Survey 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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Costly Ohio insurance exchange may have to team with the federal government

Independent IT consultants in Ohio were tasked with calculating the cost of an insurance exchange in the state earlier this year. The state is required by federal law to establish an exchange by 2014 in an effort to streamline health insurance. The undertaking is in no way small, as a great deal of digital infrastructure must first be made, the price of which may be daunting. According to the state’s consultants, the technology alone will cost $63 million. The sum is quite high when compounded by the additional expensive associated…

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Study shows cost for employees for health insurance is set to rise

The findings of an Aon Hewitt study are showing that the average per-employee cost for health insurance will increase beyond the $10,000 mark in 2012, regardless of the fact that costs are rising more slowly than the current 2011 rate of 7.5 percent. The rate for healthcare premiums is expected to increase by 7 percent, but the actual cost of premiums for each employee is forecasted to be over $10,400. When compared to the 2010 figure of less than $9,800, the 2012 is notably higher. Workers will be responsible for…

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Report makes recommendation for healthcare exchange regulations in Maine

A report laying out the major element of the Maine health insurance reform – its healthcare exchange – has been presented to the state legislative committee and is being received with dissatisfaction from Democrats. Senator Joseph Brannigan (D-Portland) said that upon receipt of the report, he and the other Insurance and Financial Services Committee members are disappointed. He explained that “It just doesn’t seem friendly and inviting as a marketplace for businesses and people shopping for insurance.” The Affordable Care Act, which is the heart of the overhaul of the…

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Study shows that the number of young adults without health insurance has fallen

A recent survey has shown that as a result of the Obama healthcare law that allows young adults to maintain coverage through their parents’ health insurance plans, the number of uninsured people in that age group has fallen dramatically. The survey was performed by Gallup, and indicated that there are now approximately 1 million more young adults who are covered by health insurance. At a time that the economy continues to struggle and the future is uncertain, it has been challenging for young adults to take those first steps into…

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Smokers are increasingly required to pay more for their health insurance

Starting on January 1, 2012, Dallas County employees in Texas will be required to pay an additional monthly $50 on their health insurance premiums if they smoke. This increase in premiums will not be charged to nonsmokers, but will also apply to each of the employee’s family members who smoke and who are covered by the health insurance plan provided by the county through the worker’s employment. According to Dallas County, there will be a medical cost savings of $500,000 as soon as next year as a result of this…

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Enroll America embarks on a crusade to raise awareness of health insurance

With election year rapidly approaching, the issue of health care is getting more attention. While reform of the health care system is already well underway, few may be aware of their eligibility for federal health insurance programs. In an effort to raise awareness, Enroll America, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, is embarking on a new campaign to help people understand the working of the new health care system and how they might be able to receive affordable insurance coverage. The campaign brings together a multitude of hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical…

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