Health Insurance Blog

For many American families, COBRA coverage is still too expensive even with the current COBRA subsidy which is temporarily in place.  The COBRA subsidy program pays 65% of the monthly premiums for up to 15 months, but still can require a substantial monthly expense, as the average family of four still pays on average $389 per month even with the subsidy.

A recent report by eHealthinsurance.com found that in twenty states, families could save $600 per year ($50/mo) by purchasing a family health insurance plan as oppose to opting for the COBRA coverage.  Even with the subsidy!

The twenty states that were found to offer the affordable health insurance identified in the report include:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Humana Inc, a leader in finding health insurance for consumers, will be presenting the 20th annual UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference according to their website.  Chief financial officer and treasurer will be making the presentation to investors at the conference on Monday, February 8th.

There will be a live audio Web cast of the presentation available on Humana’s website.  They recommend logging in abou 15 minutes early to allow time to run systems and download any necessary software which is free.

Humana Health Insurance is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and is one of the country’s largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies.  They have about 10.3 million medical members and about 7.2 million specialty-benefit members.  They offer a wide variety of health solutions for individuals, employer groups and government programs.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association issued a statement on the US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Summit on Health Care Fraud held in January.

BCBS believes health care fraud is a serious crime and they commend Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder for bringing the summit together.  They bring together private sector stakeholders, law enforcement, Medicare beneficiaries, health insurance companies, and other experts to help combat health care fraud.

Blue Cross Blue Shield companies across the country work together aggressively to discover fraud and educate consumers in an effort to protect them from fraud.  BCBS anti-fraud activities resulted in about $350 million in savings in 2008.  BCBS wants to protect all of their customers, from Medicare customers to Go Blue health insurance.  They continue to work with the Obama administration to fight against this very expensive crime which compromises an effective health care system.

According to Dean Care’s website there is a new Family Practitioner joining the Dean Health Plan group.  His name is Dr. Kenneth Betts and he brings over 25 years of experience to the Edgerton Clinic in Madison.

Directot Nancy Ford feels very fortunate to have such a qualified physician joining the team.  For the past 7 years Dr. Betts had his own private practice in Edgerton and is well-known in the area.  He’ll be offering comprehensive care to families with a focus on diabetes, minor skin surgery, and hyperbaric care.

Betts states that he is excited to join the Clinic because of the very friendly atmosphere and excellent doctors.  Through this clinic he is able to offer extended services to his patients that he cares about so much.

Oxford Health Insurance has a priority to keep their members healthy and fit by providing valuable information.  On their website they have a publication with a variety of health tips called Healthy Mind Healthy Body. The publication goes over important information such as medical updates, diet advice and exercise programs.  They spend a great deal of time focusing on the importance of eating right.  The American society creates challenges when choosing the right foods, but it is possible to make healthy choices.

There is a lot of medical research to show links between eating the proper foods and staying healthy.  Many experts agree that diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, and diabetes may be prevented through the appropriate diet and exercise.  The diet should include moderate portions of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low fat dairy.  It’s also important to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.  Limiting certain foods is important as well, including saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar.

Through being a member of a Oxford health plan not only do you get access to competitive prices and great benefits, but you get the reassurance that they truly have your best interest as a priority.

The struggling economy is causing significant issues for many states which provide health plans to assist low-income families.  Many states are being forced to pare back these health insurance programs at the worst possible time…when the number of unemployed Americans continue to rise and people need assistance the most.

The methods by which various states attempt to shave the costs of these programs range from cutting benefits, to freezing new enrollment, to raising the costs that must be picked up by the enrollee.

Among some of the state sponsored low-income health plans that are in trouble include:

• Washington Basic Health - Will fold in July unless $160 Million in additional Revenue.  About 300 Washington residents are added to waiting list each day.
• CoverTN - Tennessee’s state sponsored program.  Halted in December.
• CharterOak Health Plan - Connecticut’s program.  Must freeze enrollment this year unless lawmakers can find more money to keep it open.
• AdultBasic - Pennsylvania’s Program for low income adults.  Increasing fees.  Waiting list doubled in 2009
• General Assistance medical Care Program - Minnesota’s Program will end in March, existing members will be moved over to MinnesotaCare.

Among other viable options for low-income adults who are looking to lower their monthly health insurance costs, while insuring that they will be covered if they fall ill or are in a serious accident, would be to increase the deductible of their existing health plan.  This will keep monthly premiums down, but will require greater out of pocket costs if you should need to utilize medical care.

Health care reform is still a possibility according to the article “State of the Union: Renewed Hope for Health Care Reform?” by Jeffrey H. Toney on blog.nj.com.  This is at least the feel that came from President Obama’s State of the Union address to the nation on Wednesday night.

There needs to be reconciliation between the two bills “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” and the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” and it’s worth the effort.  President Obama pointed out in his speech that the ultimate goal continues to be to lower health insurance quotes, bring down the deficit, get more Americans insured, make Medicare for seniors stronger and stop health insurance company abuses.

President Obama urged Congress to not walk away from the idea of health care reform because they are very close and a solution is in the near future.  He continues to fight hard to keep his promises and achieve the ultimate goal to better our health care system.

The General Assistance Medical Care Program (GAMC) is a state funded health insurance program for low-income adults in Minnesota, who have no dependent adults, and who do not qualify for federal funded health insurance plans.

Funding for the GAMC Program is slated to end on April 1, 2010 and all current membership will be automatically migrated to the MinnesotaCare Program.  Once this happens, monthly premiums will be paid by the counties for the next six months until the next six month renewal period begins, at which point enrollees will be required to pay their own premiums in order to maintain the health coverage.

More information about Minnesota health insurance, and other affordable health insurance options.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama now offers health and dental coverage for children and young adults from birth to age 24.  According to their website, your child may be eligible if he or she is a resident of Alabama, is not eligible for Medicare, and they meet certain health underwriting guidelines.

This is a fantastic program offered through BCBSAL.  The plan covers doctor’s visits, emergency room visits, prescription drugs, lab tests, outpatient surgery, hospital costs, ambulance services, physical therapy, allergy testing, mental health treatment and many more.

Ages 0-14 can get health insurance quotes as low as $76/mos and ages 15-24 can pay as little as $80/mos.  You can easily add dental coverage as well for as low as $17/mos.  During a time where individual health insurance and family plans can be challenging to find at an affordable price, this is a program that will benefit many.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida offers many seminars throughout the state to the public as well as members to get out valuable information on their Medicare and Medigap programs.  Through these often times free seminars and senior expos Medicare beneficiaries can ask any questions and get clarification on the often times complicated Medicare plan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare supplemental insurance is also discussed in these seminars and interested consumers can obtain pamphlets of information in addition to asking questions to a live representative.  One of the most recent events was held at The Courtyard Fort Lauderdale to educate those interested specifically in Medicare Advantage (HMO, PPO, PFFS), medicare supplements, and Medicare Part D plans for 2010.  This event was open to the public free of charge.  Understanding your Medicare health insurance quotes can prove very beneficial as you shop around in the very competitive market.

A complete calendar of events is available on BCBSFL’s website which includes dates, times, locations and what will be covered at the seminar.  If you are a medicare beneficiary or will be soon, it’s worth your time to see if there are any available events in your area.