Tag: health insurance costs

Augusta, Georgia, contemplates self-insurance

S.Vagus
Health Insurance News

Self-insurance may be an option to mitigate health insurance costs Employer-sponsored health insurance costs are growing for workers in Augusta, Georgia, which is causing some concern within the Augusta Commission. In an effort to rein in on these costs, the Augusta Commission is planning to take up the practice of self-insurance. Self-insurance is a method of risk management through which funds are set aside to account for financial risks associated with a varied assortment of events. The Augusta Commission believes that self-insurance may be an effective means of mitigating the…

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Maine health insurance reform deemed failure by report

S.Vagus
Maine Health Insurance

Report highlights problems created by health insurance reform Consumers for Affordable Health Care, a non-profit advocacy organization based in Maine, has released a new report concerning the health insurance overhaul that was passed in the state last year. The law brought significant health insurance reforms to the state that were well received by residents. The report suggests, however, that the health insurance overhaul is not accomplishing its goals and may be doing more harm than good. The report is based on information from the Main Bureau of Insurance. Law aims…

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Health insurance costs could drop $12 billion in Wisconsin from weight loss

Julie Campbell
Health Insurance Report on obesity

If residents of the state were to achieve a proper BMI, the savings would be tremendous. A report released about the cost of health insurance in Wisconsin has shown that the state could save up to $11.96 billion if its residents shed an average of 5 percent of their body mass index (BMI) by the year 2030. Even the smallest efforts could make a tremendous difference to reduce the obesity problem. It has been recommended that schools and workplaces increase their activity levels and that fresh vegetables and fruits be…

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Health insurance premiums on the rise in 2012

S.Vagus
car insurance rates homeowners

Survey shows health insurance premiums are growing Employer sponsored health insurance premiums for family plans went up this year, according to a survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research & Educational Trust. Health insurance premiums have been a serious concern since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010. The federal health care law seeks to lower premiums, but many suggest that the changes the law brings to the health care and insurance industries will, in fact, cause a spike in health insurance premiums. Premiums show modest…

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Health insurance in New York may be too expensive

Nordstrom
health insurance rates

Data suggests health care is unaffordable for many New data from the New York Public Interest Research Group and the state’s Department of Financial Services suggests that health insurance coverage in New York may cost more than consumers can afford. State data shows that New York City residents that have to purchase health insurance coverage on their own could be facing six-digit figures every year in costs. Even the least expensive coverage for families could cost tens of thousands of dollars annually, adding financial stress to those already struggling in…

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Medical loss ratio provision could have saved Illinois residents millions according to Commonwealth Fund report

S.Vagus

Health care reform medical loss ratio study The Commonwealth Fund, an independent foundation based in New York that researchers health care policies, has released a new report concerning the medical loss ratio (MLR) provision of the Affordable Care Act. The MLR provision requires insurance companies to spend no less than 80% of the money they collect from premiums on improving medical care. If insurers cannot meet this standard, the money must be returned to policyholders. The provision took effect in 2011, but has been mired in litigation and bureaucracy, which…

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California insurance regulators clash with Aetna over insurance rate hikes

Marc

California health insurance industry go head to head with regulators Aetna Life Insurance has raised the health insurance rates for small employers in the state of California this month. The company has plans to raise rates by an average of 8% for this sector each year. The plan has struck a chord with the state’s insurance regulators, with Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones accusing the company of being unreasonable. According to the state’s Department of Insurance, Aetna’s health insurance rates for small businesses will jump by more than 30% over the…

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