Health Insurance Quote - Individual Health Insurance

Dental appointments are important

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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.

Many consumers confused on what plan to select

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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.

Employees want more health insurance options from employers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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.

Patients classified as poor, elderly may switch to private insurers from Medicare

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Patients can save money this fall by reviewing coverage

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Multiple people responsible for an individuals' health

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Young people getting more health insurance, faster

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Monthly premiums to decrease for Michigan

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

More people looking for healthcare info online

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Many consumers denied health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Children with private health insurance may have advantage

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

College students seek health insurance over job fulfillment

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Small business and individual insurance mandates

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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.

Many states charging ahead with insurance exchanges

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 02:00:00 -0500

The Hartford Courant reports that the Connecticut Senate has passed a bill that would initiate a health insurance exchange in the state by a vote of 23 to 13.

All 50 states need to adopt insurance exchanges by 2014 as a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was passed into law last year at the urging of the Obama administration. However, Connecticut is looking to get a jump on the process, even in the face of heated opposition by many Republican party leaders.

Last April, there was a push by Republicans in Congress to remove the $1.9 billion that was set aside to help states in construct their exchanges, according to Reuters. Connecticut has already been awarded $1 million of that funding to begin work on its health insurance marketplace.

The exchange, which will provide both individual health insurance and group plans for small businesses, will be overseen by an 11-person committee. Furthermore, insurance that is sold on the exchange will be subject to more stringent regulations than plans that are sold on the open marketplace, according to the Connecticut Mirror.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida goes mobile

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 31 May 2011 02:00:00 -0500

In a bid to curb health insurance costs and provide better healthcare services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) launched its new iPhone and Android app this week, according to company officials.

In an age defined by internet access on the go and constant status updates, providing accurate and helpful health insurance information in a mobile format could help define BCBSF as a leader in technologically convenient insurance coverage.

Open to subscribers and non-subscribers alike, the app is designed to reduce individual healthcare expenses and expand access to health-related information. Director of strategic development at BCBSF Adriana Murillo explained that the Florida Blue mobile app was one way for the company to meet consumer needs in a climate of evolving technology.

"We are focused on understanding the needs of mobile users in the context of their health when on the go and providing mobile solutions to meet those needs," said Murillo.

The free application will provide updated information about benefits and plan information to members, and services such as a weather-induced health alerts and a health toolkit to everyone.

Iowans with pre-existing conditions gain access to health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 20 May 2011 02:00:00 -0500

In light of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that was signed into law on March 23, Iowa has begun to offer its denizens who are afflicted with previously un-insurable conditions individual health insurance through HIPIOWA-FED, according to officials from the federally funded healthcare program.

HIPIOWA-FED will offer coverage to individuals who have been without insurance for at least six months. Premiums are on par with other individual insurance plans, and plans are available to people who are unable to obtain insurance through their employer and those who have been denied by other insurance carriers.

Before healthcare reform, a multitiude of families and individuals were denied health insurance or offered only restricted coverage due to pre-existing conditions that range in severity from asthma to AIDS. The PPACA has specifically outlined a provision to put a halt to this practice.

According to White House officials, as many as 72,000 children who were previously denied coverage will be offered health insurance due to the legislation. Furthermore, 90,000 families will no longer have to cope with restrictions for children who have limited benefits because of an ailment.

The Romney conundrum: individual health insurance and health care reform

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 17 May 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Healthcare reform was the prime topic last week when likely 2012 presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney spoke at The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, according to The Boston Globe.

Romney, who signed a landmark state healthcare plan into law while serving as governor of the Bay State, finds himself between a rock and a hard place when it comes to his party's stance on mandatory individual health insurance and his own views.

While the Republican party files lawsuits contesting the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and its health insurance requirement, Romney stands by his decision to make health insurance obligatory for Massachusetts residents. For Romney, the distinction between right and wrong, when it comes to individual insurance, lies between the state and federal law.

In an op-ed piece submitted to USA Today last week, Romney asserted that, if elected, he would give the power to dictate healthcare back to individual states.

"I will issue on my first day in office an executive order paving the way for waivers from ObamaCare for all 50 states," he wrote. "The reforms that I propose...improve access by slowing healthcare cost increases, and make health insurance portable and flexible for today's economy."

Massachusetts residents have restricted access to primary care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 12 May 2011 02:00:00 -0500

A new survey by the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) indicates that patients in the Baystate, which has been on the forefront of health insurance reform, have seen a significant drop in the number of primary care providers that are accepting new patients.

According to the MMS, more than half of the primary care practices in the state are closed to new patients. This means many patients will have to contend with long wait times to see physicians in non-emergency situations. Average wait times hover at 48 days for an internal medicine appointment and 36 days for family medicine.

Alice Coombs, president of the society, stressed that these findings highlight weaknesses in the state's healthcare system.

"Massachusetts has made great strides in securing insurance coverage for its citizens," said Dr. Coombs. "But insurance coverage doesn’t equal access to care."

Coombs pointed out that lack of access to primary care is forcing many individuals to visit the emergency room, which can be more costly.

A recent poll by the American College of Emergency Physicians confirmed this trend. The findings, which were published in April, showed that more than 80 percent of emergency physicians who were polled reported significant increases in the number of people treated each day.

Hospital bills too high for those without health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 11 May 2011 02:00:00 -0500

A Health and Human Services (HHS) report released today showed that most families that do not have health insurance are unable to pay their hospital bills.

"One of the most enduring myths in American health care is that people without health insurance can get care with little or no problem," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "Nothing could be farther from the truth."

This is due in part to the high cost of in-patient stays. In 2008, a total of 2.1 million people without insurance were hospitalized. While not all of those people incurred significant medical bills, 58 percent were faced with bills totalling $10,000 or more.

Furthermore, many of the 50 million Americans that are without health insurance have little to no savings. As a result, the study estimates that families that are faced with pricey hospital bills would only be able to pay 12 percent of the total cost.

High cost coupled with limited savings forces many families to chose between paying incurring bills and getting medical care. This dilemma reinvigorates the debate on healthcare reform, as it highlights the need for an affordable public option.

"Live free or die" without health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 09 May 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Amidst a bevy of lawsuits filed to overturn the Obama administration's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the State of New Hampshire voted on Wednesday to return any federal funds that it receives to implement the program, according to Bloomsberg Business Week.

Most critics are honing in on the PPACA's health insurance requirement, and many legislators in New Hampshire have spoken out against the mandate. The state's House of Representatives decided to return the $660,000 in funds it had already accepted to implement healthcare reform. The amended bill states "that a resident of New Hampshire shall not be required to obtain, or be assessed a fee or fine for failure to obtain, health insurance coverage."

Further, the house asked the state's Attorney General, Michael Delaney, to join the 26-state lawsuit challenging the PPACA, according to Seacoast Online. There was also a push to ask the Supreme Court if lawmakers were able to order an attorney general to file suit.

State Representative Andrew Manuse argued that the legislature should have the authority to take action.

"It is quite clear the legislature sets policy and the executive enforces it," Seacoast Online quoted the Representative as saying.

Survey: More young adults have health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 06 May 2011 02:00:00 -0500

A Gallup poll released Wednesday showed that the number of uninsured Americans between the ages of 18 and 26 fell this year. Before the decline, this age group was the most likely to be without health insurance. They have now been surpassed by 27 to 35 year-olds.

This change may be due in large part to healthcare reform legislation passed last fall by the Obama administration. The Affordable Care Act allows young adults to stay on their family health insurance plan until the age of 26. The provision went into effect last September, just before peak open enrollment season.

The change comes as a relief to many impending and recent college grads, who often feel compelled to take jobs that do not offer health insurance options. Boston University senior Rochelle O'Sullivan told The Los Angeles Times that she does not want obtaining a policy to drive her job search.

"I'm worried about getting a job, getting experience," she was quoted as saying by The Los Angeles Times. "And if that means taking a job without insurance, I'd do that."

Now, young adults like O'Sullivan won't have to choose between building their resume and filling their prescriptions.

Rob Schaaf wants to make health insurance costs transparent

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 03 May 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Rob Schaaf, the Republican Senator from Missouri and former family physician won a victory last week with his Senate Bill 122. This two-pronged legislation, which would help to make healthcare costs both easier to understand and less expensive for consumers, is ready to go to the Missouri House of Representatives.

The bill, which was filed in January, would require consumers to pay only the retail cost of a prescription when their health insurance copay exceeds that amount. For instance, residents would no longer owe $20 copays for $10 drugs. The Columbia Missourian reported that the bill would also require health insurers to provide information on provider fee schedules online so patients could choose less expensive physicians and hospitals. This could add up to huge savings for individuals whose policies call for high up-front deductibles.

According to The Columbia Missourian, the Senator likens the lack of transparency in healthcare costs to two competing gas stations that do not advertise their prices per gallon, asking, "how would you know which one to go to?"

If these amendments are passed, consumers will be getting more accurate health insurance quotes, which should, in turn, help to curb the overall cost of healthcare in the nation.

NFL lockout may affect players' health insurance coverage

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 02:00:00 -0500

Millions of people across the nation are struggling to secure health insurance coverage, and soon, NFL players may join their ranks.

The NFL Players Association and team owners have not been able to reach an agreement regarding player salaries and contracts, resulting in a lockout that has officially stalled the beginning of professional football season. Now, with no end in sight, some players are worried that they will not be able to afford their health insurance premiums.

Under the federal COBRA law, employees are allowed to keep their employer-sponsored health plan a long as they keep up with payments at their own expense. According to the Associated Press, the NFL Players' Association reports that the average monthly fee for a family policy is $2,400. While football players earn a significantly larger salary than the average American - the source said minimum rookie pay starts at $320,000 while other make millions - the organization said some younger payers may not be able to keep up with COBRA payments for long.

"Is it a ton of players? No. But is it concern enough for us? Absolutely," NFLPA president Kevin Mawae told the source.

About 9 million Americans have lost their health insurance during the past two years because of the economic recession, according to a recent survey from the Commonwealth Fund.

Romney criticized for Massachusetts' healthcare system

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Recently, Representative Paul Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican and chairman of the House Budget Committee, criticized former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney for the healthcare plan currently in place in the state.

Ryan claims the plan has parallels to the national plan, commonly referred to as ObamaCare, after President Barack Obama signed it into legislature last year. Many representatives do not look highly upon the current state of national healthcare, which is why Romney has drawn criticism from other reps.

"[Massachusetts' healthcare system is] not that dissimilar to ObamaCare," Ryan said. "And you probably know I'm not a big fan of ObamaCare."

Massachusetts currently has a plan in place that requires nearly all residents obtain a state-government-regulated minimum level of healthcare insurance coverage, and provides free healthcare to residents that earn less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

"Massachusetts has a state health insurance program that they're obviously happy with. We think that’s their right," said Mississippi governor Haley Barbour. "We don’t want that. That's not good for us."

Complaints regarding Massachusetts' healthcare system have been coming forward as Romney begins to position himself for a run at the 2012 presidental election.

A similar healthcare system is slowly developing in Colorado. Recently, a Senate committee approved a bill that would eliminate private insurance companies and create a universal healthcare plan in the state.

Boston health insurance plans discuss takeover

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Tufts Health Plan may be coming to a conclusion in their long discussions with local Cambridge Health Alliance's managed care plan, in order to enter the low-income health insurance market in Massachusetts.

While no decision has been agreed at this point, any agreement will have to be reviewed by third-party regulators.

Cambridge Health Alliance operates hospitals for low-income persons with poor insurance or no health insurance at all in Everett, Somerville and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Because of tough economic times, the company has searched for a partnership or other suitors to help them continue.

