doctor's bills, their evidence of coverage, denial letters and the like on hand. Furthermore, taking detailed notes on interactions with the insurance company, doctors and human resource departments may prove helpful when constructing an argument, the source reports.

Aspiring doctors may need to memorize more than symptoms and their related treatments in the near future, as some medical schools may begin requiring medical students to improve their people skills.

According to The New York Times, Virginia Tech Carilion - the nation's newest medical school - will be considering the mannerisms and manners of potential applicants when deciding who to admit to their medical training program.

The school is rolling out a plan to test applicants' social skills. Med school hopefuls will undergo nine micro-interviews that are designed to help the admissions board garner which candidates will be best at interacting with patients and peers.

In the age of modern technology and rising health insurance costs, some may say compassion is out of date. As AOL Health points out, many doctors have only a few minutes to spend with patients which may have prompted some individuals to be curt in order to save time. But as the source also points out, compassion can be achieved in the blink of an eye.

Virginia Tech is attempting to promote medical students who are capable of conveying respect.

"We are trying to weed out the students who look great on paper but haven't developed the people or communication skills we think are important," associate dean of admissions Stephen Workman explained to The New York Times.
 

Most people are aware of the health risks and costs associated with smoking. While quitting can help everything from health insurance rates to survival rates, many may not realize that one smoking cessation tool could bring problems of its own.


Chantix, a smoking cessation drug aimed at curbing cravings may negatively affect heart health, according to ABC News Health. The Food and Drug Administration recently noted that the drug may cause increased health risks for those suffering from cardiovascular disease.

The FDA approved the drug in 2006, and its recent comments on its safety may have been prompted by a study conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the source reports. The study found that 72 percent of Chantix users had an increased chance of being hospitalized with serious heart issues, including heart attack.

"In the proportion of smokers that had never had heart disease, we saw an even greater risk of adverse events, about 150 percent increased risk," study author Sonal Singh told the news source.

Representatives from Pfizer, the company that manufactures the pill, pointed out that only 1.06 percent of the 6,000 study participants reported adverse affects after using the drug.

A recent study lead by Harvard University's School of Public Health and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that increasing the availability of Medicaid would help more low-income adults access medical care while taking some of the financial strain off of individuals already covered by health insurance.

The ongoing study is the first of its kind to evaluate the benefits of insuring the uninsured, according to officials from Harvard's School of Public Health. Katherine Baicker, a professor of health economics at HSPH explained that the study showed that Medicaid recipients gained access to healthcare that is not necessarily available to those without health insurance.

"This study shows that Medicaid substantially expands access to and use of care for low-income adults relative to being uninsured," she said.

Researchers claim Medicaid increased the likelihood that a person would use outpatient care and prescription drugs to maintain health. Preventative care services like mammograms and cholesterol control also rose as did routine doctor's visits.

These services combined work to improve overall health and make it less likely that a person will succumb to an illness that could cause them to go into medical debt in the future, researchers reported.
 

Health savings accounts (HSAs) may be a good strategy for those battling against high-deductible health insurance plans, according to FoxBusiness.

HSAs were created by a federal law aimed at helping Medicare recipients pay for their prescription drug coverage. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, any adult with a high-deductible health insurance plan is eligible to create an HSA and can make tax-deductible contribution to the savings plan throughout their plan year. Employers may also allow their staff to make pre-tax contributions to their HSAs from their paychecks.

While HSA funds must be used for medical services, there is no limit to when they must be used, according to FoxBusiness. Because these funds can be rolled over from year to year, there is less chance that they will go to waste. The versatility of HSAs and their viability in cost cutting in healthcare is making them increasingly popular.

"The plans are seeing growth because it helps manage costs without sacrificing care," Nick Calabrese of CIGNA explained to the source. "If an employee qualifies for a high-deductible plan this vehicle helps offset out of pocket costs."
 

By Roy Ramthun, President, HSA Consulting Services, LLC

The big news in the world of consumer-driven health was the long-awaited
release of the 2011 enrollment figures for health plans that make people
eligible to open health savings accounts (HSA) on June 14.

A heartfelt thank you to America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) for
continuing to conduct this research each year. It is the "gold standard"
for HSA enrollment data which those of us who follow the industry eagerly
await each year.

