globalEyeNews: Health Insurance in the globalEye

Ahnold’s Very, Very Bad Movie

2007-02-10T13:59:00.000-05:00

Arnold Schwarzenegger is proposing that everyone in his state, including those here illegally, be required to purchase health insurance. In 2004, an estimated 43 percent of all births covered by the state's Medi-Cal program were to illegal aliens.The cost of those 105,000 deliveries was $400 million.

According to Schwarzenegger the issue isn't whether or not those here illegally should be treated, but how they can be treated most cost-effectively -globalEyeNews

Cato @ Liberty:

Arnold Kling is far too kind in his description of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s new health care proposal. While I suppose it is possible for the plan to have been worse (it could have endorsed Massachusetts-style managed competition, for instance), the plan gets almost everything wrong, from its tax on employment to its individual mandate, from increased welfare subsidies to increased insurance regulation. The proposal will end up hurting workers, employers, health care providers, and health care consumers. Consider just some of what the Governator is calling for:

* More spending, more taxes. According to the nonpartisan taxpayers foundation, California’s state/local tax burden is the 15th highest in the nation, and its business climate ranks 45th out of the 50 states. Californians already pay $4,451 per-capita in state and local taxes. Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal is expected to cost at least $12 billion in additional state spending. He would finance it.....More

Show Me The Money: the Runaway Cost of Health Insurance with Jerry Maguire

2006-12-21T13:09:00.000-05:00

Show Me the Money would be an appropriate message to deliver to Washington and the healthcare industry when it comes to unmasking the clues to the runaway cost of health insurance and the money-leak that holds America's health hostage and brought the whole system to critical mass.

"The runaway cost of health insurance in America requires that two major issues be honestly and urgently addressed: the untenable pricing of network-wide healthcare services that is the result of too much provider-milking of the proverbial health insurance "cash cow" and the cost driving nightmare of having to purchase and manage health plans through an entangled mess of no less than 50 various state-imposed insurance code packages."

Somewhere in the critically entangled mess of state controlled, no-fly-zone, consumer choice-absent, gravy train riding, health insurance model; somewhere, purloining in the dimly lit, cigar-smoking back room of secrets and lies, where politics and provider imprudence have crafted policy that has resulted in dropping the American healthcare consumer on his knees, lay the clues. "SHOW ME THE MONEY"!!!

globalEyeNews: health insurance in the globalEye

Jerry Maguire: Show Me The Money!

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LA Daily News - Health care plan recipe for disaster

2006-12-20T13:04:00.000-05:00

globalEyeNews Pre-Read Teaser:

[American workers have been precariously hostage to a healthcare system that has navigated them on a course of steadily evaporating choice and access; a system pirated by an unholy alliance of politics and provider imprudence.
The money has been easy, something along the order of shooting fish in a barrel, the American worker and his disposable income being the savory target.
The easy-money politics of inertia have kept the dollars flowing, but, the incredible folly is that network providers have royally out-priced the market resulting from years of network-wide "gravy train riding" and the system is collapsing, like a house of cards, under the weight of its own acquisitiveness. Network prices have exploded......More ... ]
globalEyeNews: health insurance in the globalEye

LA Daily News - Health care plan recipe for disaster
BY JON COUPAL, Guest Columnist
Article Last Updated: 12/19/2006 06:52:12 PM PST

STATE Senate President Don Perata has a plan to provide all uninsured working Californians with health insurance at an estimated cost of $5 billion to $7 billion without a tax increase. OK?

The Perata plan would force businesses that do not provide health insurance and their employees, through a payroll deduction, to pay into a state agency that would attempt to negotiate for 'affordable' coverage. When paying taxes, workers would have to show proof of medical insurance.

This is just plain wrong on so many levels. Let me count the ways.

A plan that is estimated to cost $5 billion to $7 billion will, if past government program estimates are any guide, cost a lot more than first advertised. One only has to look at the Bush prescription benefit plan as a reminder.

Apparently our state's second-most-powerful elected official believes there is such a thing as a free lunch. He should know that a plan that compels businesses to lay out more for labor than its market value is a tax on those businesses. It will cost businesses and, as the increased costs are passed on, it will also cost consumers, too.

Employees, many working at low-wage jobs, will see a reduction in their paychecks. Just like the other taxes they pay, this health insurance charge will translate into less take-home pay.

As the cost of employment goes up, workers are likely to face a second problem: fewer jobs. What is worse than no health insurance? No health insurance and no job.

And proof of insurance to pay taxes? This would only force one more nuisance, clerical mandate on a public already overwhelmed with nuisance mandates.....More"

HOW THE POOR DIE - George Orwell Beyond 1984: 2007 Update of his 1929 Health Insurance Literary Report

2006-12-20T02:51:00.000-05:00

When it comes to health care: The more things change, the more they stay the same, more than ever.
globalEyeNews: health insurance in the globalEye

HOW THE POOR DIE - George Orwell (1946)

In the year 1929 I spent several weeks in the Hôpital X, in the fifteenth ARRONDISSEMENT of Paris. The clerks put me through the usual third-degree at the reception desk, and indeed I was kept answering questions for some twenty minutes before they would let me in. If you have ever had to fill up forms in a Latin country you will know the kind of questions I mean. For some days past I had been unequal to translating Reaumur into Fahrenheit, but I know that my temperature was round about 103, and by the end of the interview I had some difficulty in standing on my feet. At my back a resigned little knot of patients, carrying bundles done up in coloured handkerchiefs, waited their turn to be questioned.

After the questioning came the bath—a compulsory routine for all newcomers, apparently, just as in prison or the workhouse. My clothes were taken away from me, and after I had sat shivering for some minutes in five inches of warm water I was given a linen nightshirt and a short blue flannel dressing-gown—no slippers, they had none big enough for me, they said—and led out into the open air. This was a night in February and I was suffering from pneumonia. The ward we were going to was 200 yards away and it seemed that to get to it you had to cross the hospital grounds. Someone stumbled in front of me with a lantern. The gravel path was frosty underfoot, and the wind whipped the nightshirt round my bare calves. When we got into the ward I was aware of a strange feeling of familiarity whose origin I did not succeed in pinning down till later in the night. It was a long, rather low, ill-lit room, full of murmuring voices and with three rows of beds surprisingly close together. There was a foul smell, faecal and yet sweetish. As I lay down I saw on a bed nearly opposite me a small, round-shouldered, sandy-haired man sitting half naked while a doctor and a student performed some strange operation on him........More

The Health Care Choice Act: Eliminating Barriers to Personal Freedom and Market Competition

2006-08-14T17:43:00.000-04:00

The Health Care Choice Act: Eliminating Barriers to Personal Freedom and Market Competition: "

Research: Health Care
The Health Care Choice Act:
Eliminating Barriers to Personal Freedom and Market Competition
by Robert E. Moffit, Ph. D.
WebMemo #1164

July 17, 2006

While interstate commerce in goods and services is routine in virtually every other area of the national economy, such as banking and financial services, it is largely frustrated in the health care sector by law and government regulation. For individuals and families, this means that they are not able to secure the kind of coverage they want at the prices they wish to pay. The Health Care Choice Act (H.R. 2355 and S.1015), sponsored by Representative John Shadegg (R-AZ) and Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), would amend current law to allow for interstate commerce in health insurance plans while preserving states’ primary responsibility for the regulation of health insurance. These changes would broaden and intensify competition among health plans and medical providers, encourage a serious review of existing health care regulation in the states, and expand the choice of millions of Americans of more affordable health insurance plans. The result: reduced health care costs and greater access to health care coverage.

What the Bill Does

The bill would reform the individual health insurance market by allowing individuals and families who reside in one state to buy a more affordable health insurance plan domiciled or licensed in another state. Likewise, health insurance.......more

Google News | Healthcare Policy in America: Perpetuating a Vacuum of Failure - American Chronicle - globalEyeNews

2006-07-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

Google News | Healthcare Policy in America: Perpetuating a Vacuum of Failure-American Chronicle-globalEyeNews

A recent article in the Detroit News reported that, according to key findings obtained from a survey of 203 local company executives by John Bailey & Associates, a majority of businesses in Southeast Michigan expect to either scale back on health ... ...

**Our blog, Health Insurance-In the globalEye by globalEyeNews , is proudly listed in Technorati's Top 20 Blogs about: Health Insurance review.

Google News | Economies of Scale: Getting Small Business and Large Companies to Drink from the Same Risk Pool - American Chronicle - globalEyeNews

2006-07-14T07:15:00.000-04:00

Google News | Economies of Scale: Getting Small Business and Large Companies to Drink from the Same Risk Pool-American Chronicle-globalEyeNews

... By joining together, small employers will enjoy greater bargaining power, economies of scale, and administrative efficiencies. ...

**Our blog, Health Insurance-In the globalEye by globalEyeNews , is proudly listed in Technorati's Top 20 Blogs about: Health Insurance review.

Healthcare Policy in America: Perpetuating a Vacuum of Failure

2006-06-14T12:16:00.000-04:00

Healthcare Policy in America: Perpetuating a Vacuum of Failure

A recent article in the Detroit News reported that, according to key findings obtained from a survey of 203 local company executives by John Bailey & Associates, a majority of businesses in Southeast Michigan expect to either scale back on health insurance coverage for their employees or eliminate them entirely. Over 60 percent of the companies surveyed are considering reductions in future health care benefits for employees while another 27 percent may eliminate medical insurance altogether.

It's no secret that the burden of skyrocketing healthcare costs has become too much for small business (and their employees) to bear. As unclearness and anxiety over the issues would have it, there is no lack of finger-pointing to go along with it, either. In an interesting turnabout, the tone of the Detroit News article and statements of the executives interviewed were wrought with indicting concerns over the issue of unhealthy employee lifestyle and its effect on the high cost of health insurance coverage. This is only a mirror of the incoherent healthcare message emanating from Washington that has America in the grips of frustration and inertia. No one seems to really know what's wrong, how it all went wrong or how to fix it. The worst of it is that no one really seems to want to try. The consensus in Washington is, there is no consensus.

Most in Washington are determined to selfishly tend their little plot of political/ideological real estate, at the expense of a simple little thing called common ground. Meanwhile, the vast adjoining American landscape is littered with the healthcare plight of the medically unattended, uninsured and disenfranchised. If only there were a few in Washington with the undiluted vision and conviction to lift their eyes toward the horizon and view the collateral damage.

President Bush would like America to become an "ownership society". All well and good, however, those words will continue to ring ironically impotent until Washington resolves to take ownership of America. The recently expired Senate "Health Week" dissolved in unmerciful scorn of the ever-widening procession of the sick and lame, while America helplessly looked on in hope of some political higher power ascending to "stir the waters".

The runaway cost of health insurance in America requires that two major issues be honestly and urgently addressed: the untenable pricing of network-wide healthcare services that is the result of too much provider-milking of the proverbial health insurance "cash cow" and the cost driving nightmare of having to purchase and manage health plans through an entangled mess of no less than 50 various state-imposed insurance code packages.

