The Affordable Care Act has made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, making the fate of federal health care reform unknown. The subject of reform has been on steeped in controversy for more than two years. Opponents of the reform claim that the law is unconstitutional, while its supporters say that changes are needed to ensure the continued stability of the country. Like politicians, the insurance industry has been divided on the issue. Unlike politicians, however, the industry is keenly tuned to what changes need to be made to…
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California insurance regulators clash with insurers over coverage for small businesses
California insurance regulators are pushing for new legislation that would institute limitations on a controversial form of health insurance that is targeting small businesses. This coverage is a type of self-insurance that is designed for businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Regulators claim that these policies are being used by health insurers to find companies with the healthiest workers, lowering their risk of costly payouts. Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones is concerned that these policies undermine one of the key principles of the Affordable Care Act: Lowering premiums by allowing insurers…
Read MoreHow to find individual health insurance by yourself
When your health insurance is sponsored by your employer, it is easy enough to know which policy to choose because it has typically been selected for you, but when you are unemployed, self-employed, or employed by a company that doesn’t offer this medical benefits, then it is up to you to find your own coverage. Use the following tips to help you locate the right policy and price to fit your needs: • Healthcare.gov – this federal government site provides a number of questions that you can answer in order…
Read MoreDepartment of Health and Human Services says that health insurance rates are too high in nine states
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced that health insurance rates in nine states are far too high to be reasonable. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has determined that these rates are excessive under the authority granted to the agency by the Affordable Care Act. The law gives federal and state insurance regulators the authority to review health insurance rate increases of 10% or higher and determine whether they are necessary. The insurance companies in these nine states will be requires to justify their rates or make changes…
Read MoreGender gap continues to play an important role in health insurance premiums
According to the latest research issued in a report by the research and advocacy group, the National Women’s Law Center, women continue to pay higher premiums than men for the same health coverage. In 2014, when the new healthcare laws are fully implemented, the discrepancy between what men and women will pay for health insurance will cease, but at the moment, many states continue to see significant gaps between the premiums of men and women without any indication that the insurers intend to shrink them. The report will become available…
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