From the category archives:

U.S. Health Care

Types of Health Insurance Plans

by admin on May 21, 2007

in Business Health Insurance, Children's Health Insurance, HMOs, Health Care Industry, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), PPOs, U.S. Health Care, Women's Health Care

There are many different types of health insurance, and some of these can seem confusing. Here are types of health coverage, what each type of health coverage means, and how to understand them. [click to continue…]

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Pre-existing Conditions - Health Coverage Problems

by admin on May 20, 2007

in HMOs, Health Care Industry, Health Insurance Questions, PPOs, U.S. Health Care

Information about the limitations placed on pre-existing condition exclusion periods.

Health Care in U.S. is a Mess

May 16, 2007

The U.S. health-care system is “a dysfunctional mess” and politicians who insist otherwise look ignorant, according to a medical-journal essay by a prominent ethicist at the National Institutes of Health.

“If a politician declares that the United States has the best health-care system in the world today, he or she looks clueless rather than patriotic or authoritative,” Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel wrote in today’s Journal of the American Medical Association.

Emanuel, who supports sweeping health-care reform, said the U.S. spends $6,000 per person per year on health care, an amount that is more than 16 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product and more than any other country.

He also said Americans’ average life expectancy of 78 ranks 45th in the world, behind Bosnia and Jordan.

The U.S. infant death rate is 6.37 per 1,000 live births, higher than that of most developed nations.

Democrats and Republicans alike have made the “world’s best” claim. President Bush frequently has said Americans have the world’s best health-care system. Democrat John Kerry did so when he ran for president in 2004, as did Republican Rudy Giuliani on the presidential campaign trail this year.

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With Health-care Industry Competition Comes Cheap Insurance

May 9, 2007

Choice and competition work in health care. Unfortunately, most of us aren’t lucky enough to have access to a market driven and shaped by them. This year employer health-care costs have risen 7.7 percent, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey, more than twice the rate of inflation or workers’ wage growth. This is lower than it’s been in recent years (costs rose almost 14 percent in 2003). But health costs are still high - and likely will go even higher next year.

Some of your fellow citizens are luckier. This month, millions of federal workers and retirees, including members of Congress, get to pick and choose their health plans for 2007. According to the Office of Personnel Management, which runs the civil service, their insurance premiums will rise, on average, just 1.8 percent. About 63 percent of them will see no premium hike at all.

These Americans are enrolled in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), a consumer-driven system in which many different carriers offer a choice of 284 private plans nationwide. FEHBP plans include a variety of benefit packages, including health-savings accounts. The bottom line: Feds get high-quality care at competitive prices. No wonder they’re highly satisfied.

The FEHBP isn’t the only example where intense competition works. Another, paradoxically, is Medicare. The overall cost of the new Medicare drug benefit is a serious problem, but at least drugs are being delivered to seniors through competitive private health plans. The result: lower drug prices. When the drug benefit was enacted, the projected average monthly premium was $37.

Now, intense competition among competing plans has brought this under $24 per month, nearly a 40 percent reduction, accompanied by growing patient satisfaction. That’s what choice and competition can deliver.

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1 In 4 Kids Go Without Health Care

May 2, 2007

Some uninsured children of the working poor don’t go to the doctor’s office; it comes to them.

They make too much for Medicaid but not enough to have their own insurance.

And 150,000 patients per year, nationwide, get free care from 21 mobile units provided by the Children’s Health Fund. But a new report out Thursday from this non-profit group says far too many kids are falling into a huge health care crevice, CBS News has learned exclusively.

The group’s report finds despite billions of dollars in government spending, more than one in four children still don’t have full-time health care — a gap twice as big as anyone thought.

“It’s more than just insurance and lack of insurance, that are keeping children from getting medical care,” says Dr. Irwin Redlener, president of the Children’s Health Fund of Columbia University.

It’s estimated that 9 million children are completely uninsured. But the new study says 11.5 million more kids end up without medical care for part of the year. And another 3 million can’t get a ride to the doctor. That’s more than 23 million children.

Californians. Get your free individual or family health insurance quote now!

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What to Look for in a Health Insurance Policy

July 25, 2006

As a consumer, it is your right and responsibility to review what a plan includes to ensure it meets your individual needs and lifestyle.

California residents who are in the market for health insurance make sure they are aware of what they are buying before they make a purchase. If a consumer is buying a plan through their employer or as an individual, they should always be aware of what is covered under the plan and what is. They should have a good estimation of what would happen to them financially in the event of various scenarios such as a chronic illness requiring long-term care or a catastrophic accident. This can be done by making sure you are familiar with the plan’s deductible, covered services, and out-of-pocket limits.

California health insurance consumers should also make sure they are aware of the types of preventive care covered under their plan. For example, at what age does the plan cover a mammogram for women? At what age does it cover a prostrate specific antigen test for men? Does the plan offer a website where you can find information about health conditions and symptoms? What types of prenatal care are offered? Does the plan offer coverage for vision benefits such as visits to the eye doctor, or for dental services?

Other questions to ask include: Does the plan offer prescription drug coverage, and if so does this coverage help pay for birth control pills? What doctors and providers are part of the plan? What will happen if you receive services out of network?

Does the plan offer support services such as counseling, drug and alcohol rehabilitative services, or an 800 number for assistance with personal issues? What types of treatment – for example, homeopathic - are excluded by the plan?

Knowing beforehand what to expect for their health insurance plan can help California health insurance consumers make the best choices.

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Health Insurance Coverage from the Internet

January 29, 2006

How can the Internet aide you in your search to find the health insurance plan best suited to your personal situation and finances?

Health insurance is an important issue no matter who you are. California residents who need to purchase individual health insurance, make a decision about the types of health plans offered by their employer or by a potential employer, or decide what type of insurance to offer their employees may be confused about the options available. Everyone wants to make the best choice and get the coverage they need at a price that is best value for their dollar.

The Internet offers many ways to help with the process. Consumers can use online business directories to search for companies that offer what they are looking for. They can consult the web pages of various insurance companies and in some cases even apply and receive a quote online.

California is a large state with a variety of different health insurance companies serving the needs of its residents. For a new business owner selecting medical benefit options for their employees, it is particularly important to make the right decision. Potential employees in today’s competitive employment market are looking for a health insurance package that is attractive and backed by a reputable company they are familiar with.

Using the Internet to search for health insurance company rankings, third-party reviews, newspaper articles, industry data and other sources can help California residents arm themselves with as much information as possible when making choices about their health insurance coverage. While the Internet can be a valuable tool, it is important to keep in mind that credibility of the source. Be wary of marketing sites in disguise and always be certain that you know what organization is responsible for the content of any website you consult.

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