American workers have been precariously hostage to a healthcare system that has navigated them on a course of steadily evaporating choice and access; a system pirated by an unholy alliance of politics and provider imprudence. The money has been easy, something along the order of shooting fish in a barrel, the American worker and his disposable income being the savory target. The easy-money politics of inertia have kept the dollars flowing, but, the incredible folly is that network providers have royally out-priced the market resulting from years of network-wide "gravy train riding" and the system is collapsing, like a house of cards, under the weight of its own acquisitiveness. Network prices have exploded......More>>>

Tech Tags: Bush,Health and Wellness,Economy,Current Affairs,Healthcare,Health Insurance, The 90 Foot Rule,Toothless Reform,Cash Cow Expires,Dead Pool,The Ideology of Insanity,Vacuum of Failure

'HSA-eligible Health Insurance Plan Costs Dropped in Sharp Contrast with Rising Overall Health Insurance Premiums'

2006-05-19T14:51:00.000-04:00

2005 HSA-eligible Health Insurance Plan Costs Dropped in Sharp Contrast with Rising Overall Health Insurance Premiums

In an amazing show of consumer strength and confidence, 2005 HSA-eligible health insurance plan costs dropped in sharp contrast with rising overall health insurance premiums according to a qualified eHealthInsurance press release (below), extracted from its in-depth HSA annual report. With the plethora of healthcare ideologies and legistlation in current circulation, none seem to be registering as highly on the health insurance consumer confidence scale as health savings account plans.

Increased attention given to HSA legistlation, if Congress will ever detour from petty political squabbling and center itself on healthcare issues that seem to matter most to the American healthcare consumer, would go a long way to stemming the tide of runaway healthcare inflation and the critically rising numbers of the uninsured that are plaguing America.

Forty-one percent of HSA-eligible plan buyers in the eHealthInsurance study reported being previously uninsured. Among purchasers, the age groups that had the highest percentage of previously uninsured were children and young adults up to age 29.

Also, do you know of a health insurance plan that covers the cost of aspirin, just one of the many approved health savings account expenditures available to HSA plan holders? Just where do our traditional health insurance premium dollars go, you know, the ones that don't roll over yearly as HSA plan dollars do? Certainly not toward aspirin, cough syrup and the like. No wonder these consumer-driven health insurance plans have skyrocketted in popularity and confidence over recent years.
globalEyeNews.eXtra.health insurance

Press Release: eHealthInsurance™

Individuals and families pay significantly less for HSA-eligible health insurance plans in 2005

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 10, 2006 - Individuals paid 17 percent less for HSA-eligible health insurance plans purchased through eHealthInsurance in 2005 than consumers who bought similar plans in 2004. On average, individual consumers paid $114 in 2005 versus $138 in 2004. This is significant when compared to the near double-digit increases in health insurance premiums reported by other organizations over the past several years.[1] This and other data on HSA adoption in 2005 was released today in a semi-annual report by eHealthInsurance, the nation’s leading online source of health insurance for individuals, families and small businesses.

The improved affordability of HSA-eligible plans may be the key factor leading uninsured Americans to HSAs. Forty-one percent of purchasers of HSA-eligible plans in the study reported being previously uninsured. The age groups that had the highest percentage of uninsured before purchasing an HSA-eligible plan are children and young adults up to age 29.

“Since their introduction in 2004, HSAs have been one of the fastest growing products in the consumer directed health care category, giving Americans more affordable health insurance plans and greater control of their health care dollars,” says Gary Lauer, CEO of eHealthInsurance. “Our data verifies that HSAs are attractive to individuals and families who did not previously have health insurance. It is our goal to continue to provide transparency and choice in....More

Tech Tags: Bush,Health and Wellness,Economy,Current Affairs

Economies of Scale: Getting Small Business and Large Companies to Drink from the Same Risk Pool

2006-05-16T15:00:00.000-04:00

Inside: Stateline.org - U.S. Insurance Bill Upsets States

globalEyeNews.Op-Ed.health insurance
When it comes to health insurance in America there seems to be an uncurable political obsession with the total absense of logic. Also, what's good for the goose doesn't seem apply to the gander, either.

The so-called 'Enzi Bill' which is being hotly contested in the Senate and by consumer groups across America, endeavors to allow small businesses to drink from the same priviledged health insurance waters that large companies have enjoyed through self-insured programs since the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) became federal law in 1974.

Since 1974 large companies through ERISA have been able to self-insure without having to comply with tedious state imposed regulations. This glorious amnesty has enabled large companies to sidestep state regulations in order to offer comprehensive health insurance packages to their employees at substantially more economical rates; in effect, bargain-hunt across state lines.

Since then, though, there have been some 'ringers', some of the more exemplary health insurance products around have been minted through these offerings. What the 'Enzi Bill' proposes to do is to empower trade and professional "associations" with the same priviledges, under ERISA jurisdiction, in order to to craft the most cost-effective health insurance plans possible for their members and, even more importantly, enable them to engage plans without the cost-prohibitive administrative nightmare of having to deal with the gnarling complexities of 50 unique sets of state mandated regulations.

As with large company self-insure deployments, the Department of Labor, a staunch supporter of AHP legistlation, would be the master keyholder to any such healthcare initiatives. Here's what the (DOL) has to say about AHP's:

"In a voluntary health benefits system, how can small employers be encouraged to offer coverage? The challenge is to create incentives and remove barriers. Preemption of 50 state insurance regulatory regimes under federal ERISA law has allowed large employers and unions to provide cost-effective health benefits. A federal structure for small employers would bring stability, uniformity and lower costs for health care coverage."

"AHPs will provide small businesses the opportunity to band together through trade and professional associations to purchase affordable health benefits. By joining together, small employers will enjoy greater bargaining power, economies of scale, and administrative efficiencies. In this way, AHPs will level the playing field and give participating small employers the same advantages as larger employers and employers who provide benefits through Taft-Hartley plans (plans sponsored jointly by a union and two or more employers)."

"The lack of health insurance in America disproportionately affects workers in small businesses. About half of all uninsured Americans are in families headed by workers who are self-employed or who work at firms with fewer than 100 employees. Workers at the smallest firms are far less likely to be covered on the job, and far more likely to be without insurance from any source."

"Among private-sector firms with fewer than 100 employees, health benefits wer offered at just 49% of work sites in 2000, compared with 98% among larger firms."

"Considering only low-wage work sites, where at least half of the employees earned less than $9.50 per hour, the disparity between small and large firms is even greater. Benefits were offered at just 34% of small firm low-wage work sites, compared with 95% of large firms."

"Among 600 small businesses responding to a recent survey, less than one-third currently offer insurance, but about three-fourths said they would be 'very' or 'somewhat likely' to participate in an AHP that offered lower prices, more choices, or less paperwork."

As far as regulatory devices that would govern AHP entities, rigid ERISA compliance doctrine, alot of which is already in place, would enforce consumer protection safeguards through DOL.

According to the DOL, all AHP entry requirements would be determined by qualified actuary and in the event an AHP became unable to satisfy its financial obligations, "DOL could assume trusteeship over the AHP and pay premiums to a stop-loss and/or indemnification insurer to ensure that consumers’ outstanding claims for health benefits are paid."

According to the DOL release, attempts at "cherry-picking" that would sculpt plans that benefit only healthy people or "make it easier for insurers to target their coverage to businesses with healthier workers (Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.)", would be fruitless in that, among an arsenal of pre-emptive barriers:

Only bona fide associations that are in existence for three years for purposes other than providing health insurance would be eligible to sponsor an AHP.

The legislation makes clear that AHPs will have to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), prohibiting group health plans from excluding high-risk individuals or employers with high claims experience.

It's time cut the bull and all the political inuendo that continues to sicken America. Considereing the self- insured sector appears to have been the least affected by the healthcare crisis that is crippling the American family and workplace, it would seem that common sense insists that a closer look be taken at the model.

If the possiblity does exist that AHP legistlation would destroy state-fought health insurance standards, how is it that few of its critics can be more specific than soundbites and generalizations that attempt to engender paranoia in the masses?

How is it that in such media dissertations on jeapordy and demise, there hasn't been a telling roll call of large self-insured ERISA/DOL sanctioned villains that would demonstrate the point?

That kind of blank political inuendo is called wanting to have your bread buttered on both sides.

You can obtain a free copy of the DOL/AHP Report, ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS - IMPROVING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTH CARE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES , here.

Feature Article

Stateline.org: Top Story

U.S. insurance Bill Upsets States
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer

Thursday, April 27, 2006

A proposal before the U.S. Senate designed to help small businesses buy cheaper health insurance has many state officials up in arms because it could strip states of their power to regulate carriers and dictate what insurers must cover.

At least 39 state attorneys general, three governors and 16 state insurance regulators object to the legislation.

“This bill contains provisions that will erode state oversight of health insurance plans and eliminate consumer protections in the areas of mandated benefits and internal grievance procedures,” 39 members of the National Association of Attorneys General said in a letter to U.S. senators.

The controversial measure would let trade associations buy coverage from insurance companies and offer it to members and their employees nationwide, even if the plans didn’t comply with individual state laws.

The legislation would let existing small business plans avoid state regulations too, in order to make sure new plans don’t have an unfair advantage.

Business leaders argue that insurance companies are loathe to offer nationwide products today, because products they offer must comply with at least 50 different sets of laws.

They point to the experience of the Associated Builders and Contractors, which shut down its 43-year-old health insurance plan after its insurance company quit and more than 50 others declined to take its place.

Carriers said they were unwilling to assume the business because state laws they would have to obey dictated how they could set rates, who must be eligible and what services they must provide.

“We were legislated out of business, effectively, by the states,” Joseph E. Rossman, ABC’s vice-president of fringe benefits, said

The so-called Enzi Bill, named after U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi, a Wyoming Republican, grows out of an effort to help small-business groups such as ABC offer members the
chance....More

Tech Tags: Bush,Health and wellness,Economy,Current Affairs

Too Much Information Equals No Information

2006-05-10T13:59:00.000-04:00

Inside: Congressional Testimony on The Healthcare Choice Act, H.R. 2335

What a mess. No wonder healthcare coverage in America is unraveling. In the recent New York Times article, Death by Insurance (subscription), Paul Krugman references comments (Wall Street Journal) from a doctor concerning 'the excess expenses he incurs trying to deal with 301 different private insurance plans. According to Dr. Brewer, he currently employs two full-time staff members for billing, and his two secretaries spend half their time collecting insurance information.' The sum of it: too much information results in no information. So it goes with the American healthcare consumer; plagued with the same. When you have 50 states, with 50 independent state controls, 50 different sets of mandates, 50 distinctly separate licensing and coverage requirements, all doing insurance business within the insulation of the 'no-compete' clause, the too much/no information syndrome mightily kicks in.

Is there a health insurance Expert in America? Information we can trust? Or is the business so tragically fragmented nationally that no one really knows for sure about anything? Is that why there are so many cockamamy viewpoints concerning America's healthcare sickness and its cure? Is it a terminal case of too much information results in no information?

Are the states that license standard non-employer-based family policies for four at $171 per month (table below) stupid or indifferent toward the healthcare needs of their residents? Or, are those of us that live in states that up the ante to over $700 per month for the same, luxuriating in the safe harbor of a smarter and more concerned state leadership?