Cambridge Health Alliance’s chief executive, Dennis Keefe said, "While details are still being worked out, Tufts would likely become a majority owner of Network Health while CHA would retain an ongoing ownership interest," in an email to his company.

Tufts Health Plan is the state of Massachusetts' second-largest health care provider. They are also in talks to merge with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, the state's third-largest health care provider. If these companies combine, they would create a 1.7-million member insurance company; allowing them to better compete with Blue Cross Blue Shield, the largest insurance company, with 2.9 million insured.

More Colorado residents had health insurance in 2010 than 2009, study finds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

While advocates say it's good news that residents of Colorado were more likely to be insured last year than in the year before, the state insurance commissioner's annual report also noted that the cost of health insurance rose more quickly than the ability of citizens to pay for it.

The report said the growth of health premiums was more rapid than both inflation and average wages in the state. As well, Coloradans saw increases to the share of health insurance costs they paid for employer-sponsored policies that were above the national average.

However, in addition to the increase in coverage levels, there were several other positive findings. In 2009, Colorado residents were 7 percent more likely to be covered by commercial or employers' health insurance plans than the national average, and private employers added health insurance plans at double the average rate.

Pending the outcome of several efforts to overturn the law, experts say the advent of health insurance exchanges due to the Affordable Care Act in 2014 could provide additional impetus for change in the state's health insurance market.

Going cheap on health insurance while upping levels of care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

The problems with America's healthcare system are well-documented, but equally well-known are the funding issues already making themselves felt in national health insurance programs like Medicare. However, congressional blog the Hill reports President Barack Obama's efforts to take on wasteful spending were largely confined to his healthcare reform law and will not be much in evidence in the budget.

The Hill says the Affordable Care Act cuts $500 billion in Medicare spending over 10 years.

One Democratic healthcare policy insider told the blog there would be no major controversies over the healthcare portion of the president's budget.

"After all that was done to the program in the ACA, I'm hearing likely no big surprises [for Medicare]," the source told the blog.

One new option, however, might be ending Medicare reimbursement for bad debts and unpaid costs like co-pays and deductibles, according to the Hill, referencing a recommendation from a commission on the deficit.

Americans, especially those on Medicaid or Medicare, should pay close attention to the debates over healthcare to discover whether they will be affected, experts said.

Report: Missouri businesses aren't using new health insurance options to the fullest

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Despite the fact that tens of thousands of small businesses in Missouri could save money on health insurance coverage by claiming tax deductions under the Affordable Care Act, few have actually done so, according to the St. Louis American.

The Missouri Foundation for Health's director of health policy, Ryan Barker, told the newspaper small businesses already have the deck stacked against them when it comes to paying for health insurance.

"Currently, small businesses pay 18 percent more for their insurance than large businesses. Health care coverage has disappeared at countless small businesses across the state because owners simply can't afford it. The relief offered through the health care reform law can go a long way toward reversing that trend," he said.

Experts say small business owners would be wise to check in with their financial advisors and insurance agents to find out whether they are eligible for a tax break. Those who are not may become so in the future as further provisions of healthcare reform take effect.

Efforts underway to pull Pennsylvania public health insurance option back from the brink

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Efforts underway to pull Pennsylvania public health insurance option back from the brink

State lawmakers are attempting a last-ditch rescue of Pennsylvania's AdultBasic health insurance plan, which covers more than 40,000 low-income residents of the state. The plan is due to expire due to lack of funds at the end of the month.

State Senator Mike Stack, whose district has the second-highest number of Pennsylvanians on the budget-priced plan, according to WHP-TV, recently introduced a bill to provide emergency funding for the program, giving lawmakers another year to figure out a way to preserve it.

"I have 1,400 constituents who are asking themselves, ‘How will I afford health insurance?' Time is running out. The legislature must act now. Forty thousand men and women are counting on us. It's time that the legislature tighten our belts a little to help Pennsylvanians in desperate need of health care," he told the CBS affiliate.

The $188 million legislative surplus, under Stack's plan, would be allocated to preserving the AdultBasic plan, which incurs about $14 million each month in expenses.

Report: Public health plans in New York better than U.S. average

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Care that is both better and more efficient than the national average is available for those on public health insurance plans in New York, according to a report from Coalition of New York State Public Health Plans.

On nearly three-quarters of standard quality care measurements, plans provided by coalition members scored better than Medicaid nationally, the group said. The coalition provided 83 percent of children on its plans with preventive immunizations, 5 percent above a national HMO benchmark, for example.

Richard Gottfried, chair of the state assembly's health committee, praised the health insurance providers for their commitment to providing quality care at the right price.

"Publicly-sponsored health coverage using managed care in New York is really excellent coverage. Medicaid managed care, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus have been a successful model for controlling cost, improving quality and effectiveness and expanding access to care. This model will help in the Medicaid redesign effort," he said in a statement.

Experts say it's important to stay abreast of any new developments in government health insurance plans to see whether they are eligible to participate.

Health insurance companies tend to dominate individual markets, study says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

In a given urban area, it's likely that a single health insurance company has more or less cornered the market, according to the results of a study released earlier this month by the American Medical Association.

The president of the AMA, Dr. Cecil Wilson, said this geographic monopoly tends to favor the insurance companies at the expense of everyone else in the system.

"When insurers dominate a market, people pay higher health insurance premiums than they should, and physicians are pressured to accept unfair contract terms and corporate policies, which undermines the physician role as patient advocate," he said.

By contrast, the study found, doctors were the least concentrated part of the medical community, as nearly 80 percent worked in practices or offices with 9 physicians or fewer. Most either worked with anywhere from one to three other doctors or practiced on their own, according to the AMA.

It can be crucially important for consumers to consider their options, even if there are relatively few available to them, according to health insurance experts.

CDC says even those with health insurance frequently ignore high blood pressure

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

High cholesterol and blood pressure often go untreated even among Americans with health insurance, according to a report released today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Part of the problem may be caused by high sodium content in restaurant food and pre-processed items available at the grocery store, the CDC said, pointing out that the continued prevalence of trans fats in fried and processed foods can have a similar effect on cholesterol levels.

Healthcare delivery also remains a problem, the report found. From problems on the provider's end - lack of access to a physician and no insurance - to people failing to take their prescription drugs in the correct way, getting the healthcare system working for everyone should be a top priority, according to the group.

However, according to the CDC, all hope is not lost. Simple lifestyle choices like getting plenty of exercise and not smoking cigarettes have enormously beneficial effects on heart health, and a healthy diet can also prove helpful.

Iowa and Massachusetts top Commonwealth Fund's ratings for children's health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

A study from the Commonwealth Fund ranking American states by how well they provide healthcare for children placed Iowa and Massachusetts in the top two places, followed closely by Vermont and Maine.

The Commonwealth Fund said that, while most of the top-ranked states in its study were located in New England and the upper Midwest, standouts were found in all regions of the country. Washington, for example, ranked in the top quartile, as did Kansas.

There are still significant disparities in the rates at which children are insured in the country, the Commonwealth Fund said, noting that while just 3 percent of Massachusetts kids were uninsured in 2009, rates in Nevada, Texas, and Florida ranged from 17 percent to 18 percent.

The group's president, Karen Davis, said there was still much work to be done, particularly involving the state Children's Healthcare Program and Medicaid.

"We made a commitment to insuring children a decade ago through Medicaid and CHIP. Now we have not only redoubled those efforts, but also expanded that same protection to their parents through the Affordable Care Act, finally giving the entire family the best chance to be healthy and productive without fear of ruinous medical bills," she said in a statement.

Survey: Health insurance and other healthcare information are big online search terms

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:00:00 -0600

One of the most important subjects that American internet users search for online is healthcare, according to a report from the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

Fully 80 percent of respondents said they used the internet to search for healthcare information, making it the third-most-popular online activity behind email and search engine use. Even when taking into account the 25 percent of American adults who told the Pew researchers they did not use the internet, this still means that 59 percent of the adult U.S. population uses the internet for healthcare information.

The researchers broke down their findings more specifically, as well. For example, two-thirds of respondents said they used the internet to find information about a specific disease or other medical problem, and 44 percent used it to research health professionals.

Experts warn that, while the internet can be a highly useful source for some kinds of healthcare data, users need to consider the sources of their information and remember that only healthcare professionals can provide official diagnoses.

Analyst: Questions about Blue Shield of California must be answered

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

A potential showdown between regulators in California and one of the state's largest health insurance providers could prove to be a watershed moment for America's healthcare regulatory climate, according to a report from the Huffington Post.

Blue Shield plans to raise rates on some of its consumers by nearly 60 percent on March 1, Huffington Post author Jamie Court says. The popular backlash against the move has been intense, he reports, and points out that the state's insurance commissioner, Dave Jones, has successfully gotten other insurance providers in California to hold off on rate increases until further review.

Court compares the case to that of Anthem Blue Cross in the midst of the initial debate over healthcare reform last year. That company's insistence on significant rate hikes at the time provided a great deal of public outrage and impetus for the country to pass President Barack Obama's proposed reforms.

Consumers should make sure to read and hold on to all correspondence from their health insurance provider, experts say, since they could be subject to increased rates.

Teens can look beyond health insurance for low-cost mental healthcare

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

While many uninsured teenagers who need mental healthcare may feel they are in a desperate situation, they may have numerous options available to them, according to TeensHealth.org.

The first stop for a teen in need of counseling or other mental health services should be his or her school, the website says, since the counselors and psychologists there can often provide valuable assistance by themselves. Additionally, TeensHealth.org says, they can frequently advise such teens on other options available in the community.

Making a phone call or going to the website of the National Association of Free Clinics could be a good next step, according to the website. Teaching hospitals - which frequently provide cheap or free healthcare services - can be another good option, and area colleges and universities sometimes run similar programs, according to TeensHealth.org.

It's important, experts say, to treat mental health symptoms as quickly as possible. Just like any other kind of illness, a psychological ailment left untreated can quickly blossom into a much more serious condition, making preventative care crucial.

Expert offers tips for selecting the best health insurance policy

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

It should come as no surprise to U.S. consumers, given how complicated the country's healthcare system is, that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of health insurance. However, U.S. News and World Report's Megan Johnson says there are some methods people can use to select the best option for them.

For one thing, Johnson writes, identifying a few coverage options as mandatory is a good idea, as is pricing out a policy with copays, prescription costs and deductibles included. These should offer a more clear picture of a consumer's possibilities.

Johnson also says people with long-standing specialist relationships or simply a family doctor they know and like should make sure those preferred providers are in-network, to avoid having to pay extra fees when visiting them.

Healthcare reform - which has already made dramatic changes to the U.S. health insurance marketplace - will continue to be an important factor until 2014, after which all of its provisions will have taken effect. Experts say it's critical to stay on top of the legal changes, since they could affect either a new or existing policy.

Report: Healthcare costs rise more than 5 percent in 2010

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

An economic index from Standard & Poor's that measures average per capita healthcare expenditure shows that the country spent 6.27 percent more in the 12 months ending in November 2010 than in the previous period.

David Blitzer, chairman of S&P's index committee, however, said the increase was smaller than in other recent years, and represents a systemic deceleration of health insurance cost increases.

"The slowdown in the annual growth rate of healthcare costs, which started around May 2010, continued through November," he said, adding that "as we have noted in the past, expenditures associated with commercial health insurance plans continue to significantly outpace expenditures for Medicare."

Standard & Poor's said that the growth in healthcare costs was the slowest seen since 2007, when it increased at just over 3.5 percent per year.

Healthcare costs are still a large and growing percentage of the federal government's budget, however, and other experts say new ways to fund large entitlement programs like Medicaid and Medicare must be found if the government is to maintain fiscal solvency.

State health insurance programs stay intact through recession

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Despite some of the toughest economic times in recent memory, safety net health insurance programs like Medicaid and CHIP remained active and even expanded over the past couple of years, according to research from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.

