Exemption request from mandatory health insurance for health care workers

One of the more controversial provisions in the new health care reform law is that U.S. citizens will be required to have some form of health insurance coverage. While the federal government seeks to make this possible through the establishment of health insurance exchanges throughout the country, the fact remains that insurance is expensive. Currently, many citizens receive coverage through their employers, but not every company continues to offer such benefits. Those that do not have these benefits are left to come up with a solution on their own. It…

Read More

Lower health insurance premiums with a discount for regular excercise

As health insurance costs begin to rise, largely spurred on by increasing medical costs, many companies are looking for ways to mitigate the inflation. Researchers at the University of Florida are suggesting that companies should begin paying for exercise classes. This initiative could help curb the costs associated with certain high risk groups, such as diabetics. Doctor Marco Pahor, Director of the university’s Institute on aging, led research regarding this concept. Pahor and his team have been conducting this research for the past several decades. “There is solid evidence for public…

Read More

New Jersey: Government run health plan looking to close their doors

In New Jersey, hundreds of cities and school districts have saved a fortune by taking part in the state’s relatively unknown benefits program. For the past three years, an increasing number of people are dropping the insurance policies they bought from big name companies in favor of the state’s program. Some legislators are looking to change that by proposing a new bill that could severely inhibit the program. Stephen M. Sweeney, the State Senate president, is proposing legislation that would prohibit the state run insurance program from accepting new members.…

Read More

Steps towards health care reform insurance exchange programs

The Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $241 million to seven states to help fund their design and implementation of insurance exchanges. Awarded to “Early Innovator” states, the money will help establish the infrastructure needed to operate the exchanges. The HHS is encouraging that others follow the example set by these states when they begin building their own exchanges. The seven states, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Wisconsin, will share the funds – larger states will receive more than smaller states. They were selected based…

Read More