It is also possible that the AHIP survey does not count all Americans
covered by HSA-qualified plans. For example, many larger employers are
self-insured and use a third-party administrator (TPA) to manage their
benefit plan. Some of these TPAs may not be included in the AHIP survey. The
AHIP survey does include enrollment data from insurance carriers that are
members of AHIP who administer self-funded companies' benefits just like
TPAs.

For those looking for enrollment figures for all types of "consumer-driven
health plans" (CDHPs), HSA enrollment is only one part of the picture.
Surveys conducted by the American Association of Preferred Provider
Organizations (AAPPO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
(CDCP) indicate that more than 20 million people are enrolled in
"consumer-driven health plans." But there are many other health plans with
high deductible that do not qualify people for HSAs. For example, some
people are enrolled in older higher deductible plans that do not meet all
the specific requirements to qualify people for HSAs. Other people are
enrolled in high deductible plans through their jobs that offer similar
plans to HSAs known as "health reimbursement arrangements" (HRA).

Strong Growth but Small Employer Enrollment Declines

Let's take a closer look at the enrollment figures. My first reaction was,
11.4 million - is that all? To be sure, enrollment grew only 14 percent
from 2010 to 2011. Putting things in broader perspective, enrollment in HSA
plans has grown 87 percent since 2008. Growth in the individual market grew
15 percent from 2010 to 2011. The group market (large and small employers)
grew 14 percent year over year. Ten percent of all new insurance purchases
were HSA-qualified plans.

So why did enrollment grow slower this year? Taking a closer look at the
group market, we see that growth in the large employer group market actually
grew by 26 percent over 2010. Enrollment in large companies now represents
55 percent of the total HSA enrollment. However, coverage in the small
employer group market actually dropped 6.5 percent from 2010 to 2011 - from
just under 3 million to slightly less than 2.8 million. The small group
market's share of enrollment also dropped from 30 percent to 24 percent.
Had the small group market grown by 26 percent like the large group market
did, an additional 1 million people would have been covered by HSAs (12.4
million total) in 2011.

There is no doubt that the economic challenges facing the country recently
had some impact, particularly for small businesses. That HSA enrollment grew
at all is probably quite an accomplishment during the recent recession. For
those small businesses that did not drop coverage or go out of business, HSA
plans represented 13.5 percent of all new enrollment in the small group
market. Without this growth, the decline would have been much greater.

One also has to wonder what impact the health reform law had on the small
group market for HSAs. Concerns about the new minimum medical loss ratio
requirements and the impact on agent/broker commissions are well documented.
Agents and brokers frequently tell me that consumer-driven plans have lost
some of the price advantage in the small group market as well. Hopefully,
that is not an indication of what will happen as the marketplace evolves
into insurance exchanges. If it is, enrollment in commercial plans that will
be the future "Silver" and "Bronze" plans will not be as affordable as
projected, thus raising the cost of income-based subsidies provided by the
federal government and increasing the likelihood of people choosing to pay
the penalty instead of complying with the individual mandate. Neither are
what the law's supporters intended.

Some States Get It, Some States Don't

Looking at the enrollment figures state by state, one can see that a lot of
"blue" states are well represented by high enrollment and/or high
penetration in the private market by HSA-qualified plans. California,
Illinois, and Vermont particularly come to mind. With 11.4 percent adoption,
one has to wonder why Vermont just voted to become implement a state-run
"single payer" system. Vermonters with HSAs, do you want to keep your HSA?

Three states - Alabama, California, and New Jersey - still haven't conformed
their state income tax code to provide the same tax benefits as federal law.
With almost 1.1 million enrollees, the time is now for California to make
this change, but I suspect budget problems will prevent that from happening
this year. I look forward to Gov. [Chris] Christie to lead efforts to change
the law in New Jersey. Alabama doesn't strike me as a "blue" state so I'm
not sure what the reasons are there. But if Wisconsin can change its law, so
can you!

Other Items of Interest

The AHIP census included some other items worth mentioning. First, the
number of insurance carriers with enrollment of more than 100,000 lives
increased from 21 to 24. Second, the demographics of enrollees indicate
strongly support the appeal of these plans to families with children, as
well as older couples approaching retirement. Other data from the Employee
Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) shows that the income gap has narrowed
significantly and has a strong correlation with education levels. Third, 85
percent of HSA plans offered tools to support their enrollees. How useful
the tools are is probably the subject for another study, but it is good to
see that tools are being offered.