In thirteen states, children's healthcare programs expanded their eligibility, providing coverage to young Americans who might otherwise be at risk, the study said, adding that fourteen also made improvements to renewal or enrollment policies.

In contrast, though, health insurance coverage for low-income adults lagged behind that of children. The average income eligibility requirement for childless adults was just 64 percent of the federal poverty limit - less than $12,000 per year. However, the commission notes that the situation for these people will improve once all the provisions of last year's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) go into effect in 2014.

People without health insurance coverage should consult informational websites like healthcare.gov if they are having trouble determining their eligibility for assistance, as well as for help finding an insurer in the private marketplace.

Expert: Healthcare reform will help more Americans than many realize

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

Despite a growing sentiment among parts of the American public that recent health insurance reforms should be repealed, some public health experts say hostility to the measure is misguided.

Professor Joel Rudin, of New Jersey's Rowan University, said in a statement he was pleased to have such good insurance already, and that more and more people would gain that type of coverage thanks to reform.

"Under healthcare reform, most Americans will have health insurance that is similar to my health insurance, but that won't happen until 2014. By then, the people who came up with this idea may have been voted out of office. If that happens it will be their own fault for failing to explain to the American people how much better and cheaper their health insurance will be," he said.

Rudin also points out that businesses with fewer than 50 employees will be greatly helped by the reform measure, which will allow them to attract and maintain a staff without breaking the bank on health insurance coverage.

California insurer's plans for rate hikes draw strong criticism

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

A proposed rate increase of up to 50 percent on some Blue Shield health insurance policyholders in California has provoked surprised and angry responses from regulators and consumers.

The move comes just months after Anthem Blue Cross attempted to get a similar hike past state regulators, but was rebuffed, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Blue Shield's more recent announcement prompted a series of complaints to the state's new insurance commissioner, Dave Jones, the newspaper added.

Jones said his office can only block rate increases in limited circumstances, and argued the state legislature should give him a more wide-ranging legal authority to approve or disapprove proposed hikes.

The San Francisco Chronicle says Blue Shield has already increased its monthly rates twice in the past year, and adds that the latest uptick would occur on March 1 if Jones' office does not intercede.

Health insurance consumers should be sure to read the fine print of their policies to avoid being surprised by such premium increases, experts say. Sometimes an issuer's rate guarantees can be less solid than it might initially appear.

Report: Few takers for pre-existing condition insurance plan

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600

While a provision of President Barack Obama's landmark health insurance reform legislation barring insurers from considering pre-existing conditions when issuing coverage has received a great deal of national media attention, a federal program to insure sick people has seen low levels of interest, according to the Florida Times-Union.

The newspaper says just 8,000 people have signed up for the program so far nationwide, with fewer than 300 of those coming from Florida. Federal health officials told the Times-Union a similar pattern was seen with the Children's Health Insurance Program, introduced more than a decade ago. Eventually, at least 200,000 signed up for that plan.

The Times-Union says the plan is designed to offer coverage until 2014 for eligible consumers, at which point it will be replaced by state-owned health insurance exchanges. However, the newspaper points out funding for the plan is a flat $5 billion, which could be rapidly depleted by a large number of enrollees.

Consumers who cannot obtain private health insurance because of a pre-existing condition should investigate the program, however. Paying out-of-pocket for treatment is still much worse than signing up for even an imperfect plan, experts say.

Poll shows partial support for healthcare reform

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Healthcare reform has divided the country somewhat, but a new CNN poll reveals that the requirement for most Americans to have coverage is the biggest source of contention.

Under the new law, most citizens need to either purchase an individual health insurance plan, obtain coverage through an employer or qualify for a government sponsored policy. According to the CNN poll, 60 percent said they weren't in favor of the requirement.

However, nearly the same percentage of respondents indicated they supported parts of the legislation, including prohibiting insurers from denying people coverage based on medical history.

Some who are not in support of the individual mandate believe it's not the government's place to say how people spend their money and paying for coverage should be optional. Earlier this year, a Virginia judge ruled that the law was unconstitutional.

The requirement for most people to purchase coverage does not take effect until 2014, when health insurance exchanges must be set up in each state. Under the law, states can either operate their own exchange program or have the government run it.

Colorado residents told to prepare for health insurance hikes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Healthcare costs are going up so consumers should be prepared to pay more for their insurance next year, says the Colorado Division of Insurance, Department of Regulatory Affairs.

As a result of healthcare reform, insurers must spend at least 80 percent of premium payments on patient care. DORA notes some insurance companies blame new regulations for the rate hikes, but Commissioner of Insurance John Postolowski says that isn't true. Postoloski asserts reform has contributed to 5 percent or less of premium increases.

"Our rate analysts and actuaries look over all submitted rate filings to be sure the proposed rates are justified," says Postolowski. "While we scrutinize rate increases to be sure they are not excessive, we have to recognize that the cost of providing healthcare continues to rise."

DORA says those with individual health insurance can expect to see rates increase nearly 13 percent in January 2011.

Colorado residents won't be the only people seeing their health insurance premiums increase. The Kaiser Family Foundation says nearly 80 percent of people with individual coverage have experienced rate increases of approximately 20 percent at some point.

Most West Virginia kids insured

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Children in West Virgina have a lot to be thankful for. The Charleston Gazette reports the state is one of the leaders in children's health insurance coverage.

The newspaper cites data from the U.S. Census Bureau which indicates 95.4 percent of the state's children have coverage. The only state reporting better is Massachusetts, which requires all residents to have insurance. While the findings are great for West Virginia kids, improvements can be made for adults.

West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy director Renate Pore told the paper approximately 20 percent of working adults are uninsured. Other troubling findings include a high porportion of smokers and motor vehicle accidents in comparison to the rest of the nation, says the paper.

Workers who don't have the option of participating in a group program should consider purchasing an individual health insurance policy. The coverage can be particularly helpful should a major illness strike.

Healthcare reform is designed to make obtaining coverage easier and less expensive. The new legislation, however, has met opposition. A Virginia judge recently ruled the law unconstitutional. Many anticipate the case will head to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Insurance coverage rate nears perfect in Bay State

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

No one knows for sure what will happen when 2014 rolls around and most Americans will be required to have health insurance. However, many people look toward Massachusetts as a harbinger of what is to come.

The state recently announced that 98 percent of residents have health insurance. People in the Bay State have been required to have coverage since 2006.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Judy Bigby says a results from the study conducted by the Urban Institute shows that progress is possible.

"With employers, government and individuals all sharing the responsibility of reform, we continue to have the highest insurance rate in the nation," says Bigby. "Our success here demonstrates the impact that meaningful reform can have on improving access to quality care."

Combating costs is one of the next steps the state needs to take. Premiums have edged upwards over the years nationwide. People can begin searching for affordable health insurance quotes online or by calling specific insurers for information. Policy rates can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Group calls for healthcare changes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

A primary care physician is often a person's first stop when a medical problem arises. Policy issue organization the Hope Street Group says such doctors can play a large role in improving the healthcare landscape.

Hope Street Group CEO Monique Nadaeu says the organization has established five recommendations to transform the healthcare system.

"We have found vast common ground in the belief that primary care is the most powerful lever with which to slash health care costs, while improving health outcomes and thus economic opportunity for all Americans," says Nadaeu. "This is the best and most consensus-based thinking to date on how to pull that lever."

Some of the recommendations include using new people and tools to lower costs and investing in training and retraining top-notch employees. People should also be empowered to take control of their own well-being, the group says.

A more efficient medical system may make it easier for consumers to find affordable healthcare insurance quotes if expenses decline. Recently, insurers have been closely watched for their proposed premium rate increases to help keep costs in line.

Some states show unhealthy trends, study finds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

There are some disturbing trends taking place across the country, according to America's Health Rankings, a study sponsored by major health insurers foundation. While overall health improved somewhat, an increasing number of people are uninsured.

The study cites data from the U.S. Census Bureau which says 51 million people in the country lack health insurance. The number of those without coverage increased 0.7 percent between 2009 and 2010. Some life-shortening conditions, including obesity and diabetes, have been seen more frequently in the population as well.

There are some states, however, which have made improvements. For the fourth consecutive year, Vermont tops the list as the healthiest state. Massachusetts, Connecticut and Hawaii also earned high marks.

Dr. Reed Tuckson, a board member on the health insurers foundation, says all states have a chance to improve its score.

"The key is action. We must continue to work toward impacting change in unhealthy behaviors and other factors that negatively impact a state," said Tuckson.

In the future, all states will be required to have an exchange in place where people can purchase individual health insurance plans. The action is designed to decrease the number of uninsured Americans.

Research to investigate impact of seeking care from multiple providers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

It's not uncommon for patients to see multiple doctors for their care. Many people have a primary care physician, but have to seek out additional treatment from a more specialized doctor for a particular ailment.

With people seeing so many different healthcare providers over the course of their lives, it's easy to see how someone's medical history can get lost in the shuffle. A major health insurance provider is funding research to be conducted by RAND Health to see how his could be effecting patient care.

RAND Health policy researcher Peter Hussey says the study should help improve patient outcomes.

"Our study will provide a detailed look at the care that chronically ill patients receive and the opportunities for improvement through better care coordination," says Hussey. "The study will produce tools that can be used to target care coordination interventions to areas with the greatest potential for improvement."

Frequent visits to the doctor can become expensive. Patients with group or individual health insurance plans frequently have to make a co-pay each time they seek care. Such fees can be enough to make some people delay treatment.

Patients lack information, survey finds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Disease management is crucial for longterm health. However, many people may delay getting care because of expenses. A lack of knowledge about certain conditions can be costly.

A survey by MedTera, a company focused on healthcare education, found that more than half of patients did not have adequate information about their diagnosed condition when they left their doctor's office. Furthermore, more than 80 percent of respondents said they did not know where to look online to find information about their illness.

MedTera president and founder David Duplay says patients with more knowledge may be better able to follow through on their doctor's prescribed regimen.

"With patient education comes better adherence to medication, a wellness-infused lifestyle, less re-admittance to the hospital and an overall positive impact on the healthcare system," says Duplay.

There are a variety of online sources patients can access to strengthen their medical knowledge and obtain affordable health insurance quotes. It's important, however, for people to ensure they are visiting reputable websites. Such pages include those typically ending in .edu, .gov and .org.

Costs may affect medication options

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Health insurance companies have more oversight over people's lives than it may appear on the surface. While the plan is designed to provide assistance in covering medical care, it may actually help determine the kind of medications a person receives.

A survey by the Global Healthy Living Foundation reveals that the majority of prescriptions are changed by insurance companies. This can be problematic because many people can't afford medication without financial assistance from their insurer.

GHLF executive director Louis Tharp says in many cases, prescriptions were changed simply because of costs.

"If the drugs are identical, physicians generally have no objection, the survey found, but national medical groups have said most drugs are not identical," says Tharp, "and switching can cause adverse reactions and poor recovery rates."

It's important for people to follow their doctor's orders. Failure to do so can cause their illnesses to get worse, thus requiring more extensive and costly medical care.

Using funds from a flexible savings account can help reduce costs if a person decides to take a certain medication that insurance will not cover.

HMO plan rates expected to rise

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0600

People seeking affordable health insurance quotes may have to look harder to find them in the near future. Research from Aon Hewitt reveals HMO premiums are expected to increase nearly 10 percent next year.

The projected 9.8 percent rate hike is up slightly from the 9.4 percent seen between 2009 and 2010. Aon attributed the hike to several factors.

Aon says HMO plans are most popular among older people as the coverage features more robust offers at a higher price. PPOs, on the other hand, are less expensive and can be a good option for those who are young and in good health. Aon says HMO plan participants may be a higher risk to insure in general.