Oh, yes, the issues are complex. Why would healthy New Jersey residents be allowed to purchase more cost-effective policies licenced in the state of California, when the State of New Jersey and its licencees would be stuck with the sicker ones who are left behind? Do we need that kind of protection from the "evil" health insurance companies? But tell us, if your business agenda mandates restrictions to certain consumers for purchasing in a way that you believe disadvantages others, are your offerings valid and legal? Could be, what you have is a felonious recipe for failure, millions uninsured and a healthcare system ready to hit the wall.
[globalEyeNews.eXtra.healthinsurance]

Subject:

Congressional Testimony on The Healthcare Choice Act, H.R. 2335

Extract:

Hearing before the Subcommittee on Health of the Committe on Energy and Commerce:

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

ONE HUNDRED NINTH CONGRESS

FIRST SESSION on H.R. 2335

JUNE 28, 2005

Serial No. 109-23

Testimony:

David Gratzer, M.D., Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute for Policy Research

STATEMENT OF DAVID GRATZER

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee-- subcommittee. I am honored to testify today in these hearings on “The Health Care Choice Act” before the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health. My name is David Gratzer. I am a physician and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute in New York. I’m speaking today in support of Congressman Shadegg’s efforts. The views I present are my own and do not necessarily represent those of the Manhattan Institute.

As you may know, insurance premiums vary greatly from state to state. eHealthInsurance, a leading online insurance brokerage, recently compared the cost of a standard family insurance policy ($2,000 deductible with a 20% co-insurance) across the nation’s 50 largest cities, involving some 4,000 insurance plans and 140 insurance companies. The results are startling. Consider: a non-employer-based family policy for four in Kansas City, Mo., costs about $170 per month while similar coverage in Boston tops more than $750 a month. (Please see the accompanying table, which further illustrates the range.)

Why the price difference? Many states dictate the type of services and providers. New York, for instance, requires that the services of a podiatrist be covered. It’s a commonly quoted statistic that the average person walks about 150,000 miles in a lifetime. Let’s hope the majority of this journey is on healthy, bunion-free feet. But should every insurance policy in the Empire State really be required to include podiatric services? Acupuncturists are mandated in 11 states, massage therapists in 4, osteopaths in 24, and chiropractors in 47, driving up the price of even the most basic insurance plans.

Some states have gone further. Laws force insurers to sell to any applicant (guaranteed issue) and at the same price, regardless of age or health (community rating). Faced with higher premiums for insurance they seldom use, the young and healthy drop their coverage, leaving an insurance pool of older, sicker people - and even higher premiums. After a decade of such political meddling, the average monthly cost of a family policy in New Jersey bests the monthly lease of a Ferrari. In such an environment, many insurance carriers choose not to do business; in Vermont, for example, just three companies sell to......More>>

Tech Tags: Healthcare,Health Insurance,Economy,Death by Insurance

On Entertaining the "Ideology of Insanity"

2006-05-06T16:56:00.000-04:00

"Forging new revenue payloads (taxes) to prop up an already overfunded, price-bloated, bankrupt and failing healthcare system that will continue to hold the American healthcare consumer and health insurance providers hostage is the "ideology of insanity". -globalEyeNews

[The healthcare ideology wars continue in Washington. New HSA (Health Savings Account) legistlation S.2549, the Health Savings Account Affordability Act, would allow individuals to use their account funds to purchase high-deductible health insurance. This would expand current law which allows HSA account funds to pay for out-of-pocket expenses, but excludes their use for the purchase of insurance. According to DeMint, the improvement "would allow small business owners across the nation to provide tax-free contributions that could be then used by their employees to purchase health insurance that is affordable, flexible, and portable. Many workers would pay nothing but they would own everything.” DeMint also speaks out against Bill S.637, the Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act, a proposal sponsored by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), in which small businesses could pool together as part of a government-run health care program to offer health coverage to their employees. According to DeMint, "once the government takes over the management of health care for millions of Americans, liberals in Congress will begin rationing care with one-size-fits-all mandates that limit choices." Ideology, though intriguing to intellectual appetite, is not the real issue when it comes to configuring a whole new health insurance model. Economics is. The price of healthcare in America is spiraling out of control, beyond containment. Any new model must address this primal issue by providing economic mechanisms that drive prices downward. Forging new revenue payloads (taxes) to prop up an already overfunded, price-bloated, bankrupt and failing healthcare system that will continue to hold the American healthcare consumer and health insurance providers hostage is the "ideology of insanity".]
globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance

Press Release: United States Senator - Jim DeMint:

DeMint Testifies Before Senate Finance Committee on Small Business Health Care

Calls for Legislation to Make HSAs More Affordable and to Allow Consumers to Shop for Insurance Across State Lines

April 6th, 2006 - WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) testified before the Senate Committee on Finance on ways to improve health coverage for millions of small business employees. Specifically, DeMint called on the committee to consider legislation allowing workers to use tax-free HSA contributions to help pay premiums for affordable, high-deductible health insurance. DeMint also rejected the idea of a new government-run health care program and encouraged senators to support a proposal allowing Americans to access affordable health coverage in other states.

“If we want to help millions of small business employees access affordable health insurance, we are going to have to make a small but important change to the law regulating health savings accounts,” said Senator DeMint. “Americans who want to access HSA benefits should be allowed to use their account funds to purchase high-deductible health insurance. Under current law, they can use their account funds to pay for out-of-pocket expenses, but they are banned from using them to buy insurance. This improvement would allow small business owners across the nation to provide tax-free contributions that could be then used by their employees to purchase health insurance that is affordable, flexible, and portable. Many workers would pay nothing but they would own everything.”

Besides empowering small businesses with the ability to offer a tax-free cash health care benefit without the paperwork and liability burdens associated with traditional employer-sponsored health coverage, S.2549, the Health Savings Account Affordability Act would also give individuals who purchase HSAs on their own virtually the same tax benefits as those with employer-sponsored insurance. This would help self-employed, unemployed, and workers for companies that do not currently offer insurance. Americans who are not working, especially early retirees, could pay premium for the purchase of non-group HSA plans tax-free from an HSA account.

“It’s time to level the playing field between those who get health coverage through their employer and those who do not,” said Senator DeMint. “By allowing HSA contributions to be used to pay for qualified health insurance, we can instantly help millions of Americans without employer-sponsored insurance access affordable coverage that the IRS tax code currently puts out of reach.”

Senator DeMint rejected the idea of making millions of small business employees dependent on the federal government for their health care. According to S.637, the Small Employers Health Benefits Program Act, a proposal sponsored by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), small businesses could pool together as part of a government-run health care program to offer health coverage to their employees. The program, which is estimated to cost $73 billion over the next 10 years, would be paid for by American taxpayers through.......More>>>

Tech Tags: Healthcare,Health Insurance,Economy,The Ideology of Insanity

From "$Niche Pool" to the "Dead Pool" - aKa - "The Great Gravy Train Robbery"

2006-05-03T03:27:00.000-04:00

"The facts are these: the health insurance Cash Cow Has Expired; the vast $niche pool is fast becoming the "Dead Pool"; the American healthcare consumers' pockets are empty, no longer able or willing to sustain the runaway-inflated healthcare costs and health insurance premiums that have resulted from years of network-wide gravy train riding......"

While millions go without health insurance (an everyday occurrence exploding into almost every income sector) and a major healthcare breakdown looms, the point that eludes most is that the crisis exists soley because network medical providers, across the board, have out-priced the market. In a mad effort to get an always bigger piece of the vast consumer $niche pool (pie), network costs have exploded beyond containment, beyond anyone's ability to pay. Universal (National) healthcare is just another name for a federal government bailout of the industry for the shortfall. For those who promulgate that overuse has lead to runaway costs, I'd say try living in the real life world of an overworked, overtaxed, overburdened, over child-cared, life-compressed middle income household of 3 or more for a few hours (Former Secretary of State, George P. Shultz).........

globalEyeNews.eXtra.health insurance
'Without reform, the U.S. health care system will hit the proverbial brick wall in the not-too-distant future. Health care costs and insurance premiums are rapidly increasing, making both insured and uninsured consumers worse off. After not wanting to touch health care reform with a 10-foot pole in the immediate post-Clinton era, policymakers are again confronting the fact that change is desperately needed. The direction of that change, however, is anything but settled. Does the solution lie in private markets, greater government involvement, or some combination of the two?" This New England Journal of Medicine extract from the Cato Institute publication Healthy Competition: What's Holding Back Health Care and How to Free aptly describes prevalent healthcare moods and trends in America. Indecision, apprehension, unclearness; bemused can be applied. In the news release below you will find why some experts believe open-market reform is a "blueprint for re-invigorating America's troubled health care sector."

............The facts are these: the health insurance Cash Cow Has Expired; the vast $niche pool is fast becoming the "Dead Pool"; the American healthcare consumers' pockets are empty, no longer able or willing to sustain the runaway-inflated healthcare costs and health insurance premiums that have resulted from years of network-wide gravy train riding; and both, healthcare consumers and providers, don't know where to turn for the next dollar. The trends are ominous. The healthcare industry at the top of the food chain, at the least, is unnerved and the American healthcare consumer is reeling. As with every hyper-inflationary market, the bubble will burst eventually (more than likely). The sad, disgraceful truth is, solemn oaths have been broken, trusts abused and the vital well-being of the American people has been feloniously compromised. The fix? The system may well have passed the point of no return; open-market reform, a moot point. Whether the case or not, a head on confrontaion with the issues at hand will require high doses of "inspired leadership" from Washington. Too much to hope for?
[globalEyeNews.opinion.health insurance] "

The Cato Institute: News Release

Healthy Competition: What's Holding Back Health Care and How to Free It

September 14, 2005

Media Contact: (202) 789-5200

Healthy Competition, a new book published today by the Cato Institute, provides a blueprint for re-invigorating America's troubled health care sector. Former Secretary of State George Shultz calls Healthy Competition "essential reading."

Michael F. Cannon, Cato's director of health policy studies, and Michael D. Tanner, Cato's director of health and welfare studies, explain how market competition makes products of ever-increasing quality available to an ever-increasing number of consumers.

They demonstrate how market competition can do the same for medical care and health insurance. The authors even show how encouraging competition.....More>>

Bush,Healthcare,The 90 Foot Rule,Toothless Reform,Dead Pool

Farewell to the Staggering Health Insurance Protection Rackets: Cash Cow Expires

2006-04-29T10:07:00.000-04:00

Bush Administration fires back at Washington Post's Sebastian Mallaby on Health Savings Accounts

It seems near impossible to see behind the thick political veil when it comes to healthcare issues in America. The political tussling, spinning and positioning nearly always dooms any attempt at approaching an issue squarely. While career politicians and media elite are busy coveting strategic political gain, the American healthcare ship is sinking. Too bad. It almost makes callous indifference an admirable character trait by comparison.

According to a recently released Commonwealth Fund report, the percentage of working-age Americans with moderate to middle incomes who lacked health insurance for at least part of the year rose to 41 percent in 2005, a dramatic increase from the 28 percent in 2001 without coverage. According to the report, National health care spending is climbing by more than 7 percent per year, outpacing economic growth by a substantial margin and that 'Gaps in health insurance coverage—a problem that has long afflicted lower-income U.S. families—is increasingly becoming an all-American problem.' Key findings (multimedia presentation available) of the survey point out that more than half of the uninsured adults said they were having problems paying their medical bills or had incurred debt to cover their expenses. According to lead author Sara R. Collins, Ph.D., senior program officer and director of the Fund's Program on the Future of Health Insurance, the represent 'an eXplosion of the insurance crisis into those with moderate incomes'.