What Is Needed for Sustainable Growth?

It is clear that HSAs are part of the mainstream in health insurance options
today. More than half of large employers are offering these plans, according
to most surveys, and the percentage of larger employers which these types of
plans are the only option offered appears to be around 20 percent and
growing.

However, that does not mean they will continue to grow unless provisions in
the health reform law that could harm HSA users are eliminated, such as:
Individuals now cannot use HSA funds for over-the-counter medications
without first obtaining a doctor's prescription.

The Wall Street Journal

previously noted how this provision is causing paperwork headaches for
patients and physicians alike.

HSA users with chronic conditions and/or high medical expenses who withdraw
funds for non-health purposes are subject to higher penalties (20 percent)
compared to IRAs and 401(k) programs.

Minimum medical loss ratio requirements do not count medical claims below
the deductible because the claims are not paid by the insurance carrier.
This may make it harder for high deductible plans to meet the minimum
standard.

Other provisions of the new law have yet to be defined. For example, the
law's essential health benefits package could contain new restrictions on
deductibles and cost-sharing that will prevent at least some current HSA
plans from being offered. Worst of all, many more individuals could lose
their HSA plan, depending on how "insurance" is defined.

Fortunately, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Rep. Eric Paulsen have
introduced legislation (S.1098 / H.R.2010) that would expand HSAs and
eliminate many of these barriers to growth. Contact your elected
representatives today and ask them to support these bills and HSAs.

Source: WSJ Source

The recent legalization of same-sex marriage in New York has brought issues of health insurance benefits to the forefront in the state.

The New York Times reports that before gay marriage was declared legal, health insurance costs were one issue effecting gay couples. Now that the unions are legal, companies that had extended benefits to married couples only will have to extend the same benefits to same-sex couples that wed.

While many same-sex couples already have access to dependent coverage through certain employers, The Associated Press points out that non-married individuals must pay a tax on their employers contribution to non-related dependents on their insurance plans. The new law will enable such couples to legally wed and therefore forgo the extra cost.

However, some same-sex couples remain undecided on whether or not to take advantage of the ability to merge two health insurance plans into one.

"We're going to have to sort of re-evaluate and decide whether it's more cost-effective to be under one plan or not," New York resident Andrew Troup told the AP.  

In the age of ballooning health insurance costs and limited access to quality care, many on both sides of the health care industry are searching for solutions to the healthcare issue. 

In an attempt to control inflation, many health insurance companies are making moves toward managed care, as system in which the insurance company owns and operates a group of doctors or a particular facility.

United Healthcare is one insurance company that has begun to acquire doctors groups in certain regions, according to Kaiser Health News. The healthcare giant is not the first insurer to opt for the business model.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Highmark, an insurance company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was making moves to acquire the second-largest hospital chain in their region.

In these managed care structures, insurance companies employ the doctors who work in their facilities. Instead of receiving fees for service, these physicians receive salaries. The model is intended to prevent unnecessary tests and procedures from occurring, which in turn can save consumers on premiums and out of pocket costs.  

Hospice care is meant to make the experience of dying easier on ailing individuals and their families. Median time spent under hospice care is generally 17 days, but some for-profit hospice facilities may be extending the length of services in order to bump up profits, according to The New York Times.

Such practices could put undue strain on both government-funded Medicare programs and families who pay for private health insurance. Medicare in particular could suffer from practices that focus on creating healthier assets over providing opportunities for healthier living.

Medicare’s hospice bills have risen from $2.9 billion in 2000 to $12 billion in 2009, according to Vermont Public Radio. While the fact that the service is available to more Medicare beneficiaries is promising, the rising costs are cause for concern.

Because hospice is not designed to prolong life, but instead to make those that are dying more comfortable in their final days, it can serve as a much needed respite for individuals who have battled long illnesses. As the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid point out, hospice is designed to promote physical comfort and support emotional, social and spiritual needs for those in their final days of life.