Aon Hewitt's HMO principal and leader Jeff Smith says that while employers have tried to mitigate increasing healthcare costs, there is only so much that can be done.

"If HMO rates continue to outpace average health care cost increases, employers may elect to take even more aggressive steps in the coming years, such as eliminating HMO plans altogether," says Smith.

Survey: NY healthcare rates higher than national average

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Recent research shows the number of Americans with government-sponsored health insurance has increased, while those with private coverage has decreased. A survey released by the New York State Health Foundation shows similar findings.

According to the survey, health insurance costs are approximately 10 percent higher in the state than they are nationwide. Furthermore, the data shows 20 percent of companies have put off hiring people because of healthcare expenses.

David Sandman, senior vice president of NYSHealth says healthcare reform may provide companies with some financial help.

"Employer-based health coverage is less attractive and more fragile today than it was at the beginning of the decade," says Sandman. "Federal health reform could provide much-needed relief to New York's employers and workers, especially those in small businesses."

Under reform, people will be able to purchase individual health insurance plans through an exchange. The program is suppose to help drive costs downward for consumers as they will be able to band together with others buying such plans in order to get a better rate.

Child-only policies remain available in Kentucky

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Insurers offering individual health insurance plans must provide an open-enrollment period for child-only policies in January, says Kentucky Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark.

Clark says she was concerned children would be forced to turn to the state's high-risk pool, further straining the system, if something wasn't done.

A number of health insurance providers tried to stop offering child-only policies this year right before major provisions of the Affordable Care Act took effect. One recently implemented provision prohibits insurers from denying children coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

Clark says she feels the ruling is reasonable to both insurance companies and state residents.

"Insurers consistently told us that they wanted a level playing field," says Clark. "I believe this order is fair to insurers and offers Kentucky families the opportunity to obtain medical coverage for children in that age bracket, both healthy and unhealthy."

In October, insurers in Maryland reached an agreement to write child-only policies. Providers in Colorado, Oregon and Washington state also announced this year they wanted to cease providing child-only plans.

Several other provisions under the Affordable Care Act are set to take effect before 2014.

Health insurance paperwork boggles down Americans more than others, research shows

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Many Americans believe the healthcare system in the country needs to change. A study by the Commonwealth Fund looked at medical care in the U.S. along with those of 10 other industrialized countries.

In comparison to other countries, Americans spend more time completing paperwork for group and individual health insurance plans. Twenty-three percent or fewer of those in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany reported spending a lot of time with paperwork, compared to 31 percent in the U.S.

Commonwealth Fund president Karen Davis says the research shows there is much work to be done, but the American healthcare system can look towards other countries for ideas.

"The good news is that there are opportunities to learn from other countries, and Affordable Care Act reforms will provide affordable insurance options for the uninsured, make sure insurance pays for essential care, and provide financial security for millions."

Even though paperwork may seem cumbersome, it's important to ensure all documents are completely read and filled out. Not understanding health insurance options can lead one to pay more for coverage than is necessary.

Consumers reminded to review healthcare options

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Whether it's a group or individual health insurance plan, it's important for consumers to understand their insurance benefits and offerings. A misunderstanding can result in selecting a plan that is not cost-efficient. With healthcare costs rising, many people are looking for ways to save wherever they can.

Annual election period for Medicare takes place during November. At this time, beneficiaries can review their plans. A major health insurance provider is reminding people to talk to their doctor about coverage options to help determine which plan will best meet their needs. For example, some plans have lower monthly premiums but a higher deductible.

"When choosing the appropriate plan, you should weigh a variety of factors, including your overall health, any chronic conditions you are managing and of course, cost," says Patricia Echols, a representative from the company. "It's important for people with Medicare to know what is available to them."

Being in good shape can also help people save money on medical care. Those who don't have to see the doctor often automatically realize savings by not having to make co-payments for visits.

Young adults optimistic about future healthcare

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0600

A person's stance on healthcare reform may be predictable based on age. Deloitte has been researching people's views on reform as many consider finding an individual health insurance plan in order to be in compliance with the law by 2014. According to Deloitte, younger people show more optimism about the changes in the healthcare system than older adults.

"Our survey findings indicate that the views of respondents are dramatically different based on age," says Deloitte Center for Health Solutions executive director Paul Keckley. "Younger adults tend to be more optimistic about the impact of health reform, while older adults tend to be more skeptical."

The survey reveals that 80 percent of younger and 30 percent of older adults think reform will be a positive thing.

One of the provisions of healthcare reform is the ability for young adults under the age of 26 to remain on their parents' health insurance plan as long as they are not married and cannot get coverage at work. Furthermore, people cannot be denied coverage based on their medical history.

More Americans lack health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0600

For at least part of this year, 59 million Americans were uninsured, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number marks an increase of 4 million from last year.

Lacking health insurance can have long-lasting implications. The uninsured may delay seeking healthcare when they need it, making some conditions worse and more expensive to treat. Even those with coverage, but who must pay a high deductible, may steer away from treatment.

In addition to more people going without health insurance, the type of people failing to have coverage is also changing, says CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden. It's no longer just the poor that are uninsured.

"In fact, half of the uninsured are over the poverty level and one in three adults under 65 in the middle income range defined arbitrarily here between $44,000 and $65,000 a year for a family of four were uninsured at some point in the year," says Frieden.

Under healthcare reform, most people will be required to have coverage by 2014 or face a tax penalty. While insurance exchanges are suppose to make individual health insurance plans more affordable, fears still exist amongst many as to how they will cover such expenses.

Exchanges need to offer quality to be successful

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0600

Consumers who purchase individual health insurance plans will be able to buy coverage through an exchange system by 2014. With the system in place, people will be able to more easily compare plan benefits and rates.

Choice Administrators, a company which implements health insurance changes, says there are steps that need to be completed to ensure the success of the program. Ron Goldstein, president of Choice Administrators, says it's important for exchanges to appeal to everyone.

"State exchanges need to be as welcoming to those currently insured as they are to the uninsured," says Goldstein. "Exchanges will need to appeal every bit as much to individuals and small groups who do not qualify for subsidies or tax credits as they do to those who qualify for these incentives."

Those who purchase their own health insurance aren't the only ones who have been feeling a financial pinch. Group coverage costs have also escalated over the years. Many companies are now looking for ways to help mitigate costs associated with medical benefits. Some organizations have begun offering incentives to those who are healthy and therefore typically require fewer trips to the doctor.

Parents reminded child-only policies have open-enrollment periods

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is reminding parents they have only a limited amount of time to enroll their children in an individual health insurance policy.

Under healthcare reform, insurance companies cannot deny children coverage based on their medical history. A number of providers in other states announced they would be dropping child-only policies. Since then, some states have reached agreements with providers who announced such decisions.

It has been asserted that parents would only purchase a plan for their child when they become ill. To help prevent that, an open-enrollment period has been established in states. In Oregon, parents have from now until the end of the year to sign their child up for a plan.

DCBS administrator Teresa Miller says parents still need to pay attention to certain provisions of the new healthcare laws.

"While children will be able to get an individual policy regardless of their health, parents need to be aware of new timelines," says Miller.

In the upcoming years, there will be health insurance exchanges set up where consumers can obtain information on various plans. People can also look online for quotes and insurance options.

Men putting off doctors visits

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Some people don't go to the doctor's office as often as they should because they lack group or individual health insurance. Recent research shows that a number of men avoided the doctor because they were either uninsured or simply didn't feel a trip was needed.

A survey by the American Osteopathic Association found that less than 63 percent of men between the ages of 18 and 29 have seen a primary care physician within the past year, compared to more than 85 percent of men older than 60.

AOA trustee Joseph Giaimo says it's important for men of all ages to see their doctor on a regular basis.

"While older men may have more reasons to see a physician, younger, healthy men who wait too long between routine physicals and who pass on screenings, such as blood pressure or diabetes, miss the opportunity to detect precursors to heart disease and other illnesses," says Giaimo.

Conditions, such as diabetes, can even be cured once detected and lifestyle changes are made. Eating a proper diet is one thing people can do to help avoid developing that condition.

Major health insurers vow to offer child-only policies in Maryland

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

A number of health insurance companies have decided to stop offering child-only policies. The decisions started to arise among several providers across the country before measures of the Affordable Care Act began to take effect.

One of the new healthcare regulations prohibits health insurance companies from denying coverage to children based on medical history. Some have feared parents would only purchase plans when children are ill. Such actions would increase operational costs for providers.

Many have begun to voice their opposition for the providers' actions. While child-only policies only make up a small portion of the individual health insurance market, it provides coverage for children who need it.

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and acting Insurance Commissioner Beth Sammis announced they have reached an agreement with two major health insurance companies in the state to continue to provide child-only policies.

"Maryland is one of the first states in the nation to resolve a concern held by many Maryland families and employers," says O'Malley.

Notably, insurers in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington state announced they would stop offering child-only plans.

Research shows increasing number of people denied coverage based on medical history

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Most Americans obtain their health insurance coverage through an employer group or government-sponsored plan, such as Medicare. However, a large number of people who do not qualify for either option are forced to purchase individual health insurance plans.

Such policies have faced increased scrutiny, particularly in light of healthcare reform. A recent investigation by the Committee on Energy and Commerce found that four large health insurance companies have denied coverage for more than 600,000 people based on medical history. Furthermore, most of those people have been denied coverage each year between 2007 and 2009.

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage based solely on pre-existing conditions for adults by 2014. However, in September of this year insurers were prohibited from denying children coverage because of their medical history.

In light of the new regulation, a number of insurers decided to stop offering child-only health insurance policies. Such actions were seen in Colorado and Oregon. Some health officials have voiced opposition towards the insurers' actions, urging them to reconsider withdrawing child-only policies.

Organization reminds consumers to check coverage levels

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Those who have struggled to find affordable health insurance quotes because of a pre-existing condition, or have been denied coverage all together, are likely to be happy that insurers can no longer deny them coverage.

The Coalition of Texans with Disabilities is reminding consumers that with open enrollment taking place at many companies, they should carefully review their plans for any changes. With healthcare reform, many individuals who were previously unable to obtain coverage may be able to do so.

CTD executive director Dennis Borel says it's important for consumers to take an active role in ensuring they have adequate health insurance coverage.

"Asking the right questions can help you to save money on your plan," says Borel. "But more importantly, it can prevent unpleasant surprises regarding vital daily medications or the cost of future doctor visits."

The Kaiser Family Foundation says that while the exact definition of what is considered a pre-existing condition does vary between each state, generally speaking medical conditions which were identified prior to coverage beginning are considered pre-existing conditions.

Thousands of Oregon residents need to look into more health insurance options

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Open enrollment is approaching for Medicare recipients, but beneficiaries have more on their minds than which plan to select. Next year, the Medicare Advantage plan will no longer be available. As a result, nearly 25,000 Oregon residents, or 12 percent of those with Medicare Advantage plans, need to look into other health insurance options.

The Oregonian newspaper reports that some seniors will have to look for new coverage because of a federal law requiring that "fee-for-service plans" meet the same standards as HMOs and PPOs.

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program manager Lisa Emerson advises beneficiaries to keep track of all their health insurance materials.

"It's really important to save any mail from your Medicare health plan, which may include a non-renewal notice," says Emerson. "Our counselors can help you review your plan options between now and early December so you have a smooth transition in 2011."

Those who are looking for a new health insurance plan can also go online to research health insurance quotes. Premiums can vary depending on a variety of different factors.

Healthcare foundation voices concern over insurers dropping child-only plans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

At the end of September, the first round of major healthcare provisions were implemented. One of the new regulations made it illegal for health insurers to deny coverage for children based on a pre-existing condition.

