Live Insurance News

Single-payer system could secure health insurance for millions

March 28, 2016March 27, 2016 S.Vagus

Open letter highlights the potential benefits of a single-payer health care system Some 560 medical professionals and medical students have come together to issue an open letter concerning the renewed debate concerning health insurance in the United States. With the 2016 presidential campaign in full swing, politicians have been highlighting the merits of a single-payer health care system. Such a system involves the state, rather than insurance companies, paying for all health care costs. Many believe such a system would make it easier for people to acquire health insurance coverage.…

21 million people could lose their health insurance coverage under Trump plan

March 22, 2016March 20, 2016 Logan B.

Analysis shows repealing the Affordable Care Act could have dire consequences The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has released an analysis of the health care plan proposed by presidential hopeful Donald Trump. The analysis suggests that Trump’s plan could result in approximately 21 million people losing their health insurance coverage. It may also cost some $270 billion over 10 years, if it was implemented. Another analysis from the Congressional Budget Office suggests that as many as 22 million people could lose their health insurance coverage if Trump’s plan is…

Health insurance provider Blue Cross Blue Shield may face fines in North Carolina

March 17, 2016March 16, 2016 Nordstrom

North Carolina Department of Insurance may issue fines against Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Cross Blue Shield may be facing significant fines in North Carolina due to “unprecedented administrative failures,” according to the state’s Insurance Commissioner, Wayne Goodwin. The Commissioner intends to levy the maximum permissible fines against the health insurance provider as the insurers goes into its third month of enrollment and billing issues. The North Carolina Department of Insurance claims that it has received more than 8,700 calls and 1,900 formal complaints concerning Blue Cross Blue Shield this…

Growing number of clinics could affect health insurance costs in the US

March 15, 2016March 13, 2016 Logan B.

Health clinics are becoming more common in the US The number of retail health clinics in the United States is growing and this may be having an effect on the overall spending on medical services throughout the country. A new study published in Health Affairs suggests that the belief that low-cost clinics would lead to less health care spending may be inaccurate. These clinics are designed for those without health insurance coverage and those that are underinsured, existing as a way for these people to acquire the medical care that…

20 million people have received health insurance through the Affordable Care Act

March 11, 2016March 10, 2016 S.Vagus

Health care reform has made insurance coverage more accessible An estimated 20 million people in the United States have managed to acquire health insurance coverage since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services. Over the past few years, the health care reform law has been subject to harsh criticism, with opponents of the legislation threatening to repeal the law in favor of a different solution. The Obama Administration, however, notes that more people have access…

California lawmakers consider tax package targeting state health insurance program

March 9, 2016March 8, 2016 S.Vagus

Lawmakers aim to support Medi-Cal program with ambitious tax package Lawmakers in California may opt to take action on a tax package that aims to prevent a gap of $1.1 billion in the state’s health insurance program. The California Senate and Assembly are considering three pieces of legislation during a special legislative session, which was called last year in order to adjust taxes on insurance plans. The federal government has announced that it will discontinue support for the state’s Medi-Cal program if lawmakers are not able to effectively address tax…

Donald Trump introduces plan to change health insurance in the US

March 8, 2016March 6, 2016 Logan B.

Trump unveils more information concerning his health care plan As the presidential campaign steams ahead in the United States, presidential hopeful Donald Trump has released new information about his health care plan. Trump has been an outspoken critic of the Affordable Care Act, saying that if he becomes president he will ensure that the health care reform law is fully repealed. The law has made health insurance coverage more accessible to millions of people in the United States, but critics of the Affordable Care Act claim that it is both…