Blue Cross group blasts reform bill Oct 15, 2009
The BCBSA study finds that premiums in the individual insurance market will rise by 50 percent after five years of enacting reform. That translates into $1,500 for individuals and $3,300 for families. (TheHill.com)
Health-Care Reform: The Mandate Debate Oct 14, 2009
In the first year the fine was $219, rising this year to $1,020 half the cost of the cheapest individual insurance premium. The percentage of uninsured residents has dropped from 5. (BusinessWeek)
Win some, lose some Oct 13, 2009
He also signed a bill that forbids insurers from charging women up to 39 percent more than men in the individual insurance market. But he vetoed a bill that would have forced insurers to provide coverage for mental illnesses, just as they cover other illnesses. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Fat baby cant get health insurance Oct 13, 2009
When I went to Hank Johnson s town hall in August, I noticed that a lot of the anti health care reform people were quite overweight, and I wondered if they realized that if they lose their job or current coverage, they better lose weight, too, or they ll be SOL trying to buy an individual insurance policy. If they re lucky enough to get a policy, they ll be even luckier if they can afford it. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Sales Representative / Business Development - B2B Oct 9, 2009
Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Aflacs insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. (Florida Today)
Protest targets appeal for Anthem insurance rate hike in Maine Oct 8, 2009
PORTLAND, Maine Demonstrators on Wednesday backed Maine's insurance superintendent for rejecting a request from the state's largest private health insurer seeking an 18 percent rate hike for its individual insurance plans. Mila Koffman last spring denied Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's proposed rate increase as being excessive. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Pfizer Wins While CVS Loses as Senate Considers Obama-Led Health-Care Plan Oct 6, 2009
It cut the top penalty for failing to comply with an individual insurance mandate to $750 per adult, from $1,900 per family. It also waived the penalties in 2013, the first year that federally backed health-insurance exchanges would be in place, phasing them in through 2017. (Bloomberg -- US)
Health care bills tackle gender gap in coverage Oct 5, 2009
7 million women last year bought individual insurance in states with this pricing practice. In eight states and the District of Columbia, insurance companies can deny coverage to victims of domestic violence. (USA Today -- Money)
Will insurers balk at weakening of individual insurance mandate? Oct 4, 2009
Will insurers balk at weakening of individual insurance mandate ... Will insurers balk at weakening of individual insurance mandate ... "The insurance industry is clearly worried about the mandate being defanged. As the Finance Committee mulled changes to its health package Thursday, America's Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group, sent an emergency alert to its members at 9:17 p.m. It listed the phone numbers of Finance Committee members' offices and asked its members to call... (Fresno Bee)
Life After The Public Option Sep 30, 2009
In the meantime, those of us who buy individual insurance are seeing it rise 17% or more each year. We need "Immediate" results. (CBS News)
Fact check on presidents views illuminating Sep 30, 2009
Beaton opened an antique shop after retiring as a nurse, and in December 2007 signed up for individual insurance from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. She says she thought nothing of a fast-heartbeat episode that had prompted an earlier doctor s visit, and the resulting heart medication she stopped taking two years ago, and did not report that on the enrollment form. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Democrats save core of health proposal Sep 26, 2009
A Congressional Budget Office report analyzes possible effects of the legislation on premiums in the individual insurance market. Such premiums, it said, would tend to be higher because the new policies would have to cover preexisting medical conditions and could not deny coverage to people with high expected costs for health care. (Boston Globe)
Forced Health Care Isn't Justified Sep 24, 2009
That rationale not only has a weak empirical basis; it conceals the real motivation for the individual insurance mandate while dodging moral and constitutional questions about it. During the presidential campaign, Obama his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, for saying the federal government should force everyone to buy health insurance. (Human Events Online)
Does Cost of Uncompensated Care Justify Forcing People to Buy Insurance? Sep 23, 2009