Somebody, please, step up to the podium and clear the cigar smoke. The bottom line is, network-wide healthcare cost in America is out of control beyond containment. If you or a loved one has ever had an extended hospital stay, you could lament the truth. Marketing, research, technology, IT..... somebody's been draining the American healthcare consumer's lifeblood for too long and been calling it health insurance. It's all about the disposable American dollar and whose got the stealth to pry it loose and leverage it into a foolproof consumer niche pool. Universal, consumer-driven, mandatory.....what's in a name when it all smells the same? Crisis? Avarice-driven, spiralling, network-wide, price-gouged inflationary costs have bankrupted all and the lowly American healthcare consumer is stuck with the tab for the shortfall. Stuck, as always. Only, now, he(she) can't pay or won't; not from those empty pockets. Check the ranks of the uninsured. What's the fix? Network pricing structure? New pockets to pick? The Federali? Hmm. A little more wood for the fire, below.
[globalEyeNews.eXtra.health insurance]

For Immediate Release February 13, 2006
Whitehouse: News and Policices

Setting the Record Straight: The Washington Post's Sebastian Mallaby on Health Savings Accounts

Setting the Record Straight

Setting The Record Straight On The Benefits Of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

Mallaby Claims That HSAs Are For "Rich People" And "Healthy People".
"The administration is proposing a new kind of 401(k), and using it as an inducement to quit low-deductible insurance. Rich people, who gain most from the tax breaks on saving, will be first to sign on; healthy people, who subsidize sicker people in company health plans, will be right behind them." (Sebastian Mallaby, Op-Ed, "Ownership Society Redux," The Washington Post, 2/13/06)

But Studies Have Shown That HSAs Have Broad Appeal.Enrollment In HSAs Has Tripled Since March 2005.
" At least three million consumers currently receive health coverage through high-deductible health insurance plans offered in conjunction with health saving accounts (HSAs), according to preliminary results of a new study by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). According to the study, enrollment in the new insurance policies eligible for HSAs has roughly tripled since last March when a similar AHIP survey found that 1,031,000 people were covered by HSA-compatible insurance policies." (America's Health Insurance Plans, "HSAs Triple in 10 Months," Press Release, 1/26/06)

Studies Show That Low-Income And Previously Uninsured Americans Are Signing Up For HSAs.
" These lower-premium plans are an important option, especially for those who might not otherwise be able to afford coverage, Ignagni said, noting that among the companies tracking the information, previously uninsured people purchased 37% of the individual policies. Twenty-seven percent of the policies in the small group market have been sold to employers who did not previously offer coverage to their employees. Shattering the myth that these new products only attract young and healthy individuals, the census indicates that nearly half of people covered by HSA-eligible insurance are over the age of 40." (America's Health Insurance Plans, "HSAs More Than Double In Six Months, New AHIP Study Shows," Press Release, 5/4/05)

Survey Finds More Previously Uninsured Americans Enrolled In HSA Programs Than Traditional Health Plans.
"The survey found that HSA-eligible enrollees are of all ages and of no different health status than people enrolled in traditional coverage. 'This survey finding dispels the myth that HSAs are only for the young and healthy,' said Sullivan. 'In addition, we are also bolstered by the finding that the number of previously uninsured currently enrolled in a HSA-eligible product is double that of enrollees in traditional........More

Bush,Economy,The 90 Foot Rule,Toothless Reform,Cash Cow Expires

"Toothless Reform"

2006-04-28T07:40:00.000-04:00

Massachusetts Health Insurance Reform......' a page out of the Newt Gingrich playbook for health care reform(AFL-CIO) ' or the Wile E. Coyote ' Acme Rocket ' plan or just ' Toothless Reform ' ?

[It's all so hard to figure, isn't it? According to an official statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (below) regarding recent Massachusetts healthcare reform legistlation, the " legislation leaves middle-income families dangling without a safety net, jeopardizes families who currently have employer-sponsored health care, and gives employers a free ride ........a page out of the Newt Gingrich playbook for health care reform ". We just wonder exactly what is contained in the final signed version. While everyone pontificates over the broader ideological strokes, it's usually the fine print that kills the cat. The final veto version denies dental coverage ($75M) to adult Medicaid recipients because, 'it provides a service not offered by most Massachusetts employers', Governor Romney aptly (HUH?) noted. That gets right to the vanilla core of real healthcare reform issues. Call it 'Toothless Reform' , if you will. Newt, you're off the hook, 'cause maybe, this is a page out of the Wile E. Coyote 'Acme Rocket' playbook for healthcare reform? One thing for sure, if you want real reform, follow the money trail. Where it leads is where the real balance of power and core reform issues reside.]
globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance"

AFL-CIO: Press Releases, Speeches and Testimony

Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on Massachusetts Health Care Reform
April 05, 2006

Who would have thought that Massachusetts – long considered a bastion of progressive thinking – would take a page out of the Newt Gingrich playbook for health care reform? Forcing uninsured workers to purchase health care coverage or face higher taxes and fines is the cornerstone of Mr. Gingrich’s health care reform proposals. And it is unconscionable that Massachusetts has adopted this misguided individual mandate.

This legislation leaves middle-income families dangling without a safety net, jeopardizes families who currently have employer-sponsored health care, and gives employers a free ride.

The bill protects workers with the lowest incomes, but punishes middle-income families. A typical family in which the husband and wife each earn a little more than $30,000 and who have two children would be forced to purchase health care, but would not be qualified for any help even if their employer does not offer any coverage or they can't afford their share of the premium. With the average employer-sponsored insurance premium costing more than $4,000 a year for single workers and close to $11,000 a year for working families, Massachusetts' new requirement will bankrupt many middle-class families.

The state has promised to come up with an affordable health care plan but has been woefully short on details. While the state's promotional materials say, “everyone who can afford health insurance should be required to obtain it",it does not define affordable or provide any guarantees. Is it affordable for a single person making $30,000 a year to spend $3,000 (the amount currently being floated) on a stripped-down health care plan?

We believe that workers have to participate in the solution to the problem, but this plan puts the entire burden on workers while letting employers off the hook. Businesses that do not offer insurance will be assessed a paltry $295 per worker per year, an amount so meager that it actually creates an economic incentive for many businesses to pay the assessment rather than provide....More

The ' 90 foot Rule': Mass Delusion and Abolishing the Laws of Arithmetic

2006-04-23T17:21:00.000-04:00

The ' 90 foot Rule', Mass Delusion and Abolishing the Laws of Arithmetic

[ ' The elected leaders of Massachusetts have come up with a novel solution for the vexing problem of paying for health care: abolish the laws of arithmetic...' Alot can be made of ideology, universal health insurance coverage, common sense and political grandstanding. Notwithstanding, perhaps, heading up the list of common sense and the immutable laws of the universe is the absolute perfection baseball's 90 feet. Athough the origins of baseball have been steeped in controversy for over 100 years, one thing remains perfectly clear > baseball's flawless application of the laws of arithmetic has been the linchpin of the great American way of life throughout. Whoever it was that magically derived baseball's 90 foot basepath rule can be considered genius and should be. Considering the constant haps of razor close plays at first base throughout the course of a game, it would seem that even the slightest deviation from the magical distance, less or more, would have rendered the game impotent and historically irrelevant, as with most legistlation that has managed to pass through federal and state houses over this same period. Our suggestion, require the '90 foot rule', by law, to be adhered to in the political arena, with capitol offense fervor, when any attempt is made to address an issue concerning the well-being of the American way of life.]
globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance

EconLog: Issues and insights in economics

Mass Delusion on Health Care
Arnold Kling(April 7, 2006)

In today's Wall Street Journal, the author of a new book on health care policy writes (subscription required--free version here):

The Massachusetts plan makes a large, open-ended spending commitment, while raising no new taxes, apart from a tiny $295 annual fee to be charged businesses for ......More

The+90+Foot+Rule

IBM Viewpoint: Reforming Healthcare: A Key Emerging Market For The 21st Century

2006-03-26T01:18:00.000-05:00

IBM Viewpoint: Reforming Healthcare: A Key Emerging Market For The 21st Century: "

[March 25, 2006] By even the most cursory analysis, America is obviously in the throes of a real healthcare crisis; a health care infra-structure that is in need of a whole new model . According tho this WebWire®release, IBM has positioned itself to provide significant impetus toward the transformation of America’s healthcare industry by spearheading a groundbreaking consortium of healthcare and health information technology organizations focused to develop a 21st century healthcare network. These efforts intend to address a dramatic flaw in a healthcare system plagued by underperformance according to worldwide comparison. More than 100,000 Americans die each year from preventable medical errors,adding up to up to more fatalities than from AIDS, homicides, and traffic accidents combined, according to this WebWire® release. "Lifesaving medical advances have not come accompanied by improvements in the way members of the healthcare ecosystem (from public and private payers, to providers, researchers and consumers) use IT to work with one another. As a result, the "system," such as it is, functions much like a fragmented cottage industry". A well documented recent study by the Rand Corporation supports this and reports, as well, that a modern healthcare IT infrastructure could save the industry and consumers up to $165 billion per year. Saving lives and saving money could be an "infectious" idea whose time has very much come to an ailing American health care system. Read on..... [globalEyeNews.brief.health insurance]

Press Release: WebWire®

IBM Viewpoint: Reforming Healthcare: A Key Emerging Market For The 21st Century

Armonk, NY - 07 Feb 2006: Healthcare is becoming as important to the vitality of businesses, governments and nations as it is to the well being of individuals. Soaring healthcare bills add $1,500 to the cost of every car made by General Motors, for example, compared to $200 per car for the company’s nearest foreign competitorIn fact, higher healthcare spending does not guarantee better delivery or outcomes. America spends 16 percent of its GDP on healthcare - the highest in the world - but ranks only 37th in the overall
performance of its healthcare system by the World Health Organization. Moreover, more than 100,000 Americans die each year from preventable medical errors. This adds up to more fatalities than from AIDS, homicides, and traffic accidents combined. Meanwhile, 45 million Americans have no healthcare insurance and 15 million are under-insured.

Many factors contribute to this healthcare crisis, from changing demographics to the spread of "diseases of affluence" and chronic illnesses. But perhaps the most treatable disorder is underinvestment in healthcare information technology. Lifesaving medical advances have not come accompanied by improvements in the way members of the healthcare ecosystem (from public and private payers, to providers, researchers and consumers) use IT to work with one another. As a result, the "system," such as it is, functions much like a fragmented cottage industry. This IT failure has been well documented in a recent study by the Rand Corporation, which concludes that a modern healthcare IT infrastructure could save up to$165 billion per year by reducing hospital stays, encouraging tests and early treatment, and cutting administrative costs.(1)

GROWTH AHEAD

The Rand study is part of a growing consensus that the healthcare crisis has reached a tipping point. Governments, businesses and patients can no longer tolerate the system’s spiraling costs. There is broad agreement that building a modern information infrastructure that ties together the healthcare ecosystem is the most readily available means to control healthcare inflation and improve delivery.

