Founded in 1982, Capital Health Plan serves the four county are surrounding Tallahassee.  They currently provide coverage to more than 110,000 members.

More information about Florida health insurance & senior health insurance.

In California, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan boasts the 2 top ranked plans in the state. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Southern California was the top rated Medicare health plan in California with an overall score of 88.1, followed by Kaiser’s plan covering Northern California (86.8).  These two plans were followed by Health Net of California (83.2), Pacificare of California (81.7) and Aetna Health of California (80.4).

None of the twenty California Medicare Plans ranked in this study received a customer assessment score of greater than three stars out of five.  However, both Kaiser plans faired very well in both treatment and prevention measures, with five stars.

More information about California health insurance.

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. 

On the BCBSAL website, it discusses the benefits of the program.  “Baby Yourself” offers all expectant mothers support and educational materials from a Blue Cross registered nurse.  The nurse is experienced in labor, delivery, and newborn care.  You will be assigned your own personal nurse who can be contacted with any questions or concerns.  Gifts and products are available to help support health habits as well as show the importance of understanding all the changes that come with being new parents. 

The program is available to all members and is free as part of their health insurance benefits through BCBSAL.  A video is available on their website entitled “Baby Yourself, A Prenatal Wellness Program” where you can learn more.  You can enroll either online or by telephone.  This is a great initiative by Blue Cross to help support often overwhelmed new mothers and their families.

Although details haven’t been made available, replacement coverage may also be made available for dental, life, vision and disability coverage.

More information about health insurance in Texas.

This is a statistic that is very upsetting for residents.  More than half of the 730,000 kids in Dallas County do not have full access to preventative health care.  The report, called “Beyond ABC: Growing Up in Dallas County”, uses state demographic data from 1998-2008 to research the well-being of resident children.

Dallas health insurance isn’t necessarily difficult to find, but families are having difficulty affording rising premiums.  Children’s and other hospitals support the initiative to get all children insured because it places them in the care of a regular doctor and eliminates expensive visits to the emergency room.  This can prevent the mounting of debt for hospitals.  31% of Dallas County children will be uninsured by 2010 unless something is done. 

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. 

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.

They announced that they will be covering the administration costs for all fully insured members, including those who have plans which exclude immunizations.  All co-pays and deductibles will be waived when the vaccine is received regardless of the preventative services benefit which is offered in these members’ plans. 

Lisa Weaver, MD, Humana segment vice president of clinical strategies stated that the safety and well being of members and the country is of the utmost concern for Humana health insurance.  Their initial focus is to encourage the CDC-identified priority groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine as quickly as possible. 

Humana is working hard to get members the ability to receive the vaccination.  They are monitoring and responding to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who are closely tracking the spread of the virus.  For the most current H1N1 information visit the CDC’s website.  To become a Humana member and receive a Humana quote visit www.healthinsurancesort.com.

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.