Archive for the ‘Individual’ Category
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
Alarming trends show that almost half the United States population will be obese by 2030. In California, rates have doubled in the last 20 years – resulting in over 20% of the State’s residents falling under the category of obese. With increasing size comes increasing health problems, such as diabetes and heart conditions. In 2009, obesity related medical costs were 15.2 billion in California, which is the highest in the country. The rest of the country in not far behind, however, and only further demonstrates a need for change.
According to a CDC report:
- Obesity rates were higher among people ages 50 and older (most likely due to an aging population)
Tags: Chronic Condition, health care costs, pre-existing, preventative care
Posted in General, Individual, 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.
This is a preview of
Anthem Blue Cross Implements Paramedical Exam Requirement
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Read the full post (299 words, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)
Tags: health insurance, health plan, individual health
Posted in Family, Individual, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
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
Posted in Family, Individual, Tools | No Comments »
Friday, March 11th, 2011
Tis the season for chocolates, flowers, and other gifts expressing our love for the most important people in our lives. However, many people tend to overlook the most important gift you can provide to your loved ones – Life Insurance. If something should happen to you, would your family be provided for? Although this is something hard to imagine, it is vital to make sure that your family remains financially secure in the event they lose you.
Tags: Life Insurance
Posted in General, Individual, Resources | No Comments »
Friday, March 4th, 2011
Employers are constantly searching for ways to bring down the cost for group health insurance premiums. While the answer used to be “switch to an H.M.O”, this is no longer the case. While H.M.O. plans used to offer much lower premiums because patients were limited in where they could go for care, the rates for such plans have increased at such a steady pace, many of them have surpassed the PPO options in terms of monthly rates. The average increase for an H.M.O. in 2011 was 9.8%, the highest increase in five years.
Tags: group health, health care costs, HMO plan, premiums
Posted in Employees, Employers, Group, Individual, Resources, Tools | No Comments »
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:
This is a preview of
Many Children Going Without Mental Health Services
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Read the full post (201 words, estimated 48 secs reading time)
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 20th, 2011
The good news? People are living longer. The bad? Costs for Long Term Care (LTC) are increasing steadily with each passing years, outpacing inflation. Should you need care after an accident or illness, you may find that savings can rapidly deplete when paying for the care you need. It is estimated that over two-thirds of the over 65 population will need some form of long term care, whether it is in as assisted living facility, adult day care facility, or home health services. Medicare offers some basic skilled care in a nursing home, but is limited to 100 days. When faced with a long term illness which impairs your ability to perform the basic activities of living, such as eating, bathing, or dressing, it is imperative to have access to continuous care. Long Term Care insurance helps you maintain your dignity and financial freedom and gives you the ability to contribute to the choices that affect your care — about the services you receive, where you receive them and who provides the care you need.
Tags: Chronic Condition, health care costs, long term care
Posted in General, Group, Individual, Resources, Seniors, 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.
This is a preview of
High Deductible Health Plans and HSA’s Growing in both Group & Individual Markets
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Read the full post (202 words, estimated 48 secs reading time)
Tags: deductibles, health care costs, health plan, health savings accounts
Posted in Employees, Employers, Family, Individual, 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.
This is a preview of
Disability Insurance Provides Peace of Mind Protection
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Read the full post (348 words, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)
Tags: added benefits, disability, group health, wellness
Posted in Employers, Family, General, Group, Individual, Resources | No Comments »
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
This is a preview of
Blue Shield Ends 12 Month Rate Guarantees
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Read the full post (222 words, estimated 53 secs reading time)
Tags: health care reform, health insurance, individual health, preventative care, Universal Health Care
Posted in Family, Federal, Individual, Laws, Resources | No Comments »