Shortly before the law was set to take effect, several health insurance companies announced they would stop issuing new child-only policies. Such actions were undertaken by health insurers in Washington state, Colorado, and Oregon.

The National Patient Advocate Foundation president and CEO Nancy Davenport-Ennis is voicing opposition for dropping child-only plans.

"We encourage these health insurers to reconsider and to find ways to extend coverage, regardless of prior or current health status, in order to assist the millions of parents across the United States who are struggling to provide healthcare for their children faced with chronic disease conditions," said Davenport-Ennis in a statement.

To highlight the seriousness of the situation, the NPAF tells of a patient who experienced difficulty getting care after his individual health insurance policy was denied. The foundation asserts the patient would not have had to wait for care if he had coverage at the time of his diagnosis.

Major Washington state health insurer to stop offering new child-only policies

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

A major health insurance provider in Washington state has announced its intention to stop offering child-only health insurance policies. However, the decision has not come without opposition.

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler says the health insurance company's actions will hurt families. In an effort to get the insurer to reconsider, he has proposed a special open-enrollment period, which he says would reduce risk. During the open-enrollment period, parents could add their children to their individual health insurance plan.

"So far, no other health carrier in Washington state has signaled its intent to leave this market," says Kreidler. "I hope we can expect better from them."

While it may still be true that other health insurers have refrained from implementing similar policies in the state, the same can't be said nationwide. Health insurance companies in Oregon and Colorado have also opted to drop child-only policies.

Some are pointing to recent healthcare regulations for the recent actions of insurers. Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies are not allowed to deny children with pre-existing conditions coverage.

Reform may cause McDonald's to stop offering min-med plans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Healthcare reform was designed to help provide affordable health insurance quotes to people. Instead, it appears that a number of low-wage workers may struggle to pay for coverage even more.

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that McDonald's may stop offering "mini-med" plans to its employees. Mini-med programs are not designed to replace a traditional health insurance policy, but they are an option for those seeking some level of coverage.

According to the WSJ, McDonald's told the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that it "won't meet a 2011 requirement to spend at least 80 percent to 85 percent of its premium revenue on medical care." The company cites high administrative fees for their inability to do so.

The reported news about McDonald's is just the latest of some news about the consequences of healthcare reform. At the end of September, it became illegal for health insurance companies to deny children with pre-existing conditions coverage. Prior to the law taking effect, several health insurance providers announced they would no longer be offering child-only plans.

Those who can't afford traditional health insurance plans should check to see if they meet requirements for federally-funded programs.

California first to create health benefit exchange

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500

California has become the first state to create a health benefit exchange - one of the anticipated changes marked by healthcare reform. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the legislation on September 30.

States have until 2014 to have a health benefit exchange in place. The goal of the exchanges is to provide people with a place to compare different plans and access affordable health insurance quotes.

Kim Belshe, California Health and Human Services Agency secretary, says the health insurance market will help bring affordable options to millions of residents.

"The exchange will focus competition on price, quality and service - giving individuals and small business employees the same large-group purchasing advantages and more affordable options now enjoyed by those who work for large firms."

A family of four residing in California with an income under $88,000 may be eligible for healthcare tax cuts in 2014.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced in September it was awarding states up to $1 million in aid to help establish health benefit exchanges.

Earlier this year, the government also unveiled a website to help consumers learn more about health insurance options and new laws.

Wisconsin Governor reminds students to look into health insurance options

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

A number of college students are returning to college campuses. With academics and social events on students' minds, some may neglect to make sure they have health insurance.

Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Sean Dilweg is reminding students to review their insurance options this fall. He notes that a number of changes, particularly to health insurance, have occurred since they were last at school.

For example, effective September 23 of this year, some adult children won't have to purchase an individual health insurance plan. Rather, they can stay on their parents' policy until their 26th birthday.

Dilweg recommends students get in contact with their insurance provider to make sure all their insurance needs are squared away so they can focus on other matters.

"College life is difficult enough," says Dilweg. "Working with your insurance agent will ensure that students can focus on school and have the peace of mind from worrying about health insurance should they need it."

Also, under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot deny children coverage because of a pre-existing condition or place lifetime limits on care services.

Thousands of Bay State children still uninsured

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Massachusetts was the first state to require all residents to have health insurance. Some industry experts have looked at the state as a harbinger of what the nation's healthcare landscape will look like down the road. If the rest of the country does take after Massachusetts, a number of children will still be uninsured after reform takes place.

The Public News Service says 32,000 Bay State children and teens are without health insurance. Health Care For All health policy and outreach manager Dayanne Leal told the news organization that several factors, including language barriers, contributes to many children being uninsured.

Health Care For All aims to enroll children in MassHealth or the Children's Medical Security Plan, two of the state's health insurance programs.

"It takes about 10 minutes to do that; we're going to be mailing the applications to the parents, just for them to sign and return to us. No child should be going without health coverage," Leal told Public News Service.

To help cover more children and teens, the government has decided to expand Medicaid eligibility. Furthermore, the Affordable Care Act prohibits insurers from denying children coverage due to a pre-existing condition. Such measures will help people get coverage even if they've struggled to get affordable health insurance quotes elsewhere.

Oregon joins list of states with health insurers dropping child-only plans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

With healthcare reform well underway, some are accusing insurance companies of doing all they can to ensure they continue to bring in large profits.

One of the new provisions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act prohibits health insurance companies from denying children coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Rather than offer affordable individual health insurance quotes, a major health insurance company has decided to stop offering child-only policies in Oregon.

Oregon State Public Interest Research Groups' Laura Etherton told Oregon Public Broadcasting that the reasoning behind insurance companies who decide to drop child-only plans may be more than meets the eye.

"I think that this can be seen as a little bit of a game of chicken going on between the insurance companies and the public," says Etherton. "There's a little bit of an attempt to scare people into thinking 'well maybe we won't cover anybody at all any more,' and that's disappointing."

Earlier this month, several large health insurance companies in Colorado also announced they would no longer offer child-only policies.

Families who cannot afford health insurance for their little ones should look into government programs. Most states offer insurance coverage to those with meet certain income criteria.

Young adults permitted to stay on parents' health insurance plans effective today

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Whether a person has been for or against healthcare reform, today many will begin feeling its effect. Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell is assuring residents the new law is good for them.

He noted that today is a good day for many young adults and families. One key milestone is the ability for adults under the age of 26 to remain on their parents' health insurance plan.

Young adults can experience difficulty finding affordable health insurance quotes as they look for work. Rendell says that the percentage of young adults without health insurance is higher than other age groups.

"As young adults transition into the job market, they may not always have access to employer-sponsored health coverage," says Rendell. "Today, we are able to offer young Pennsylvanians access to coverage under a parent's plan as they continue their studies or forge ahead with their careers."

Healthcare reform benefits elderly citizens as well. Effective next year, free preventive care will be available to seniors on Medicare and may become eligible for discounts on prescription drugs.

Research finds relationship between costs and consumer satisfaction

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

As people are forced to pay more for family health insurance plans, cost has become more important. A recent body of research released by J.D. Power and Associates reveals that there is a relationship between costs and customer satisfaction with pharmacies.

Furthermore, the study found that the importance of cost more than doubled from last year.

J.D. Power and Associates director of healthcare practice Jim Dougherty says old-fashioned customer service is still playing a role in consumer satisfaction.

"Consumers are spending more on healthcare expenses in general due to various employer-implemented changes in insurance coverage. High-performing pharmacies aren't necessarily those with the lowest prices," says Dougherty. "Rather, pharmacies that are focused on service garner the highest levels of satisfaction. Customer service still trumps price, even in an environment where cost has become increasingly important."

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, prescription medication costs have increased faster than any other healthcare-related expense. They anticipate costs will continue to rise through 2019.

In some cases, a patient may be able to take a generic medication. Generic prescriptions can be significantly less expensive than their brand-name counterparts.

Health insurer to provide premium credit to some Colorado policy holders

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Rising health insurance quotes and overall medical expenses have been a topic of much discussion as of late. Some people in Colorado, however, are about to experience some cost relief.

The Colorado Division of Insurance and a major healthcare provider have reached an agreement that will be putting $20 million in premium funds back into the pockets of some individual health insurance policy holders from January 1 to September 30 of this year.

Those affected by the decision will receive the credit either as a premium reduction or a check if they are no longer covered by the insurer.

"Getting $20 million back into the pockets of Colorado consumers is a positive and beneficial outcome," says Insurance Commissioner Marcy Morrison. "We will continue our active review of all rate filings."

An investigation was launched after a number of complaints about rate hikes were filed with the department.

Earlier this year, some health insurance companies tried to increase their rates as well. However, those companies withdrew those requests before they were every put into affect.

Several Colorado insurers to drop child-only plans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the number of uninsured Americans grew last year, the first time such a discovery was made since the data was first collected. The number of uninsured people may rise still further, before it drops down.

Several large health insurance companies will stop offering child-only health policies in Colorado. That means parents who already struggle to find affordable health insurance quotes for themselves and their children might experience even more difficulty finding a plan.

Some are saying health insurance companies are dropping child-only policies because they will be required to accept children with pre-existing conditions under the Affordable Care Act.

The Denver Business Journal received an estimate from a broker that less than 5 percent of annual sales are for child-only policies. Children are typically covered on their parents health insurance plan or are Medicaid recipients.

There are other places children can still receive medical care. Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics' Dr. Larry Wolk told the Denver ABC News affiliate that they will provide care for children regardless of their insurance status.

Health insurance coverage on the decline

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The health insurance system has been overhauled to help make sure Americans can get affordable health insurance. Many major provisions under the Affordable Care Act that will make insurance more accessible have yet to be implemented. According to data for the U.S. Census Bureau, new measures are needed.

For the first time since the census began collecting data on health insurance in 1987, the report reveals a decline in people with coverage. Overall, 255 million people had health insurance in 2008, compared to roughly 253 million last year.

The census data also reveals that just under 64 percent of people had private health insurance, and almost 56 percent had employment-based coverage last year, also the lowest levels since 1987.

In contrast, government-funded health insurance plans trended upward to the highest levels since 1987. Last year, nearly 31 percent of people received their insurance though the government and almost 16 percent were covered by Medicaid.

It’s important for people to have some form of health insurance as it can save them, as well as the healthcare system, a potentially substantial amount of money in the long-run.

People are increasing their savings for healthcare expenses

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Costs associated with individual health insurance can be significant for some people, especially with many still feeling a financial pinch from the economic downturn.

Fortunately, more people are putting their money aside to help cover their medical bills. The First Command Financial Behaviors Index shows people are saving 42 percent a month more for medical expenses than they were a year ago.

First Command Financial Services CEO Scott Spiker says people setting aside more money is a positive trend, especially since government health care programs will be further strained in the future. The additional savings people are putting aside may still not be enough to cover all expenses.

"Social Security and Medicare will become increasingly stressed by a growing elderly population that will face higher health care costs and longer retirements than past generations," says Spiker. "Tomorrow's retired Americans will have to bear more of the financial burden of their own medical care."

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 35 million Americans over the age of 65 in 2000. The number of elderly people living in the country is expected to rise along with the cost of healthcare.

Survey finds PPO premiums low in South Carolina

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Health insurance has been in the minds of many people of late. With healthcare regulation still taking place, many companies and employees are interested in how their costs match up to others.

The bi-annual South Carolina Employer Benefits Survey by Rosenfeld Einstein reveals that South Carolina's PPO plan premiums average $389 for individual plans compared to $410 nationally.

Data from the survey also reveals that those in South Carolina are taking the reins when it comes to controlling their healthcare needs. Almost half of the companies surveyed said they offered consumer-directed healthcare plans.

The large number of employers responding to the survey help provide more insight into health expense trends.

