Health Insurance Quote

Family healthcare costs rise to more than $20,000 per year

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Average healthcare expenses for American families has increased markedly in recent years, and now the average per family is more than $20,000, according to Milliman.

The firm's 2012 Medical Index showed that families with preferred provider organization policies from an employer costs, on average, a total of $20,728. This is a 6.9 percent rise compared to 2011's statistic. While it is the lowest percentage jump over the past decade, the total cost rise was $1,335 from 2011 to 2012. This was higher than the $1,319 from 2010 to 2011.

"The average rate of increase this year dips below 7 percent for the first time since we began analyzing these costs, but the total dollar increase is still the highest we have seen," said Lorraine Mayne, principal and consulting actuary with the Salt Lake City office of Milliman. "This helps illustrate the challenge of controlling healthcare costs."

Healthcare costs don't have to be expensive. If a family feels they are breaking the bank with their current plan, it may be useful to compare health insurance quotes.

Report: Nearly 30 million Americans diagnosed with Asthma

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that millions of Americans are dealing with Asthma.

The report noted that more than 29 million adults have been diagnosed with the illness at some point in their lives. In addition, close to 19 million still have to deal with the disease, as of 2010. In addition, sizable percentages of children and adults with the illness don't have a plan to help overcome the illness, and the government organization stressed that families need to do what they can to help themselves.

"The information in this release is a stark reminder that asthma continues to be major public health concern with a large financial impact on families, the nation, and our health care system," said Christopher Portier, director of CDC's National Center for Environmental Health. "A key component for adults and children is to create and follow an asthma action plan."

Americans who deal with chronic illnesses such as Asthma may be paying more for their health insurance. In order to curb their costs, it could help to look for a policy with affordable health insurance rates.

Healthcare industry losing billions in incentives

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

ZS Associates recently conducted a study which revealed that the healthcare industry could be wasting as much as $20 billion in unused health incentives.

More than 80 percent of medical professionals have access to such incentive programs, but approximately 75 percent of these people did not know how to use them, or were unable to tell the difference between these payouts from their regular earnings. Another 33 percent were not interested in such options.

"While incentive compensation plans are intended to change behavior, improve patient outcomes and achieve critical business objectives, design and execution of the plans are often flawed," said Angela Bakker Lee, one of the report's authors and managing principal at ZS. "Relatively small increases in a doctor's rate of reimbursement, for example, fail to motivate change."

If a patient is concerned they aren't getting the most out of their healthcare plan, it could be the time to look for a new option. By comparing affordable health insurance rates, a consumer may get the policy they have been looking for.

Fewer health plans for foreign-born households than native ones

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

According to data released by the Census Bureau, the percentage of foreign-born households with health insurance is considerably less than that of native households.

Roughly two-thirds of the nation's foreign-born households have health coverage, the agency reports, while 87 percent of native households currently have health insurance plans.

This lower figure of foreign-born households with health coverage may have to do with lower median income. The Census Bureau reports the median for non-U.S.-born households is $46,224 - markedly less than the $50,541 median for native households.

Additionally, the data shows private health insurance companies covered three-quarters of foreign-born households, and slightly more for U.S.-born households.

Residents born in and out of the U.S. who currently reside in the country and may be looking for affordable health insurance rates may want to search online to receive quotes from various insurers.

U.S. spends more on healthcare, but quality lacks

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

In 2009, the United States spent more on healthcare per person than a dozen industrialized nations, a report by The Commonwealth Fund found, but the quality of that care was labeled insufficient in some areas.

According to the report, the U.S. spent roughly $8,000 on healthcare per person in 2009, while other prominent countries spent considerably less. Japan and New Zealand only spent roughly one-third of that total, while Norway and Switzerland spent two-thirds.

However, David Squires, senior research associate at The Commonwealth Fund, who authored the study, stated that the country is failing to provide "notably superior" care, despite spending all that money.

"The higher prices we pay for health care and perhaps our greater use of expensive technology are the more likely explanations for high health spending in the U.S.," said Squires. "Unfortunately, we do not seem to get better quality for this higher spending."

One aspect of the health industry that is strong is the number of affordable and comprehensive health insurance companies Americans can choose from. Consumers can check out rates on policies from these companies by going online and comparing coverage plans.

Healthcare in retirement may leave gaps

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

While many older Americans may need significant healthcare coverage when they retire, many people may struggle to afford a comprehensive policy, according to MarketWatch.

A Fidelity Investments report showed that for couples who are at least 65 years old, it could cost them $240,000 or more to afford healthcare in retirement, even when using Medicare, the news source noted. This applies for those who live the average lifespan, so many could be making much higher payments throughout their lives, MarketWatch notes.

While 32 percent of total payments are expected to go to Medicare premiums for the B and D plans, the majority of costs will be out-of-pocket, the report added. Close to one-quarter of the amount paid will be for prescription drugs, while another 45 percent will be for deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance.

Consumers who are worried about healthcare costs in old age, and are not comfortable with utilizing Medicare, it may benefit them to seek out a private plan. Comparing policies with affordable health insurance rates may help a person afford health issues later in life.

Possible fraudulent insurance claims climb in 2011

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The National Insurance Crime Bureau noted in a report that slip and fall claims increased significantly during 2011.

These claims are some of the most commonly used to defraud an insurance company, as they create a dangerous situation in order to collect the money for an incident that was preventable, the report said. In 2011, 2,168 questionable claims were filed, which is 12 percent higher than 2010's figure of 1,944.

California had the highest number of questionable claims during the year, with a total of 667, according to the report. New York and Texas finished second and third, with respective claims of 280 and 245. Illinois recorded 230 claims while Florida experienced 286, to round out the top five.

Consumers who are looking for insurance may want to keep in mind that questionable and fraudulent claims can increase health insurance rates, overall. If a person is unhappy with the current payments for their plan, it may be a good idea to compare other health insurance quotes to find something more affordable.

Many older Americans not ready for retirement healthcare expenses

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A survey from Nationwide Financial showed that close to 50 percent of retiring Americans noted concern for their healthcare costs in old age, even if they saved for retirement.

The survey, which was compiled by Harris Interactive, found that 45 percent anticipate healthcare costs becoming their most significant expense during retirement. In addition, close to 40 percent of those who have at least $250,000 saved said that they have not spoken to a financial advisor. However, only 20 percent of those who have spoken to a financial advisor mentioned healthcare costs that aren't covered by government-funded plans.

"Americans - even those who have diligently saved for their golden years - are not prepared for the reality of healthcare costs in retirement and don't really understand how Medicare works," said John Carter, president of Nationwide Financial Distributors.

Those consumers who are heading for retirement may want to ensure they have a sufficient healthcare policy. Those who aren't confident in their current plan could benefit from comparing a group of health insurance quotes. This may help them secure a policy that includes affordable health insurance rates while providing the coverage they are looking for.

Healthcare decision could cause Medicare stagnation

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Medicare system could be frozen if the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act altogether, according to The Associated Press.

Opinion on the law is split, and if it is considered constitutional, it will go into full effect in 2014. However, Medicare is in a precarious position, as it would still be under Congress' influence if the law is overturned, the news source noted. But this would also create new hurdles for the public program - both legally and otherwise. Specifically, payments for the past two years would be difficult to determine, as it has been a large part of the medical overhaul.

"Medicare cannot turn on a dime," Don Berwick, the Obama Administration's first Medicare chief, told the news source. "I would not be surprised if there are delays and problems with payment flow. Medicare has dealt with sudden changes in payment before, but it is not easy.’"

Consumers who currently have a Medicare plan, but are afraid of losing coverage, may want to look for policies with affordable health insurance rates. There are many health insurance plans available, and comparing multiple options can get a person the best deal.

Young consumers frustrated with healthcare plans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Harris Interactive and ZocDoc released the findings of a poll which explained that many young Americans are disconnected from the healthcare world, even if they are the most electronically-educated generation.

More than half of the group polled noted that health-related issues are frustrating to deal with, while close to two-thirds noted feeling like getting a doctor's appointment was out of their hands, and completely up to their physician's office.

"This study highlights the need for the healthcare space to play technological catch up to other industries," said Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa, assistant professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center. "If we are not technologically savvy enough to make healthcare user friendly for our young population, then this generation will be less likely to regularly seek out the preventive care they need and deserve."

If a person is confused about how to get a proper healthcare policy that is affordable and easy to understand, it may be a smart plan to look at several options. Comparing health insurance quotes doesn't have to be difficult, and it could help a person get the plan they desire.

Many Americans not getting enough sleep

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Better Sleep Council recently noted in a report that many Americans struggle with a lack of sleep, and would be willing to give something up to get more time to rest in bed.

Close to half of Americans have a habit of falling asleep in a place that isn't their bed at least once each week, the report said. More than one-tenth also noted that they fall asleep in a place that isn't their bed every day.

"The health problems associated with not getting enough sleep are well documented," said Karin Mahoney, director of communications for the BSC. "People who don't get enough sleep can suffer from poor performance at work or school to depression, diabetes, heart disease and other ailments."

Those consumers who are having trouble getting a proper amount of sleep may benefit from looking for medical help, as not sleeping enough can be severely damaging to a person's health. If they don't have a proper medical policy, or are not happy with their current plan, it may help to compare health insurance quotes online.

Kentucky residents aware of state's health problems

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A recent poll from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky found that many of the state's residents think that there are serious health issues that need to be dealt with among its residents, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

The poll noted that more than 80 percent of the state's residents think that obesity among children is a significant issue. The proportion grew to nine out of 10 respondents in the greater Lexington area, the news source reports. In addition, more than half of the state's residents want a smoking ban installed in Kentucky.

Approximately 30 percent of residents were aware of a friend or relative who abused prescription drugs, as well, the report added.

Wherever a person lives in the U.S., it could be very important to keep up on their own health, as well as the well-being of their families. By comparing health insurance quotes online, a person may be able to get the best policy available for their family at a low price.

CDHPs cater to more educated, wealthy individuals

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that those who use consumer-driven health plans tend to have more money, a higher level of education and better health than those who use private options.

CDHPs include high-deductible health plans, and are usually coupled with a Health Savings Account or a health reimbursement arrangement, according to the report. Last year, approximately 21 million Americans owned one of these two types of policies. Overall, that figure is 12 percent of the U.S. healthcare market. Nearly half had some type of a college degree, which was much higher than the 24 percent of those with a standard plan.

"Consumer-driven health plans are a growing presence in the health insurance market, so it's important to understand how they differ from traditional health plans," said Paul Fronstin, author of the report and director of EBRI's health research and education program.

Regardless of a person's education or financial standing, it may be possible to find a policy with affordable health insurance rates. If a person puts their current plan up against other health insurance quotes, they can find the best plan for the money.

Many Americans have pre-existing health issues

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Government Accountability office has found that a significant portion of Americans have pre-existing conditions, and these may have prevented them from getting a new healthcare policy.

