Live Insurance News

Health insurance could soon cover weight loss drug Wegovy

November 8, 2023November 7, 2023 G. Turner

Health Insurance - Pills wrapped in measuring tape

Novo Nordisk announced that the highly popular drug could have expanded FDA approval in six months. Novo Nordisk recently announced that its headline-making weight loss drug Wegovy could receive expanded US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval within six months, opening the door to much more readily available coverage by health insurance plans. The drug is already highly sought-after, but is not necessarily covered by most policies. Novo Nordisk’s chief financial officer Karsten Munk Knudsen said that the company’s application for approval of Wegovy as a cardiovascular disease reduction medication…

What to know about the 2024 health insurance open enrollment period

November 1, 2023October 31, 2023 Logan B.

There could be fewer choices available to consumers shopping in Healthcare.gov this year. The 2024 health insurance open enrollment period starts today for consumers across the country shopping for coverage on the federal- or state-run Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Though there are likely fewer choices available for next year, this was done on purpose. Consumers shopping for health insurance through HealthCare.gov might notice that there aren’t as many choices as they were used to seeing in previous years. This is not due to a mass exodus of insurers but is…

Medicare vs. Medicaid: What’s The Difference?

October 11, 2023 Guest Author

Just about everyone has heard of Medicare and Medicaid, however, not everyone fully understands just what they are, and the difference between the two. It is important to note that while the names might sound alike, they are completely different programs. While Medicaid is funded by social security tax contributions and is offered to those who meet certain income requirements, Medicare is available to most people who meet the age requirements, and is not based on income. Both programs are beneficial to millions of people in the United States, and…

Mercy Health and Anthem strike health insurance deal

October 6, 2023October 5, 2023 Logan B.

The companies have come to an agreement that will keep the care provider in the insurer’s network. Mercy Health has announced that it will remain in Anthem’s health insurance network now that the companies have arrived at a deal. This means that the insurer’s members will be able to seek care through that healthcare system. The Catholic healthcare system in Ohio and Kentucky will be available to Anthem health insurance members on the Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and employer-based coverage plans. According to the new agreement, this will extend through to…

Mental health was an important investment for people in the US during the pandemic

September 12, 2023September 11, 2023 H. Cutner

Americans increased their spending in this area of wellness according to a JAMA Health Forum study. A new study published in the JAMA Health Forum scientific journal has shown that mental health was a priority for Americans during the pandemic, leading to an increase in spending with private insurance. Even after telehealth platform popularity evened out, spending and demand for other services continued. The spending on mental health continued to increase even after telehealth platform popularity stopped growing. This increase in demand suggested a rising crisis in this area of…

New York health insurance rates will be higher next year

September 11, 2023September 8, 2023 Nordstrom

Health insurance - Person holding heart health and dollar sign

Premiums will be higher by an average of double-digit percentage points for 2024 coverage. Residents of New York state will be facing an average health insurance rate increase of 12.4 percent for 2024’s individual plans. State records have also shown that small group plans will see a 7.4 percent increase next year. The rate increases for health insurance in New York are still considerably lower than those that were sought by insurers earlier in the year. They had been requesting rate hikes of almost 21 percent for individual plans and…

Maine health insurance rates are going up, but most people will pay the same premiums

September 7, 2023September 6, 2023 Nordstrom

Rates are expected to jump by almost 15 percent next year, though tax credits will compensate for them. The health insurance rates on Maine’s marketplace are expected to increase by almost 15 percent on average for 2024, according to estimates released by the Bureau of Insurance. Most people in the state will find the rate hikes are offset by tax credits, as they will typically qualify. Health insurance companies were required to complete the filing for their rate increase requests back in June. Federal officials have been considering the filings…