Representatives from nearly every state are deeply torn over the proposed health care reform. With strife growing in Congress, it seems that the only provision of the new law that can be agreed upon is the provision for insurance exchanges. Almost all states are making moves to implement exchanges, the only ones lagging behind doing so simply are because of lack of appropriate funds. Making the changes necessary to facilitate an exchange program are somewhat demanding. Many states have seen downsizing in their staffing and the workload often piles up on…
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Big Insurer, Big Information!
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association will transform their healthcare data analysis service Later this year, big insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association will transform their healthcare data analysis service into its own business. Founded only 4 years ago, Blue Health Intelligence reviews millions of claims and details how healthcare is being put to use by policyholders. Claiming its database surpasses that of the government, Blue Health Intelligence uses its analysis to determine trends and offer insights to quality of coverage – a service that is quite cost effective.…
Read MorePennsylvania health care for low income families in danger
The low-cost health insurance program for Pennsylvania is on shaky ground today. The low-cost health insurance program for Pennsylvania is on shaky ground today. Providing coverage for more than 40,000 adults, the program is in deep danger of being shut down due to dwindling funds. In a recent announcement, Governor Ed Rendell office stated that money for this program will run dray by the end of February. Governor-elect Tom Corbett is encouraging the state’s nonprofit health insurance providers to allow enrollees into “Special Care” plans, funded by insurers. On…
Read MoreHigh-deductible health insurance enrollees are on the increase
With a down economy, Americans are changing their health insurance plans to those with higher deductibles, but lower premiums. Health Care Professionals are concerned that patients will not get their routine care, possibly causing serious ailments going undiagnosed. In the long run, this could cost more money because they may end up in the hospital or emergency room. According to Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust’s survey, since 2006, the number of employees with high-deductible plans has almost tripled in companies with less than 200 employees.…
Read MoreCourt rules mandatory health insurance is not fair
The latest in health care reform has come to a head with a recently announced Virginia court ruling against forced placed health insurance. This being the first of the lawsuits to rule against the government making American’s purchase health insurance – two other courts have ruled in favor of the mandate. Per a survey conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation, this key factor in Obama’s health care reform is also frowned upon by 7 out of 10 Americans as well. Forced placed health coverage was once opposed by a campaigning Obama…
Read MoreNo one signed up for Group Insurance Commission (GIC)
The Group Insurance Commission’s open enrollment for 2011 ended this week and no one signed up for it. This was designed to help municipalities save millions a year. Joel Barrera, deputy director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, a planning organization for 101 Boston area communities said, “The experiences of the 31 municipalities and regional government units that have joined the commission since 2007 clearly demonstrate the potential for substantial savings.” Barrera also stated, “We know the GIC saves millions of dollars, but we also know municipalities are not able…
Read MoreRecent ruling regulates health care industry spending
Changes took place on the hill this past short holiday week when the Dept. of Health and Human Services, also known as HHS, released their final ruling dealing with medical loss ratio – a requirement of the new health reform law. This portion of the new act will be effective in 2011 and will closely monitor insurer’s spending. New laws state, 85% of every dollar of revenue for large groups will have to be used towards health care instead of administrative costs, and 80% on individual and small groups too.…
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