"The record participation from nearly 200 businesses representing over 52,000 employees and dozens of industries is highly significant," said Rosenfeld Einstein principal Howard Einstein. "These findings provide actionable, current information to guide future benefits planning decisions."

Nationwide, healthcare costs have consistently increased year after year. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, healthcare spending in 2008 was $7,681 per person. The rate of funds spent per resident in the U.S. is one of the highest of any industrial country, says the KFF.

Importance of health insurance agents recognized by NAIC

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Consumers looking for health insurance quotes may find that getting a little help won't hurt the process, especially given new rules implemented by the government.

Recently, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners sponsored a resolution that highlights the role that insurance agents play in helping consumers get health insurance plans that fit their needs. Furthermore, the organization's action was meant to stress that these professionals play an important part in implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

"The continuing role of producers in the health insurance transaction is an essential part of protecting consumers during this transition," said Jane Cline, NAIC president and insurance commissioner for West Virginia.

Agents are required to take part in ongoing education, the NAIC said. As a result, these providers keep themselves in the loop, which can help consumers looking for health insurance quotes.

Some parts of the Affordable Care Act are already in effect, including a national program to provide coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Other initiatives from the law will take effect through 2014 and beyond.

Health programs aimed towards kids and their parents show success

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

It's a well-known fact - many Americans have a weight problem. The battle with one's waistline starts early in a lot of cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention performed a study which found that in 2007-2008, roughly 10 percent of children under the age of 2 were already in the 95th percentile for weight.

There have been a number of initiatives undertaken to help combat obesity. The Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it! program is a 10-week after-school course that teaches children between 7 and 13 years of age and their families how to live healthy lives.

Data showed that children who attended the program shows increased cardiovascular fitness and spent less time in front of the television.

"MEND is one of very few community-based healthy lifestyle programs with positive outcomes from a randomized controlled trial, and their comprehensive, family-based approach to addressing childhood obesity is a promising model that should be funded, implemented and evaluated," said board member Dr. Eduardo Sanchez.

Those with weight problems are at an increased risk of developing many conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Such conditions make it crucial to have good individual health insurance.

Vehicle accidents carry high medical costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Thousands of people are involved in vehicle collisions each year. Accidents can result from an inexperienced driver, some form of distraction, alcohol or even fatigue. Regardless of the reason for the accident, health care treatment costs can be high.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says costs associated with deadly motor vehicle accidents can run upwards of $58 billion a year. Even non-fatal accidents carry a high price tag. The CDC reports hospitalization fees can cost $28 billion a year and emergency room visits $14 billion.

Many people may think that there isn't a serious chance of them getting into an accident serious enough to need emergency room care. Those people may be surprised to learn the CDC found that a person receives emergency room care every 10 seconds because of a vehicle crash.

While the statistics reported by the CDC represent annual numbers, it does highlight the importance of carefully selecting a health insurance plan. Each health insurance company has their own dollar amount for deductibles and will cover certain procedures.

When going through insurance options, consumers can begin by going online to look and getting health insurance quotes. While doing so, it's important for consumers to keep in mind not just expenses for annual doctor appointments, but also for potential emergency room visits.

Program offers discount to low-income individuals for making healthy food choices

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Efforts are underway to help break the cycle of America's obesity epidemic. The Healthy Incentives pilot program aims to provide nutritious food options to low-income families.

Families in western Massachusetts who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) will be eligible for the discount. Those who use SNAP will be credited 30 cents for each dollar spent on produce. It's hoped that the automatic discount on healthier food will spur low-income families to eat healthier diets.

Earlier this year, First Lady Michelle Obama discussed the health care expenses that arise from obesity.

"One-third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives; many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma," said Obama.

The American Heart Association notes that many weight-related conditions children today are being diagnosed with weren't typically seen until adulthood until quite recently. People who are unhealthy as children tend to become unhealthy adults. Those in poor health may find themselves paying higher health insurance premiums.

Clinics provide care for those without health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Under the Affordable Care Act, most Americans will be required to have health insurance. For those who can't afford the coverage on their own, government programs and health insurance markets may be an option.

Unfortunately, the requirement doesn't take effect until 2014 and many people need affordable access to healthcare now. A series of free health clinics from the group Communities Are Responding Everyday will be stopping in New Orleans to help provide care to those who need it.

Without free services, some people may not know where else to turn for care if they don't have health insurance.

"This free clinic is not just for the sick but also for anyone who is uninsured and has not seen a doctor recently," said National Association of Free Clinics executive director Nicole Lamoureux. "All participants will receive preventive primary medical care and be connected to the area's safety-net providers such as free clinics."

Visiting the doctor on the regular basis is important. Even if a person isn't feeling ill, a physician can provide preventative screenings that may ultimately save a person on healthcare costs.

Bay State approves health insurance hike

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Massachusetts has just agreed to allow a health insurance company located in the western part of the state to increase premiums.

The Bay State will permit the health insurance provider to increase rates from 8.3 percent to 14.7 percent for roughly 21,000 people. While the increase may seem steep to some, the original rate increase sought was between 11.5 percent and 21.3 percent.

The Boston Herald notes that other insurance companies wanted the state to grant premium increases as well.

"On April 1, the Division of Insurance rejected 235 of 274 rate changes filed by the state's health insurers .... saying they were excessive," reports the Herald. "Some of the insurers appealed the decision to the agency's hearing officers."

While the agreement dates back to April 1 of this year, the insurance company will not be able to retroactively charge consumers the rate difference.

Massachusetts isn't the only state that has seen requests from health insurance companies to increase rates. Earlier this year, California also received several requests. However, some companies withdrew requests after it was determined mathematical errors occurred.

Bariatric surgery may ultimately save money

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Health insurance companies currently have the power to accept or reject covering certain medical procedures. Even though many people's lives have changed for the better after receiving weight-loss surgery, not all health insurance companies cover the procedure.

New research reveals that having bariatric surgery may ultimately help health insurance companies save money.

A study published in the Archives of Surgery found that out of 2,235 patients who received bariatric surgery, almost 75 percent of them also eliminated the need for diabetes medication just 6 months after having the procedure.

Reducing one's weight and diabetes risk can ultimately lead to less reliance on medications and fewer doctor or hospital visits.

"Our results suggest that insurance companies would do well to more readily cover bariatric surgery," said Johns Hopkins surgery professor and study leader Marty Makary. "The cost to care for the average obese diabetic person in America is $10,000 a year, which could be cut to $1,800 with a very safe operation that eliminates more than 80 percent of the medications these individuals have depended on."

Infants with public health insurance less-likely to be diagnosed with abuse or neglect

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

A bump here and there can easily happen to children, especially when they are learning to walk or playing contact sports. With infants, however, the same reasoning cannot be given. When an infant has serious injuries, it should be a cause for concern.

Research published in the journal Pediatrics reveals that infants with brain injuries were less likely to be assessed for abuse if they had government health insurance or were African-American.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia pediatric researcher and study leader Dr. Joanne Wood says that the study highlights the need to develop standardized guidelines for detecting abuse.

"The concern is that we may subject children who are not getting abused to unnecessary tests and also miss actual abuse cases," said Wood. "We know from other studies that when physicians fail to recognize and diagnose abuse, children may suffer further abuse that results in more injury or even death."

Detecting and preventing child abuse and neglect can impact many children in the country each year. The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data system said that over 1,500 children died in 2006 because of abuse.

Americans put off doctors' visits

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Staggering medical costs are enough to prevent many from seeking medical care when they are injured or ill. A study from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions found this to be the case with 20 percent of Americans.

Retail clinics are serving as a health care alternative for some people. The study found that 15 percent of consumers have received medical attention at a retail clinic and 34 percent said that they would if it proved to cost less than going to their doctor.

Deloitte Center for Health Solutions executive director Paul Keckley says that cost is a major factor for many consumers when determining when and where they seek care.

"As consumers increasingly begin to 'shop' for their care, they are seeking new options - price and convenience are key drivers," Keckley said. "Some consumers are heading to retail clinics for their flu shot instead of the doctor's office."

The high unemployment rate may be contributing to people not getting care when they need it. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the unemployment rate currently sits at 9.5 percent. Many people rely on their employer for assistance with health insurance coverage.

High-risk health insurance pools accepting applications

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Kansas residents with pre-existing medical conditions can now start submitting applications for the temporary high-risk pool. The state has decided to operate the insurance pool, rather than have the federal government administer it.

To be eligible for the temporary high-risk pool, candidates must have been without health insurance for at least six months. People who are accepted into the pool can begin receiving coverage as early as September 1.

The Associated Press reports Linda Sheppard of the Kansas Insurance Commission says that the rates offered through the health insurance pool will be competitive.

"They'll look at what's charged in a market from competing companies and use those same rates," Sheppard said. "There is an allowance to adjust rates based on tobacco use, geographic location and age. The rates are fairly simple, but exactly what their rate is will be based on where a person lives. It's based on ZIP code."

Beginning in 2014, health insurance companies will no longer be able to deny people coverage because of a pre-existing condition. At that time, people will be able to obtain coverage through other insurance providers.

Funding available to start building health insurance exchanges

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Progress is underway in the government's plan to develop health insurance exchanges. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced that states will be eligible to receive a grant worth up to $1 million to help create the exchange.

The new exchange system is suppose to help make access to health care easier. People who purchase their own individual health insurance plans, such as those who are self-employed, stand to greatly benefit from the program.

"With most states struggling to keep their budgets in balance, these grants will give them the resources to conduct the research and planning needed to build the health insurance marketplace of the future," says HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "We are working hand-in-hand with states as we carefully implement the exchanges to make sure they best meet people's health insurance needs."

Under health care reform, all Americans will be required to have health insurance. The health insurance exchanges are slated to be in place by 2014. Providers in the exchange program have to meet certain cost and benefits criteria.

Study: 20 percent of Californians need mental health care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Nearly 20 percent of Californians say they are in need of mental health services, but stigma and a lack of health insurance is preventing them from getting help, a study from researchers at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research reveals.

Furthermore, over a million respondents indicated that they had symptoms inline with serious psychological distress. The data is derived from a 2005 California Health Interview Survey.

The research team pointed to poor economic conditions and job losses as one of the reasons people in the state may be so stressed.

"Part of the problem may be stigma. It's hard for many Californians to acknowledge they need help - to their family, friends or their doctor," says study author and CHIS director David Grant. "The challenge for policymakers and providers is to both target appropriate services to those with needs and to reduce fear."

Californians aren't the only ones susceptible to mental health conditions. The National Institute of Mental Health says that over 26 percent of the adult population in the country suffers from a mental disorder in a given year.

Cardiologist visits on the rise

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

As the number of elderly people in the country continues to grow, more patients are seeking out specialty care. A study from MedAxiom shows that cardiologists are seeing more people walk into their practices.

The typical cardiologist had 343 new patients last year, according to MedAxiom. An average of 1,700 people made a return visit to the cardiologist within the same time period.

MedAxiom's president, Patrick White, says that the specialized care offered by cardiologists can benefit patients.

"We are optimistic about the future of cardiology, despite the significant negative impact of administrative and legislative regulation. More people need - and want - the type of quality, specialty care that cardiologists are capable of providing."

Seeing a specialist may provide optimal care for a specific type of problem. More generalized doctors may not be familiar with all the ailments that can affect a person.

People who are looking online for individual health insurance quotes should carefully research their options and consider the type of care they might need in the future. Consumers should check to see what kind of specialists are covered by the plans they are looking into.

Complete health insurance coverage doesn't lead to complete care for some patients

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Cost isn't a barrier to proper care for children needing cochlear implants, according to a study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology. It appears that a lack of post-operative care, on the other hand, is a problem.

The study focused on Ohio children who received health insurance coverage through Medicaid or though a private individual health insurance company.

