Health Insurance Blog

SmartSense® health plans are a portfolio of affordable health plans for individuals offered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Monthly premiums for SmartSense can be less than $50 per month for an individual (single Male in Ohio, age 27)  if a high deductible ($10,000) is selected.  If a $2,500 deductible is chosen the monthly rate would be just over $60/mo.

Some of the highlights of SmartSense® include:

• A wide range of deductibles to choose from
• Access to a large network of doctors and hospitals
• No referrals or paper work needed
• Prescription drug benefits
• Online health support
• One of the most trusted names in health insurance

Just an example of high quality and affordable health insurance that can be found if you take a few minutes to shop around.  You can compare health insurance quotes right here at healthinsurancesort.com in less than 5 minutes.

Residents living in Chicago suburbs pay on average 14.6% less on their health insurance rates according to the article “Health-care Insurance Cheaper in the Suburbs” by Sandra Guy on suntimes.com.  This may surprise many carrying Chicago health insurance.

Those living 15 to 25 miles from downtown Chicago pay 12-15% less on their health insurance premium and those living 25-40 miles outside the city pay 20-30% less.  This is according to data gathered by Norvax Inc.  They also found that people who live in the southern and western suburbs, which are generally considered blue collar, pay 24.5% less for Chicago health insurance.  Those who live in the northern areas pay 14.6% less.  The findings highlight the cost of health care in these various regions.

Health insurance quotes are definitely being affected by location, but the question is, is this fair?  Health insurance companies claim it’s a matter of risk-based pricing.  Astonishingly, 26.5% of Chiacgo residents do not carry health insurance according to the latest US Census Bureau report.  This may be a direct result of the insurance companies and the way they price their customers as well as regulations created by the state.

According to the article “Humana Profit Rises 65% Despite Commercial Falloff” by The Associated Press on the NYTimes.com, Humana One posted a significant profit because of an increase in membership and premiums from Medicare Advantage. 

Humana’s quarterly revenue increased by 8% as enrollment rose 11% from last year in its Medicare Advantage.  Enrollment in its plans sold to employers dropped by 7.6% from a year ago.  This contributed to a pretax loss in their commercial segment.  Many health insurance companies are suffering as employer-sponsored health coverage plans drop because of layoffs and companies going out of business.  In October, the 3 largest publicly traded health insurers, incliding United Health Group, WellPoint and Aetna, reported 3rd quarter results which were below expectations.

Humana says it spent approximately $5 million on swine flu related costs in the 3rd quarter.  The chief financial officer said the company expected a heavier swine flu season for the 4th quarter.  Now more than ever it’s crucial to ensure you have proper health insurance coverage.  You can get Humana insurance quotes online to see if you can save some money and get insured.

Geisinger Health Plan recently released an update on the 2009 Influenza flu season.  This is found in the article “Influenza Update From Geisinger Health System: 900 Cases” by Dr. Lisa Esolen who is the director for Geisinger Health System Infection Control on Poconorecord.com.

They continue to see a steady increase in the number of flu cases with about 900 cases in the last 3 weeks at both of their Pennsylvania hospitals.  There have also been about 30 hospitalization cases.  Nationally, 46 states have reported widespread influenza cases.  Shipments of the H1N1 vaccine continue to be shipped but there are lower quantities than expected.  These are first being given to health care providers, schools, and hospitals throughout the state.  Currently, there are no public vaccination sites for the H1N1 vaccination since the vaccinations are not plentiful as of now.

Geisinger Health Insurance continues to receive shipments of the H1N1 vaccine, but in small amounts.  Most of the vaccines have been used for pregnant people as well as children.  Many organizations encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated since they are more likely to get severely sick from the flu virus.  It’s important to wash your hands regularly to help limit the spread of the flu. 

A prediction has been made by the president of the American Hospital Association in San Antonio last Wednesday according to the article “Hospital Leader Sees Health Care Bill Passing” by Don Finley on mysanantonio.com.  The president, Richard Umbdenstock, believes some sort of health reform bill will pass before Congress leaves for the December holiday. 

This could mean big changes for San Antonio health insurance.  The bill that passes will not be perfect but it will bring some value.  Umbdenstock noted that half of US hospitals are losing money and 25% are breaking even.  These groups are concerned about a government run plan taking over as they may lose even more money.  Back in June, hospitals agreed to give up about $155 billion in federal payments over the next ten years.  In return for this loss, a plan would be put in place to ensure 94% of US residents would have health insurance.  This would reduce their losses from the uninsured by about $171 billion.

