Health Insurance Blog

Clark County Nevada commissioners are discussing making the only public hospital in Las Vegas private according to the article “County Talks of Privatizing Vegas Public Hospital” by The Associated Press on Mercury News’s website.

Commissioners say that the University Medical Center (UMC) is southern Nevada’s safety net hospital and treats many with no Las Vegas health insurance.  They are considering making this hospital private to save money, and if they do they may still treat those uninsured.  An audit that was performed recently shows that UMC lost $83 million last year.  Commissioners believe the county system needs to be overhauled to save money.

County manager Virginia Valentine says they are trying to figure out if they can make the switch to a private hospital and continue to be known as the top trauma and burn center.  Treating the uninsured is another valuable part of the hospital.  Even those uninsured who think they cannot afford Las Vegas health insurance should get health insurance quotes to see if there is anything affordable and help keep more hospitals in business.

A new poll came out from Mason-Dixon Polling Research Inc. for the Las Vegas Review Journal last week reviewing where Nevadans stand on the health care debate.  The survey consisted of phone responses from 500 registered voters in Nevada.  Nevada and Las Vegas health insurance issues are definitely a concern for residents.  All of this information is according to the article “Most Nevadans Believe Health Reform Includes Tax Hikes” by Calli Fisher at krnv.com, News 4.

The poll shows that 49% of Nevadans are against President Obama’s health care proposal while 43% support it.  Only 8% believe no action is necessary.  A shocking 77% believe that President Obama’s plan will include an increase in taxes.  This goes against what most residents believe should be the main concerns when revamping health care.  This includes cheaper health insurance, easier to access and fewer restrictions. 

74% of Nevada Democrats support Obama’s plan and only 9% of Republicans approve of it.  Some say these numbers include many who don’t fully understand the proposal nor do they understand how it will affect them directly.  The poll does have a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5%.  It is still to be determined how and when Nevada health insurance will be affected.

According to the article “Health Care Reform bus makes a stop in Las Vegas” from KTNV.com, President Obama supporters for his health care reform made a scheduled stop in Las Vegas, Nevada.  They have been traveling the country to educate people on the benefits of Obama’s plan and Las Vegas health insurance consumers were encouraged to spread the word.

The rally was held at the Culinary Workers Union Hall on Commerce Street.  Organizers of the event worked hard to gain excitement and momentum to spread the word about the Obama health care plan.  One man pointed out that it’s time for the government to help people lacking health insurance.  He mentioned that America supports humanitarian efforts around the world but they do not seem to do the same thing for Americans in need. 

Humana recently announced the introduction of their portfiolio of individual health insurance plans for Nevada residents, called HumanaOne.  The HumanaOne portfolio of individual health insurance plans has been made available to 25 other US states since 2007 and has been very well received.

The 25 states where HumanaOne has been previously made available include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

HumanaOne health plans are designed for

1) self-employed entrepreneurs

2) small business employees who aren’t provided employer sponsored coverage

3) part time workers,

4) college students and

5) early retirees

HumanaOne health plans are available through insurance agents and brokers, as well as directly to consumers online or by phone.