The Employee Benefit Research Institute has released a new study concerning the changes seen in employee health insurance plans seen over the last year. The study shows that the changes have been relatively small, but they have had some impact on the insurance market. High deductible insurance plans are beginning to grow, according to the study, though traditional insurance plans – those with low deductibles – continue to dominate the market. The research institute claims that high deductible plans may overtake more conventional plans by the end of next year.…
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Florida Health Choices program to launch July 2012
Florida legislators are looking to launch a new health care plan for small businesses in July 2012. The Florida Health Choices program, which was first built by lawmakers in 2008, aims to bring affordable health care policies to small businesses as an alternative to those offered by private insurance companies. The program has been in the development phase for several years partly because legislators want to make certain the program is being built correctly. The Florida Health Choices board says that the program is as ready as it will ever…
Read MoreMajority of New York State Small Businesses Embrace Health Insurance
NEW YORK, December 5, 2011 – A vast majority of New York State’s small business owners are giving two thumbs up to health insurance exchanges as a viable way to provide health insurance to their employees, according to a statewide survey commissioned by HealthPass New York, a NYC-based commercial health insurance exchange. The survey also found that exchanges have the potential to change the health care marketplace in New York at a time when many small business owners are struggling to keep afloat. HealthPass New York commissioned Hudson TG to…
Read MoreEmployer-sponsored health insurance on the decline, according to Gallup
A new study from the Gallup Organization, a research and performance-management consulting firm that monitors public opinion, shows that employer-sponsored health insurance is on the decline. Gallup, well known for its studies and polls concerning the insurance industry and federal government, says that the number of people receiving health insurance from their jobs has fallen nearly 2% from the level it was at a year before. The study suggests that the decrease may be due to high levels of unemployment and new insurance regulations that make it more costly for…
Read MoreVeridian Credit Union of Iowa implements new health insurance program that aims to make employees healthier
The rising cost of health care is beginning to put a great deal of strain on U.S. employers. Along with the soaring costs of health care, insurance is also rising, compounding the financial troubles faced by employers. Veridian Credit Union in Iowa is taking an aggressive stance of the health of its employees by introducing a new wellness program that is designed to keep the company’s health costs down. The program comes with coverage for voluntary screenings but also includes a steep penalty for those continuing unhealthy habits. The credit…
Read MoreWorkers at Indiana University to pay more for health insurance next year
Employees at the Indiana University can expect to start paying more for their health insurance next year. According to Neil Theobald, vice presidents and chief financial officer of the university, the school is unable to keep up with the pace at which insurance rates are being increased. The university is unwilling to cut health care benefits for its staff, so has introduced a new initiative that has earned some controversy. Next year, the cost of health insurance for university employees will be based upon how much they earn, as well…
Read MoreSurvey shows workers often misinformed about costs of employer health insurance
A national survey conducted for eHealthInsurance between the months of September and October 2011, by Kelton Research, has shown that only 47 percent of participants who had employer-sponsored coverage are capable of stating with confidence the amount of their health insurance premiums that is covered by their salary and how much is paid by the employer. The survey also showed that 35 percent of the respondents who had employer-sponsored coverage were able to state how much the annual deductible for their plan was, and only 33 percent of the participants…
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