A few weeks ago the health insurance industry released a report stating that the Senate bill would increase premiums for people with private insurance.  They did agree to change the ways in which they conduct business such as covering people with pre-existing conditions in return for the requirement that everyone must purchase health insurance. 

Given the increased attention to rising health insurance rates and the growing number of uninsured in this country, we periodically scour the web for low-cost health insurance plans from quality health insurance companies across the country and blog about one here.

Blue Options HSA is a low cost health plan for North Carolina residents offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  BlueOptions HSA is a high deductible health plan that is eligible to combine with an HSA.

According to BCBSNC, monthly premiums are as much as 50% lower than a traditional health plan.  Rates can be less than $60 per month for a 25 year old male.  Other affordable health insurance plans offered by BCBSNC include Blue Advantage.

More information about North Carolina health insurance.

Many Americans between the ages of 50-64 are losing their health insurance according to the article “Health Insurance Hard to Find for the Newly Unemployed” by Richard Martin TampaBay.com.  The reason these people are losing their insurance so rapidly is because of rising unemployment and an increasing number of businesses unable to afford health insurance for their employees.

The AARP estimates that approximately 7 million people between 50-64 are uninsured.  This number is growing rapidly and causing much stir in the health care debate in Washington DC.  Until recently, most of the focus has been placed on the young uninsured or Medicare for over 65. 

The main problem with this generation losing their health insurance is this is when they need it most.  Finding health insurance for this group can be challenging as well.  Individual health insurance plans for those over 50 cost much more than employer sponsored plans.  Many plans exclude pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or depression, conditions that often come with age.  Studies show that uninsured people are more likely to put off treatment which can lead to declining health.  It’s a vicious cycle that hopefully Congress can end.

A recent study conducted by the Texas Public Interest Research Group examines how the current health insurance system affects small businesses across the nation.  This is according to the article “Study finds that small businesses are disadvantaged by higher health care costs” by Priscilla Pelli on dailytexanonline.com. 

Austin’s small businesses are at risk under the current health insurance system according to this study.  There are negative effects on these Texas small businesses as increases in the cost of health care plans for employees are in place.  Businesses also have the inability to provide health insurance coverage to the employees because of very high costs.

Individual health insurance in Texas can be easy to find, but when you own a small business you may not always have the cash flow to cover monthly premiums, especially for employees.  Smaller businesses are finding it harder and harder to attract quality employees since the benefits they can afford to offer are not competitive.  This is putting small business at an extreme disadvantage.  Hopefully the health care reform plan that Congress votes for will assist these affected businesses.

Consumer Reports recently came out with a survey about consumers and their satisfaction with their current health insurance plan.  This is according to the article “Health Plans Get Only So-So Reviews” on the Washington Post’s website.

The survey’s findings were based on responses from 37,481 readers who reported their health insurance experience over a course of a year.  The numbers represent a good benchmark for HMO’s and PPO health insurance.  84% of the respondents have an employer based plan they will be able to keep under most proposals being discussed in Congress.

The Consumer Reports National Research Center found that only 64% of readers were very or completely satisfied with their current individual health insurance plan.  This shows a drop from the 2007 survey which revealed 67% was satisfied.  Based on other Consumer Reports surveys people are less satisfied with health insurance than other industries such as pharmacies and real estate agents.  Over 30% of readers are not completely satisfied with their health insurance and this leaves a lot of opportunity for health care reform.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and people in Houston, Texas are gathering together to support the cause.  According to the article “Community Breast Health Event at Cy-Fair Hospital” found on the cypresstimes.com, the Women’s Imaging Center at Cy-Fair Hospital is hosting a Breast Health Event on October 29th.

The Cypress Fairbanks Women’s Imaging Center has an experienced and caring staff who understand the importance of supporting breast health.  This event will not only raise awareness, but they will be offering education on self exams, general breast health information as well as offering giveaways and bone density testing. 

The article points out that breast cancer affects 1 in every 8 women in the US.  Early detection is very important in treating breast cancer.  The American Cancer Society recommends that women over 40 years of age should get a mammogram once a year and many Houston health insurance companies should cover this screening.