The report, "Private Health Insurance: Estimates of Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions Range from 36 Million to 122 Million," discovered that close to one-fifth of American adults between 19 and 64 years of age have hypertension. In addition, many also reported mental health issues and diabetes.

The aforementioned issues can prevent consumers from receiving healthcare from many providers, the report noted. Close to nine in 10 Americans reside in areas which do not protect their ability to get coverage for such issues. Some programs will allow them to be covered for such ailments, but only after a trial period. Americans who cannot get these issues included in their policy may have to pay out-of-pocket to ensure they are taken care of.

Those who are dealing with pre-existing health issues and are looking for a plan may benefit from continuing to search for options, as some policies could cover their needs. By comparing multiple health insurance quotes, a consumer may find an option that fits their needs.

Many Americans struggle with prescription drug abuse

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A study from Quest Diagnostics found that more than 60 percent of patients polled have misused drugs prescribed to them by a physician.

The continued abuse or incorrect dosages of these medicines could pose significant harm to a patient's health, the study said. This is especially true for some pain medications which are commonly abused. Nearly 45 percent of those who used opiods for pain noted not following the dosage directions. In addition, depressants were misused half the time, while amphetamines were not taken correctly 48 percent of the time.

"These results are sobering, and suggest that changes in prescribing medications - and educating patients in appropriate prescription drug use - are urgently needed," said Dr. Keith Heinzerling, MD, Assistant Professor with the UCLA Department of Family Medicine.

Consumers who have substance abuse issues should contact the proper medical professionals in order to improve their situation. If the person lacks health insurance, comparing affordable health insurance rates may help them obtain a policy that they can financially manage, while getting the necessary treatment.

Berries may aid brain health

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report published in the Annals of Neurology health journal noted that eating berries may actually help improve sustained brain function, which could lower the chances of cognitive illness, according to Healthland.

While it is not known if eating such fruits will prevent cognitive illness for sure, the study noted that women who made sure to eat berries weekly slowed cognitive recession by between 1.5 and 2.5 years. Specifically, this included about one-half cup of blueberries a week, while strawberries was one full cup. The study found that besides cognitive health, it was important to eat such fruits, anyway.

"I don't think there are many downsides to that," said Elizabeth Devore, a medicine instructor at Brigham and Women's Hospital, according to the news source. "The availability of berries and access to this kind of intervention is great as a public health message."

Americans who already practice healthy eating may want to look for other ways to keep improving their health. By having a solid healthcare policy, this may be made easier. One of the top ways to ensure that a person has a strong plan is to compare their current policy with other health insurance quotes.

Employed Americans don't get enough sleep

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

With a significant portion of employees not getting more than six hours of sleep per night, they could be setting themselves up for major health issues, according to a report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

More than 40 percent of those who work night shifts do not sleep enough, and 29 percent of day shift workers said the same, the report said, according to HealthDay. Of those who work in transportation and warehouses during the nighttime don't sleep well. Those who don't sleep well put themselves at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack and depression.

"Despite these consequences, many people still don't find the time for adequate sleep, with many having trouble with insomnia and not seeking proper help," said Shelby Freedman Harris, director of the Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program at Montefiore Medical Center, according to the news source.

Those who have trouble sleeping may want to consult a physician for solutions to the problem. If the person lacks a sufficient healthcare policy, it may help to look for one with affordable health insurance rates online.

Americans don't want to pay for Medicare reform

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

While many Americans feel that the Medicare program may need to be reformed, a large portion of these people don't want to foot the bill, according to Harris Interactive and HealthDay.

More than 80 percent of consumers think that Medicare needs reforms in order for it to continue to be reasonable. Furthermore, 51 percent think that drastic changes are needed to the program. However, 53 percent don't want higher taxes and 60 percent are against direct contributions to lower costs.

"There's a clear majority who think there is a problem that needs to be addressed, but [people also believe] if the changes are going to cost me money in terms of higher co-pays, higher deductibles or higher taxes, no thank you," said Humphrey Taylor, chairman of The Harris Poll.

If a consumer feels they are financially-strapped due to excess Medicare payments or high taxes, it may benefit them to look for a private healthcare plan. There may be several affordable health insurance rates available, and all a person needs to do is compare health insurance quotes.

Many parents not tackling childrens' weight issues

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

With close to one-third of American children dealing with weight problems, many parents are not prioritizing this issue, according to the YMCA of the USA.

The organization's Family Health Snapshot found that 21 percent of parents note their child's physical health as a top priority, which was low, but on par with the 20 percent who prioritized education. In addition, 40 percent of parents said they could encourage their children to take part in more physical activity.

"Summer weight gain and summer learning loss often go unnoticed, but they impact many of today's youth," said Dr. Matt Longjohn, senior director of chronic disease prevention for Y-USA. "Some studies have shown that children's BMI increases nearly twice as fast during the summer than during the school year."

Parents who are concerned about their children's weight issues may want to consult their family physician. If the person does not have a health insurance policy, it may benefit them to compare health insurance quotes online to find a plan that is right for everyone.

More companies dropping insurance for employees

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Employee Benefits Research Institute recently noted in a report that a sizable portion of Americans have lost healthcare policies due to their companies no longer willing to pay some of the costs.

Approximately 72 percent of employers offered their workers some type of health insurance plan in 2002, according to the report. However, this declined to 67.5 percent in 2010.

"The majority of uninsured workers report that they are not covered by health benefits because their employers did not offer coverage," said Paul Fronstin, senior research associate with EBRI. "In 2010, 58.2 percent of uninsured workers reported that they worked for employers that did not offer health benefits to any employees This is up from 53.1 percent in 1997."

Consumers who have been shut out of the option to have some type of affordable plan from their employer may want to look for alternatives. By checking online to discover health insurance quotes within their budget, it may be possible for consumers to find quality coverage.

Many caregivers witness negative health impact

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A large portion of elderly caregivers noted that their work has affected their health negatively, according to a report completed jointly by Harris Interactive and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Close to 90 percent of those caregivers polled noted that they experienced a heightened amount of stress from doing the job. In addition, 72 percent said that the work has hurt their health, and 60 percent noted a lack of proper sleep because of it. More than 50 percent said that their job as a caregiver forced them to lose focus on their own health issues, as well as other family needs.

"This age of instant information is a boon and a challenge for caregivers," said Dr. Glen Stream, president of the AAFP. "Caregiving can be a challenge as new health issues develop and a loved one's needs change."

Those who are feeling the stress from providing care to a loved one may want to make sure their healthcare policy is as good as possible. By examining health insurance quotes, a person can compare different options and find a plan with affordable health insurance rates.

Many company leaders value keeping healthcare plans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Many chief financial officers typically think that keeping talented workers requires a substantive healthcare offering, regardless of how the Affordable Care Act affects their business, according to a report from the Integrated Benefits Institute.

Four-fifths of CFOs polled noted that a being able to get skilled workforce to agree to be employed at a company is based on having a healthcare option. In addition, many CFOs also noted that employee satisfaction was also based upon the availability of health coverage.

Other reasons that CFOs felt offering healthcare plans is important was improving productivity, promoting healthy living and an overall value to giving such options.

"These concerns indicate that CFOs see medical coverage as a competitive necessity in managing human capital, rather than simply a cost to be minimized," said Dr. Thomas Parry, president of IBI.

If a person is concerned about losing their healthcare plan offered by their employer, or they feel they can obtain a plan that better fits their situation, it may be a smart idea to look for other options. There are a plethora of policies with affordable health insurance rates available to purchase.

Healthcare gaps present during 2011

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Commonwealth Fund recently released a report showing that during 2011, close to 25 percent of Americans were without health insurance for some period of time.

The firm's Health Insurance Tracking Survey also noted that close to 70 percent of those without some type of healthcare policy went without one for longer than one year. In addition, 50 million Americans are currently without a plan, likely due to unemployment or a lack of benefits from their workplace due to the difficult economy.

Americans who do not have a specific healthcare policy are more likely to miss out on necessary check-ups and other important doctor visits, the report said. In addition, consumers could miss out on finding information such as cancer diagnoses. Specifically, 75 percent of those women with health insurance between the ages of 40 and 64 have received a mammogram in the past two years. However, fewer than 30 percent who were without insurance for 12 months or more had the same procedure.

Those who don't have a healthcare plan shouldn't abandon their search, as they could benefit from an inexpensive private option. By going online and comparing affordable health insurance rates, there may be an available policy that isn't expensive.

Healthcare costs continue to rise in February

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

S&P Indices recently released a report showing that the average per capita cost of healthcare service for insurance plans continued to increase during February.

The firm's Healthcare Economic Composite Index rose by 5.75 percent in the year ending in February. This is a significant rise from the annual growth rate of 5.23 percent recorded during the previous month. The Commercial Index rose by 7.73 percent in the year ending in February, which was also significantly higher than the 7.09 percent growth recorded in January.

"We observed further acceleration in healthcare costs annual growth rates in February," said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Indices. "In keeping with the trends seen since the second half of 2011, February data signaled a general upward trend in healthcare costs, as measured by annual rates of change."

Those consumers who are concerned about not being able to afford their health insurance plan due to continued cost increases may want to explore new policy options. By comparing affordable health insurance rates with their current plan, they may be able to get something that is more in-line with their budget.

Billions wasted on workers' compensation pharmacy expenses

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Express Scripts recently released a report which showed that with many workers using medication that is too expensive while on workers' compensation, this is washing approximately $2.1 billion.

The firm's 2011 Workers' Compensation Drug Trend Report showed that $2 billion was wasted on expensive medicines, even though more affordable options are available. Another $107 million was used unnecessarily on billing for third parties and pharmacies that are out of network. There was also $40 million wasted by using more expensive delivery methods to get proper medicine to workers.

"It is critical for employers and payers to get a handle on the costs associated with workers' compensation prescriptions, and we have the solutions to help them to do so, leading to better outcomes for injured workers with minimal disruption," said Tim Pokorney, pharmacist, and clinical director of workers' compensation at Express Scripts.

Consumers who are noticing health insurance rates for their workplace policy are rising, may want to look elsewhere for options. There are many health insurance quotes that may be a better, less expensive option.

Healthcare costs won't be affected by MHPAEA

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Two studies from Thomson Reuters and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that a law allowing extra coverage for workplace-based mental health and substance abuse healthcare coverage won't have a significant effect on expenses.

The two studies noted that substance abuse spending was minimal, as it only accounted for 0.4 percent of total expenses in 2009. In addition, mental health spending, when combined with substance abuse expenses, only totaled 5.2 percent of all costs from 2001 to 2009.

"Employers need not be alarmed by the new coverage mandates of the MHPAEA," said Dr. Tami Mark, the paper's lead author and senior director for Thomson Reuters. "It seems clear, given the relatively low spending on, and low intensity of use of, mental health and substance abuse services, that the additional cost incurred by employers because of the mandate is likely to be negligible."

