Medicaid may start helping low-income Utah families buy their own private health insurance. The proposal is part of an effort to slice in half the number of uninsured Utahns, which would drop their ranks to 5 percent of the population, according to a draft request for federal approval. (more…)
Health 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…)
WASHINGTON (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…)
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…)
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
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…)
Daniel Morano has been happily using the same health insurance plan from Independent Health Association for 12 years. But the 59-year-old retired postal worker from Grand Island was stunned when he opened his mail the other day.
His monthly payment of $226.72 will soar next year to $348.86 a month, or $4,186.32 a year. That’s a whopping 54 percent increase, all at once.
In fact, the full monthly premium, including what his employer pays, actually went up 17.1 percent, to $1,062.34, still a hefty hike for someone on fixed income. But to keep its own costs under control, the Postal Service isn’t picking up most of that total increase — Morano and his fellow retirees are. (more…)
Senator Wayne Kuipers and other Michigan Senators have buried legislation deep within Senate sub-committees to ensure they won’t see the light of day. Potential laws that could protect children, the elderly, victims of drunk drivers, and those who are mentally incapacitated have been deep-6′d by Kuipers and other Senators and they hope voters like you and me never find out about it.
The Chamber of Commerce, the Insurance Insustry Lobby, and wealthy conservative donors to the Senator’s pockets ensure that these bills won’t see the light of day.
Who wants them to see the light of day? (more…)