That rationale not only has a weak empirical basis, it conceals the real motivation for the individual insurance mandate, while dodging moral and constitutional questions about it. During the presidential campaign, Obama castigated his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, for saying the federal government should force everyone to buy health insurance. (Townhall.com)
Health care programs fail to get financial reprieve Sep 22, 2009
It happens in the individual insurance market, where underwriting is allowed. Backed by the , the bill requires health plans and insurers to get approval from an independent review organization before rescinding insurance. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Something must be done Sep 22, 2009
"The individual insurance was 200 on its own, when trying to do it as a group was 350," Moss said. "We had to quit to survive.". (Taylor Daily Press, TX)
Romney: Mass. Healthcare Plan a Winner Sep 22, 2009
But by allowing individuals to purchase insurance through a central clearing house, the Massachusetts plan has seen premiums for individual insurance decline by as much as 20 percent, according to Kingsdales statement. In a book he is writing for St. Martins Press, Romney says he will propose a way to deal with the problem of rising healthcare costs. (Newsmax)
Those who cant pay for care costing millions for those who can Sep 21, 2009
Because they can t afford to buy individual insurance, they accept charity care, putting even more pressure on the premiums paid by those with insurance. North Carolina has been particularly hard hit in terms of insurance coverage losses. (Triangle Business Journal)
Obamacare Special Report Sep 18, 2009
The RSC s Empowering Patients First Act focuses on four main principles: universal coverage affordability, individual insurance policy ownership, improvements in health care delivery structure and reining in cost. Again, this alternative bill offers real solutions without a government takeover of health care. (Human Events Online)
The Consumer Is Not the Customer Sep 16, 2009
Even so, the large price difference between the job-based and individual insurance markets (some of which may be due to differences in the age and health of policy holders) suggests the savings that are possible when people decide how to spend their own money: In 2007 the average annual premium for nongroup health insurance was about $2,600 for single-person coverage and $5,800 for family coverage, compared to $4,500 and $12,100, respectively, for job-based plans. In addition to enhancing... (Townhall.com)
Our view: One reason for reform Sep 13, 2009
"It's just a huge burden. It's just really depressing to constantly carry that over your head," says Carr, who has hepatitis and what used to be called a heart murmur -- conditions that make individual insurance unaffordable. His position as an uninsured small-business worker is all too common. (Anchorage Daily News)
Obama Speaks Out on Health Care Sep 13, 2009
" He went on to call TRICARE "world class health care," concluding on a personal note. "I am grateful to have four sons now serving in the military, and I know that their families appreciate the availability of TRICARE," he said. by Void_Master September 12, 2009 12:38 PM EDT I used to think that people such as myself should have the opportunity to opt-out of participating in a statist society. But I have come to realize that that is the wrong approach. More accurately, those who insist on... (CBS News)
How Robin Beaton Became Exhibit A in Obama's Case Against Health Insurers Sep 11, 2009
These stories are real, but they are not necessarily the dominant stories, since this is really a problem in the individual insurance market, not the group insurance market, Blendon said in an interview yesterday. Most Americans with private health coverage get it through their employers and arent subject to being dropped. (Bloomberg -- US)
Policyholders could pay more under Obama plan Sep 11, 2009
These include limits on profitability and laws that guarantee coverage for individual insurance. Health care reform without a public option "would be fantastic" for insurers, said Robert Laszewski, president of Health Policy and Strategy Associates, a Virginia-based health care consulting firm. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Earthquake Insurance Coverage in Ca... Sep 11, 2009
All CEA policies are marketed by individual insurance companies but have the same coverage and price, which includes a large 15% deductible which makes many homeowners balk at buying ... CEA insurance policies are issued through individual insurance companies just like non-CEA policies. (Suite101.com)
Don't wait for Congress; state should offer its own catastrophic health plan to Alaskans Sep 10, 2009
Those already covered by employer-sponsored or individual insurance would probably find their premiums lowered since the private coverage would now have a lower ceiling. This would benefit small businesses and individuals especially. (Anchorage Daily News)