If you have not already done so, make sure that your company’s or clients' health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) have been amended (if needed) to comply with the requirement in the health reform law that over-the-counter medicines and drugs (except insulin) require a prescription for tax-free reimbursement. This prescription requirement must be communicated to employees.

The IRS gave plan sponsors until June 30, 2011 to amend their plans to comply with the new requirements, but the amendment must be effective retroactively for expenses incurred after December 31, 2010 and the plan is administered in compliance with the requirement beginning January 1, 2011.

If a debit card program is offered, the amendment must be effective retroactively for expenses incurred after January 15, 2011. Employee communications should also describe the impact on debit card transactions.

Technological advancements and greater access to health insurance may herald good news for those suffering from type 1 diabetes.

According to the source a recent study shows the life expectancy for those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes has risen from 53.4 years for those diagnosed between 1950 and 1964 to 68.8 years for those who discovered they had the ailment between 1965 and 1980.

Type 1 diabetes, sometimes called juvenile diabetes, is a condition often found in younger persons where the body does not produce insulin, which is necessary to convert sugar into energy, according to the American Diabetes Association. While many people benefit from insulin therapy, other preventative measures may have impacted overall survival rates.

The ADA has previously recommended preventative measures such as weight loss, blood pressure control and smoking cessation in order to curb the effects of diabetes. Many health insurance companies have created programs for diabetics that follow this model, and such efforts may have changed things for the better.

Joel Zonszein of Montefiore Medical Center in New York told USA Today that he felt the recent findings were a sign of better days ahead.

"Our patients are doing much better," he said. "The morbidity is also much less. I think this study is very reassuring." 

While many Americans look toward steady employment to provide their families with benefits like increased income and health insurance, they may not realize that their desk jobs are harming their health.

The American Cancer Society recently realized findings from a 14-year study that highlight the health risks posed to both men and women who sit for longer than six hours each day. The study found that women who sat throughout the day are 37 percent more likely to die than those who do not sit for such long periods. Men in similar situations increased their mortality rate by 18 percent.

Furthermore, both men and women who do not engage in physical activity found themselves inflating their risk of death to alarming levels. Inactive men who sit for long periods are 48 percent more likely to pass away, while women are 94 percent more disposed to die.

"Prolonged time spent sitting, independent of physical activity, has been shown to have important metabolic consequences, and may influence things like triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, resting blood pressure, and leptin, which are biomarkers of obesity and cardiovascular and other chronic diseases," said Dr. Alpa Patel, the study’s leader.  

While many individuals stress over the lack of affordability when it comes to health insurance, some may not realize that some of their healthcare habits are helping to put added strain on an already exacerbated situation.

Primary care providers from across the nation recently reported as many as 10 percent of all office visits are unnecessary, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).

CHPA predicts the healthcare industry could save upwards of $5.26 billion each year if patients attempted to treat small injuries and ailments at home. Furthemore, the company estimates that if non-essential doctor's visits were cut in half, the number of yearly visits to primary care offices would be slashed by $26.3 million.

"As consumers face rising healthcare costs and a pending primary care physician shortage, and as lawmakers look to reign in healthcare spending, these data show how over-the-counter medicines are smart solutions for affordable healthcare, especially at this critical time," explained CHPA president and CEO Scott M. Melville.

If consumers had adequate direction and information, CHPA asserts they could effectively manage minor health issues with over-the-counter products, saving both time and money and reducing the strain on an already overwhelmed healthcare system.  

Stress has long been tied to urban life. Traffic, noise and crime are just some anxiety triggers that are par for the course in an urban setting. However, new research shows that city residents may process external stressors differently than those from suburban or rural communities.

Published in Nature, the research found that people who grew up in or near an urban space had cognitively different reactions to stress that were great enough to measure with magnetic imaging brain scans. While many are already aware of the burden constant stress can pose to an individual, some may not know how anxiety can affect one’s health.

The Mayo Clinic points out higher levels of adrenaline associated with anxiety can speed up one’s heart rate and bump up blood pressure. The laundry list of subsequent health problems associated with unchecked stress levels includes depression, heart disease and obesity, the source reports.

In light of this, it is important for individuals to take preventative measures when it comes to anxiety so as to minimize its negative effects and the possible health insurance costs that may result. Urbanites who have greater access to stress reducers like yoga and therapy may want to take advantage.