At the moment, healthcare IT spending averages just two-to-three percent of overall healthcare spending. This compares with as much as 12-15 percent in other information-intensive industries, such as financial services. Analysts forecast that, as countries address this massive underinvestment, healthcare IT spending will grow at a faster pace than overall IT spending. Gartner estimates.....Full Story>>>

More Middle-Class Families Enrolling Children in Public Health Insurance Programs

2006-03-17T14:54:00.000-05:00

More Middle-Class Families Enrolling Children in Public Health Insurance Programs: "

[March 11, 2006] It's not surprising that more and more 'middle-class' families are escaping to the financial refuge of publicly funded health insurance programs. With spiraling health insurance costs outpacing wages nearly four to one over the last few years, its no wonder. Every year household income levels that define the term 'poverty level' climb, narrowing the middle-class envelope, as many families poised on the brink plunge below the poverty line. Just a thought. [globalEyeNews.tip.child health insurance]

Kaisernetwork.org: - Daily Health Policy Report: Coverage & Access

More Middle-Class Families Enrolling Children in Public Health Insurance Programs

[Feb 15, 2005] An increasing number of middle-class families are declining employer-sponsored health coverage for their children and enrolling them in public health insurance programs, the Wall Street Journal reports. According to the Journal, SCHIP is the program most affected by the trend. In fiscal year 2003, SCHIP program enrollment increased by 9%, bringingthe national enrollment total to 5.8 million. The Journal reports that there is no one national figure that illustrates families' forgoing employer-sponsored coverage and their 'increasing reliance' on public insurance programs. However, a December 2004 study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that the proportion of U.S. workers with employer-sponsored health insurance fell from 74.4% in 2000 to 71.5% in 2003. In addition, over the last four years, the percentage of children covered through a parent's employer fell from 62.3% to 58.3% and at the same time, the percentage of children enrolled in a public insurance program grew from 20.9% to 26.4%. Many SCHIP beneficiaries could be covered through a parent's employer-sponsored health plan, the Journal reports. For instance.....Full Story>>> "

Washington Post Examines Cross-Border Health Plans Offered by California Health Insurers

2006-03-09T00:47:00.000-05:00

Coverage & Access | Washington Post Examines Cross-Border Health Plans Offered by California Health Insurers
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

[March 9, 2006] In case you haven't heard......or, thought you had heard everything.......in an effort to curb health insurance costs, some residents of Southern California are being offered "across the border" health care options, that in some cases reduces cost by some 50% or more, according to the Washington Post via the Kaisernetwork.org Daily Health Policy Report. Spokesmen for Blue Shield of California and Health Net, both of which offer cross-border HMO plans contend the quality of care is comparable in both countries. The Blue Shield of California plan called "Access Baja" offers doctor visits that are covered in the United States, but familiy members are covered only in Mexico. A similar approach was under review in Texas, but, was rejected. Next up, Maine residents offered cross-border health care in.....Iceland?
[globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance]

Kaisernetwork.org: Daily Health Policy Report

Coverage & Access | Washington Post Examines Cross-Border Health Plans Offered by California Health Insurers

[Nov 07, 2005] The Washington Post on Sunday examined the more than 20,000 California employees and their dependents enrolled in lower-cost health plans that send members to Mexico for nonemergency care. According to the Post, membership in such health plans has increased by about 3,000 annually. Blue Shield of California and Health Net both offer cross-border health plans, which cost 40% to 50% less than plans that provide comparable care in the U.S. because of lower-priced labor, medical malpractice insurance and overhead in Mexico. Under cross-border health plans, members receive nonemergency care from physicians licensed in Mexico, and California officials regulate the operations of the plans. Health insurers.....

Read More>>>

Dallas Morning News Series Examines Health Insurance Coverage in Texas

2006-03-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

Coverage & Access | Dallas Morning News Series Examines Health Insurance Coverage in Texas
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

[March 8, 2006] While many states over the last few years have been ramping up health insurance programs for children there are a select few that have gone the opposite direction. Admittedly, there are many complex funding issues that confront Medicaid health care programs at the state level, yet, most states have wholeheartedly endeavored to work through them. Also, as indicated in the Dallas Morning News article referenced in the Kaiser Health Policy Report below, failure of health care providers to view these low income producing programs in the spirit of partnership with the community results in disastrously heartbreaking consequences for children in these states. Should health care be all about money? Read on.
[globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance]

Kaisernetwork.org: Daily Health Policy Report

Coverage & Access | Dallas Morning News Series Examines Health Insurance Coverage in Texas

[Jan 23, 2006] The Dallas Morning News is publishing a three-part series examining the absence of health insurance coverage for one in four Texans -- the highest percentage of people without coverage compared with other states. Summaries of the first two articles appear below.

Children's dental care: When Texas cut dental benefits from its SCHIP program in 2003, thousands of low-income parents could not find affordable dental care for their children, the Dallas Morning News reports. Although legislation restoring the benefits passed in the spring of 2005, coverage has not been made available because negotiations with a dental provider have been extended. Children are not expected to receive SCHIP dental care benefits until at least April 1. There are an estimated 395,000 children in Dallas County who lack dental coverage. In addition, half of the 2.26 million Texas children who qualify for Medicaid do not receive dental care because not many dentists accept Medicaid beneficiaries because of the high amount of paperwork and low reimbursement rates. For children, cavities that go untreated and dental infections can create chronic low-grade pain and occasional high-grade pain, causing them to be inattentive, less likely to sleep soundly or eat fully, and unable to learn well. If the conditions continue throughout adulthood, heart disease and heart conditions are known to be linked to dental infections (Thomas, Dallas Morning News, 1/15).

Read More>>>

Bush Rejects Caps on Worker Health Insurance Deductions Recommended by Tax Panel

2006-03-07T19:54:00.000-05:00

Administration News | Bush Rejects Caps on Worker Health Insurance Deductions Recommended by Tax Panel, To Make Health Care 'Centerpiece' of 2006 Domestic Agenda
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

[March 7, 2006] The employer-sponsored health insurance system America has embraced for decades continues its decline. Although the current Bush Administration trend towards Health Saving's Accounts may be flawed in approach, it does rightly address health care inequities and the balance of power in the health insurance structure. Certainly a whole new health care model needs to be constructed. This will not happen, however, until health insurance companies are allowed to compete over state lines and the market truly opens up. Kudos to President Bush for having the guts to oppose his own Advisory Panel on Tax Reform.
[globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance]

Kaisernetwork.org: Daily Health Policy Report

Administration News | Bush Rejects Caps on Worker Health Insurance Deductions Recommended by Tax Panel, To Make Health Care 'Centerpiece' of 2006 Domestic Agenda

[Jan 13, 2006] President Bush has decided not to support a plan recommended by the nine-member President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform that would cap income tax deductions for workers receiving employer-sponsored health insurance, according to Al Hubbard, director of the White House's National Economic Council, Bloomberg reports (Murray/Donmoyer, Bloomberg, 1/12). Under the current tax code, employers can take a deduction for health insurance provided to employees, and workers pay no tax on the value of the coverage.

Under the panel's recommendations, employees would have to pay income tax on employer-sponsored health insurance premiums higher than specified amounts Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, (10/19/05). Hubbard said, "I know the president's not interested in pursuing that," adding that Bush would instead focus on expanding untaxed health savings accounts and greater deductibility of medical expenses. Proponents of the deduction say that failure to implement it would cost the federal government $6 billion to $28 billion in lost revenue. Karen Ignagni, president of America's Health Insurance Plans, said of the proposal's rejection, "That is very good news because the discussion in '06 should be about ways to expand, not contract coverage." Kaiser Family Foundation Vice President Larry Levitt said, "In the last few years, we have seen fewer employers offering coverage and fewer workers getting coverage through employment. Removing deductibility would have only exacerbated that trend" (Bloomberg, 1/12).

Read More>>>

Wal-Mart Revises Employee Health Benefits, Will Offer Lower-Cost Plan, HSA's

2006-03-07T18:31:00.000-05:00

Health Care Marketplace | Wal-Mart Revises Employee Health Benefits, Will Offer Lower-Cost Plan, HSA's:
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

[March 7, 2006] It seems that media appetite for Walmart is insatiable when it comes to the subject of employee health insurance. Probably, for good reason. However, could it be that Walmart has become the scapegoat for health insurance "ills" of America? Just who can afford proper health care coverage? For years, state labor laws have refused to address issues involving those big companies that have flown under the health insurance radar using questionable hiring/staffing loopholes. We guess, federal and state legistlatures will now be prompted to address the health care crisis in America because career politians now have a major name brand coattail to ride into the media spotlight. Thanks, Walmart.
[globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance]

Kaisernetwork.org: Daily Health Policy Report

Health Care Marketplace | Wal-Mart Revises Employee Health Benefits, Will Offer Lower-Cost Plan, HSAs

[Oct 24, 2005] Wal-Mart is introducing a new employee health plan, called Value Plan, that will have lower premiums and health savings accounts, the New York Times reports (Barbaro, New York Times, 10/24). The company has been "frequently criticized" for offering low wages and "inadequate" benefits, the Wall Street Journal reports. Fewer than half of its 1.2 million U.S. employees are enrolled in its health plan, and some workers have public health insurance.

Fewer than half of its 1.2 million U.S. employees are enrolled in its health plan, and some workers have public health insurance. Wal-Mart currently offers 18 health plans to employees, with the lowest premium for a single individual costing $37 monthly (Wall Street Journal, 10/24). Under the new plan, which has not yet been formally announced, monthly premiums would cost 40% to 60% less than those of current plans. On average, premiums would be lower than $25 for an individual, $37 for a single parent and $65 for a family. For employees in select areas, the premium will be as low as $11, according to Wal-Mart spokesperson Dan Fogleman (New York Times, 10/24).

Read More>>>

Buying Health Insurance Online: How to Protect Yourself

2006-03-07T09:28:00.001-05:00

Buying Health Insurance Online: How to Protect Yourself
globalEyeNews.health insurance online.feature article

Shopping for most anything on the internet can be a daunting adventure. Between the sensory/information overload that can overwhelm even the most experienced searcher,the rampant scams and slick misrepresentations, it is easy to become fatigued and frustrated through the whole process. Doing business with "household brands" doesn't necessarily get it. Being obsessive to an extreme about personal information is a must. The cutting-edge new trend in online advertising is "behavioral targeting", a methodology which attempts to garner, classify and store consumer profiles in a supposedly benefical manner to the online searcher......The point is, it comes at us from every direction, non-stop, when we are online. Always know how and to what end any personal information you provide is going to be used. No one ever has the right to your personal information without soliciting your informed permission first.
[globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance]

March 7, 2006

Buying Health Insurance Online: How to Protect Yourself

by Penny Hagerman

The accessibility and ease the Internet affords has virtually revolutionized the world of shopping. Anyone can go online at any time and buy anything from groceries and clothing to electronics and furniture.

Health insurance is no different. It's becoming easier almost by the minute to connect with local insurers online, then get quotes, compare service, and get a great deal on an individual or family health insurance plan.