If a person's healthcare plan at work doesn't provide them with everything they need, it may be smart to look elsewhere for a policy. Comparing health insurance quotes may be the best way to find solid coverage.

Many older Americans struggling with substance abuse

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A recent report from the Hanley Center, in conjunction with the Caron Treament Centers, found that many older Americans are dealing with mental issues, and it is driving some to abuse substances.

Close to 80 percent of those polled who were 48 or older noted that they first used drugs or alcohol before the age of 25, according to the report. However, 40 percent noted that they felt they were substance abusers at some point from that age on. Nine in 10 noted they abused alcohol, while close to half noted abuse of prescription drugs.

"Older adults face a distinct set of challenges as they enter their golden years," said Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director of Hanley Center. "This transitional period of life is unique and leads to difficulty in dealing with stressful situations, such as an early retirement or financial strains, which in turn may lead to serious anxiety and depression."

Older Americans who are concerned about poor habits and health risks may want to see a doctor for advice. If they don't have a sufficient healthcare plan, it could benefit them to compare what their current policy is with other health insurance quotes.

Many insurance customers focus on price

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Today's insurance policy customers are typically grabbing expensive policies without paying attention to the features they carry, according to the Insurance Journal.

A large number of industry members are afraid that regular coverage is being commoditized. This means that those looking for a policy are just picking the most inexpensive plan without any care what it offers, how good the service is or other necessary aspects, the news source said.

Despite this, a survey from the news source found that while 25 percent of agents noted that nine in 10 of their customers decide to go the cheapest route. However, one-third of those polled noted their customers are picking expensive options one-quarter of the time, the survey said.

"Companies are so impressed with themselves and their coverage that they have lost touch with the reality that the consumer is looking for the lowest price, period," one agent told the news source. "The name, the coverage selection, the service almost make no difference."

Those who are looking for the most affordable health insurance rates may want to go online and compare health insurance quotes. This could ensure that they find the best policy for the money.

Obesity issues equal more than one-fifth of U.S. healthcare costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A recent study from Cornell University showed that close to 21 percent of U.S. healthcare costs are due to obesity issues.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Health Economics, noted that a person who is obese has average healthcare costs that are more than $2,000 higher than someone who is not obese. In addition, this equals an annual figure of $190.2 billion. The findings are much higher than what was initially thought, as the impact of obesity was originally predicted to be only $85.7 billion each year - lower than 10 percent of the national total.

"Historically we've been underestimating the benefit of preventing and reducing obesity," said lead author John Cawley, Cornell professor of policy analysis and management. "Obesity raises the risk of cancer, stroke, heart attack and diabetes. For any type of surgery, there are complications with anesthesia, with healing [for the obese]."

Those who are dealing with weight issues may want to speak with a doctor to see how they can help their situation. If they do not have a healthcare plan, it could be a smart idea to compare health insurance quotes. There may be affordable health insurance rates available.

Healthcare premiums to climb in California

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from Consumer Watchdog showed that a group of health insurance providers in California are raising premiums, and the move will affect approximately 1.1 million residents and small business owners.

Premiums are expected to rise by an average of 3.66 percent and 13.8 percent, the report said. However, this can go to more than 20.4 percent for some Americans. The companies involved in the hikes are Aetna, Health Net, UnitedHealthcare and Anthem Blue Cross. At the moment, there is no insurance regulators in the state that have an opportunity to prevent rate hikes. A total of 35 U.S. states have this ability.

"Health insurance companies raise premiums behind closed doors with no accountability," said Carmen Balber with Consumer Watchdog Campaign. "California families and small businesses have reached the breaking point with year after year of reduced benefits and crushing double-digit rate increases."

Consumers who think that their current insurance premiums are too high may benefit by looking for other options. Going online and comparing affordable health insurance rates could help make sure they have a plan that is both inexpensive and sufficient.

Home care costs remain the same in 2012

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from Genworth showed that care for the homebound did not have a significant cost difference in 2012 compared to 2011.

The hourly cost for health aide services is $19, while the homemaker cost is $18, according to the 2012 Cost of Care Survey. The costs are the same as 2011, but homemaker expenses increased 1.2 percent each year in the past five, while health aide services increased 1.1 percent each year during the same period.

"Overwhelmingly, Americans prefer to receive long term care in the home and the relatively muted increase in home care costs over the past few years can be viewed as a positive for consumers," said Steve Zabel, senior vice president of long term care at Genworth.

Consumers who are concerned about the prospect of needing major medical care may want to try to find the best plan for the money. A good way to do this is to compare their current plan to a plethora of affordable health insurance rates online, which could yield them a more efficient coverage plan.

Many Texas children without a healthcare plan

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A recent survey found that 1.2 million Texas children do not have a healthcare policy, and, due to this, they are not receiving necessary medical procedures, according to The Associated Press.

The report, conducted by the Center for Public Policy Priorities, found that in addition to the millions of children without proper care, approximately four in 10 of mothers in the Lone Star State are without sufficient prenatal care. Regarding children, nine in 10 insured youths are considered healthy, while fewer than 60 percent of uninsured children can say the same.

"A large percentage of those kids will end up in the emergency room as their primary source of care, which is hugely inefficient and ridiculously expensive," Dr. Skip Brown, director of a pediatrics center at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, told the news source. "When you go to the emergency department, those guys are not there to be primary-care providers."

Americans who do not have a plan for their family may benefit from searching for affordable health insurance rates. Plans don't need to be expensive, and there may be a policy that is affordable for everyone.

Preventative medical costs vary notably

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Medical examinations for preventative purposes could vary by as much as 700 percent, according to a report from Change Healthcare.

The number of wellness exams for Americans paid by health plans and employers has increased, and they have been available without extra charges. These exams are for diabetes, mammograms, colonoscopies, pap smears and other preventative tests, the report noted. The price differences are for many reasons, such as where a person lives, if the procedure is done in a hospital, a clinc or another venue and if a place specializes in the procedure.

"I wasn't surprised that there was variability, but the degree of variability surprised me," Doug Ghertner, president of Change Healthcare, told USA Today. "The absolute dollars for colonoscopies were pretty big."

Currently, healthcare companies are looking for ways to lower the costs, overall, the report added.

Consumers who are concerned about paying too much for their healthcare payments may want to look for another policy. With the plethora of affordable health insurance rates available, a person may be able to find the plan that fits their needs.

Americans not ready to deal with potential health problems

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from Aflac found that many consumers may be in denial about the possibility of developing a major illness.

The 2012 Aflac WorkForces Report showed that more than 60 percent of workers don't think that they or one of their family members will get a serious illness, while 55 percent noted that they were unlikely to develop a chronic disease. While the optimism is nice, consumers may need to be more cautious and ensure they are prepared for the worst.

"Now, more than ever, people need to understand that well-being means more than just good health - it's being prepared for the reality of whatever life may bring and taking the necessary measures to protect themselves and their families," said Audrey Boone Tillman, executive vice president of Corporate Services at Aflac.

Those Americans who feel their healthcare plan is not sufficient enough to take care of them during a difficult time may want to look at other options. Comparing affordable health insurance rates may give a consumer the policy they need that isn't expensive, but ensures they are covered.

Numerous employers prefer wellness programs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Wellness programs are preferred by a majority of employers in order to combat rising healthcare costs, according to a survey from ADP.

Close to 80 percent of large companies offer such programs, as well as 44 percent of medium-sized workplaces. Approximately 80 percent of both groups noted they offer such programs due to employee health improvements and healthcare expenses, the report said.

Additionally, more than half of both groups noted they experienced improvements in healthcare costs thanks to wellness program implementation.

"Wellness programs are employers' 'next best hope' for containing healthcare expenses," said Tim Clifford, president of benefits services for National Accounts at ADP. "These programs can also increase productivity without the negative impact on employee morale of layoffs or cutting plan options - yet few companies are measuring their return on investment from wellness initiatives."

If a person does not have a wellness program at their workplace, or the offered policy is not what they need in a plan, it could be a smart idea to look for other health insurance options. There are many policies available, and comparing health insurance quotes may get them what they need.

Take precautions to prevent child sports injuries

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Americans Association of Orthodontists and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and multiple other organizations recently released a report encouraging parents to make sure their children are properly protected from bodily injury during sporting competitions.

Collisions can affect children quite easily, and not wearing the proper equipment during events can hurt a child, when it likely was preventable, the report noted. Approximately two-thirds of parents said that their kids don't wear a mouthguard when playing. In addition, more than 80 percent of those kids who don't wear mouth guards do so because there is no requirement.

The report added that in many sports, it is important for kids to not only wear mouthguards, but also helmets, protective eyewear and face shields.

Those parents who don't feel they have a plan that is sufficient enough to keep their family protected in case of injury may want to look online for other options. There are many affordable health insurance rates available that are still wide-ranging. By comparing health insurance quotes, a person may find exactly what they need.

Many Americans satisfied with sleep

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A recent report from the National Sleep Foundation found that many Americans are typically happy with the quality and amount of sleep they have each week.

The firm's 2012 Bedroom Poll noted that 76 percent of Americans have at least a few nights of sleep that are satisfying each week. More than 90 percent noted they have a mattress and pillows that are comfortable, while 91 percent noted that these are important contributors to sleeping soundly. In addition, more than 50 percent of Americans noted that their bedroom amenities were better than a high-class hotel to help them sleep.

"This poll shows that Americans are taking control of their bedrooms and they are happy with the results," said David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation.

Those Americans who are struggling to sleep well at night may have a medical issue. It may be a good idea for these people to speak with a doctor about the problem. If a person doesn't have a health insurance plan, it could be wise to look for affordable health insurance rates online.

Healthcare policy changes could increase emergency trips

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Dr. Adit Ginde of the University of Colorado School of Medicine recently released a report showing that consumers who altered their healthcare policy may be more likely to end up in the emergency room than a doctor's office, according to HealthDay.

The report found that last year, approximately 21 percent of insured Americans and 20 percent of uninsured consumers utilized an emergency care setup last year. However, of those who were under a new plan and were not yet covered, 30 percent had to use an emergency room. Only 20 percent of adults who didn't change their coverage had to do this.

"[A]lthough adjusted [emergency department] use rates were similar for insured adults and uninsured adults, those with recent changes in health insurance status had greater [emergency department] use," researchers wrote in the report, according to the news source.

The study added that those under Medicaid coverage - especially as the plan began - were much more likely to be using the emergency room.

Consumers who are concerned about their healthcare policy leaving them at risk of being underinsured may want to look for other options. It may help to go online and compare affordable health insurance rates, especially if cost is the major hurdle.

Smoking may cause men to experience cognitive issues

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from the National Institute of Aging noted that male middle-aged smokers in middle age may be at a higher risk of cognitive decline than men in the same age bracket who don't smoke.

The findings noted that the men and women surveyed averaged 56 years of age and smoked had a more noticeable drop in cognitive abilities than non-smokers did. In addition, those who quit within the past decade had a more significant decline. However, those who had quit more than one decade earlier showed a decline that was comparable to the rest of non-smokers.