Many Americans struggle with finding affordable health insurance to cover themselves and their families. Those with preexisting conditions may find it even more difficult to obtain the health insurance they require. One North Carolina man who could not see any other alternatives decided that the only way to get the healthcare he needed was to go to jail, according to ABC.

James Verone has been suffering from chronic back and foot pain for some time, but when he noticed a bulge in his chest he decided it was time to take action. Unfortunately, Verone had been laid off from his job at Coca-Cola after 17 years and had been unable to secure any lucrative full-time employment, ABC reports.

Feeling as though his options were limited and not wanting to burden his family, Verone decided his only course of action was to commit a crime in order to obtain healthcare as an inmate. The 59-year-old donated or sold his belongings and sent a letter to local paper, The Gaston Gazzette reports.

"When you receive this, a bank robbery will have been committed by me. This robbery is being committed by me for one dollar," Verone wrote, according to source. "I am of sound mind but not so much sound body." 

While most companies are looking to cut costs when it comes to health insurance, fewer than may have been expected report that they will drop employee benefits when universal healthcare takes effect in 2014, according to McGraw Wentworth.

In its annual survey of mid-sized Michigan companies, McGraw Wentworth found that while many of these organizations are contemplating the impact healthcare reform may have on their business, they do not plan to scrap health insurance plans altogether.

"Employers are looking closely at the 'play or pay' aspects of health reform and the status of their health plans," said McGraw Wentworth's account director Julie Trustkowski. "Employers need to make strategic decisions before 2014 to accommodate health care reform mandates."

But while employers report that they will not be cutting care, they did indicate that they were seeking ways to lower healthcare costs and control inflation.

Organizations that were successful at keeping expenses down tended to include employees in the decision making process. Furthermore, many financially savvy businesses opted for consumer driven health plans (CDHP) in lieu of HMOs and PPOs.

CDHPs will often include an upfront deductible for patient care and a lower monthly premium for both the individual and the employer.
 

Weight loss doctor Gautam Gupta is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for allegedly sending fraudulent claims to health insurance agencies in his home state of Illinois.

The FBI in partnership with the Illinois Healthcare and Human Services Department have been investigating Gupta, who ran six weight loss clinics in Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, since January of 2010. Private health insurance companies and the state funded Medicaid program may have paid $25 million in fraudulent medical claims to Gupta, according to the source.

Dr. Gupta’s website claims to offer medical weight loss therapy and FDA-approved drugs that help patients on the road to permanent weight loss. Patients who visited Gupta’s facilities thought they were being attended by nurses when they underwent a number of tests involved in the process, however, none of the clinics employed any actual nurses, according to Medical News Today.

Furthermore, former employees claim that he urged them to doctor patient charts so more tests could be performed. The doctor, whose whereabouts are unknown, is also being charged with mail fraud, conspiracy and medical fraud. 

A recent study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) found that the annual number of cancer related deaths has dropped. This may be due in some part to improved technology, however, lack of health insurance for some patients may create an insurmountable obstruction between them and good health.

Cancer is the leading cause of death after heart disease, and while some forms of cancer can not be prevented through healthy life choices, some - like lung and throat cancer - could be. In 2011, the ACS predicts that of the 1,596,670 new cancer cases discovered, just 571,950 of those diagnosed will succumb to the disease.

While the human loss to cancer is significant, the ACS study found that survival rates continue to improve. Between 1999 and 2006, 68 percent of people diagnosed survived for five or more years, while only 50 percent had the same chance of survival between 1975 and 1977

The type of cancer one has and the stage at which they are diagnosed can have a great effect on the likelihood of surviving the disease. With 51 million Americans living without health insurance in 2009, the chance to catch cancer early is clearly not available to everyone.

However, the ACS findings still provide a ray of hope for those battling the disease.

State employees in Illinois were spared health insurance confusion last week after a state legislative panel approved an emergency plan that allows the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS) to provide more options to its current staff and retirees, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

The move comes in response to concern over limited options for employee health insurance.

DHFS director Julie Hamos explained to The News-Gazette that a lack of healthcare alternatives and concerns about gaps in coverage are they driving factors behind the legislation.

"What I think was most distressing to public employees in this entire last two months' period is to think that they had very few options, and it was going to be either a PPO or Blue Cross, which was only in 38 counties," she said.

