ompanies are increasingly tackling rising medical-care costs by sharing the pain with employees through health plans that skimp on benefits or charge more for basic health services.
And with enrollment season under way at businesses across the Valley, many employees are coming to grips with the fact that their health plans will cost more and deliver less in 2008. (more…)
Laws that require employers to provide health insurance to employees will cause one in 10 of those workers to lose their jobs, according to a report on health-care reform.
The Employment Policies Institute, which sponsored research by two Cornell University economists, has released a report that’s sour on the concept of “pay or play” employer mandates, calling them “blunt instruments” to fund health insurance for the working poor.
Such laws, proposed in at least a dozen states, would require certain employers to provide health insurance to their employees or pay a fine. (more…)
Female drivers often receive cheap women’s car insurance products not because they have fewer accidents, but because their accidents are less severe, it has been claimed.
This is according to the Independent, which recently examined why females often receive cheaper car and life insurance policies than their male counterparts.
Men are more likely to be involved in serious or fatal accidents and therefore pay higher premiums, the publication states. (more…)
Early in the evening on the last October day, a deadline set down by the law, even the largest insurance companies updated their web sites with calculators or an overview of compulsory contractual insurance (PZP). Last year, they also took their time doing this. A client has two weeks to compare prices and conditions and choose insurance that is most suitable for his/her car. And wait for a cheque. Last year, this was another trick played by some insurance companies. They sent cheques at the last moment, so in the event of discontent the timely delivery of a notice was complicated. In two weeks we will see whether insurance companies have opted for this way of keeping clients. In combination with a new law, this is one of the cheapest ways to keep customers. In the event that a client fails to deliver a notice in time, the law imposes the obligation to enter into a new contract with the original insurance company. (more…)
It is possible to find fair deals on health insurance in Arizona but the key is knowing where to shop, according to the Freed Insurance Agency, a leading independent broker specializing in Arizona health insurance.
Just like mortgage brokers who search lenders to find the best rates, independent insurance brokers like Freed Insurance Agency find the lowest rates among insurance companies who are competing for your business.
“We look out for the clients’ best interest and work for the client,” says Steve Freed of the Freed Insurance Agency. “We don’t work for insurance companies.”
Here are 5 tips to finding affordable Arizona health insurance from the Freed Insurance Agency:
1. Shop an Independent Broker.
Independent brokers work for the consumer. They represent a variety of Arizona insurance carriers and can provide health care options. Brokers represent leading insurance carriers in the industry.
2. Go with Quality.
The trend in Arizona is to offer jobs that are full-time, but offer no benefits. Some companies will deny benefits to employees who have pre-existing health conditions. So when shopping, get the best coverage you can.
3. Keep Insurance Coverage for Life.
The good part about getting your own health insurance in Arizona is once you have it, it can’t be taken away from you—even if you fall ill.
4. Get Health Insurance Before Developing a Problem.
It’s less expensive when you lock in before you develop a health related issue. Some people who want to start their own small business simply can’t because of the cost of health insurance. So, if you’re thinking about doing that, do so before developing a health problem.
5. Have Reasonable Expectations.
A 40 year old with a family of four with no preexisting health conditions should expect to pay $600-$700 a month on a low deductible PPO plan with a doctor co-pay. However by raising the deductible to $2500 or $5000 it’s possible to cut that monthly premium in half and still maintain a $20 or $30 doctor co-pay, along with a first dollar Rx card.
“The deductible only comes into play when entering a hospital or need outpatient surgery or outpatient testing,” says Freed. “If you want affordable health insurance you may need to assume some of the risk.”
About Freed Insurance Agency: The Freed Insurance Agency is a leading health insurance broker in Arizona. The company works with customers to search for affordable Arizona health insurance. As a broker, the company works for the customer and not the Arizona health insurance companies.
Web site: www.FreedInsuranceAgency.com
Rudy Giuliani has been called ”Bush with brains” by those who fear that the former New York City mayor shares a penchant for unbridled executive power. But the Republican presidential primary frontrunner seems to have a screw loose when it comes to campaigning. His attack of Hillary Clinton’s health care proposal with the bugaboo of European-style ‘’socialized” medicine is not only full of factual holes, but it will surely bite him in the butt if he makes it to the general election.
Americans were taken in by health insurance industry foils Harry and Louise the first time Clinton offered this country decent health care reform, but they won’t be fooled again. If Giuliani wants to make this election a referendum on America’s health care system, he’s going to flame out faster than a hospital can dump an uninsured patient.
Polls regularly show that Americans are disgusted with the current state of affairs. In a 2007 CBS News/New York Times poll, nine in 10 respondents said the U.S. health care system needs fundamental changes and two-thirds said it was up to the federal government to guarantee that all Americans have health care coverage. (more…)
American policy makers are interested in the Dutch healthcare system. The combination of competition, universal healthcare coverage and relatively high quality impressed a delegation from the United States, visiting the Netherlands last week.
Kerry Weens, a senior official in the Department of Health led the US delegation. The Americans paid a visit to the kidney disease wing of the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC). Mr Weens said he was impressed with what he had seen. “We’re intrigued by many of the ideas that we see, such as moving toward more market based solutions. In general I think there’s a lot of consistency between the Dutch system and the US system.”Competition introduced
Mr Weens was referring to a recent overhaul in the way Dutch people purchase health insurance which have made the Dutch system more competitive. Two years ago, a new law went into effect requiring every resident of the Netherlands to purchase their own health insurance, while the insurance companies were forced to embrace open market laws and offer competitive prices for their insurances. But unlike in the United States, for those who can’t afford insurance, the Dutch state still chips in to cover part of the cost. (more…)
The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S CHIP) that has been a topic of major debate in congress is having an effect on people in central Virginia. Some want to expand the insurance program to include more families but not all our local lawmakers agree. This national debate is being battled in our backyard.
Keith Groomes is a single dad raising two teenagers and working two jobs. Groomes stated, “It gives me peace of mind knowing that I don’t have another bill on top of my head that I have to somehow fit into my budget. I thought it was in my best interest to join it because unfortunately I’m not in the position to be able to pay the full amount.” (more…)
Many British drivers mistakenly believe that their UK car insurance will automatically cover them on European roads, an industry expert has said.
However, esure’s Adrian Webb explained that most policies only covered third party damages.
Mr Webb said that it was important the drivers contacted their provider and arranged additional cover before driving in Europe.
“People have got very confused over this whole area; people seem to have absorbed the view erroneously that having an insurance policy with a UK company covers you anywhere within the EU,” he explained. (more…)
To a dog that loves drives in the car while sticking a head out a window to feel the wind, insurance isn’t a concern.
An auto insurance company is now offering their owners a benefit for pets.
Progressive Corp., based in suburban Mayfield, is providing collision coverage for customers’ dogs or cats at no additional premium cost. It will pay up to $500 if a customer’s dog or cat is hurt or dies in a car accident. (more…)