Women studied by Dr. Severine Sabia, head of the report, did not show a connection between smoking and cognitive abilities, the report added.

Those consumers who do what they can to stop partaking in unhealthy habits may be able to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's later in life. In addition, they may be eligible for special healthcare benefits due to their wellness practices. If their employer does not offer this in the company's health insurance plan, it could be a good idea to compare health insurance quotes online.

Public unsure about healthcare reform

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A poll from Harris Interactive revealed that a significant portion of Americans are unsure about healthcare reform, while the rest of consumers are nearly split down the middle on the issue.

The Harris Poll found that 36 percent of Americans support the Affordable Care Act, while another 41 percent oppose it altogether. In addition, there is still 23 percent of consumers who are not sure yet.

Furthermore, many Americans showed that they don't know much about the legislation in relation to them, the survey found. However, 54 percent knew that insurers were not able to deny coverage to the ill, while 55 percent were aware of the insurance extension for those under the age of 26. More than half of those polled noted that medium-sized businesses must allow for their employees to be covered affordably.

Consumers who are concerned about the reform's impact on their lives may want to explore healthcare options in advance. By comparing health insurance quotes, a person can examine what they currently have and find out what out there is a stronger choice going forward.

Gum disease treatment may help cut diabetes costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A study compiled by the American Association for Dental Research, along with United Concordia Dental and Highmark, found that consumers with diabetes who have gum disease treatment may be more likely to lower their overall healthcare costs.

Hospitalizations dropped by one-third, while visits to the doctor fell by 13 percent, according to the report. Currently, close to 26 million Americans had diabetes in 2011. The figure has grown by more than double since 1999.

"The study showed that periodontal treatment and ongoing maintenance is associated with a significant decrease in the cost of medical care for people with diabetes - in the amount of $1,800 per year," said Dr. James Bramson, chief dental officer for United Concordia.

Those who think they are at risk of certain health issues such as diabetes may want to look for a plan that fits their situation. Comparing health insurance quotes may make achieving that goal a bit easier. There are likely many health insurance rates available that are affordable and still are practical for a person's needs.

Healthcare reform effect on employer benefits less than thought

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Midwest Business Group on Health recently unveiled the results to a survey which showed that more employers are not as concerned about the effects of the Affordable Care Act on benefits, as they were in previous years.

Fewer than 10 percent of employers noted that they would drop coverage altogether and pay a penalty fee to save on costs, according to the report. This has dropped by more than 50 percent since 2010. In addition, 42 percent of employers still are hopeful the act is declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and removed altogether.

"While employers uniformly expressed concern with the administrative costs and reporting burdens in the law, there was surprising support for many of the coverage and system reform provisions," said Larry Boress, MBGH's president and chief executive officer.

Despite this, healthcare reform leaves many questions unanswered, and it could be worrisome to those who don't take advantage of a healthcare policy beforehand. Many consumers may be going online to compare affordable health insurance rates, as these could be good alternatives if their employer's plan isn't sufficient enough.

Uncertainty surrounds Supreme Court healthcare reform decision

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A recent report from the Insurance Journal noted that the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to rule on the issue of healthcare reform, could make a number of decisions that affect the legislation one way or another.

The Supreme Court could approve reform, throw it out completely or approve some aspects and deny others, according to the news source. If the court decides to approve reform altogether, everything will go forward as laid out in the president's plan. However, if a decision is made to consider every aspect of healthcare reform unconstitutional, there would be a cancellation of any further changes to the current system, as well as a rollback of any changes that have already been implemented.

There could be a decision made to keep the Affordable Care Act, but get rid of the requirement to keep insurance, the source added. This decision could also be inverted. Beyond this, there are many smaller changes that could be made.

Those concerned about healthcare reform may benefit by taking advantage of low health insurance rates now. By going online and comparing health insurance quotes, a consumer may find exactly what they need for a reasonable price.

Rate hikes considered too high in nine states

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that insurance rate hikes in as many as nine states were too high, after conducting a review.

This department has reviewed healthcare policy rate hikes for the past several months, due to new powers given to it by the Affordable Care Act.

"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act consumers are no longer in the dark about their health insurance premiums," said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "Now, insurance companies are required to justify rate increases of 10 percent or higher."

Sebelius added that companies need to stop forcing rate hikes like these, or explain why they will not do this.

The department added that it has questioned several rate hikes in recent months.

With health insurance reform leaving many questions for the future, it may be a good idea to try to lock in a low rate now. By comparing health insurance quotes, a person may be able to get the plan they need, without excessive costs.

Women less likely to stick to medication regimen

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from Medco Health Solutions showed that men are more likely to take the medicine they are prescribed than women, while women typically take more pills than their male counterparts.

Women, on average, take approximately five drugs each day, while men take fewer than four, according to the survey. However, in 25 clinical trials, it was found that men were more likely to take their medicine in each situation.

"It has long been demonstrated that there are physiological differences in women that affect their absorption and metabolism of medications, but this knowledge has not yet been widely translated into gender-specific dosing," said Dr. Amy Steinkellner, national practice leader, Medco Women's Health Therapeutic Resource Center.

It is highly recommended for anyone taking medication to not stray from what a doctor has ordered. In addition, if a person is struggling with the costs of their medications, it could be a good plan to look for a healthcare policy with lower health insurance rates. This could help a person better afford their health costs.

Healthcare costs grow at slower rate in January

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from S&P Indices showed that healthcare costs increased during the month of January, but at a slower pace than December's figures.

The firm's report, the Healthcare Economic Index, showed that the month witnessed a growth rate of 5.21 percent compared to the same point during the previous year. This was slightly lower than December's figure of 5.3 percent. Furthermore, when comparing commercial healthcare costs, the rate was 7.05 percent in January, a slight decline from December's figure of 7.11 percent.

"Healthcare costs' annual growth rates decelerated modestly in January," says David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Indices. "The fall and early winter of 2011 was highlighted by a general upward trend in healthcare costs, as measured by annual rates of change."

Those who are afraid of rising healthcare costs may want to take advantage of a low rate now. If a person acts quickly, they may be able to find affordable health insurance rates that fit their situation. Just because health insurance quotes are inexpensive, this doesn't mean they aren't sufficient.

Study: Increased customer interaction leads to better retention rates for insurers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A recent study from Quality Planning showed that insurance companies that go out of their way to improve customer retention efforts will have a better chance at achieving that goal, as well as reducing overall claims.

The study, "Customer Contact Analytics New Fuel for Bottom-Line Growth," found that retention rates improved for companies that successfully contacted and spoke with their customers. In addition, those that actively avoid speaking with their company may not be worth pursuing. Also, those companies that have created programs to prevent losing premiums are more likely to successfully keep customers.

"Insurers understand that maintaining regular and effective contact with customers is the right thing to do, but many do not have a scientific basis for selecting which customers to target," said Dr. Raj Bhat, president of Quality Planning.

There are many health insurance options available if a person is not happy with their current insurer. One of the best ways to deal with this could be to compare affordable health insurance rates online. Doing this may help make the process of finding a new policy much easier.

Texas labeled worst state for female health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from iVillage showed that Texas has the lowest rate of women with a health insurance plan in the entire country.

The report, "50 Best to Worst States for Women," said that only 30 percent of female residents in the Lone Star State had some sort of healthcare plan.

However, there are some other states which had high ratings of female healthcare, according to the report. The top five best states for a woman to live in were Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts and California. The statistics took into account healthcare, wellness, parenting help, education, reproductive rights and multiple other factors. The Nutmeg State finished first, in part, because it has 90 percent of its female population under some type of healthcare policy.

Those who think they live in an area where healthcare is unaffordable may want to give it another chance. There are many affordable health insurance rates available in states nationwide. One of the best ways to find one of these plans is to compare health insurance quotes online, as there may be more options than a person may think.

More consumers interested in healthcare exchanges

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

J.D. Power and Associates recently released a report that showed approximately 40 percent of consumers are interested in healthcare exchanges.

The 2012 U.S. Member Health Plan Study revealed that 39 percent of those who have health insurance through a workplace plan would consider using a healthcare exchange, while another 55 percent of those who buy healthcare on their own would do it. Furthermore, half of those who get healthcare through work said they would not utilize exchanges.

"Health insurance exchanges are meant to appeal to individuals who must buy coverage on their own, yet the level of interest among those who obtain health insurance at work could have important implications for the future of employer-sponsored coverage," said Rick Millard, senior director of the healthcare practice at J.D. Power and Associates.

Consumers who are concerned about complexities in the new healthcare reform situation may want to avoid these issues altogether and find a new plan. By comparing affordable health insurance rates, a person can ensure they will receive coverage that is adequate, but doesn't break the bank.

Well-being, feeling valued at work closely connected

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A survey from the American Psychological Association recently found that those workers who feel their company values them are less likely to have stress-related issues.

The report noted that more than 90 percent of workers who said they think their workplace values them was a motivator to be the best they could be at their job. In addition, 41 percent of Americans who had stress issues said that the feeling shows up at work. A total of 46 percent of these people said it was because of low salaries, while another 31 percent said it was due to a lack of chances at promotion.

"The business world is in the midst of a sea change," said Dr. David Ballard, head of APA's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program. "Successful organizations have learned that high performance and sustainable results require attention to the relationships among employee, organization, customer and community."

Those who feel they cannot handle their stress issues may benefit from seeing a professional. If they do not have a doctor, or are unhappy with their current plan, it may help for them to get compare health insurance quotes.

Healthcare reform insures an additional 1.3 million minorities

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that since the initiation of the Affordable Care Act, approximately 1.3 million minorities have been able to receive health insurance.

The data was compiled in the National Health Interview Survey and the Current Population Survey, according to the report. Overall, close to 736,000 Latinos gained healthcare coverage, while approximately 410,000 African Americans, 97,000 Asian Americans and 29,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives received coverage. One of the biggest reasons for the jump was the ability for people under the age of 27 to receive care under their parents' plans.

"As a result of the Affordable Care Act, we are making strides in giving every American regardless of race or ethnicity a fair shot at quality, affordable health coverage," said Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of HHS. "Because of the law, more and more young adults can breathe a little easier knowing they have health coverage."

Those who are still uneasy about healthcare reform may benefit from locking in a rate now. There are many affordable health insurance rates available online, and it may be a good idea to compare health insurance quotes sooner rather than later.

Dementia-like illnesses cost Americans billions

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

The Alzheimer's Association recently released a report showing that Americans will spend approximately $200 billion this year on dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

The report, "2012 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures," showed that a total of $140 billion of that will be paid by Medicare and Medicaid. Overall, a person with a cognitive illness will cost approximately three times more if they are on Medicaid than if they had the plan and did not have the illness.