Individuals and families looking to continue coverage with the state will need to get their plans in order quickly to avoid disruptions, as current policies are set to expire at the end of June, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

While many state workers may be relived to have more choices, these emergency contracts - which only last for 90 days - may be too fleeting for some looking to get the issue finalized.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act remains a hotly debated topic in the nation, yet its mandates on health insurance are already effecting the industry.

The most controversial aspect of the bill - the individual insurance requirement - does not go into effect until 2014, but many speculate that the mandate will prompt employers to drop health insurance coverage. However, some see these changes not as opportunities discontinue coverage, but to save money by doing what they have always done.

Mark Hodesh, a small business owner in Michigan told The Huffington Post tax credits have already made it possible for him to add a new employee. Hodesh also explained that forthcoming legislation will only make it less expensive for him to offer health insurance to his employees, which will only make, in his opinion, will only make his business more competitive.

Many companies may keep coverage but move from defined benefits to defined contribution, according to Forbes Magazine. This means that instead of being offered a comprehensive care package, staff will be offered a set dollar amount with which they may select an insurance plan. Plans may also feature high deductibles more often than not, which will shift a great deal of the cost burden away from the employer.
 

AHIP has released the latest update of its annual census of the market for health savings accounts (HSAs). As of January 2011, more than 11.4 million Americans were covered by HSA-eligible high deductible health plans (HDHPs), an increase of more than 14 percent from the prior year. A copy of the 2011 Census is attached.



Other key findings of the census include the following:



Between January 2010 and January 2011, the fastest growing market for HSA plans was for large-group coverage, which rose by 26 percent, followed by individual market coverage, which grew by 15 percent.



In the individual market, 2.4 million covered lives are enrolled in HSA plans, while approximately 2.8 million lives were enrolled in HSA/HDHP coverage in the small-group market and over 6.3 million lives were covered in the large-group market.



Forty-nine (49) percent of all HAS/HDHP enrollees in the individual market (including dependents) were age 40 or over; 51 percent were under age 40.



States with the highest levels of HSA/HDHP enrollment were California (1,073,319 enrollees), Texas (844,832 enrollees), Ohio (728,868 enrollees), Illinois (690,509 enrollees), Florida (656,243 enrollees) and Minnesota (507,307 enrollees).

For an instant online quote for an HSA compatible health insurance plan click here HSA Quote

Medical malpractice insurance can be a costly expenditure for many doctors, and those costs are often passed along to consumers who are faced with increasing fees for services and high health insurance premiums as a result.

In an attempt to reduce the monetary burden created by medical malpractice, many districts are employing judge-directed negotiation. The Obama administration feels that the shift to mediation will have a positive impact on liability expenses, and in turn, health insurance rates, according to The New York Times.

Officials in New York told the news source that while their judge-directed negotiation program may result in smaller payouts, it will also help to avoid lengthy legal battles and get compensation to individuals much quicker.

The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that it would be providing grants to help implement new approaches in medical liability and patient protection. The New York State Unified Court System was one such recipient and it plans to use the funds to expand its existing methodology.

James B. Battles of the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality told The New York Times that he hoped others take notice.

"We would hope that other states across the country would look at this as a model they might want to replicate," he said.  

In an attempt to update its safety standards, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced plans to modernize its injunctions on sunscreens.

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it is also one of the most preventable. The FDA hopes to curb the number of skin cancer diagnoses each year by providing consumers with the information necessary to choose the right products for them.

Janet Woodcock, M.D., the FDA’s director for its Center for Drug Evaluation and Research explained that a combination of highly effective products and alternative sun protection measures should be employed to prevent melanoma.

"Most skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. FDA encourages consumers to protect themselves," she said. "Not only should consumers regularly apply and reapply sunscreens with Broad Spectrum and SPF of 15 or higher, they should also limit sun exposure."

Broad spectrum sun protection blocks both Ultra-violet A and B rays, and can help save individuals from racking up health insurance bills by saving skin from sun damage. The FDA’s regulations will make it easier for consumers to choose sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection and the required amount of SPF defense of SPF 15 or greater. 

The IRS has just recently released the contribution limits for HSA's for 2012. There will be a slight increase from the 2011 maximums.

