Controversial proposals regarding Medicare expenses have moved back into the forefront of discussions as a result of the federal deficit debates, leading many to voice concerns regarding the increase of hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars to the medical bills of seniors. It has not yet been determined whether any of these new proposals will be enacted in 2011, considering the current impasse faced by the government regarding its spending. The Republicans are currently demanding these proposals so that trillions can be hacked from the federal budget. However,…
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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 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…
Read MoreInsurance statistics for 2011 look grim
According to a recent survey, a large percent of the 50 million people in the U.S. who are uninsured, have practically no savings. On the average, families with no insurance can only afford to pay off about 12 percent of their total hospital bill. The uncompensated cost of care (health care the uninsured can’t pay) is more than 70 billion dollars a year. Another survey shows that last year 75 million adults did not get health care they needed; they skipped doctor appointments, went without prescription medication, didn’t go to…
Read MoreThe latest battle over Maine health insurance bill
As health care reform continues to be a hotly contested issue throughout the nation, Maine is embroiled in its own battle regarding the state’s health insurance regulations. Earlier this week, a bill was introduced that would seek to overhaul the current regulatory standard in the hopes of increasing competition in the state’s health insurance market, thereby driving down insurance rates. Introduced by Representative Jonathan McKane (R), the bill has received rigid opposition from Democrats who say that consumer protections are being put at risk. The promise that the bill will…
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