On health care, Obama declares a 'season for action' Sep 10, 2009
Individual insurance mandates: Everyone would have to have basic insurance. Most businesses would be required to offer insurance or "chip in" to help cover workers. (News & Observer)
Obama's Health Care Options Sep 2, 2009
Obama could drop controversial plans to introduce new players in the health insurance market -- either the public option or insurance cooperatives -- while retaining the core elements of his current plan: health insurance reform, an individual insurance mandate and government subsidies to individuals to purchase insurance. These elements cannot be separated. (Townhall.com)
Time now for city leaders to make pay raise decision Sep 1, 2009
Employees and officials will continue to have their individual insurance paid by the city. City leaders must again demonstrate leadership qualities on the issue of pay raises. (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
Survey: No Need for Second Fiscal Sep 1, 2009
Respondents were split between two policy choices: an individual insurance mandate and public insurance option with a single-payer insurance system trailing. About 60% of respondents said they favored a combination of the proposals as more effective than any single change in expanding access to health care. (Fox News)
Doctor — also a patient — considers the options Aug 27, 2009
I have patients who have lost their jobs and thus their heath insurance and cannot obtain individual insurance due to pre-existing conditions. Patients who lose their jobs and are eligible to continue coverage under COBRA are shocked at the cost. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
White House explains Obama 'Wee-weed up' comment... Aug 22, 2009
Wee-weed up:' White House explains it: The Swamp. Posted August 21, 2009 11:55 AM. (The Drudge Report)
Some see patient-run co-ops as the answer to health care's ills Aug 21, 2009
Premiums for individual insurance have increased by an average of 12. 3% a year since 2000, less than the largest private insurers in Washington, according to the state's Office of the Insurance Commissioner. (USA Today -- Money)
Braley hears impassioned health care views in Fayette Aug 20, 2009
Since then, he said he has been disgusted that buying individual insurance costs nearly three times as much as it did when he owned his small business. That s ridiculous, he said, and that s why he supports a public option. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Grassley: Obama, Pelosi 'Intellectually Dishonest' Aug 20, 2009
com - Grassley Calls Obama, Pelosi ellectually Dishonestitle. Wednesday, August 19, 2009. (Newsmax)
DeMint: Co-ops 'Make Absolutely No Sense' Aug 20, 2009
Jim DeMint says President Obamas plan to set up a quasi-government cooperative at every state level to compete with individual insurance companies makes absolutely no sense and is a fairly elaborate hoax. . (Newsmax)
LETTER: Less 'coverage,' more real insurance needed Aug 19, 2009
Next best is individual insurance. The insurer will supervise the medical decisions to cut down on the chance of your suckering them, but cannot be arbitrary or often wrong, because you have a direct and voluntary relationship with them. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Most health industry players would win under overhaul Aug 19, 2009
An individual insurance mandate and subsidies for low-income Americans to buy coverage will mean more paying patients for hospitals. Hospitals were assured that cuts in Medicare and federal Disproportionate Share funding that compensates hospitals for treating the uninsured won't occur until insurance expansion is in place. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
Travel Insurance: When to Get, Skip Aug 18, 2009
Covers $1,500 trip cancellation or interruption; $100 for bags delayed more than 24 hours; $10,000 medical ($50 deductible); $500 dental (included in medical); $100,000 emergency medical evacuation -Family plans - Travelers can save buying a family plan, instead of individual insurance. Travel Guard's gold travel insurance plan includes children aged 17 and under at no additional charge. (CBS News -- Early Show)
2009 Aflac All-American Classic Ends in Dramatic Fashion Tied 4-4 Aug 17, 2009
As the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan, Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. In 2009, Aflac was recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the third consecutive year and was also named by the Reputation Institute as the Most Reputable Company in the Global Insurance... (PR Newswire)
Health care too vital to be left to free market Aug 14, 2009
Many people can t afford health insurance or even a co-payment, have previous existing health issues, are not allowed to move their insurance from job to job and are otherwise considered uninsurable by the arbitrary rules of individual insurance companies. This status quo is unacceptable. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Grassley pledges to vote against a government-run plan Aug 14, 2009