"Alzheimer's is already a crisis and it's growing worse with every year," said Harry Johns, president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Association. "While lives affected and care costs soar, the cost of doing nothing is far greater than acting now. Alzheimer's is a tremendous cost driver for families and for Medicare and Medicaid."

Consumers who are on Medicaid or Medicare, but are looking for a plan that better fits their needs, may want to look into a private health insurance plan. There are many health insurance rates that are low and could help a person keep their costs down.

Some employers looking to Corporate Health Exchanges

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

Aon Hewitt recently released a report showing that many employers are considering Corporate Healthcare Exchanges, while some are already saying they will definitely participate.

Nearly 95 percent of employers said they plan on giving their employees some sort of health insurance option in the future, the report noted. Another 72 percent said they were interested in seeing if a Corporate Health Exchange was a good option for their employees, and 44 percent said they will use one of these options, even if it is not widely available until 2017.

"Large employers will continue to provide valuable health care benefits to their employees," said Ken Sperling, national health exchange strategy leader with Aon Hewitt. "The emergence of Corporate Exchanges allows employers and employees to benefit from the competitive dynamic that exchanges create and the promise this competition can have in lowering costs."

While these programs are still years away, there is an air of uncertainty in the healthcare industry. Consumers who are concerned about paying higher health insurance rates due to increased government legislation may want to compare health insurance quotes to find a rate they can lock-in now.

Lower insurance costs needed, says Consumer Watchdog

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from the Consumer Watchdog Campaign noted that insurance rates for consumers may be too high for many to afford, which shows a need to slow the increases in costs.

The report, which cited statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, found that approximately 16 percent of consumers with private health insurance plans had difficulty paying down bills, while another 6 percent were not able to pay their expenses at all. The campaign hopes to get a ballot initiative created by November to force insurance companies to justify rate increases. This is a practice that is common in many other states.

"When one in five Americans are in medical debt it's clear that we're not doing enough to make health insurance affordable," said Carmen Balber with the Consumer Watchdog Campaign. "Soon, federal law will require every American to have insurance, but nothing controls what health insurers can charge."

Consumers who are struggling to pay medical bills, or think that they won't be able to afford their current plan, may benefit from considering other affordable health insurance rates. There are many health insurance quotes available that may be form-fit to a person's needs.

Wellness programs growing at many offices

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:00:00 -0500

A report from WorldAtWork showed that healthcare wellness programs have increased in many offices in recent times.

The Total Rewards and Employee Well-Being survey for 2012 showed that more than 95 percent of employers have a healthcare plan for their workers, while 94 percent have well-being programs. Nearly four-in-five noted they plan to raise the total number of programs for their employees. With the current options in place, nearly 90 percent of employers noted their employees are more engaged, while close to 85 percent have witnessed a higher amount of employee satisfaction.

"Organizations ought to consider a more rounded and integrated approach to their well-being programs," said Rose Stanley, a WorldatWork certified benefits professional. "One idea is to open up some of these programs, such as financial counseling or diet and nutrition, to extended family. This could potentially provide the support needed to change behavior."

If a person has health insurance at a workplace that doesn't benefit their healthy behavior, it may be a good idea to look for other options. Comparing affordable health insurance rates may help a person get a better deal for sufficient health insurance.

Consumers equate good plans with costliness

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A study from the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality found that many consumers will avoid inexpensive healthcare plans because they feel these options are inferior to higher priced plans.

However, the study noted that some consumers that see a price that is too high will assume that there are a plethora of unneeded add-ons to the plan, which is a turn-off. Consumers who find a reasonable price may be more likely to take advantage of it, as these are considered more reasonable options, the study said. One item that may help the process in the long run is an increase in information from healthcare providers, as this could prevent consumers from basing more of their opinion on price.

"This study has important implications for the more than 150 public reports on physician and hospital care," said Dr. Carolyn Clancy, director of AHRQ. "It's not simply a question of providing information on cost, but providing it in a way that is integrated with quality scores."

When looking for affordable health insurance rates that still give good coverage, it may benefit Americans to obtain health insurance quotes, as there may be a better option than what a person already has.

New Yorkers want more anti-tobacco programs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A majority of New Yorkers are unhappy with anti-tobacco cuts in the state, and many want more to be done to curb its use, according to a poll completed jointly by the American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and several other organizations.

In total, 71 percent of consumers want some of tobacco taxes to go toward smoking prevention programs in the Empire State, according to the poll. Nearly 80 percent explained that it was important for the state to take action to use the available tobacco funds to pay for these types of programs.

"We can spend a little now or a lot later," said Julianne Hart, New York State government relations director for the American Heart Association. "Even in these difficult budget times, voters recognize that tobacco prevention is a smart investment for New York that protects kids, saves lives and saves money by reducing tobacco-related health care costs."

Consumers who are looking for a plan to benefit their healthy living practices may want to consider comparing affordable health insurance rates online. There are many health insurance quotes available that may fit their needs.

Clinical informatics popular with healthcare providers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A report from PricewaterhouseCoopers showed that healthcare providers who use clinical informatics may be helping their patients save money. However, the practice takes dedication from consumers.

Close to 80 percent of companies use the practice to help cut down on medical errors, while another six-in-10 utilize this to try to improve the health of the population. However, only 15 percent of health insurers think they have helped convince patients to improve their lives.

The study also showed that more than half of healthcare companies think clinical informatics will help lower costs for patients through preventative care programs. Close to the same amount are hopeful that these practices will help prevent disease and detect it early, as well.

"Health organizations recognize the value of effective informatics and analytics, but they are struggling to institutionalize the insight, make it actionable and use it for competitive advantage," said Daniel Garrett, health information technology practice leader, PwC.

Those who are currently looking for a new healthcare plan - especially those who don't think their health insurance company does enough for them - may want to consider looking at health insurance quotes online. There are many affordable health insurance rates available.

Important steps to take when searching for coverage

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A recent report from The Associated Press showed that consumers need to take precautions when searching for healthcare coverage to be sure they are on the right track.

It is important for consumers to know what is available to them, as not everyone uses the same healthcare plan, according to the report. Health insurance coverage varies significantly with many aspects of a person's life, such as age, gender and medical history.

In addition, it is important to not get any more coverage than is needed, the report said. Consumers don't want to get too little coverage, but it is important not to cover themselves unnecessarily. In addition, it's advised that they be sure that the plan covers the doctors and hospitals that a person prefers, as this can vary from plan to plan.

It also may be a good idea for consumers to be aware of the terms used in the health insurance industry, the report added. This will make searching for a plan much less confusing and stressful.

Selecting the right health insurance option can be difficult, but by comparing plans, a person may find that there are many health insurance quotes available that fit their needs.

Kidney disease linked to hearing loss

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A recent report from the Better Hearing Institute showed that consumers with chronic kidney disease may want to get their hearing checked regularly, as the two are believed to be linked.

The National Kidney Foundation released a report showing that more than half of consumers who have CKD noted having some aspects of hearing loss. Less than 30 percent of those without the disease who were polled noted the same thing.

"Unaddressed hearing loss can have very significant consequences on a person's day-to-day living and greatly undermine quality of life," said Dr. Sergei Kochkin, BHI's executive director. "We need to include hearing screenings as a routine part of the medical care for people with kidney disease to help optimize their quality of life."

The report added that more than 26 million Americans over the age of 20 are afflicted with the illness.

Consumers with chronic ailments may want to ensure they are using the best health insurance possible. One good way to see if this is the case is to compared health insurance quotes. There could be multiple health insurance rates available which are much less expensive.

Healthcare treatment cost variations cost billions

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Thomson Reuters recently released a study which showed consumers who have insurance with their employer could be losing a total of $36 billion annually.

The report found that there are vast differences in costs for 300 of the most common procedures, and the extra money could be costing consumers significantly. The aforementioned $36 billion is the amount reduced if the procedures were made to be the standard, median price. The excess costs affect more than 100 million Americans.

"In real world terms, this data tells us that an individual consumer going in for a surgical evaluation of a knee joint with a standard high-deductible insurance plan can expect to save between $200 and $500 by going to a provider who offers the service at or below median price," said Bobbi Coluni, senior director of Thomson Reuters and author of the paper.

Consumers who are worried about paying too much for health insurance may want to look for an alternative private plan to their current option. There are many options available online which could have affordable health insurance rates.

Many Californians witnessing health insurance premium spikes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A report from Consumer Watchdog Campaign showed that healthcare premiums are increasing for more than 300,000 California residents.

The rise took place on March 1, and will affect those under Blue Shield healthcare plans, according to the report. The company's increasing rates have prompted many consumers to sign a petition to prevent any healthcare provider from making a rate hike without first justifying the increase.

"This initiative gives voters the chance to rein in health insurance prices, and Blue Shield just gave 320,000 policyholders a reason to sign the ballot petition," said Carmen Balber, campaign manager for the non-profit Consumer Watchdog Campaign.

There are 35 states in the U.S. where this type of justification is law, the report added. However, California's regulators are unable to take these measures.

Consumers who are experiencing insurance rate hikes may want to look elsewhere for their healthcare plan. There are many affordable health insurance rates available online, and comparing health insurance quotes may help a person find what they want for a good price.

Many Baby Boomers don't understand Medicare

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A recent report from the Bankers Life and Casualty Company's Center for a Secure Retirement showed that more than 55 percent of average income Baby Boomers do not know about how Medicare works.

The report, "Retirement Healthcare for Middle-Income Americans," showed that 13 percent of this group felt that Medicare was free, which is incorrect. More than 70 percent noted that they didn't know that Medicare requires a monthly premium, as well as deductibles and co-pays. Also, close to two-thirds of those polled didn't understand how they would benefit from their Medicare plan when visiting the doctor or staying in a hospital.

"Minimize financial surprises by understanding your retiree health insurance benefits well in advance," said Chris Campbell, vice president of strategic marketing and business development for Bankers Life and Casualty Company. "Estimate what your financial responsibility is under Medicare, including premiums, co-pays, deductibles and uncovered expenses, in particular, long-term care."

Those who don't think Medicare is for them may want to look at other health insurance options. Comparing affordable health insurance rates may help make finding the right plan easier.

Congress healthcare cuts could hurt child care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

The Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida warned consumers that legislation in the Senate and House of Representatives could hurt the state's chances of taking care of ill children.

There are 14 hospitals in the Sunshine state specifically used for children, but Medicaid cuts could hurt these venues from helping many of the state's youth, according to the report.

Approximately two-thirds of children in Florida are covered by Medicare, and more than 60 percent hospital days are provided by these children's hospitals in the state. The Senate would cut nearly two-thirds of funding, while the House's proposal would cut 56 percent of funding.

"We are deeply concerned that Senate and House leaders may mistakenly believe children's hospital programs are not harmed by proposed Medicaid cuts, when in fact pediatric programs at children's hospitals across the state are facing devastating cuts," said Lindy Kennedy, a senior vice president at the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.

Consumers who want to make sure their family is covered may want to compare health insurance quotes, as there are many affordable health insurance rates available.