But as we all know, shopping online can be a scary thing. How can you know you really will get the best deal…or that your personal information will stay safe out in "cyberland"? To ensure you have a safe and enjoyable shopping experience online--and protect yourself and your personal information--follow these guidelines for health insurance shopping success:

Being Uninsured Remains a "Crisis" of Income

2006-03-07T07:52:00.000-05:00

Being Uninsured Remains a "Crisis" of Income:
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

March 7, 2006

In an astounding statistical analysis, the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) reported that the greatest and growing problem of the uninsured is among those families who can afford to purchase health insurance. According to latest census figures almost 90% of the increase in the uninsured has taken hold among higher-income households of $50,000 or more. Amazingly, the number of uninsured Americans in families earning more than $75,000 has increased by 153%..... Could these income representations reflect the spiralling irrelevance of current annual household income figures that attempt to define contemporary demographic segments? Could this be the 'real' crisis of income?
[globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance]

National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA):

Being Uninsured Remains a "Crisis" of Income -
10-Year Census Figures Show Health Insurance Often Is a Matter of Choice

DALLAS (August 30, 2005)– The number of Americans with health insurance grew by more than 2 million people last year, but the percentage of Americans without health insurance continues to grow among higher-income households, according to the latest report released today by the Census Bureau.

"Being uninsured in America is largely a matter of choice," said NCPA Senior Fellow Devon Herrick, who also compiled a 10-year analysis of Census Bureau figures. "The greatest and growing problem of the uninsured is among those families who can afford health insurance."

The number of uninsured among higher-income households continued to grow last year, even though the percentage of uninsured has remained stable, according to

Read More>>>

Non-Profit Worker Association Offers Discount Health Insurance to Working New Yorkers

2006-02-13T06:59:00.000-05:00

Non-Profit Worker Association Offers Discount Health Insurance to Working New Yorkers:
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

February 9, 2006

Latest statistics show that New Yorkers pay the highest average monthly health insurance premiums in the country. Through a more than twenty year plan in the making, the American Association of Employees and Self-Employed Persons (AAESEP), a non-profit advocacy organization, in a partnership effort with Atlantis Health Plan, has introduced a health insurance initiative to ensure "hard-working New Yorkers get the quality health care they deserve".
[globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance]

Non-Profit Worker Association Offers Discount Health Insurance to Working New Yorkers

The American Association of Employees and Self-Employed Persons (AAESEP), a non-profit organization, offering American workers access to information, referrals to job training and job search organizations, and opportunities to act as advocates on the policies and programs that will dramatically affect their lives, has added a critical new service to their growing list of programs. New Yorkers have been paying far too much for health insurance premiums. The latest statistics show that New Yorkers pay the highest average monthly health insurance premiums in the country. AAESEP has been working diligently to help hard-working New Yorkers get the quality health care they deserve. By joining AAESEP members pool risk and join together to save on their health insurance costs. Beginning January 1st, 2006 high-quality, affordable health insurance from Atlantis Health Plan will be available to AAESEP members through the AAESEP website. Rates will begin as low as $272 per month and offer savings up to $800 a month over other commercial health plans offered by large carriers in New York City.

PRWeb™ : Press Release>NewsWire

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document

New York, New York (PRWEB) December 22, 2005--The American Association of Employees and Self-Employed Persons (AAESEP), a non-profit organization, offering American workers access to information, referrals to job training and job search organizations, and opportunities to act as advocates on the policies and programs that will dramatically affect their lives, has added a critical new service to their growing list of programs. New Yorkers have been paying far too much for health insurance premiums.

The latest statistics show that New Yorkers pay the highest average monthly health insurance premiums in the country. AAESEP has been working diligently to help hard-working New Yorkers get the quality health care they deserve. By joining AAESEP members pool risk and join together to save on their health insurance costs. Beginning January 1st, 2006 high-quality, affordable health insurance from Atlantis Health Plan will be available to AAESEP members through the AAESEP website. Rates will begin as low as $272 per month and offer savings up to $800 a month over other commercial health plans offered by large carriers in New York City.

According to a recent survey sponsored by the Community Service Society, health care has emerged as the greatest worry for low-income New Yorkers, with 41% of respondents reporting they were unable to fill a needed prescription and 36% saying they postponed medical care or surgery for lack of money or insurance coverage. To make matters worse a November 2005 study conducted by ehealthinsurance.com shows that the average monthly premium for New York residents is $379, over $130 per month more then New Jersey, the State with the next highest monthly health insurance premiums.

Two-thirds of the low-income workers surveyed were employed by small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and it is most often small firms that have found it hard to provide health insurance as premium costs have soared. This trend was reflected in the data. Among poor full-time wage earners half are uninsured and barely a fifth have private insurance. Full-time workers just above the poverty level fared somewhat better, with 31% uninsured and 55% covered by their own or a spouse’s employee plan. In contrast, only 7% of moderate and higher income New Yorkers reported being uninsured........

Read More>>>

More Than Two in Five People Have Medical Debt, Medical Bill Problems, Study Says

2006-01-24T23:24:00.000-05:00

More Than Two in Five People Have Medical Debt, Medical Bill Problems, Study Says
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article:

January 24, 2006

[Detailed from a March 2004 study by the Commonwealth Fund, an estimated 27.7 million working adults had medical debt in 2003 and 62% of those individuals had health insurance. The highest percentage were among those with higher deductible health insurance plans. These numbers could be a telling indicator of why the more recent trends in Health Savings Accounts (HSA) have been so dramaticly strong.]
globalEyeNews.tip.affordable health insurance

Coverage & Access | More Than Two in Five People Have Medical Debt, Medical Bill Problems, Study Says - Kaisernetwork.org:

KaiserNetwork | Daily Health Policy Report

[Aug 11, 2005]

More than two of every five U.S. adults—about 77 million individuals—had problems with paying of medical bills, had accrued medical debt or both in 2003, according to a study released on Wednesday by the Commonwealth Fund, Healthday News/Detroit Free Press reports (Pallarito, Healthday News/Detroit Free Press, 8/11). For the study, Michelle Doty, a senior analyst atthe Commonwealth Fund, and colleagues conducted a more detailed analysis of data from a March 2004 study that surveyed 4,052 adults ages 19 and older between September 2003 and January 2004. According to the new study, an estimated 27.7 million working adults had medical debt in 2003 and 62% of those individuals had health insurance. The study also found:

* 49% of respondents who had health insurance with annual deductibles of $500 or more reported problems with the payment of medical bills, compared with 32% of those with lower annual deductibles (Higgins, Washington Times, 8/11);

* 63% of respondents who reported problems with the payment of medical bills said that they did not seek necessary treatment because of cost concerns;

* 48% of respondents who had health insurance but not prescription drug coverage reported problems with the payment of medical bills, compared with 33% of those who had prescription drug...... Read More>>>

Health Plan Specialists Debunk the Myth: HSAs are Just for the Healthy

2006-01-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

Health Plan Specialists Debunk the Myth: HSAs are Just for the Healthy
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

According to Emily Harding, principal of Health Plan Specialists, health insurance consumers at large have been misled by so-called 'experts' concerning the 'risks' of HSA's. According to Harding, when detailed cost-analysis is applied, traditional co-pay health insurance plans are more costly than a well placed HSA plan, even for the unhealthy. “The truth is, contrary to past advice about HSA plans from “experts”, any detailed cost analysis will easily prove there are far more risks and less protection for a much greater cost with co-pay plans than with properly priced and selected HSA plan”-– even for the sick.” said Harding.
[globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance]

Health Plan Specialists Debunk the Myth: HSAs are Just for the Healthy

PRWeb™ : Press Release>NewsWire

Experts in choosing the better health insurance values for their clients prove with actual quotes for co-pay plans and HSA qualified health plans that a well priced HSA plan provides more than enough savings to provide better health care protection for less cost than traditional co-pay plans – for both the sick and the healthy.

Newport, RI (PRWEB) January 16, 2006 -- The general public has been misled by so-called “experts” who warn of “risks” associated with high deductible health plans used with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) – especially for the unhealthy.

For far too long people have been advised to choose a plan based on their current needs and that the best plan for someone with a chronic condition is one that will “cover” or pay for the on-going expenses for that condition.

“What the so-called “experts” have failed to do is take into consideration the bottom-line cost for healthcare -- which includes the monthly premiums or cost of the insurance plus all the co-pays, deductibles, and out of pocket costs”, said Emily Harding, principal of Health Plan Specialists.

“Typically with even the most expensive “best” co-pay plan, the co-pays...

Read More>>>

New WellPoint Health Plan for Uninsured Young Adults Examined

2006-01-22T15:25:00.000-05:00

New WellPoint Health Plan for Uninsured Young Adults Examined
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

January 22, 2006

Tonik by WellPoint targets young uninsured adults with low-premium, high-deductible health plans as medical insurance companies continue to recognize the growing health care crisis among this demographic group. 70% of individuals who enroll in Tonik were previously uninsured.
[globalEyeNews.tip.medical insurance]

Daily Health Policy Report | Coverage & Access:
New WellPoint Health Plan for Uninsured Young Adults Examined - Kaisernetwork.org:

[January 4, 2006]

The Indianapolis Star on Dec. 25, 2005, examined a new low-premium, high-deductible health plan from Indianapolis-based WellPoint for individuals from ages 19 through their early 30s 'who are likely to go without health insurance.' WellPoint designed the health plan, called Tonik, for young adults who 'are without jobs or working in positions that don't provide benefits' and students who no longer receive coverage through the health plans of their parents, the Star reports. WellPoint launched Tonik in California in 2003. Tonik also is available in Colorado and will become available in other states this year. Tonik offers three levels of health coverage: 'Thrill Seeker,' 'Part-Time Daredevil' and 'Calculated Risktaker.' Monthly premiums under Tonik range from $64 to $123 based on age, location and medical history, and deductibles range from $1,500 to $5,000. Tonik covers limited dental and vision services but does not cover maternity care. According to the Star, Tonik is 'part of a new line of insurance products sprouting up as fewer Americans are getting health insurance' from their employers because of increased health".... Read More>>>

Health Insurance 101 for Individuals and Families

2006-01-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

Health Insurance 101 for Individuals and Families:
globalEyeNews.health insurance.feature article

[It seems there has been a disturbing national trend developing, especially among singles in the 24-34 year old age group, that is, to forego health insurance entirely because of rising health insurance costs and budget restraints. There are high deductible plans available that cover the more 'catastrophic' health care issues that can be considerably more affordable. A companion Health Savings Account is an option, which reduces taxable income and can be rolled over yearly into a retirement account. Click HSA Calculator on the top menu bar for more information.]
globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance

Health Insurance 101 for Individuals and Families:

by Michael H. Ertel

January 19, 2006

The changing healthcare and health insurance landscape in the United States has resulted in more individuals and families purchasing health insurance coverage on their own. Rather than touch on the number of reasons why this is the case, I would like to provide individuals and families finding themselves in this position with ten basic ideas to assist them with getting the best health insurance policy for their specific situation. Below is a combination of ten questions and suggestions that will provide the tools necessary to get a medical insurance policy that will best work forfor you and your family.

