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

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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Trash and mini-meds insurance plans continue to exist until healthcare reform becomes effective

According to the latest edition of Consumer Reports, to be released for March, so called “junk health plans”, also known as mini-meds insurance, continue to exist and will remain so until the full degree of the healthcare reform goes into effect. The March issue said that these plans are “legal but inadequate” and said that these and other forms of misleading product, such as medical discount cards and fixed benefit indemnity plans, are still widely in existence. The reason that these plans continue to be in operation is that wavers…

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Vital health care being rejected due to insurance

A recent Senate Investigation has found that a staggering number of insurance companies from around the nation have denied coverage to thousands of people in need of necessary care. The investigation took place over six months, researching more than 1,600 cases. The results of the investigation were released last Friday, leading many to question the altruistic nature sometimes lauded by big name insurers. Michael Fields, an HVAC technician and resident of Maryland, is one of the key people that helped initiate the investigation. Fields in a coronary patient, whom on…

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Health Care Reform Update: New waiver proposal for industries and citizens

The Department of Health and Human Services has proposed several new waiver rules that will give states more control of their own health care systems and regulations. Backed by the Obama administration, the waivers will provide states with more flexibility. If the proposal is successful, states will have more freedom in creating their own systems that will support federally mandates health insurance exchanges. Additional legislation is being proposed to make the waivers available by 2014 instead of 2017. States may apply for “Innovation Waivers” that will allow them to come…

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