Live Insurance News

Wellness programs are having an impact on health insurance

July 30, 2014July 28, 2014 S.Vagus

Survey shows that wellness programs are becoming much more popular among businesses M3 Insurance has released the results of a new survey concerning workplace wellness programs. These programs are often instituted by employers as a way to cut down on their health insurance premiums. Insurers sometimes offer discounted rates for those participating in these programs as they are making an effort to stay healthy. Those outside of wellness programs tend to have higher rates on average as insurers believe they are more of a financial risk. 77% of businesses in…

Catalog highlights efforts to limit health insurance rate increases

July 24, 2014July 22, 2014 Logan B.

New catalog tracks state endeavors to mitigate the rate at which insurance coverage is becoming more expensive The National Academy of Social Insurance and Catalyst for Payment Reform have joined together to compile a new catalog that outlines the efforts that states are making to address the issue of health insurance costs. In the wake of health care reform, insurance companies have had to offer coverage to a wider range of consumers and provide these consumers with better benefits. In order to offset the financial losses associated with health care…

Health insurance legislation sparks controversy in New Jersey

July 15, 2014July 12, 2014 S.Vagus

Legislation aims to change the way insurance arrangements for employers work Controversial legislation in New Jersey has managed to speed its way through the state’s Legislature, but has encountered an legislative hurdle that may be difficult to overcome. The legislation, called A3421, is designed to create incentives for businesses to band together in order to offer health insurance policies through self-funded Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements. Critics of the legislation suggest that this is a way for employers to charge more for the coverage they sponsor for older workers. Companies in…

Is Health Insurance Worth It?

July 12, 2014July 11, 2014 Note From The Editor

Health insurance can be a tricky subject. Many people consider insurance coverage to be vital, holding a place of importance in their lives that few other things approach. Others tolerate insurance coverage, thinking of its as a necessary expense that they are neither fond of nor hate. Still others believe that insurance is a waste of money that could be better spent on other things. Like all forms of insurance, the value of health coverage is a matter of perspective. In the U.S., health insurance coverage is mandatory, but that…

Report shows health insurance premiums were growing before Affordable Care Act took hold

June 12, 2014June 9, 2014 S.Vagus

Health care reform may not be the sole cause of rate increases The Commonwealth Fund has released a report that shows that health insurance premiums throughout the U.S. were on the rise well before the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The federal health care reform law has been the subject of extreme criticism for the past few years, with those opposing the law claiming that it is the cause of significant rate increases in insurance coverage. This may not be accurate, however, as insurance policies were already becoming more…

Health care reform law creates promising opportunities

May 30, 2014May 28, 2014 Logan B.

Medical practices could face new challenges and favorable opportunities The Affordable Care Act has sparked a significant influx on new patients into the Medicaid programs of some states. The law has given states the opportunity to expand their Medicaid programs in order to make insurance coverage more available to a wider range of consumers. The law has also allowed for the creation of insurance policies with high deductibles, which are sold through state insurance exchanges. For some state’s the health care reform law may be creating major revenue opportunities. Report…

Health insurance rates may be set for dramatic rise

March 24, 2014March 22, 2014 S.Vagus

Insurance industry experts warn of impending rate shock from higher rates in 2015 The issue of health insurance premiums rising in the U.S. as a result of the Affordable Care Act has received a great deal of attention over the past few years. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, rates will indeed increase in the coming year, but only by a modest amount. The agency suggests that the financial impact of new insurance regulations has not been sufficient enough to cause insurers to raise premiums by a…