What are your typical health and medical care expenses in a calendar year? Most people are surprised when they go through this exercise to learn that they would be financially better off in most years to purchase a high deductible health insurance plan and use the premium savings to directly offset heath care expenses throughout the year.
How long do you anticipate needing the health insurance coverage? For example, many companies sell temporary policies that can be put in force for 1-6 months and they are relatively inexpensive. If you are in between jobs or in a waiting period for employer coverage, this may be your best option.
What is your budget? If your budget is tight, having a $1000, $2500 or even $5000 deductible is better than having no coverage at all. The ability of doctors and hospitals to save and prolong life in the United States is in many cases extraordinary. However, their treatment is not free and going without health insurance coverage can in some cases result in you and/or your family losing an entire life’s worth of savings and assets.
Be careful to choose a plan that covers the “big stuff”. It is nice to have.....Read More>>>

Consumer Report: Divorcees Pay Significantly More (for Health Insurance Premiums)

2005-12-30T03:11:00.000-05:00

[About eHealthInsurance: Since its founding in 1997, eHealthInsurance Services, Inc. (www.ehealthinsurance.com) has become the nation's leading source of health insurance for individuals, families and small businesses. The company sells health insurance in all 50 states, and offers more than 6,500 plans underwritten by more than 140 of the nation's leading health insurance companies. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California.]
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Consumer Report: Divorcees Pay Significantly More
Divorcees pay significantly more than Married People, and Singles Pay the Lowest Prices for Health Insurance.

-Overall, 41% of Individuals pay $100 or Less on Monthly Premiums-

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., November 9, 2005 –– Divorced individuals pay 26 percent more for health insurance premiums on a monthly basis than married individuals, who pay 25 percent more than singles ($242, $180, $136 average per month, respectively), according to a new national study of more than 80,000 individual and family health insurance policies sold through www.ehealthinsurance.com in the last year. The report also finds that 41 percent of all individuals pay $100 or less per month for Major Medical health insurance coverage, while 55 percent of families pay $300 or less per month, for an average of three people per family.

“The individual health insurance market offers consumers in all stages of life a wide choice of health insurance options, ” said Gary Lauer, CEO of eHealthInsurance. “These options are often more affordable than many people expect, which explains why 46 percent of consumers who buy health insurance through our site were previously uninsured – they now know that they can afford to get covered.”

Other findings of the report include:

* Men pay less than women for Major Medical insurance – as much as $25 a month less;
* New Yorkers in this sample paid nearly 4 times as much as Michigan residents for their monthly premium on average, at $379 per month vs. $98 per month;
* Customers paid an average of $89 a month to insure one child, which dropped to $61 if a second child was also covered; and
* Short-Term health insurance coverage continued to be more affordable than Major Medical coverage, with families paying an average of $192 per month, and individuals paying an average of $78 per month.

These are among the wide-ranging data gathered by market leader eHealthInsurance. In “The Cost and Benefits of Individual Health Insurance Plans” report, the company selected and analyzed a sample of more than 80,000 Individual and Family Health Insurance policies selected and purchased through www.ehealthinsurance.com on which premiums were paid between January 1, 2004 and April 30, 2005. Topics analyzed include average monthly premiums paid by age, gender, marital status and state, as well as deductible level, office visit co-payment and specific benefits. Similar statistics were gathered for Short-Term Health Insurance Plans purchased through the site.

The full Cost and Benefits of Individual and Family Health Insurance report can be found by visiting www.eHealthInsurance.com \ About Us \ News \ Reports.

(CAHI) Health Insurance Press Release: HSAs Signed into Law One Year Ago

2005-12-29T13:47:00.000-05:00

[The Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) is a research and advocacy association of insurance carriers active in the individual, small group, HSA and senior markets. CAHI's membership includes insurance companies, small businesses, providers, nonprofit associations, actuaries, insurance brokers and individuals. Since 1992, CAHI has been an active advocate for market-oriented solutions to the problems in America's health care system. (CAHI About]
-globalEyeNews.tips.health insurance

CAHI:New Plans Are Already Changing Health Care: "
December 8, 2004
HSAs Signed into Law One Year Ago
New Plans Are Already Changing Health Care

ALEXANDRIA, – Today marks the first anniversary of the passage of the Medicare Modernization Act, which created one of the most innovative and consumer-friendly health insurance products available: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

“HSAs have revolutionized America’s health care marketplace since the first one was sold January 1, 2004,” stated Council for Affordable Health Insurance (CAHI) Director Dr. Merrill Matthews. “More people are gaining coverage and taking control of their health care options than ever before.”

HSAs allow employers or employees to contribute to a tax-deferred personal savings account, which are used to pay smaller and routine medical expenses. HSAs must be linked to a high-deductible health insurance policy with a minimum $1,000 deducible for an individual or $2,000 for a family.

Critics of HSAs said that only the rich seeking a tax shelter would want an HSA; working Americans would shun them. However, according to a study from eHealthInsurance, 41% of the individuals purchasing HSA plans, and 53% of families, have annual incomes of $50,000 or less. Also, approximately 30% of HSA-eligible health insurance plans sold through eHealthInsurance were to people who were previously uninsured.

“The facts are coming in, "

White House News: Strengthening Medicare: A Framework to Modernize and Improve Medicare

2005-12-27T14:25:00.000-05:00

[A comprehensive review of President Bush's accomplishments in 2005 was issued by the Office of the Press Secretary for public consumption on December 22, 2005 ]
-globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance

Strengthening Medicare: A Framework to Modernize and Improve Medicare

President George W. Bush smiles at 85-year-old Eloise Cartwright as he joins the residents of Greenspring Village Retirement Community and others for a roundtable discussion on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005, in Springfield, Va. White House photo by Paul Morse

Presidential Action:

On August 29, 2005, President Bush Announced New Low-Cost Options Under The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit That Will Be Available Beginning In January 2006. Medicare beneficiaries will have choices for prescription drug coverage that will cost less and offer more benefits than originally expected. Competition is working to drive down prices, and the President encouraged seniors acros"

Press Release: WebWire® | More Than 11 Million Medicare Beneficiaries To Be Covered For Prescription Drugs As of January 1, 2006

2005-12-27T03:59:00.000-05:00

[Important Dates: Jan. 1, 2006 - Coverage begins for people who have joined by Dec. 31, 2005; May 15, 2006 - Last day to join a plan offering coverage for 2006; Nov. 15 - Dec. 31, 2006 - Next opportunity to enroll]
-globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance

WebWire® | More Than 11 Million Medicare Beneficiaries To Be Covered For Prescription Drugs As of January 1, 2006: "More Than 11 Million Medicare Beneficiaries To Be Covered For Prescription Drugs As of January 1, 2006

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
12/22/2005 12:13:08 PM

More than 21 million seniors and people with disabilities will get prescription drug coverage as of Jan. 1, 2006, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said today. The number includes more than one million Americans who signed up for the new stand-alone coverage in the first 28 days it was offered. Another 500,000 are expected to be enrolled by the end of January.

“The new prescription drug benefit is off to a strong start,” Secretary Leavitt said. “With more than 21 million participating in coverage as of January 1, we are well on the way of meeting our goal of 28-30 million enrolled in the first year of the program. While there is still much work to do, we are encouraged by the early results.”

“Interest in the drug coverage is strong, and these numbers do show that people are getting questions answered and making decisions. For people who have decided "

Press Release: WebWire® | Pfizer Helpful AnswersTM One Year Later: Helping Millions of Uninsured Americans Get Access to the Medicines They Need

2005-12-27T03:23:00.000-05:00

[For a listing of Pfizer Patient Assistance Partner Programs go to Pfizer Helpful Answers at http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/]
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WebWire® | Pfizer Helpful AnswersTM One Year Later: Helping Millions of Uninsured Americans Get Access to the Medicines They Need: "Pfizer Helpful AnswersTM One Year Later: Helping Millions of Uninsured Americans Get Access to the Medicines They Need

Pfizer Inc
10/27/2005 1:30:38 PM

NEW YORK, October 26 -- This month, Arturo Navarro-Padilla is going to receive another free Pfizer prescription which helps him keep his cholesterol under control. Mr. Navarro-Padilla is one of millions of uninsured Americans who has benefited from Pfizer Helpful Answers, a program that recently celebrated its 1-year anniversary of improving and expanding access to Pfizer medicines for the uninsured. Pfizer Helpful Answers makes it simple for Americans without prescription coverage to obtain many Pfizer medicines for free or at reduced cost.

'The Pfizer program is fantastic. Before enrolling, I couldn’t afford my medicines, and often did without. Now that I can take my medicine properly, I feel more energized and I feel great! I am very thankful for the program,' said Navarro-Padilla.

Providing patients in need with access to Pfizer medicines has been a hallmark of P"

Article: Find out How to get Pfizer Medicines for Free or at Significant Savings

2005-12-27T02:47:00.000-05:00

[For a listing of Pfizer Patient Assistance Partner Programs go to Pfizer Helpful Answers at http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/]
-globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance

Every one of America's uninsured, regardless of age or income, can call toll free to 1-866-706-2400 or log onto the Internet at http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/ to find out how to get Pfizer medicines for free or at significant savings. The toll-free number features trained, bi- lingual (English and Spanish) operators who will help patients find and enroll in the best Pfizer program for their needs.

"Anyone who needs a Pfizer medicine and does not have insurance covering prescriptions should take advantage of Helpful Answers," said Hank McKinnell, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer.

"This new effort is meant to immediately address one of the challenges that the uninsured face in staying healthy - access to prescription medicines. By helping the uninsured get appropriate preventive care, we can help them stay healthier and decrease the need for expensive acute care that burdens our system." Helpful Answers provides one-stop-shopping to help America's uninsured identify and enroll in the Pfizer program that is best for them, including existing Pfizer patient assistance initiatives and the new Pfizer Pfriends(TM) program, announced July 7, 2004. Helpful Answers also will refer patients to other programs for which they may be eligible, such as Medicaid, state prescription assistance programs and other publicly funded programs.

Pfizer Helpful Answers provides the greatest savings for those with the lowest incomes and offers something for every person without prescription medicine insurance, regardless of age or income.

-- Families earning less than $31,000 qualify for free Pfizer medicines, through existing Pfizer programs: Sharing the Care(R) and Connection to Care(TM);

-- Through Pfizer Pfriends, families earning less than $45,000 a year will see savings up to 50 percent, and averaging about 37 percent, off retail prices on Pfizer medicines; and,

-- Through Pfizer Pfriends, families earning more than $45,000 will be eligible for savings up to 25%, and averaging 15 percent, off retail prices on Pfizer medicines.

Pfizer has already begun working with partners to get the word out about this new, easy-access system by distributing information at outreach events in Georgia, Mississippi and Iowa. Over the coming weeks and months, Pfizer will work with government officials, more than 40 national organizations, and thousands of local organizations nationwide to educate eligible patients about the program. Pfizer's partners in this effort will include many of the health associations that strive to bring quality health care to the uninsured, such as the National Medical Association and Easter Seals.

America's uninsured who need help getting access to Pfizer medicines can call Helpful Answers at 1-866-706-2400 or log onto the Internet at http://www.pfizerhelpfulanswers.com/.
For help with non-Pfizer medicines, patients can log onto http://www.helpingpatients.org/.

Pfizer Helpful Answers(TM)

Consumer FAQ

Many people have asked questions about Pfizer's Helpful Answers(TM). Here are answers to a few that we receive most frequently.

How do I find out if I am eligible for help getting my Pfizer prescription medicines?