Medicaid reductions could hurt WA healthcare recipients

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

The American College of Emergency Physicians noted that thousands of residents of Washington state could be denied emergency room care due to their Medicaid plans.

The report examined Oregon patients who, if they were living in Washington, would be locked out from receiving such care. In addition, nearly $100 million in Medicaid funds are used in Washington - less than 2 percent of which is used for emergency-related healthcare.

The information also suggests that 35 percent of cases have nothing to do with emergencies, which is far off from the national average of just under 10 percent.

"The Washington State Medicaid plan is flawed because it assumes that physicians know the final diagnosis when a patient walks in the door," said Dr. Robert Lowe, professor in the department of medical informatics and clinical epidemiology at Oregon Health and Science University. "But many patients come in with minor symptoms that turn out to be serious medical conditions."

Consumers who are on a publicly-funded health insurance plan, but not happy with it, may want to consider using a private option. There are many options available that are affordable, and comparing affordable health insurance rates may help a person find what they need.

HHS Releases Actuarial Value Guidance Bulletin, Including Treatment of HSA & HRA Contributions

nospam@example.com (Todd Page) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:36:30 -0600

Today, HHS released a new “guidance bulletin” stating what they intend to propose in upcoming regulations defining how actuarial value will be determined. I’ve copied the relevant section (from page 9) on HSAs below. The AV bulletin can also be found here: AV bulletin

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Treatment of Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements in Calculating Actuarial Value

Section 1302(d)(2)(B) of the Affordable Care Act directs the Secretary to issue regulations under which employer contributions to a health savings account (within the meaning of section 223 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) may be taken into account in determining the level of coverage for a plan of the employer. Calculation of the AV of high-deductible health plans (HDHP) linked to a health savings account (HSA) or a health plan linked to a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) poses a special challenge. Simply calculating the AV of the HDHP based on the insurance product could understate the value of coverage and some HDHPs could fall below the level of a bronze plan based on the HDHP alone. Yet accounting for the total coverage provided by the combination of the HDHP and the full value of the HSA or HRA could overstate the AV because, empirically, only a portion of these accounts are used toward health in a given year. The AV calculation should, therefore, reflect an appropriate adjustment to these contributions. We intend to propose that for purposes of calculating the AV of an employer health benefit plan, the annual employer contribution to the employee’s HSA associated with a qualifying HDHP and the amount made available for the first time in a given year under a HRA that is linked to an employer health benefit plan shall be considered part of the benefit design of the health plan. In calculating the AV of the combined HDHP and HSA or combined employer health benefit plan and HRA, the calculation would assume that the employer contribution to the HSA or HRA is used by the employee to pay for cost-sharing. Accordingly, these amounts would be credited to the numerator of the AV calculation. This means that the AV calculator would include any current year HSA contributions and amounts first made available under an HRA as an input into the calculator that can be used to determine the AV of an employer health benefit plan. For example, if a HDHP with a $3,000 deductible has an AV of 55 percent and the employer provides an HSA contribution of $1,000, that contribution would be applied towards the numerator of the AV calculation. However, because generally only a portion of an HSA is used in a year for health services, HSA contributions would be adjusted so that the employer receives the same credit for HSA contributions in the numerator of the AV calculation as it would receive for the same amount of first-dollar insurance coverage. The same rule would apply for amounts first made available under an HRA. In the individual market, we intend to propose that HSA contributions paid directly by the individual would not count towards AV.
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As I read this, it is not yet possible to tell whether employee contributions made via payroll deduction (which are treated as “employer contributions” for tax purposes) would be treated as “employer contributions” for purposes of calculating AV. HHS clearly states in the last sentence that they do not intend to include individual HSA contributions in the AV of HDHPs purchased in the individual market. They are currently silent on whether an insurance carrier could build HSA contributions into their premiums (and the AV of the HDHP) and “pass them along” to the HSA account, as the federal government does for federal employees.

CMS says it welcomes public input on this bulletin. Comments on AV should be sent to ActuarialValue@cms.hhs.gov and cost-sharing reductions to CostSharingReductions@cms.hhs.gov .

I urge all of you to read this section carefully and submit comments/questions to HHS. What is interesting is that that are willing to consider including some HSA contributions in the numerator of the Actuarial Value, but not include these same contributions in the numerator of the medical loss ratio.

Roy Ramthun, "Mr. HSA"
HSA Consulting Services, LLC

Medical debt can be difficult to overcome

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Debt is an issue that many Americans are dealing with, especially during a recession. However, according to Kiplinger, there are ways to overcome it, if a consumer is proactive.

Medical debt is one of the main causes of bankruptcy, but it doesn't always have to end up poorly, the news source noted. When receiving a medical bill, consumers should call their insurer before they pay it. Ensure that with everything involved with the insurance plan, all discounts are accounted for.

If the bill is still far too much, the news source said it could be a good plan to try to negotiate. Being able to pay for a portion of it may help, and consumers could benefit in the long-run from this. However, it is important to keep up on payments. If the bill goes to collections, it can be much harder to negotiate.

Those Americans who are struggling with medical bills may not have the best health insurance plan they could get. Looking at other health insurance quotes may aid in finding a plan that has better coverage and can save the consumer money.

Obesity, asthma may be connected to racial backgrounds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A recent study from Kaiser Permanente Southern California showed that adolescent obesity may be connected to asthma depending on a child's racial makeup.

The study, which was published in the medical journal "Obesity," found that being overweight and having asthma was not as closely connected for young people who were African-American. This was notable, as the racial group typically has the most asthma cases. However, the group with the highest connection of asthma and obesity was Hispanics.

Children who have either of these conditions are typically more likely to make visits to the doctor more often than healthy children.

"This research contributes to the growing evidence that there is a relationship between childhood obesity and asthma, and suggests that factors related to race and ethnicity, particularly for Hispanic youth, may modify this relationship," said Dr. Mary Helen Black, of the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Department of Research & Evaluation and lead author of the study.

If a person is at a higher risk of health issues, they may benefit from obtaining the best healthcare plan available. Comparing affordable health insurance rates may find a plan that is both sufficient and inexpensive.

IHS: Companies save money from wellness programs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A recent report from Interactive Health Solutions showed that companies that use healthcare wellness programs as a part of their offering typically save significant amounts of money in healthcare costs.

Those companies that used a wellness program witnessed healthcare costs decline by 8.4 percent year-over-year, according to the report. In addition, 81 percent of workers were able to meet or bear their goals for the year. The report examined more than 1 million employees at approximately 1,400 places of work in the past year.

"This is about staying healthy and possibly even saving lives, as well as containing costs," said Joseph O'Brien, president and chief executive officer of IHS. "Performance-based programs are having a positive impact on the employer's bottom line as well as employee health."

If a consumer is not happy with their company's healthcare offering, or they don't have a wellness option, it could be a good plan to look elsewhere for health insurance. By comparing affordable health insurance rates, consumers may find exactly what they need.

Americans want more personalization with insurance service

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Ernst & Young recently released a survey which showed that consumers want to be rewarded for loyalty and also want help that is personalized for their needs.

The Global Consumer Insurance Survey 2012 showed that 43 percent of consumers felt that their company did not do enough to reward them for loyalty. When it comes to working online, 71 percent said that personal interaction from their insurer is important when extending their coverage, while 82 percent noted that it is necessary when making a claim.

"The bottom line is that building a strong brand through new online and offline channels will have a positive impact on sales, especially among Millennials," said David Hollander, global insurance advisory leader for Ernst & Young. "Insurers should define how their brand will be delivered to customers and design all processes to consistently deliver on that promise."

Consumers who don't feel their health insurance plan involves enough personalization may want to compare their current plan with other health insurance quotes. There may be another option that has what they are looking for.

2013 Health Savings Accounts Predictions

nospam@example.com (Todd Page) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:35:12 -0600

“Mr. HSA” Projects 2013 HSA Numbers
"With last Friday's release of the January inflation figures by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the inflation-adjusted amounts for health savings accounts (HSAs) for 2013 are coming into view," says “Mr. HSA,” Roy Ramthun . "I can now project the 2013 numbers for HSAs with virtual certainty."

Roy Ramthun, also known as “Mr. HSA,” is now projecting the 2013 amounts for HSAs. "With last Friday's release of the January inflation figures by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the inflation-adjusted amounts for health savings accounts (HSAs) for 2013 are coming into view," says Ramthun. "With only two months of data remaining to be collected, we can now project the 2013 numbers for HSAs with virtual certainty."

Because of the enactment of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-432), the data period for calculating the inflation adjustments runs through March (reported by the BLS in April). The U.S. Treasury Department is required to publish the inflation-adjusted amounts for the upcoming year for HSAs by June 1 each year.

Ramthun predicts that the maximum HSA contribution (not including catch-up contributions) will increase to $3,200 for individuals with self-only coverage and $6,450 for those with family coverage in 2013. The annual catch-up contribution for individuals age 55 or older is set by statute and will remain $1000 per person for 2013.

Ramthun also predicts that changes will be forthcoming for the HSA-qualified insurance plans as well. “For the first time in three years, the minimum deductible for HSA-qualified plans will increase. Health plans that have been using the minimum deductible will need to update their plans for next year” The minimum deductible is projected to rise to $1,250 for individuals with self-only coverage and $2,500 for individuals with family coverage.

“The limits on out-of-pocket expenses will also rise for 2013,” says Ramthun. The new limits are expected to increase to $6,250 for individuals with self-only coverage and $12,500 for individuals with family coverage. “Existing plans with lower limits will not have to change this feature of their plan designs but can if they want to,” says Ramthun.

About Roy Ramthun:

Roy Ramthun led the U.S. Treasury Department’s implementation of the HSA program after they were enacted in 2003. Now a private consultant, Ramthun is a nationally-recognized expert on HSAs and consumer-driven health plans. He is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars around the country. More information is available here.

Healthcare important to many Baby Boomers when choosing retirement home

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A recent report from the Consumer Federation of the Southeast found that more than nine in 10 American Baby Boomers felt that exceptional healthcare services were very important influences to their move for retirement.

While most prioritized healthcare, another three percent noted it was not important to them, according to the survey. The second-most important option was housing, which was noted by 92 percent of respondents. Climate was noted by 85 percent, while taxes were prioritized by 81 percent.

"Already, thousands of Boomers are retiring every day nationwide," said Walter Dartland, president of the Consumer Federation of the Southeast. "According to this survey, substantial numbers are interested in relocating in retirement. The decisions they make about where they will retire will have a huge impact not only on their families’ finances but on the communities to which they move."

Those who are deciding on a new place to live in retirement may want to compare health insurance quotes, in order to get the best plan available in the area. In addition, they may have affordable health insurance rates available.

Paid sick days could save millions in NYC

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A study from the Institute for Women's Policy Research showed that creating access to paid sick days for every worker in New York City would cut healthcare costs by close to $40 million each year, as well as more than $28 million for residents.