I do think that approach is a good idea, to let people buy individual insurance using pre-tax earnings, same as employer-based. " BIL wrote on Aug 13, 2009 2:57 PM:" xdfred, my point was that you would have paid a lot of money to be insured, then once you get sick the insurance company decided you cost too much money help, so they don't help. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Will we destroy another president? Aug 14, 2009
6 million non-elderly adults 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage when they became seriously ill. Learn more at http://www. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Health-Insurance Exchanges: What They Would (and Wouldn't) Do Aug 13, 2009
Under the House plan, the exchange would be the only place private insurers would be allowed to market and sell individual insurance policies. But under the plan from the one Senate committee that has released legislation, insurers could still sell insurance outside the exchanges. (Time.com)
Blue Cross to lay off 57 in Richardson Aug 13, 2009
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, for its part, is experiencing record growth in its small business and individual insurance markets this year, and has increased its members by more than 135,000 as of the end of July, she said. We ve done that in spite of the economic downturn, Jarvis said, but what we have to do is remain competitive during these challenging times, and this is expected to save some ongoing cost. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Letter: Public option can’t survive health sharks (Aug. 9) Aug 9, 2009
The public option uses tax dollars and graduated subsidized premiums to pay for the health care needs of those Americans who are without insurance or are dissatisfied with their employer-based or individual insurance plans. Theoretically, a public plan would have no need for profits or advertising and would have such economies of buying power that its overhead would be very low. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Health Care Reform: How It Will Affect You Aug 8, 2009
Normally insurers price individual insurance policies based on the risk you pose. Both proposed bills prohibit charging people higher premiums based on pre-existing medical conditions or gender, but they do allow insurers to take age into account, up to a point. (CBS News)
Manulife, Sun Life Shares Drop on Dividend Cut, Forecast for Earnings Aug 7, 2009
Sun Lifes profit from U.S. insurance rose more than fivefold to C$422 million on higher sales of annuities and individual insurance products. Profit from Canada fell 27 percent to C$217 million. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Health reform proposals could help 13 million uninsured young adults gain coverage Aug 6, 2009
As new entrants to the labor force, young adults are less likely than older adults to find jobs that come with health benefits, and are thus left to purchase health plans on their own in the individual insurance market, without the financial help of employer premium contributions. The report analyzes how reforms such as those currently under discussion in Congress would affect young adults: Some proposals would allow young adults to remain on their parents' health plans until they are 26 years... (EurekAlert!)
Humana earnings rise 34 percent Aug 4, 2009
In an interview Monday, McCallister said demand for individual insurance likely will continue to grow, given the down economy. Humana s pretax earnings for business under Humana s commercial segment also dropped during the quarter, to $35. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Plans to extend health care may reduce it Aug 3, 2009
Myth 2: Health care is paid for by employers, government and individual insurance premiums. Ezekiel Emanuel, M.D. (a clinical oncologist, author and brother of Obama's chief of staff Rahm Emanuel), has written extensively on this subject and points out that workers and households pay for health care through lower wages and higher prices. (Anchorage Daily News)
HSAs Would Improve Health Care Without Wrecking Budget Aug 3, 2009
Under the House of Representative s current health reform bill, HSAs will cease to exist in the individual insurance market, the government-run Health Information Exchange and are not included in the government-run health care option. The Democrats plan in the House will mandate HSAs to death, driving up the cost of the health insurance, and destroy the savings that fund the HSA.. (Human Events Online)
Congress Makes Progress on Health Care Jul 30, 2009
The plan, sponsored by the Republican Study Committee, promotes the individual insurance market as well as employer-based markets. It would give private insurers more freedom to work across state lines. (CBS News)
