A plan to overhaul how Michigan residents buy health insurance for themselves took another turn Wednesday, when a state senator made available a third proposal to try to sort out the state’s system. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Health’ Category
Michigan health insurance overhaul gets more complicated
Saturday, April 19th, 2008Louisiana Health Insurance At Risk With Mandates
Saturday, April 12th, 2008Sometimes it is true indeed that the more things change, the more they remain the same. That may be the case with our new Legislature and the issue of health insurance mandates (more…)
Controlling Health Insurance Premiums with FSA, HRA, HSA Plans
Monday, March 24th, 2008Health insurance costs are rising much faster than inflation. But what can manufacturers do about it? One idea that seems to be working is giving employees “ownership” in their health plans. A big problem is that employees are disconnected from the cost of healthcare. For instance, when asked in surveys, a surprising number of people think the doctor only receives their health plan’s co-pay amount, $10 or $20! (more…)
A growing trend: Better job, more money-but no health insurance
Tuesday, March 11th, 2008WASHINGTON (NNPA)- When Bre Lucas decided to change employers to get more money and more leave time, she jumped at it. She thought it was a chance to improve her lifestyle and to be able to spend more time with her two young sons.
So when Lucas, a contract, nonunion security guard with Abacus Security, went over to Leonard Security, she thought that the benefits package was comprehensive. When she put her name on the dotted line two months ago, she was set to work at Northern Virginia Hospital’s mental health facility in Falls Church and do what was necessary to be a good employee. (more…)
Universal health insurance
Thursday, February 28th, 2008Editor: I am concerned that the country we live in has no form of universal health insurance. The United States is the only industrialized nation in the entire world with no form of health insurance for everyone.
There are many people in the U.S. that could greatly benefit from health insurance. Some 45 million Americans lack health insurance in any form. That doesn’t even include the many more that are underinsured. Many of the uninsured people are hard-working individuals; however, only 60 percent of employers offer a health care plan. Many of these individuals also come from working families. That leaves many industrious people with nowhere to go when they are sick. (more…)
Why is it health insurance can’t pay 100 percent when 80 percent usually leaves most with a huge bill?
Sunday, December 30th, 2007One big problem healthcare in my family (married couple, 2 children) is that even when our insurance does pay, it only pays 80 percent, and we are stuck with a huge bill or bills especially after a hospital visit or stay from multiple facilities. I have so many health problems even though I am only 29 that we cannot pay every medical bill that we owe, it is impossible. We pay what we can, but still end up having some go on our credit. Now people with Medicaid, which I do think is wonderful for those who need it, end up not having any left over bills and us people who make 45,000 to 50,000 a year end up with huge bills we cannot ever pay due to our other obligations like house payment and car payments and things for our children, which are much more important than a left 500-600 dollar hospital bill plus multiple others, especially when we basically live paycheck to paycheck anyway. What can be done about this? (more…)
Workers’ costs increase for health insurance
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007ompanies 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…)
Workers would lose jobs under mandatory health-insurance laws, report says
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007Laws 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…)
Tips to Finding Affordable, Quality Arizona Health Insurance
Monday, November 12th, 2007It 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
Universal health care would be a boon to the free market
Monday, November 12th, 2007Rudy 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…)