Archive for the ‘Family’ Category
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
Retail clinics, which are walk-in medical clinics found in supermarkets, drug stores, and pharmacies is on the rise among young healthy people. Not only are these facilities available more often than typical doctor’s offices, they are usually staffed with nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants, much like their typical doctor’s office for non-severe illnesses. Most cases were seen for minor conditions, such as coughs, colds, and sinus infections, and expressed that should the clinics not be available to them, they were not likely to seek out the care with their primary care physician. This is not only due to convenience; it also was shown that these costs were 30% to 40% cheaper than their doctor’s office, and up to 80% less expensive at the emergency room. With a drop in general practitioners nationwide, this also may be a reflection on the need for more providers in these fields. However, as long as access to inexpensive and quality care is available, people will seek out means that are easily fit into their hectic schedules.
In this day and age where every minute counts, and we are constantly on the move, being able to seek out quick care at the drop of a hat is priceless.
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Tags: added benefits, health insurance, individual health, preventative care, wellness
Posted in Family, General, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
Monday, July 18th, 2011
As part of their medical underwriting review requirements, Anthem Blue Cross has starting using a paramedical exam as part of the application process. These in house exams will be required for any applicant age 55 and older who have not been seen by a physician in the last twenty four months, as well as anyone age 30 to 54 who have not seen a physician in the last five months. These exams will be performed at no cost to the applicant, and are intended to provide the most up to date and current health status of the individual.
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Anthem Blue Cross Implements Paramedical Exam Requirement
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Tags: health insurance, health plan, individual health
Posted in Family, Individual, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
In Governor Jerry Brown’s (D) revision to the budget plan, he addresses earlier cuts made to health and social service programs. Though these cuts were intended to shrink California’s deficit, many children, low income, or elderly residents face losing assistance. As lawmakers managed to move $2 billion dollars from mental health services and childhood health programs, Brown’s budget plan revisions reflect the lack of funding due to such lawsuits. Some examples are as follows:
• A merging of Healthy Families — California’s Children’s Health Insurance Program – with Medi-Cal
• A 10% reduction in Medi-Cal provider reimbursement rates.
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California State Programs Face Massive Cuts
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Tags: children's health, health insurance, pre-existing
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Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
Even though a privately hired actuary deemed Blue Shield proposed rate hikes as “reasonable”, continued pressure from clients and state officials helped to convince the carrier to cancel their May 1st increase. Though citing a projected loss in the millions, consumers are looking at saving close to $40 million in premiums, which bring much needed relief after the two rate increases within six months – one in October and another January 1, 2011. Blue Shield of California’s CEO released a statement to include “…By agreeing not to raise rates this year, we are helping to make coverage more affordable for our members during tough economic times. It’s a financial risk for us, but a risk that’s worth taking.”
Tags: health care costs, health insurance, premiums
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Thursday, January 27th, 2011
As the number of uninsured children increases, a new study shows that many of these children have the added stress of an emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder which is going untreated due to lack of access to medical care. Low income families tend to have children with higher rates of these conditions, such as ADD, autism, or depression, but do not have health coverage to assist with the mental health services they need – including counseling and medication. According to such reports as the one done by the Health Resources and Services Administration:
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Many Children Going Without Mental Health Services
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Tags: children's health, health care costs, health care reform, health insurance, mental health, pre-existing
Posted in Employees, Family, Individual, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
Thursday, January 13th, 2011
According to studies done in 2010, High Deductible Health Plans increased significantly in both the group and individual markets. Many found that taking on higher out of pocket plans greatly reduced their premiums, while not affecting first dollar benefits, such as preventive care or doctor office visits. It was shown that individual enrollment in HDHP’s increased from 39% in 2007 to 51% in 2010. Numbers were similar when reviewing group enrollment in HDHP’s. It is believed that as more information is provided to potential enrollees of HDHP’s regarding the benefits of adding on a health savings account, more people wanted to take advantage of the tax benefits as well. Overall, many feel that these plans gave them more control over their health care needs and costs as a whole.
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High Deductible Health Plans and HSA’s Growing in both Group & Individual Markets
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Tags: deductibles, health care costs, health plan, health savings accounts
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, Individual, Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, December 30th, 2010
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) states that children must be offered health care coverage regardless of their health status. As a result, almost all carriers decided to drop new “child only” plans from their portfolio, fearing that parents would only enroll their child once they became ill. However, a new bill signed into play by Arnold Schwarzenegger will bring this practice of denying any child health insurance coverage to an end as of January 1, 2011.
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Children Guaranteed Health Coverage Thanks to Assembly Bill 2244
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Tags: children's health, health care reform, health insurance
Posted in Employees, Family, Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, December 16th, 2010
While many of us know the importance of protecting ourselves against unexpected medical expenses, we tend to overlook the added fact that while we recover from an accident or illness, we are going to lose our income. Sometimes an illness or injury can keep you from working for years, and the added stress of lost income only further hinders your recovery. How many months would you be able to continue paying your bills if you lost your ability to earn an income? Assuming Social Security will cover your expenses is not the safest bet, as income from this source is usually not enough, and not readily available. Therefore, supplementing your coverage with a disability plan can bring peace of mind during the most trying times, and ensure your income and assets are protected.
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Disability Insurance Provides Peace of Mind Protection
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Tags: added benefits, disability, group health, wellness
Posted in Employers, Family, General, Group, Individual, Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
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Blue Shield Ends 12 Month Rate Guarantees
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Tags: health care reform, health insurance, individual health, preventative care, Universal Health Care
Posted in Family, Federal, Individual, Laws, Resources | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
While promising reports from the Center for Disease control proclaim that the Swine Flu (H1N1) epidemic is “over”, another illness appears to be emerging as a major cause for concern. It seems that Whooping Cough, or Pertussis, has been declared an epidemic, and is the worst that has been seen in years. As of July 21, six infants in California died after contracting whooping cough. This bacterial disease ravages bodies, but affects infants most of all because they are so small. The cough itself is named for the sound one makes while trying to catch their breath between the coughing fits. Coughing fits can be so severe that one breaks blood vessels in their face, eyes, and even their brain. Vomiting often accompanies the coughing fits, and if you notice this symptom, seek medical attention. Treatment is more effective the earlier it is administered, starting with antibiotics. More severe symptoms may require fluids, sedatives, and even oxygen support. Note – even though the disease is dangerous to children, adults are just as likely to contract the illness, and it is just as important that they seek care for their symptoms early on.
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Whooping Cough Overshadows H1N1 as New Epidemic
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Tags: children's health, health insurance, preventative care, wellness
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