Despite having full coverage, the research found that Ohio children on Medicaid suffered from more post-surgery complications and were less likely to get follow-up care.

"Despite equal access among Medicaid-insured and privately insured patients, there seem to be important differences between the groups postimplantation that influence outcome, namely, decreased follow-up compliance, increased incidence of minor and major complications and decreased rates of sequential bilateral implantation," the authors say.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says that cochlear implants differ from hearing aids in that they don't amplify sound. The sound produced by cochlear implants is different from natural sound and requires therapy to acquire speech and other skills.

The study's findings also show that initiatives to provide access to healthcare may not completely bring care to those who need it.

Health care costs drop with early detection

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Health care costs can be reduced by nearly 30 percent if dementia is detected and treated early, according to research revealed at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference.

The study consisted of evaluating patients in a veterans medical center. Patients who were determined to be afflicted with Alzheimer's received specialized intervention care.

Patients who received specialized care found that their outpatient healthcare costs dropped almost 30 percent after being diagnosed, compared to the year prior to learning they had the disease.

"We see in this study's findings that early diagnosis and case management in dementia may also significantly lower healthcare costs," says Alzheimer's Association senior director of medical and scientific relations Maria Carrillo. "This could have a reverberating positive impact throughout the entire healthcare system."

Patients with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, may face a long road ahead of them. The disease can rob its victims of precious memories and make it difficult to complete tasks that were once considered an everyday activity.

Since dementia can be a costly disease to live with, it's important for people to have good health insurance to help mitigate the financial burden.

Health insurance now available for those with pre-existing conditions

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Americans who have been denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition can now obtain coverage.

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan for people who have gone without coverage for at least six months, been denied coverage because of a health condition and are in the country legally.

"The Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan is an important next step in the overall implementation of the Affordable Care Act," said Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight's director of insurance programs Richard Popper. "We have been working closely with the states and other stakeholders to make sure this program reaches uninsured Americans struggling to find coverage due to a pre-existing condition."

The program will provide coverage until 2014 when health insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Health care exchanges will be offering competitive options at that time.

Coverage plans vary among depending on whether they administer the coverage or the Department of Health and Human Services does so. The health plans will cover several benefits, including prescription drugs and hospital visits.

More Mass residents drop health insurance after illness passes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

A costly trend is taking place in Massachusetts. Residents are signing up for health insurance coverage while ill only to cancel the service within a year, research from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance found.

The data shows that the number of people cancelling their health insurance coverage within the first year went from 13.8 percent in 2006 to 24.2 percent in 2008.

People who maintain the health insurance coverage are the ones that end up paying for the care, according to the report.

The Boston Globe reports that Senate President Therese Murray is sponsoring a bill that will prevent people from abusing the system by narrowing insurance enrollment to only one month a year.

Governor Deval Patrick also wants to combat the issue. The Globe says that his plan would provide two yearly enrollment periods and allow people to enroll any time there is a major life change.

Massachusetts was the first state to require all residents have health insurance. Since the plan was implemented in 2006, the state has been viewed as a source of insight as to what may happen nationwide with health care reform.

Individual health insurance plans impose steep premium increases

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

People with non-group health insurance coverage saw premiums hiked by an average of 20 percent, a Kaiser study found.

Over 75 percent of consumers with individual health insurance plans saw their premiums rise, according to Kaiser. Slightly over 15 percent switched their plans instead of paying more.

Consumers who switched plans are four times more likely to say that the cheaper plan is less robust than they are to say the new plan is superior, according to Kaiser.

The survey findings show the reality of what is taking place in the health insurance industry.

"With people in the individual market being hit with average increases of 20 percent, the survey shows that the steep increases we have been reading about over the last several months are not just extreme cases," says Kaiser Family Foundation president and CEO Drew Altman.

Currently, most people obtain their insurance through their employer, but individual health insurance plans may become more increasingly used as Americans will be required to have health insurance in the future under health care reform. People who cannot afford to pay for individual health insurance coverage may be eligible for government-funded plans.

Unpaid sick days force many to delay care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The country's health care system is being stressed from a lack of employer-paid sick days, a survey conducted by the National Opinion Center found.

Over 50 percent of employees without paid sick days surveyed said that they went into work with a contagious sickness whereas 37 percent of those who had paid sick days said the same.

Furthermore, 20 percent of people without paid leave had to obtain care in an emergency room, versus 10 percent of those who received sick time as a benefit, the survey found.

The survey findings suggest that people would seek medical attention and stay home when ill if they received sick days.

"This new survey shows conclusively that our nation is paying a high price for not allowing workers to earn paid sick days," said president of the Public Welfare Foundation Deborah Leff. "It demonstrates that not having paid sick days drives up the costs of health care and causes more people to go to work sick, creating public health risks for everyone."

Illnesses can spread and become more severe if they go untreated. Health care costs can rise as a result of more people becoming sick and obtaining care in emergency rooms.

Psoriasis suffers put off treatment because of cost

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Health insurance problems prevented a third of psoriasis sufferers from getting the treatment they need, a study conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation found.

Patients suffering from the condition may require several series of treatments in order to properly ease their symptoms. The survey found that 12 percent of respondents did not treat their skin condition because they didn't have health insurance and another 11 percent rejected treatment because their insurance plan didn't cover it.

An additional 11 percent reported that they could not afford to treatment because of co-pay expenses. Even with health care reform, experts don't think that it will help those suffering from psoriasis get the care they need.

"Though it offers many positive changes, the new health care law does not prevent insurance companies from limiting the types of treatment they will cover for people with psoriasis and other chronic diseases, and it does not limit the copayments insurance companies can require," said president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation Randy Beranek.

While health care reform will not eliminate costs, it does aim to help provide insurance coverage at more affordable rates.

Group helps uninsured children by knocking on doors

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Efforts to find and enroll uninsured children in government health insurance programs are being done with social media, searching through databases and old-fashioned door knocking.

Door knockers are people who are going door-to-door in low-income neighborhoods on a mission find, and help enroll, 5 million uninsured children for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, reports Kaiser Health News.

"There will always be communities, individuals and families who for one reason or another need some guiding through the enrollment process," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services official Cindy Mann told KHN.

Researchers found that many children go without health insurance, even if it's free, because the parents are either unaware that their kids are eligible or don't know how to fill out the appropriate paperwork, says KHN. They cite a study by the Urban Institute that found uninsured children are 10 times more likely to go without proper health care than their insured counterparts.

A large number of American children are going without adequate health insurance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that 8.9 percent of children under the age of 18 lacked health insurance in 2008.

California Insurance Department reviews rate hikes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Double digit premium hikes proposed by several California health insurers drew criticism earlier this year.

Nearly 2.5 million individual health insurance holders would be subject to these increases, according to a recent report by the Los Angeles Times. The California Department of Insurance is currently reviewing these rate hikes, a process some analysts believe will lower costs for consumers.

"Consumers are facing steep increases in their health insurance rates at the time they can least afford them," Darrel Ng, a spokesman for the California Department of Insurance, told the Times. "We want to make sure that all of the filings follow state law."

The concerned health insurance companies, however, feel that their proposed increases will survive the department's scrutiny, according to the report. The rate hikes were done carefully, the insurers said, and comply with state law.

The actions currently underway by the California Department of Insurance are similar to those protected under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This reform enables local and state governments to review premium changes to ensure they are reasonable, and requires that insurers spend a certain level of costs on claims rather than administrative expenses.

Americans going without health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Over 15 percent of Americans lacked health insurance last year, according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The 15.4 percent (46.3 million) uninsured rate marks an increase from 14.7 percent (43.8 million) people in 2008, says the CDC. The number of uninsured adults aged 18 to 64 increased from 19.7 percent in 2008 to 21.1 percent in 2009.

While all ethnic groups are not completely insured, Hispanics were more likely than any other ethnic group to lack health insurance coverage, the CDC survey found. The research found that nearly a third of Hispanics were without insurance in 2009.

Young adults aged 18 to 24 were more likely than any other age group to lack health insurance as just under 30 percent said they didn't have coverage, the CDC survey revealed. Many young adults go without insurance because they are more likely to have jobs that don't offer it as a benefit or don't make enough money to afford the coverage.

The number of young adults without health insurance is expected to drop. Under health care reform, adult children up to the age of 26 will be able to stay on their parents' health insurance plan.

Health insurance a costly benefit for employers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:00:00 -0500

It's no secret that health insurance is expensive for consumers, but few know what it costs employers.

The average employee's compensation was $29.71 per hour in March, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A worker's salary averaged out to $20.67 per hour or 69.6 percent of their paycheck. The remaining $9.04 or 30.4 percent came from benefits.

When breaking down what is spent on individual benefits, health insurance costs take up a considerable percentage.

In the private industry, employers paid on average $2.08 an hour for health insurance benefits in March this year, the BLS found, making up 7.5 percent of a workers compensation.

"Among occupational groups, employer costs for health insurance benefits ranged from 92 cents per hour and 6.7 percent of total compensation for service workers to $3.03 and 6.2 percent of total compensation for management, professional, and related occupations," reports the BLS.

These statistics are likely to change once health care reform takes full effect. Some provisions, such as offering health insurance to adult children up to age 26, will likely force fees to go up. Improvements in quality and efficiency may help rein in health care costs, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Procedures block Arkansas children from health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 28 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Thousands of eligible children are not enrolled in the Arkansas state health insurance program, ARKids First, a report by the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families found.

Of the 65,000 uninsured children in the state, 43,000 are eligible for ARKids First, but are not currently enrolled due to complications with registration steps or the renewal process, the report found.

Simplifying enrollment and renewal procedures are essential for helping children in Arkansas get appropriate health care coverage, according to Health Policy and Legislative Affairs Director for AACF Elisabeth Wright Burak.

"We know that solutions exist because other states have implemented them such as paperless and/or automatic re-enrollment or offering continuous 12 month insurance," says Burak. "If we can embrace these new methods to keep children enrolled and create a more efficient system in the process, we can then begin the work of covering those children who currently don't qualify for ARKids First, yet desperately need medical insurance."

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that there were 7.3 million children nationwide without health insurance in 2008. According to the government, populations in the Northeast and Midwest had the lowest uninsured rate in 2008 at 11.6 percent.

Optimism towards health care grows

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 28 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Americans are feeling more optimistic about their ability to pay for and obtain health care, the consumer sentiment index from Thomson Reuters found.

The survey asks respondents to reflect on their experiences during the previous three months and anticipate their future encounters for the next three.

According to the index, there was a statistically significant rating change from 97 in March to 99 in April. This marks a rebound from February and March, when numbers fell.

When thinking about the past few months, respondents noted that they put off receiving health care services. However, looking forward, people expected that they would have an easy time attaining health care.

"We're seeing a bit of volatility so far in 2010 - optimism tempered by uncertainty regarding the economy and the future of the healthcare system," said the chief research officer at Thomson Reuters, Gary Pickens.

Increased optimism may stem from health care reform. The government has created several laws designed to make health insurance more accessible and affordable. According to the government, the reform will assist 32 million people obtain affordable health care through tax cuts.

Combining medical, pharmacy benefits may prevent healthcare gaps

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 18 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Healthcare gaps often cause consumers to forgo the treatment they need - until such habits land them in a doctor's office or emergency room.

A recent report by one major health showed that healthcare plans that combine medical and pharmacy benefits from the same company are more significantly more effective in closing gaps than those that do not. Consumers with such coverage were 14 percent likelier to get treatment for asthma than individuals with plans that did not integrate medical and pharmacy benefits together.

This trend was also witnessed among individuals with chronic renal failure, hypertension, coronary heart disease and various other medical conditions. Overall, plans that combined medical and pharmacy benefits were 2.8 percent more likely than their counterparts to close coverage gaps.

