The COBRA subsidy program remains in limbo, and as a result many enrollees are choosing to discontinue coverage altogether. This program, which was intended for anyone terminated from September 1, 2008 to May 31, 2010, offered a 65% subsidy for up to 15 months. The subsidy, however, would be less for anyone whose modified gross income exceeds $125,000. While this is of great assistance to COBRA enrollees, anyone who has exhausted their 15 months or is newly unemployed, relief seem to be nowhere on the horizon.
Archive for the ‘Resources’ Category
Expired COBRA Subsidy Leads to Coverage Lapses
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010When to Worry About a Child's Fever
Monday, August 23rd, 2010Starve a fever, feed a cold? Or is it feed a fever, starve a cold? Whatever the old myth states, we all know how frightening it can be when your child has a fever. While it is a necessary process your body uses to fight off infection, it is vital to keep track of the fever both in the number and length of its duration. However, keep in mind that the number on the thermometer has little to do with the seriousness of the situation. Keeping a watchful eye on your child and noting behavioral changes is just as important as anything else.
Doctors Face Major Cuts in Medicare Reimbursement Rates
Monday, August 16th, 2010The American Medical Association is working diligently to fight the cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates, which is about 21% less than current compensation rates. Though the House delayed the cuts via HR 3962 (Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010) until at least November of this year, many physicians see this as only a temporary fix to a flawed system. Congress states they have no other choice, as mounting deficits play a role in their decision. Medicare overall is in a difficult financial state, leaving little to no room for improvements. The only choice doctors will have, other than dropping Medicare patients altogether, will be getting more patients in the door. Either way, patient care will be compromised if the Medicare pay cuts occur.
Anthem Blue Cross Introduces Retail Health Clinics
Monday, August 9th, 2010Anthem Blue Cross recently announced that they have extended their provider network to include retail health clinics. These are walk-in clinics, albeit small, that are conveniently located in many of your local retail outlets, such as pharmacies and supermarkets. Rather than making an appointment with your primary doctor for such common illnesses as sore throats, coughs, colds, or minor fevers, you can walk into any of these clinics for an immediate exam and treatment plan. Clients who have utilized these services state that most visits take less than 15 minutes, and also include wellness and prevention services (immunization and screenings).
Overage Dependent Coverage Hits a Snag
Monday, August 2nd, 2010Though many insurers have implemented the law early, which states adult dependents may remain on their parent’s plan until the age of 26, there have been a surprising number of employers who opted out of the earlier implementation of this law. Instead, they are waiting until they are legally required to do so – January 2011. Even though provisions of this law take effect September 23, 2010, employers do not have to comply with this until the New Year.
Healthcare Reform and the Prevention of Chronic Illnesses
Thursday, July 1st, 2010However you may feel about health care reform and the changes it will bring, one major outcome will be the mandatory implementation of preventative care on all policies. It is proposed that preventive care will be covered without any co pays or deductibles. Considering it is thought that half the conditions we treat in our health care system could be avoidable, the expansion of preventive screenings and vaccinations should help to bring down the number of chronic conditions that we see today.
Modernized Medicare Supplement Plans
Thursday, June 24th, 2010As of June 1, 2010 major changes will be made to the Medicare Supplement industry. This comes via HR 6331, also known as the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, which was passed on July 9, 2008. This act intends to modernize the current Medicare market by dropping some coverage options and adding others to streamline the plans. Here is an overview of some of these changes:
“At-Home Recovery” benefit will be dropped from all 2010 Medicare Supplement plans
Medigap Plans I and J will no longer be available for new sales
Plan G will be modified to increase excess charges from 80% to 100%
New Hospice Benefit will be added to all plans
Two new Medigap Plans M & N will be available in 2010
Health Care Reform – where it is headed?
Monday, May 17th, 2010We are now well into the first year following the passing of the health care reform bill. However, we still are not completely sure of what the changes are going to be, and how it will affect all of us. While some portions of the bill are clear cut, such as extending coverage to overage dependents, many of the larger concepts remain to be fully explained. How are small and large businesses going to be able to afford coverage for their employees? How will the tax breaks help or hurt? How can coverage for all Americans remain affordable?
Lack of Pediatric Specialists a Growing Concern
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010Health Care Reform promises to ensure that all Americans have access to medical coverage. The most pressing concern is the fact that many children are without coverage and the care they need now, so the bill states that by September 23rd, 2010, no child can be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. While this is well needed, it does bring to light the fact that there is an increasing shortage of Pediatric Specialists. With an influx of new patients entering the system, and the demand for both medically necessary and non-medically necessary treatments rising, will there be enough physicians to handle the load?
Insurers to Offer Overage Dependents Coverage Earlier Than Anticipated
Tuesday, May 4th, 2010As planned during six months following the signing of the health care reform bill, coverage will be extended for dependents up to the age of 26. This will allow parents to continue to offer health insurance coverage to their dependent children, even if those children do not live in the same household. This also holds true for young adults under 26 living out of state, and those that are married. Basically, unless they are offered employer sponsored health insurance, they can continue to remain on their parent’s coverage.