2012 Contribution Limits for HSA's:
Self-only Max - $3,100
Family Max - $6,250

New Limits for Definition of a "High Deductible Health Plan"
Not less than $1,200 (no change from 2011) for self-only coverage and $2,400 (no change) for family coverage.
Maximum out-of-pocket not to exceed $6,050 for self-only coverage and $12,100 for family coverage.

For an instant rate on a HSA compliant health insurance plan visit HSA Quote

While most people think of making diet changes to slim down, some menu alterations are the result of hazards posed by certain foods. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that instances of salmonella poisoning have risen in the past 10 years, and that overall, one in six people gets a food related illness each year.

With E. coli wreaking havoc overseas, some healthcare professionals are warning consumers to be cautious of what foods they eat and how they are prepared so that they might avoid racking up charges on their health insurance. The Center for Science and the Public interest warns that eggs, tuna and leafy greens are most often associated with food borne illness.

Eggs are carriers for salmonella, and when not cooked through they can cause a person to become sick; and leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, endive and escarole can contain contaminants like E. coli, norovirus and salmonella, according to Yahoo Health.

In addition to mercury, tuna may also have a naturally occurring toxin called scombrotoxin that can cause a multiple symptoms when consumed. Because the toxin cannot be removed by any means once it has developed, it is important that people not eat fish if it tastes peppery, bitter or metallic, according to the source.

Many health insurance companies and self-insured employee groups rely on primary care doctors to keep healthcare costs at a minimum while also maximizing patient health. The idea that primary care doctors can help to manage costs is not new, but supporters, such as American College of Physicians president Jeffery P. Harris, remain vocal about the issue.

"The evidence for the value of primary care is clear," he told Science Daily. "It manifests itself in better quality of life, more productive longevity, and lower costs as a result of reduced hospitalization, improved prevention and better coordination of chronic disease care."

However, the National Physicians Alliance (NPA) recently found that doctors are distributing medications and performing unnecessary – even potentially harmful – screenings that may be adding to the already troubling trend of inflated health insurance costs.

The group has made several “top 5” lists aimed at encouraging doctors nationwide to reconsider how their practices may be effecting the healthcare bottom line, according to The New York Times. Based on data collected from monitoring PCPs in three specialties, the report suggests limiting certain tests - such as general blood testing for healthy individuals and bone density tests for younger persons not at risk for developing osteoporosis – in an effort to curb rising costs.

In recent years, health insurance has become less affordable for the average American, while dividends at many insurance companies have grown. In an effort to reverse this unsettling trend, Blue Shield of California (BSC) announced this week that it would limit company profits and return consumer dollars.

The health insurer intends to limit net income to 2 percent of its revenue, and also plans to return $180 million dollars to its members and the surrounding community. Bruce Bodaken, chairman and CEO of BSC elaborated on the company’s new financial agenda in a speech at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.

"From now on we will set our rates to generate no more than 2 cents in profit for every dollar in revenue," he said. "If at the end of any year we wind up with net income above that amount because of lower-than-expected medical or administrative costs or higher-than-expected investment income, we'll return that amount to our customers and the community."

While the overall reaction to this news was positive, some consumer advocates expressed mixed reviews. For example, Anthony Wright of Health Access California stressed that the measure would not guarantee appropriate customer rates and that regulations were still necessary to control them, according to The New York Times.

In November 2009, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) released its recommendations for breast cancer screening, which included directives to reduce the number of annual screenings for women under 50 and advised against teaching women to perform self-examinations.

However, private health insurance companies and federally funded insurers like Medicare have by and large ignored these directives and continued to provide coverage for yearly routine mammographies, according to Health Day.

Some are now suggesting that considerable backlash against the report posted to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter may have played a role in halting the healthcare changes.

Breast cancer survivors and healthcare professionals cited the importance of early detection in overcoming breast cancer as a main reason for disagreeing with the USPSTF and as they posted their thoughts online, created virtual lobbying groups and spoke to reporters, the health industry listened.

With Science Daily reporting that nearly 52 percent of all blog posts, newspaper articles and tweets were against the preventive measures, detractors were able to get their point across faster than they would have been able to in years past.

Perhaps the age of social media will herald a new era in healthcare where patients have a greater voice.