You can call 1-866-706-2400 to find out if you are eligible for savings on your Pfizer prescription medicines.

Is there a fee to call or enroll?

There is no fee to call Helpful Answers, and there is never a fee to enroll in any Pfizer assistance program. Some of the other programs to which you may be referred (such as the U-Share prescription drug discount card for seniors) may carry modest enrollment fees.

Do I need a doctor's prescription to receive medicines through Helpful Answers?

Yes. A doctor's prescription is needed in order to receive any Pfizer prescription medicine.

How can I get my medicines through these programs?

Depending on the program, callers can get their medicines from a variety of different places, including many pharmacies, doctor offices, community health centers and hospitals, and even through the mail.

What kind of information will I need to provide in order to enroll?

Enrollment requirements for Pfizer programs vary by program. Some, like Pfizer Pfriends(TM), require only a simple form. Others require more detailed documentation such as copies of income tax returns. Call 1-866-706-2400 to find out what program you may qualify for and what information you may need to provide.

Am I eligible to enroll if I have insurance?

If you have insurance coverage for prescription medicines, then you are not eligible for Pfizer's Helpful Answers programs.

If you have other types of health insurance coverage -- for example, for hospital stays and doctor visits -- but not for prescription medicines, then you are eligible for Helpful Answers. Call 1-866-706-2400 for Helpful Answers.

News Release: RedOrbit - Health - More Banks Offer Health Savings Accounts to Pay Bills

2005-12-26T05:05:00.000-05:00

[With proper guidance a Health Savings Account (HSA) can enable you to: Lower your health insurance premium by 30 - 50%; Reduce your income taxes up to $1,500 - $1,700 each year; Build an additional retirement account of several hundred thousand dollars (varies with account criteria). Note: To obtain the maximum tax benefit from your HSA in 2006, you must have your HSA-qualified health insurance plan in effect no later than January 1]
-globalEyeNews.tip.health insurance

RedOrbit - Health - More Banks Offer Health Savings Accounts to Pay Bills: "More Banks Offer Health Savings Accounts to Pay Bills

By Kim Norris, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Free Press

Dec. 24--A growing number of banks are beginning to offer health savings accounts, which are paired with high-deductible health insurance plans and poised to become the hottest thing in health coverage since HMOs.

Consumers like the convenience because HSAs can be linked to checking accounts, allowing them to use debit cards to pay medical bills.

Banks benefit because HSAs attract customers and deposits can be used for everything from mortgages to car loans.

LaSalle Bank, for instance, introduced its HSA a week ago and plans to launch an advertising campaign in January.

'Although the high-deductible health plans are not the most prevalent offering today, the research we did indicates that is the direction they will be moving,' said Diane Berner, senior vice president in charge of the bank's consumer deposit product management.

Created in 2003, HSAs allow individuals and employers to set aside money before it's taxed to pay for doctor, hospital and other medical bills. Unlike flexible spending accounts, the money in HSAs can be rolled over year after year. The money earns interest or can even be invested in mutual funds "

Article: Non-Profit Worker Association Offers Discount Health Insurance to Working New Yorkers

2005-12-26T04:07:00.000-05:00

Non-Profit Worker Association Offers Discount Health Insurance to Working New Yorkers: "The American Association of Employees and Self-Employed Persons (AAESEP), a non-profit organization, offering American workers access to information, referrals to job training and job search organizations, and opportunities to act as advocates on the policies and programs that will dramatically affect their lives, has added a critical new service to their growing list of programs. New Yorkers have been paying far too much for health insurance premiums. The latest statistics show that New Yorkers pay the highest average monthly health insurance premiums in the country. AAESEP has been working diligently to help hard-working New Yorkers get the quality health care they deserve. By joining AAESEP members pool risk and join together to save on their health insurance costs. Beginning January 1st, 2006 high-quality, affordable health insurance from Atlantis Health Plan will be available to AAESEP members through the AAESEP website. Rates will begin as low as $272 per month and offer savings up to $800 a month over other commercial health plans offered by large carriers in New York City.

New York, New York (PRWEB) December 22, 2005 -- The American Association of Employees and Self-Employed Persons (AAESEP), a non-profit organization, offering American workers access to information, referrals to job training and job search organizations, and"

Article : Navigating the Individual Health Insurance Market

2005-12-19T01:05:00.000-05:00

[Health insurance criteria can vary widely from state to state. Each state has its own interpretation of consumer health care that governs how rates are established. Knowing these governing criteria could save you money as well as target a more effective health insurance plan. There is a link resource on this page listed under "Consumer Rights" for you to access a free download your state's "health insurance consumere guide" in PDF format.]

-globalEye.tip.health insurance

Navigating the Individual Health Insurance Market
by By Karen Pallarito
HealthDay Reporter

SUNDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDay News)

If you're unemployed or self-employed orif you work for a small business that doesn't offer health insurance benefits,buying a health plan on your own may seem prohibitively expensive. But it's worth investigating the options in your state, insurance brokers say. "It's always better to be covered for something than nothing," said Thomas H. Harte, president of Landmark Benefits in Hampstead, N.H.The cost may depend on what a person is looking for, he said. There are anumber of variables to consider, including the monthly premium you'll pay,co-payments you'll incur on services and drugs, and the types of benefits a plan will cover. Premiums vary from state to state and may hinge on the type of insurance market reforms a state has implemented, explained Harte, who serves on the National Association of Health Underwriters' legislative council. In NewHampshire, for example, a healthy person will pay less than a comparableindividual in Massachusetts. The difference is that New Hampshire allows insurers to adjust premiums based on an individual's health status and use of health services, while Massachusetts does not, he said.Premiums are generally higher in the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country, according to a report by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and eHealthInsurance.com, an online health insurance referral site.
Nationally, the report said, older purchasers generally pay higher premiums than younger purchasers, reflecting the higher health-care costs that people typically incur as they get older. In addition to premiums, individual health insurer buyers should consider their out-of-pocket exposure. Deductibles for single and family policies vary widely, from less than $500 to more than $3,000, the Kaiser/eHealthInsurance report showed. Co-payments for physician office visits differ, too. About one half of single purchasers choose plans with co-payments of less than $20, the report said.
Consumers also need to learn about any exclusions and limitations that may affect their out-of-pocket costs, Harte advised. A health plan with a generic drugs-only policy, for example, may be a poor fit for a person who takes a brand-name medication with no genericequivalent. He or she may qualify to receive the insurer's negotiated discountat the pharmacy counter, but the money to pay for that medicine would come from the health plan member's own pocket.
Individuals who are willing to assume risk for routine medical expenses in order to lower their health insurance premium might want to consider a "high-deductible health plan." With the exception of some preventive care services, these plans don't begin paying for medical care until the policyholder has met a higher-than-usual deductible."You have to talk to your insurance broker or agent to determine if it will be a cost-effective decision for you," Harte noted.
Then comes the application process. Whether you are seeking insurance for yourself or your family, you'll need to complete the insurer's health of medical services say, over the past year, as well as your medical history. It's in your best interest to answer truthfully, Harte advised. If you don't, your insurer may terminate your policy retroactively orboost your premium.
As a safeguard, more than half of all states have high-risk pools to insure individuals who are denied private coverage, according to the NationalConference of State Legislatures. These pools typically offer coverage similarto what's available through private insurers, but it's always more expensive.

SOURCES: Thomas H. Harte, president, Landmark Benefits, Hampstead, N.H.; Update on Individual Health Insurance, August 2004, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and eHealthInsurance.com; National Conference of State Legislatures, Denver
Copyright © 2005 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved.

Artricle Courtesy of MedicineNet.com
and HealthDay News for MedicineNet

Health Insurance - Mental Health and Substance Abuse

2005-12-17T00:43:00.000-05:00

[Sticky issues that providers sometimes aren't very clear about. The article rightly recommends getting verbal and written documentation from provider for clarification. Ask for possibly written documentation that defines in laymen's terms coverage for all family members regarding substance abuse, stress, depression and other mental health issues.]
-globalEye.tip.health insurance

Health Insurance - Provision of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: "

Frequently Asked Questions
* How can I get services? Whom should I contact?
* What can I expect from my insurance plan?
* How can I enhance my insurance?
* What about parity?
* When should I use mental health or substance abuse services?
* Whom will I see?
* For more information...
How can I get services? Whom should I contact?

Call your insurance plan, or your company's benefits administrator, and ask for a verbal and written description of what coverage is provided for behavioral health treatments. Many insurers offer coverage for mental health (MH) services and/or substance abuse (SA) treatments; some only cover substance abuse if it co-occurs with mental illness. If you plan to use MH or SA benefits through your insurance plan, you may be required to get a referral from your regular doctor before you can receive services.
Additionally, your employer may offer an employee assistance program, or EAP. An EAP is a resource provided either as part of, or separate from, employer-sponsored health plans. Usually EAP visits are free, but the number of visits may be limited. Preventive care measures such as "

New Study on Childhood Asthma

2005-12-17T00:26:00.000-05:00

[The program targeted six major allergens — dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander, rodents, passive smoking and mold with educational measures given for allergen-impermeable covers on the child’s mattress, box spring and pillows, air purifiers with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters, and professional pest control.]
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New Study on Childhood Asthma Shows Home-Based Interventions Are Cost-Effective, October 11, 2005 Press Release - National Institutes of Health (NIH): "New Study on Childhood Asthma Shows Home-Based Interventions Are Cost-Effective"

New data suggest that a home-based environmental intervention program is a cost-effective way to improve the health of inner-city children who have moderate to severe asthma. The program successfully decreased allergen levels in the home and reduced asthma symptoms. The data also show that the cost would be substantially lower if the interventions were implemented in a community setting, and that they would be as cost-effective as many drug interventions.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provided major funding to researchers at seven centers across the United States for the two-year study. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH, also supported the research. Study results are now available online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
�While the interventions were clearly effective in reducing asthma symptoms, we wanted to know whether the measures were cost-effective,� says Meyer Kattan, M.D., a pediatric pulmonologist with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and lead author on the study.
The home-based program was designed to target six major c"

Finding Affordable Health Insurance

2005-12-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

[Check the fine print, from bumper to bumper, for built-in provisional coverages that can unnecessarily cost you more than you need to pay; as well as, ceilings and limitations that could possibly expense out by omission in an even greater way.]
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Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com:
"Finding Affordable Health Insurance"
by Carol Cass

With prices seeming to be on a never-ending rise, health insurance costs have increased to the point that affordable health insurance seems to be a thing of the past. One of the most common means of obtaining affordable health insurance is working for a company that offers a group health insurance. But what about those of us who don't work for a company with insurance benefits, those who have lost their jobs or are in between, those who are uninsured and under-insured ?

The first thing to do when looking for affordable health insurance is to assess your personal situation. Not all people need the same benefits in an insurance policy. Someone who has a family will need a different policy than a single person, and, even though a company offers a family group policy, their group policy might not meet the needs of your particular family situation. You must look at your needs before starting to shop for affordable health insurance, and, then, shop around. Pay strict attention to the cost of the benefits that are important to you, the yearly deductibles, co-pays, ceilings, and lifetime maximums that might adversely affect you. For instance, some may need a policy that covers maternity, but if you don't need it, delete that from your list of necessary coverage. Look at a minimum of 8 t"