"The data in this analysis supports the assertion that the connection between pharmacy and medical benefits really does make a difference," Thomas Bunz, a clinical program manager for the insurer, said. "By improving people's health and reducing costs, we are helping to improve the quality of their lives."

Receiving the appropriate medical care may help consumers avoid increased health insurance quotes resulting from medical complications.

New campaign aims to change perception on obesity

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 13 May 2010 02:00:00 -0500

About 10 percent of the nation's annual medical expenses go toward treating conditions related to being overweight or obese.

With this in mind, Allergan Inc. has launched the Choosing Health over Obesity Inspiring Change through Empowerment campaign to address the obesity epidemic. The campaign's initiatives include a petition to Congress detailing the policies necessary, a Facebook cause page, a Twitter page and a Voice My CHOICE Contest.

In addition to raising awareness and access for treatment, the campaign aims to change public perception that being overweight is necessarily caused by poor lifestyle or eating habits, according to the release. Rather, it may result from science or the biology of fat, meaning that its victims may have no choice.

"We believe that this change of perception will only happen when we directly elevate the issue in the public domain and demand a focus on both prevention and treatment to ultimately help those who are obese regain their health and lives," David Pyott, chairman of the board and CEO of Allergan, said.

Some of the health conditions associated with obesity include diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and some types of cancer. These can make it more difficult for some individuals to obtain affordable health insurance quotes.

What reform means for insured Americans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Recent healthcare reform was most widely hailed - or criticized - for the changes it would make for people without health insurance.

But these are not the only Americans who will be affected by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. A recent article by SmartMoney.com indicated some of the adjustments that those with health insurance will be forced to make.

People with individual health insurance will likely face higher premiums in the coming years, while Medicare rebates may cover some of the prescription coverage gap. The majority of insured Americans receive coverage through an employer-sponsored plan. Those who have high-cost individual or family policies of this sort will be forced to face an excise tax starting in 2018, according to the report, unless legislators repeal it before that time.

“It seems unlikely to me that future Congresses will follow through and implement this Cadillac tax because it’s going to be so unpopular," Bradley Herring, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told SmartMoney.

Young adults whose parents have employer-sponsored insurance will be able to remain on their plans until they reach age 26. This provision is not scheduled to take effect until September, but three insurers have announced they'll implement it sooner.

H1N1 continues spreading throughout Southeast

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Consumers who already face increased health insurance quotes due to pre-existing health conditions may be at additional risk to H1N1 swine flu.

Despite falling out of headlines recently, the pandemic continues to spread throughout the Southeast United States, according to a recent report from Reuters, making it important for all Americans - and particularly at-risk populations - to seek vaccination. The report cited an announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention commenting on swine flu's presence within the country.

"For the week ending March 27, 2010, pneumonia or influenza was reported as an underlying or contributing cause of death for 7.9 percent of all deaths," the report said.

The majority of recent H1N1 cases were reported in South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee. Children between ages zero and four were hit harder than older populations, who tend to be more vulnerable to seasonal influenza.

About 162 million doses of the swine flu vaccines have been shipped throughout the country, according to the report. Between 81 and 91 million have been administered.

Healthcare reforms apply to self-insured employers as well

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Americans unable to obtain employer-sponsored coverage often turn to the individual health insurance market. Recent healthcare reform gives individuals under age 26 another option: their parents' plan.

Prior to the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, young adults would be removed from their parents' coverage after age 19 or when they stopped being a full-time student. This will no longer be the case starting this September.

However, there is some confusion over the extent of the legislation's requirements, according to a recent column by the New York Times. Self-insured employers cover their workers' claims rather than going through a health insurance company. These business are exempt to many insurance laws, but not the one regarding adult children.

"The administration must also issue regulations that define exactly who qualifies as a dependent under this provision," the column said. "If an adult child has access to health insurance on the job, he or she must take it rather than remain on a parent's plan."

The recent reform also prevents insurance companies from charging individuals with pre-existing conditions higher premiums for their coverage.

Survey shows reluctance toward dropping coverage to cut costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

For many small businesses, it may be more prudent to drop healthcare coverage and face the fees rather than try to insure each employee.

The majority of employers are opposed to this approach, according to a recent survey by Crain Communications. About 52 percent of respondents said they strongly disagreed with the statement that paying a $2,000 penalty per employee was more affordable than offering health insurance. Fifteen percent somewhat disagreed.

Larger employers expressed stronger disagreement with the statement, as they would be forced to incur more penalties. This new fee is part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and will be enforced at companies with 50 or more full-time employees starting in 2014.

"When asked whether they would continue offering healthcare benefits because they are critical to employee recruiting and retention, 65.7 percent of survey respondents strongly agreed," the report said.

Recent reform mandating universal healthcare coverage also requires consumers to purchase insurance or pay fines. Those who do not have access to employer-sponsored coverage may turn to individual health insurance or government-sponsored programs like Medicare.

AG urges colleges to review health insurance policies

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Healthcare is one of the costs many young adults incur when pursuing their higher education.

However, the health insurance quotes students face through school-sponsored plans are not always comparable to the benefits they receive, according to a recent letter by New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. The Associated Press documented Cuomo's effort to encourage more than 300 schools to review their health insurance plans.

Many of these plans have caps that prevent students from receiving the care they need after attempting suicide or getting injured while drunk, according to the report. Per-illness caps may limit coverage to $700, while some plans provide little or no assistance with prescription medicine.

However, many health insurers are able to turn profits with such school-sponsored coverage, according to Cuomo. Annual premiums for these plans may range from $100 to $2,500.

"A bad health insurance plan can have catastrophic and long-lasting effects on a young person's life," Cuomo was quoted as saying. "By being informed of the problematic practices that currently exist in the industry, schools can negotiate for better health plans."

A recent National Health Survey showed that Americans age 20 to 29 are more likely than any other age group to be uninsured, with 13 million such individuals forgoing coverage.

Column: Reform represents large advance for women's healthcare

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Starting in 2014, healthcare reform will prohibit insurers from charging Americans with pre-existing medical conditions higher health insurance quotes.

Among these conditions are pregnancy and breast cancer - meaning that simply being female will no longer justify hiked-up premiums.

This is one of many victories in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to column by Planned Parenthood Federation of America president Cecile Richards for the Huffington Post. The bill also increases availability of contraception and family planning services, while offering low-cost screenings for breast and cervical cancer.

"Despite unacceptable and onerous restrictions on private health insurance coverage for abortion, this new law represents the greatest single legislative advance for women's healthcare since Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law nearly 45 years ago," the column said.

Richards called on women's rights advocates to help overturn abortion restrictions scheduled to take effect in 2014 by voting more pro-choice lawmakers into the House of Representatives and Senate.

Cost-related barriers contribute to high uninsured rates among women, according to the National Women's Law Center. Eighteen percent of women were uninsured in 2007.

Exercise can prevent weight gain for those with obesity gene, study says

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Maintaining a healthy weight is one way consumers can avoid medical complications and secure affordable health insurance quotes.

Some individuals, however, may be been born with a predisposition toward obesity. A recent report by the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine showed that teenagers with a particular gene would have to perform 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily in order to overcome obesity-related traits.

This type of exercise includes ballroom dancing, gardening, jogging, bicycling, hiking and tennis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those that performed less than an hour of physical activity per day also developed more body fat.

The researcher calculated body mass index and body fat percentage based on participants' weight, height,waist circumference, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds. The subjects repesented nine different European countries and were studied from October 2006 through December 2007. The common gene between the participants was FTO rs9939609 polymorphism.

A recent study by Stanford University linked genotype with the most effective diet an individual can pursue. Those with a genetic predisposition to benefit from a particular diet lost 5.3 percent of their body weight, compared to the 2.3 percent of body weight lost by those who followed diets not genetically suitable.

Column: Health insurance mandate redistributes costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 02:00:00 -0500

They're included in every universal healthcare system in the world. They're now part of America's.

And yet, individual mandates have not received overwhelming welcome within the United States. A recent Kaiser Health News column by New Republic senior editor Jonathan Cohn looked into this discrepancy, which has deepened following the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Without the mandate, healthy individuals may not be inclined to set aside a part of their paycheck for insurance premiums. This increases the burden for those who rely on such policies. These consumers account for about 20 percent of the population, according to the column, and are responsible for some 80 percent of healthcare costs.

Unpredictable events like a car accident or serious disease can force an individual to enter this group. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act passed in 1986 requires healthcare providers to treat those with life-threatening conditions regardless of their insurance status. This hikes up health insurance quotes and taxes. Yet, many of these individuals who receive such charity medical care could otherwise afford health insurance.

Spreading the costs more equally may be the only way to ensure reasonable premiums and quality care. This, according to the column, is what the Affordable Care Act's universal mandate is prepared to do.

Healthcare reform aims to eliminate gender-rating

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Individual health insurance policies may soon become more affordable for women thanks to provisions in the recent healthcare reform bill aimed at eliminating gender-rating practices.

Research by the National Women's Law Center showed that a 25-year-old women could face premiums 6 to 45 percent higher than a man of that age. Similar discrepancies are experienced within other age groups, according to the report, despite the health levels of the individuals involved. Several state laws also allow insurers to reject women for health reasons that are not experienced by men, like having had a Cesarian section.

The new bill makes gender-rating illegal and includes maternity coverage as an essential health benefit.

"The health care industry and health care insurance in general has been riddled with the most discriminatory and unfair practices to women," Marcia D. Greenberger, founder and co-president of the NWLC, told the New York Times. "This law is a giant leap forward to dismantling the unfairness that has been a part of the system."

Still, many woman's rights advocates have criticized the reform for compromises made regarding the availability of federal funding for abortion services. A 1976 law currently prevents such funds to be used through Medicaid, except in rape, incest and cases that endanger the woman's life.

Health insurance fraud bilks consumers out of millions

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

Consumers and businesses are increasingly falling prey to fraudulent health insurance plans.

A recent report by BestWire News noted the prevalence of "limited benefit" or medical discount cards that pretend to offer full coverage. Victims may not realize their policy is fraudulent until they receive healthcare bills, according to the report.

While many fraudsters were eliminated in the mid-2000s, tough economic conditions caused by the recession recently created a new market for their services. Regulators in several states have taken action against the American Trade Association, claiming it bilked thousands of consumers out of at least $14 million, according to the report.

"It's just a front for taking people's money and not paying claims," Oklahoma insurance commissioner Kim Holland told the wire service.

Other companies cited by state regulators include Serve America Assurance Ltd., Real Benefits Association, Affinity Group Benefits Association Inc. and Smart Data Solutions LLC.

Healthcare spending reaches about $68 billion annually, according to statistics from the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association. At least 3 percent this money is lost to fraud. These costs can cut into the overall revenue received by health insurance companies and increase health insurance quotes and out-of pocket costs for consumers.

Middle-class households lose eligibility for health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500

The rising cost of individual and family health insurance policies have put them out of reach for many middle-class households, according to a recent report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

It has also become increasingly difficult for employers to offer such coverage. The report showed that 66 percent of middle-class households receives insurance coverage through their employer in 2008, a 3 million person decrease from 2000's figures.

Employee-sponsored insurance coverage experienced greater cuts among those with lower incomes, according to the report. Some of this loss has been offset by government insurance programs, like Medicaid.

"The fallout from rising health insurance costs hits everyone," Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, said. "Employers must choose between either passing on costs to workers who cannot afford the increase and therefore drop coverage, or paying more for their employees’ coverage at the cost of creating and preserving jobs."

The most recent data from the Census Bureau show that about 46.3 million Americans did not have health insurance in 2008, up from the previous years's 45.7 million. Job loss paired with the rising cost of health insurance may drive these numbers higher, according to the report.