A new study from prestigious consulting firm McKinsey & Company suggests that as much as 30% of the nation’s employers will be making drastic changes to the insurance they provide to their employees. The firm suggests that the more these companies learn about upcoming insurance changes stemming from last year’s Affordable Care Act the more likely they are to make such changes. The study anticipates that these businesses will cease offering health care benefits or restrict access to such benefits to a select few in their service. If the study…
Read MoreTag: small group health insurance
The 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…
Read MoreVital 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…
Read MoreOpen forum for small group health reveals public opinion
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maine hosted a public comment forum Monday to discuss their impending rate hikes. A small group assembled in opposition of the proposed premium increases, most of whom were vocal with their disdain. The insurer is seeking to raise its rates as a result of rising medical costs and insists that the new rates will help ensure the quality of health care remains high. Many policyholders aren’t buying it. “We all know this is not about delivering quality care,” argues one angry Mapleton resident,…
Read More