The study noted that nearly 1.6 million Americans living in New York City are without paid sick days. This is close to half of all workers in the city. The reason paid sick days saves so much money is due to consumers being able to avoid the emergency room and receive less expensive care in a doctor's office, as well as the ability to rest.

"Paid sick days help people to address their medical needs in a timely fashion without using hospital emergency departments, improving health outcomes and reducing the cost of health care," said Kevin Miller, study author and Senior Research Associate at IWPR.

Those who are not offered a proper health insurance plan may want to explore other options. Comparing affordable health insurance rates online may be just what is needed to find a sufficient option.

American healthcare costs continue to rise

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Health insurance rates could be getting larger, as healthcare costs are on the rise, according to the S&P Healthcare Economic Composite Index.

Overall healthcare costs for commercial insurance and Medicare rose by 5.28 percent year-over-year during December. The Commercial Index increased 7.11 percent compared to the same point in 2010, while Medicare rates increased by 2.51 percent. The Hospital and Professional Services Indices increased 4.99 and 5.34 percent, respectively.

"After November's deceleration, healthcare costs annual growth rates bounced back in December," said David Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at S&P Indices. "Since the end of the summer we have generally seen increasing annual growth rates, particularly with healthcare costs covered by commercial plans.

Those who have a public plan and are not satisfied with the high costs may want to look into affordable health insurance rates. There could be a cheaper option that fits a person's needs, and by going online and comparing health insurance quotes, a consumer could find what they are looking for.

Weakened willpower blamed for not sticking with resolutions

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A recent survey completed by Harris Interactive for the American Psychological Association showed that while 93 percent of Americans attempted to improve their lives last year, many failed due to a lack of willpower.

The survey, which is part of the APA's "Stress in America" poll, showed that 50 percent of consumers wanted to eat healthier, and another four in 10 wanted to exercise on a regular basis. However, 26 percent said they didn't have the time, and another 27 percent said they didn't possess the willpower. Despite those statistics, more than seven in 10 noted that willpower can be learned.

"It is reassuring to know that even though people view a lack of willpower as a hurdle in their quest to live healthier lives, they believe they can learn the skills they need to change their lifestyles," said Dr. Norman Anderson, APA's chief executive officer and executive vice president.

Consumers may be able to supplement their efforts to better themselves by consulting with a doctor. However, if they do not have one, it could be a good idea to compare affordable health insurance quotes.

Americans used employers' health insurance plans less in 2011

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Gallup recently released the results of a poll showing that fewer consumers are getting health insurance coverage from their employers.

The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index showed that 44.6 percent of Americans received their healthcare plans from their employer in 2011, which was slightly lower than 2010's 45.8 percent. The percentage of those without any healthcare coverage was 17.1 percent - a figure higher than any seen since 2008.

More than one-quarter of Americans were on a government-sponsored plan, which was roughly the same figure as 2010, the poll noted. Of those who don't work for the government, more than 57 percent get their insurance from their workplace. This has dropped steadily from 2008, when the figure was 64.2 percent.

Those who are unhappy with their employer's health insurance options, or don't have a plan that is offered to them, could benefit from comparing affordable health insurance rates. This could make the process much easier and help get something a person can use.

CFOs take active role in healthcare benefits, says IBI report

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

The Integrated Benefits Institute recently released a report showing that chief financial officers take it upon themselves to be involved in healthcare benefits and how they are allocated to their workers.

Close to two-thirds of those CFOs noted that good health is important to their organization, while more than nine in 10 think that a healthcare plan for workers helps improve productivity in the office, according to the report.

Additionally, approximately 80 percent of CFOs noted they take part in some sort of aspect of healthcare decisions for their company.

"This research shows how CFOs crystallize the impact of health on financial performance and on productivity, and particularly focuses on the kinds of information critical to their health-investment decisions," said Dr. Thomas Parry, president of IBI.

If there is a lack of health insurance coverage availability at a person's workplace, or the plan offered is not what one is looking for, it's advised to compare affordable health insurance rates to find something that is inexpensive, but gives a person what they need.

Heart attacks can be curbed by avoiding processed foods

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A report from Prevention recently explained that while heart disease is the top killer of men and women in the United States, it can be prevented by avoiding some foods.

Consumers who eat more natural, vitamin-rich foods may have a better chance at lowering heart disease risk significantly. The source noted that by eating a good diet, consumers can actually reap the benefits that otherwise would not be seen unless they used a plethora of prescription drugs daily. Good food options include large amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts and other natural choices.

"In traditional societies, where people don't eat processed foods, heart disease is rare," Dr. Arthur Agatston, cardiologist and author, told the news source. "If you start with a healthy diet in childhood, heart attacks are almost completely preventable."

Those consumers who want to develop a healthier diet may want to speak with a healthcare professional. If they do not have a doctor, it could be smart to search for health insurance quotes to find one that is form-fit to a person's needs.

Heart disease can be deflected by certain foods

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Many consumers who are worried about their heart health may not be eating right, which could put them at risk, according to Caring.com.

While it is important to avoid foods that are high in fats and bad cholesterols, there are many options that can considerably strengthen a person's heart health. Even if a person has a good health insurance plan, it is important to eat better and avoid poor health choices.

The news source noted that red apples are a great snacking choice, as this fruit is high in antioxidants and pectin. The latter lowers the bad cholesterol in a person, while apples are anti-inflammatory.

Grapes are also good for snacking when it comes to heart health, as they have similar traits as apples, the article noted. Even when frozen, grapes don't lose their nutrients.

Health insurance rates could be lowered if a person sticks to healthy habits and avoids destructive decisions. If a person's plan doesn't allow for this, it could be a good idea to compare health insurance quotes.

Lowering body mass index levels could save significant funds

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A report from the Trust for America's Health showed that Americans losing weight could save the country a sizable amount of money in the long run.

The report, "Bending the Obesity Cost Curve," showed that by making the body mass index average decline by 5 percent, the healthcare cost in the country could drop by more than $29 billion in five years, $158.1 billion in one decade and more than $611 billion 20 years from now.

"Prevention is the key to halting the obesity epidemic, lowering health care costs and creating a long-term path to a healthier and economically sound America," said Jeff Levi, executive director of TFAH, who also serves as chair of the Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Integrative and Public Health.

Consumers who are trying to lose weight but are struggling doing so may want to seek a doctor's opinion. If they are lacking in proper healthcare, comparing health insurance rates may help them find something that is both affordable and works for them.

Study: SHOP exchanges could increase healthcare recipients

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A report from The Commonwealth Fund showed that Small Business Health Care Options Programs from the Affordable Care Act could cover as many as 10 million employees.

In addition, when the exchanges are implemented, the exchanges can aid an additional 15.3 million people in receiving health insurance coverage, an article in the latest issue of Health Affairs noted, according to the report. These features are expected to be put into effect by January 1, 2014.

"SHOP exchanges have the potential to transform the experience of small businesses and their employees when shopping for and administering health insurance," said Sara Collins, vice president for affordable health insurance at The Commonwealth Fund.

Consumers who are skeptical of the continued reforms occurring in the health insurance industry, it may be a good idea to reach for a plan now. A good way to find the best fit is to compare affordable health insurance rates. This can ensure that someone has a plan that is affordable and does not have anything less than what they need in coverage.

Teen pregnancies decline significantly

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

The number of teen pregnancies has reached its lowest point in nearly 40 years during 2008, according to a report from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

The report took statistics from the Guttmacher Institute, which showed a 42 percent decline in pregnancies from 1990, which was the statistic's peak. In 2008, the figure was 68 pregnancies per 1,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19. This is down significantly from the 117 per 1,000 in 1990. Demographically, the report noted that the rate dropped 50 percent for whites, 48 percent for African-Americans and 37 percent for Hispanics.

"The declines in teen pregnancy have been nothing short of extraordinary," said Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. "Make no mistake, the credit for this remarkable progress goes to teens themselves who have, over the past two decades, adopted a less sex, more contraception strategy - one that is clearly working."

Those who are concerned their children could become pregnant may want to ensure they have sufficient health insurance coverage. One good way to do this is to compare health insurance quotes.

Many rifts between healthcare affordability and access

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A recent survey from the Commonwealth Fund showed that a majority of low-income families are uninsured due to affordability issues.

Nearly 60 percent of families who are earning less than $30,000 in a family of four were uninsured at some point in the past year, according to the report. More than one-third were uninsured for at least two years.

For families of four earning moderate income, which is between roughly $29,726 and $55,875, had approximately one-third without health insurance for a time in 2011, the report noted. Another one-fifth of these people were without insurance for two or more years.

"People with low and moderate incomes run the highest risk of lacking job-based health insurance, are least able to afford health insurance on their own, and are the most at risk of not being able to afford care in the absence of coverage," said Sara Collins, vice president of the Commonwealth Fund and lead author of the report.

Consumers who think they cannot afford health insurance rates may want to compare health insurance quotes before giving up hope. There are many affordable private insurance options available.

Study: More electronic healthcare data sharing needed

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Researchers from the University of Michigan recently released a report requesting public health insurance options to improve electronic data sharing for records and immunizations.

The report, which was released in the latest issue of the "American Journal of Preventative Medicine," called for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to explore new ways to make the electronic record aspect better. Doing this could help prevent doctors taking too much time using a different immunization database when they could be looking at one item that covers everything. In addition, it could cut down on unnecessary immunizations and streamline the process, overall.

"This broad electronic health record adoption across the country is falling short of its potential to ensure that health care providers have a complete immunization history for every child, including vaccines given at other locations," says Dr. Kevin Dombkowski, research professor associate professor at the University of Michigan and co-author of the report.

Consumers who are using a government-funded health insurance plan such as Medicare or Medicaid, but are not happy with it, may want to try a private option. There may be an affordable alternative by comparing health insurance rates.

Study: Not understanding Medicare could hurt some retirees

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Many middle class retirees have some important misunderstandings when it comes to Medicare costs and coverage, according to a survey from health insurance company Bankers Life and Casualty Company's Center for a Secure Retirement.

The study, "Retirement Healthcare for Middle-Income Americans," found that 33 percent of respondents were unaware of how much the plan would cover doctor's appointments. In addition, another 31 percent were unaware of how much they would be covered in the event of a hospitalization.

"Financial fallout from healthcare related expenses can devastate savings and strip away the enjoyment of one's retirement years," said Chris Campbell, vice president of strategic marketing and business development for Bankers Life and Casualty Company. "Review your Medicare plan options annually and look into new health and prescription drug plans that better meet your needs."

However, 65 percent of those who were on Medicare noted they paid the same for health insurance now, if not more than when they used a private plan, the study added.

If a Medicare plan isn't fulfilling a person's health insurance needs, it could be a better idea to look at other options by comparing health insurance quotes.

Parents need further pediatric dental health education

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

MetLife recently released a study showing that while many parents may be confident they are helping their child's dental health, they may not be doing so in the best way possible.