Former CIGNA executive talks about health care with Bill Moyer Jul 25, 2009
" or . Strategy Memos During the interview, Bill Moyers read from confidential documents drafted by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) in May and June of 2007. The documents outline a unified strategy for AHIP members to prepare for the release of Michael Moore's documentary, SICKO on June 29, 2007. You can download and read the full AHIP documents by clicking and (PDFs). The Frank Luntz memo strategizing opposition to health care reform Bill Moyers mentions in the interview. Strategy memo... (Harper's Magazine)
RN Field Case Manager Jul 25, 2009
Applies all special instructions required by individual insurance carriers and referral sources. Applies all laws and regulations that apply to the provision of rehabilitation services. (Florida Today)
Guest Comment: Health plan isn’t change we want Jul 23, 2009
They don t seem to want to realize that one-third of them are in this country illegally, one third are in some sort of transition and most likely will have individual insurance through new jobs etc. within months of their reporting and the final third are not able to get or pay for insurance for whatever reason. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
LETTER: Family's struggle shows health reform is needed Jul 22, 2009
Called "Failure to Protect: Why the Individual Insurance Market Is Not a Viable Option for Most U.S. Families," the report compared the experiences of working-age adults with individual- and employer-based private health insurance. It also found that people who bought health insurance in the individual market spend a lot more on premiums and deductibles than those with employer-based coverage. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Millions in U.S. can't afford health insurance Jul 22, 2009
Called "Failure to Protect: Why the Individual Insurance Market Is Not a Viable Option for Most U.S. Families," the report compared the experiences of working-age adults with individual- and employer-based private health insurance ... The survey found that among U.S. adults with individual insurance, 64 percent spend 3,000 dollars or more annually on premiums, whereas just 20 percent of those with employer-based insurance spend that much. (Xinhuanet, China)
Public Hearing About Anthem Insurance Rate Hike Jul 21, 2009
The average rate increase would be 23% on individual insurance policies, but group plans will remain unchanged. George Siriotis, the regional Vice President of Anthem says the proposed increase will help cover the rising costs of health care, prescription drugs and advanced technologies. (FOX61, CT)
New report: Individual health insurance market failing consumers Jul 21, 2009
The report, Failure to Protect: Why the Individual Insurance Market Is Not a Viable Option for Most U.S. Families, compared the experiences of working-age adults with individual and employer-based private health insurance and found that people who have purchased health insurance in the individual market spend far more out of pocket and on premiums than those with employer-based coverage. In fact, half of those with individual insurance have out-of-pocket costs and premium expenses that equal 10... (EurekAlert!)
Congratulations On Graduating. Now Go Get Health Insurance Jul 18, 2009
She's working now as a part-time swimming instructor, and her mother, Marla Whiteside, enrolled her in an individual insurance plan with a $96 monthly premium ... An individual insurance policy ... A type of comprehensive, individual insurance plan, HMOs offer a fixed list of health care providers. (W-USA News, DC)
The Impact on Small Business Jul 17, 2009
Individual insurance, including the public plan, could be purchased through "gateways" similar to the exchanges in the House bill. Insurers would be banned from restricting coverage based on pre-existing conditions or claims history. (BusinessWeek)
Insurance agency spreads its wings Jul 14, 2009
It markets corporate and individual insurance benefits, such as annuities, life, health and disability insurance, Medicare supplements and long-term care products. It also provides assistance with buy-sell agreements, estate tax issues, key person insurance and executive bonus plans. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
BILL FLOOD-GATES Jul 12, 2009
The inventors are seeking to pay for the equipment by selling individual insurance policies in areas protected by their storm-suppression plan, according to one of the patents. The group is also looking to get funding from state and federal governments. (New York Post -- Business)
Insurance is no answer Jul 10, 2009
John Kerry huffed, "The disparity between women and men in the individual insurance market is just plain wrong, and it has to change." The president of the industry trade group, Karen M. Ignagni, agreed that disparities "should be eliminated.". Give me a break. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
