Although the Affordable Healthcare for America Act by the Obama administration was created in order to make certain that a larger number of Americans will have access to health insurance, many are finding that the premiums are still too costly to be able to afford them. The Act has already gone through some significant improvements since its first creation, especially in terms of Medicare, as it has assisted in lowering those costs. That said, many Americans are still struggling to afford their current health insurance rates or remain without any…
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Health insurance rates dropping in light of health care reform
In a strange twist of fate, more health insurance companies are making requests to reduce their premiums. This comes in stark contrast of the trend that has been dominant in previous months where major health insurers sought to increase rates exponentially. Several small companies have been lowering their rates, but big companies are following suit, some seeking permission from insurance regulators to reduce their premiums by as much as 20%. While this move may seem uncharacteristic for the industry, some experts are saying that it is not as altruistic as…
Read MoreOregon’s low cost health insurer takes a rate hike
Last week, Oregon-based Regence Blue Cross Blue shield was called upon to answer concerns from regulators regarding proposed rate increase of 22%. The state’s Insurance Division hosted the public meeting, the first of its kind in more than two decades. 200 Oregon residents attended the meeting to hear firsthand the rationalization behind the rate change proposal. They were also given the opportunity to make comment and question company officials regarding the issue. Regence provides insurance customers to 12% of the state’s population. The insurer often provides affordable coverage for those…
Read MoreCalifornia health insurance marketplace just got a little tougher for industry
In California’s ongoing battle over health insurance rates, legislators may have won some ground toward their goals of more affordable coverage. The state’s Assembly approved a bill late last week that would institute much stricter regulations regarding rate changes. The bill requires California insurers to seek approval from regulators regarding rate changes before they can collect premiums from new rates. The majority of the state’s insurance industry opposed the bill, but was unable to sway the minds of lawmakers. The bill expands the powers of the California’s Insurance Commissioner, Dave…
Read MoreExemption 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…
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