Nearly every parent of a child under the age of six with a dental plan noted their child's dental health is in good shape, the study found. However, close to one-quarter of these parents have been informed by dental professionals that their child could develop tooth decay.

"Children should be introduced to the concept of teeth cleaning and brushing at an early age," said Dr. David Guarrera, president of MetLife Dental Products. "Once a tooth appears, parents should brush children’s teeth twice a day with a child’s toothbrush and water."

Dental health is very important to a person of any age, and furthermore, this can affect overall health. With this in mind, consumers may want to consider looking for health insurance quotes in order to find the plan that fits their needs. These plans also don't have to be expensive. There may be many plans with affordable health insurance rates on the market.

Healthcare costs increase during 2011's third quarter

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

Health insurance recipients witnessed overall healthcare expenses increase during the third quarter of 2011, according to Thomson Reuters.

The Healthcare Spending Index for Private Insurance showed the third quarter witnessed a healthcare cost increase of 4 percent during the third quarter of 2011 compared to the same point in 2010. When compared with the previous quarter, the figure increased by 0.9 percent.

"Insurance costs are still on the rise," said Gary Pickens, chief research officer at the Thomson Reuters Center for Healthcare Analytics. "While there has been a slight slow down to the pace of growth, overall rates are still increasing nationwide."

Hospital costs rose 5.9 percent year-over-year, while physician costs increased 2.9 percent, according to the index. Drug costs rose 1.3 percent, as well.

Health insurance rates could increase with this information, so it may benefit consumers to explore various health insurance quotes. This could ensure that a person finds a plan that works for them and still is able to afford to make the payments for it.

Senator in support of regulations for health insurance rates

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

California Senator Dianne Feinstein recently signed onto a new ballot option that would give state regulators more ability to have say on health insurance rates, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The measure will be through a petition from consumers, in hopes that they can get 505,000 signatures necessary to get it added to the ballot during the November elections. This is not the first attempt to pass such measures, according to the news source. There have been multiple proposals in the past several years that have not been successful, and this could lead to a long dispute.

"I am proud to tell you that I was the first person to sign a new ballot initiative petition that will reform the health insurance industry in California," Feinstein said in an email, according to the news source. "[The initiative] would require health insurance companies to publicly justify their rates before rate hikes take effect."

The state is one of 17 in the United States that currently does not allow the government to have any say on health insurance rates, and how they are determined, the news source added.

OTC medication saves significant amounts of money

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0600

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association released a study that showed the health insurance industry may be saving billions due to over-the-counter drug options.

The study found that OTC drugs save a significant amount of money for the industry - as much as $6 to $7 per every dollar sold, according to "The Value of OTC Medicine to the United States."
In total, this saves approximately $102 billion annually.

In addition, these medicinal options give more than $20 bullion in productivity benefits, as consumers are not taking time out of their days to visit the doctor or participating in other medical-related appointments.

"When you consider that every dollar spent on an OTC medicine saves our system six to seven dollars in avoided cost, it is paramount that our policymakers do all they can to encourage consumer access to OTC medicines for self-treatable conditions." said Scott Melville, president and chief executive officer of CHPA.

For those consumers whose health insurance plans do not cover their medicine, or lack a proper OTC alternative, it could be a smart plan to compare health insurance quotes online to find the plan best suited for them.

Spending on psych medication lessens

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

A study from Thomson Reuters and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration showed that psychiatric drug spending has dropped significantly.

The study, which was published in the latest issue of "Psychiatric Services" showed that the annual growth rate of expenditures for each patient dropped from 18.5 percent from the period of 1997 to 2001, to 6.3 percent from 2001-2008. In addition, there was a lack of growth in new users through the period, as the first time frame witnessed a drop of 7 percent while the second experienced a 2 percent decline.

"Employers and insurers have been concerned with the rate of increase in psychiatric drug costs," said Dr. Tami Mark, the paper's lead author and senior director of Thomson Reuters. "As a result, they have implemented measures to control the cost of psychiatric medication prescriptions, such as step therapy, tiered payment, and other proactive cost-control measures."

Consumers who are having trouble affording their psychiatric medication may benefit from comparing affordable health insurance rates. By examining difference health insurance quotes online, a person may find exactly what they are looking for.

Some aspects of healthcare law beginning to gain traction amongst Americans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

While the American public is still very divided on the many aspects of the Obama administration's healthcare reform law, some parts of the legislation appear to be increasingly more attractive to consumers, according to a recent poll from Harris Interactive.

The poll found that more than one-third of Americans want the health insurance law repealed, while only one-fifth want it to remain intact, the source said. Another 25 percent of Americans would like to see certain aspects of the law changed.

"The public is still divided, mainly on partisan lines, as to whether to implement or repeal all, parts, or none of the health care reform bill," said Humphrey Taylor, chairman of the Harris Poll.

Nearly 60 percent of Americans are in favor of children staying on their parents' plans until they are 26, which is an increase from only 55 percent in November 2010, according to the poll. Another 53 percent were in favor of research requirements to improve treatments, which was gained from the previous figure of 44 percent.

However, the poll added that requiring adults to have health insurance coverage was only supported by 19 percent of Americans.

School programs to fight childhood obesity may have unexpected consequences

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health recently showed that there may be a connection between prevention of childhood obesity in schools and eating disorders among young people.

More than 80 percent of parents with children under the age of 15 were aware of obesity prevention programs in school, according to the poll. However, nearly 10 percent noted their children were conditioned to feel bad about their food consumption.

"The issue of childhood obesity is a serious problem." said David Rosen, clinical professor of Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School. "In order to intervene in what seems like an epidemic of childhood obesity, everyone needs to be involved. When obesity interventions are put in place without understanding how they work and what the risks are, there can be unintended consequences."

Parents who are concerned about their children's weight may want to visit a pediatrician to get professional advice. However, if their health insurance coverage doesn't give them the options necessary to take care of the issue, it may be a good plan to compare affordable health insurance rates.

Obama: Much of healthcare law will work if individual mandate overturned

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas leaders don't want to slow Medicaid changes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Healthcare may witness drastic changes by 2025

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

HHS requires contraceptive services to be covered under health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Healthcare cost growth lessens in November

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Important to stay healthy during flu season

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Anti-smoking programs losing funding, hurting cessation success

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Government attempting to put hold on healthcare rate rises

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Possible to save money on healthcare

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Moms may not know everything about germs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Small percentage of Americans create most healthcare costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Be safe during winter weather

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Some aging Americans finding healthcare costs too high

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

APA: Stress a significant issue for Americans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Long-term healthcare planning not a priority for many Americans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Americans need help sticking to healthy eating plans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Study: Cessation program will help smokers quit, save money

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Radon dangerous for families, can cause cancer in many Americans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Healthcare reform most important health law topic

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Survey: Smokers are hesitant to tell doctors they use tobacco

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Diabetes patients fare better with constant healthcare coverage

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

California dealing with significant premium increases

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Survey: Many consumers can't afford dental care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Americans making an effort to live healthier

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Medicaid cuts affecting more than health insurance patients

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Government gives funding to states for child health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Hidden fees prevalent in preventive care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Failed joint replacements costing billions

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Large portion of FL healthcare spending used on needless care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Study: Some healthcare workers don't agree with ICU care

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Health insurance will have additional fees in 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Preparing for the future important if diagnosed with chronic condition

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Fireworks and alcohol can be dangerous

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

U.S. government to give states more power on healtcare reform

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Report: Close to one-quarter of CA women uninsured in 2009

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Healthcare industry members unsure of Medicare ACO participation

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

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

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

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

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

Healthcare costs on the rise

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Fewer young people are starting to smoke

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Study: Healthcare reform could have negative effect on industry

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Many employees confused about benefits

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Many consumers at risk of serious health problems

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Uninsured patients could lose access to medicine

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Report: More consumers using fee-capped insurance plans

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Labor Department considers addition to healthcare law

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Survey: Consumers like current pharmacy options

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Employers unsure about insurance coverage due to healthcare reform

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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.

Healthcare data breaches have pricey consequences

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Most healthcare executives supporting cutting costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Long-term care discussions important

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Medicare could receive future cuts

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wellness programs becoming more widespread

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Healthcare costs continue to rise

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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.

Majority of Americans don't always live healthy

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

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

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

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

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

Health insurance premiums increase notably

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Paid sick days could save massive sum

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Americans know long-term care is expensive

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Many Americans do not want healthcare law

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Teens think about smoking incorrectly

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Supreme Court to hear case against healthcare law

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Three think outside the box techniques when shopping for health insurance.

nospam@example.com (Todd Page) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:44:10 -0600

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

So what’s a person to do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lower percentage of Americans receiving health insurance from job

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Healthcare cost inflation remains steady

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Healthcare law survives appeals decision

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Medicare, healthcare bills hurting elderly financially

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Report: Open enrollment an important time for consumers

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

Texas requiring vaccine for college students

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Americans want health insurance discounts

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:00:00 -0600

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

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

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

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

Does the US already have a death panel when it comes to health care?

nospam@example.com (Todd Page) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:17:33 -0600

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Consumers have health insurance open enrollment opportunity

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

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

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

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

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

Doctors prefer electronic records to paper

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

CVS Caremark: Healthcare reform may force insurance changes

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

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Ways Health Care Reform May Affect You

nospam@example.com (Todd Page) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:31:39 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cancer patients with Medicare treated more cheaply by physician

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Consumer Watchdog: Insurance reform necessary

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Some New York companies expect insurance rate hike

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

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

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

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

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

Report: Rural children have more obstacles to proper healthcare

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Nebraska Senator aims to keep Medicare untouched

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Report: Employees don't understand health benefits

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Public health issues connected to mortgage problems

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Report: Healthcare costs increase more than 5 percent

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Study: Healthcare could see drastic changes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Organization suggests companies save money by cutting health insurance

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Emergency room visits increase dramatically

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

Survey: Employees unsure of insurance costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Study: Child knee injuries in sport increase

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Hygiene important during cold, flu season

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

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

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

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

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

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

Study: Pediatricians do not give overweight children enough advice

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

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

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

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

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

Oregon county creates money-saving healthcare option

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Michigan Medicare plan ranked in top 25 nationally

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Government cuts of mental health costs opposed by new conference

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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.

AARP: Don't cut Medicare

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

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

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

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

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

New group stresses government to examine health costs

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

Survey: Economy affecting healthcare spending

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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.

Study: Some women may not prepared for retirement

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Health insurance rankings show gap in quality

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Healthcare coverage costs for employers to increase in 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Report: Consumer confidence in healthcare increases

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

One quarter of Americans skeptical of vaccines

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Healthcare law appeal from states goes to Supreme Court

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

Study: Health insurance premiums increasing

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

Nearly half of Americans making prescription mistakes

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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

No movement on New York healthcare law

nospam@example.com (Brafton) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500

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

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

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

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