They work more like savings coupons than bona fide insurance programs, but whatever they are, discount health, dental and vision programs are cause for concern among some industry and consumer groups, who feel they should be better regulated.
The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) recently lifted a cease and desist order on "discount health plans" following a review of that action by the former California Department of Corporations. Legislation to address the DMHC's stated lack of jurisdiction may soon emerge in the California State Legislature, but in the meantime, discount health companies are active once again in California marketplace.
"We are not convinced discount plans offer real and substantial benefits to consumers," said Earl Lui, senior attorney for Consumers Union. "The lack of adequate regulation only heightens our concerns. We believe the Department of Managed Health Care should regulate the industry and conduct random audits to ensure consumers get true discounts."
Simply put, discount health plans market annual memberships for a low monthly or annual fee, claiming to entitle users to reduced prices from participating providers and suppliers. Medical, dental and vision care, as well as chiropractics, cosmetic and even nutritional supplements are among the most common discount plan offerings. Advertisements — often found on the Internet or delivered as "spam" e-mail — boast that consumers can save up to 30 percent or more on the cost for such services.
Some industry observers and consumer advocates, however, warn that it's difficult to know just how much of a real discount members receive over the usual costs charged by participating providers. They are also concerned that discount program subscribers are not adequately informed that they only purchase access to a provider list — not actual coverage or insurance. The providers on these lists collect their payment in full from discount subscribers, receiving no reimbursement for any portion of their services from those who market the discount program.
"We are not convinced discount plans offer real and substantial benefits to consumers," said Earl Lui, senior attorney for Consumers Union. " The lack of adequate regulation only heightens our concerns. We believe the Department of Managed Health Care should regulate the industry and conduct random audits to ensure consumers get true discounts."
In a recently published opinion, DMHC Director Daniel Zingale determined that without new legislation, his department lacks the legal jurisdiction necessary to exercise any regulatory authority over discount health plans, which the DMHC does not regard as true healthcare service plans because they don't assume any risk or pay claims. Draft guidelines issued by the DMHC do, however, effectively prevent Knox-Keene licensed health plans in California from offering similar discount programs to compete with those from unlicensed companies. These guidelines are currently under review.
Knox-Keene licensed health plans like those that belong to the California Association of Dental Plans (CADP) are required to implement a quality assurance program, audit participating providers, maintain solvency standards and obtain plan design approvals from the DMHC. Licensed health plans must also fully inform and disclose to subscribers the provisions of their plan coverage, all limitations and exclusions, and advise subscribers of their right to complain or challenge a health plan's determination of coverage by calling the DMHC's patient complaint hotline.
The popularity and acceptance of discount programs by consumers remains unproven in California, but regulators in other states where discount plans are offered are taking action to head off trouble.
The Kentucky Department of Insurance, for instance, recently put out a consumer alert to make consumers understand that they are not buying actual insurance with these products, and to require adequate disclosure regarding how advertised discounts are calculated and administered.
Another alert will soon be put out by the Georgia Consumer's Insurance Advocate, Cathey Steinberg, who has reportedly fielded a spate of complaints from dissatisfied discount plan customers.
CADP — California's dental plan trade group — recently adopted the position that a more level playing field should be established between discount health plans and licensed healthcare service plans in California. And like the Consumers Union, the organization is on record advocating that appropriate regulation of discount plans should be adopted for the protection of California consumers.
The California Association of Health Plans has embraced a similar position, and new draft legislation that puts forward these principles is anticipated sometime during the 2002 legislative session.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Inhaler could replace needles
Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January, Exubera is the first non-injectable insulin option in the United States since insulin delivery was introduced more than 80 years ago. It can be used to treat both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Taken at mealtime, a patient breathes in normally through the mouth, sending the insulin into the lungs, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Because the lungs have a large and permeable surface area, they allow for rapid delivery of the insulin.
www.medequote.com
www.medequote.com
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Radical New Asthma Treatment
In a radical experiment, doctors are snaking wires inside the lungs of asthma patients to essentially burn off some of the tissue that blocks their ability to breathe.
The procedure, called bronchial thermoplasty, is the first attempt at a nondrug treatment for asthma.
It's not without risk. Irritating those super-sensitive airways can trigger wheezing, and no one knows the long-term effects. Nor does it promise a cure.
www.medequote.com
The procedure, called bronchial thermoplasty, is the first attempt at a nondrug treatment for asthma.
It's not without risk. Irritating those super-sensitive airways can trigger wheezing, and no one knows the long-term effects. Nor does it promise a cure.
www.medequote.com
Monday, May 22, 2006
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
A heart-healthy diet may also guard against cognitive decline.
THE QUESTION: Adhering to a so-called Mediterranean diet — lots of fruit, vegetables and fish, and little poultry, meat and dairy products — appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Might what's good for the heart also be good for the brain?
Information
Learn more about Alzheimer's disease: at http://www.alz.org/ and www.alzinfo.org.
www.medequote.com
THIS STUDY followed 2,258 older people (average age, 77) with normal mental faculties, recording what they ate and periodically assessing their cognitive abilities. In a four-year period, 262 of them were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The more closely people followed a Mediterranean diet, the less likely they were to have Alzheimer's.
Compared with those who followed the diet the least, people in the mid-range of adherence had Alzheimer's 15 percent less often, and those who followed the eating pattern the closest were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's.
WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE FINDINGS? Older people. About 10 percent of those over 65 and about half of people older than 85 have Alzheimer's. The number of Americans with the disease, currently about 4 ½ million, is expected to grow to as many as 16 million in the next 15 years.
CAVEATS: The study did not address the effects of following a Mediterranean diet earlier in life.
FIND THIS STUDY: April 18 online issue of Annals of Neurology; abstract available at www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/ana
A heart-healthy diet may also guard against cognitive decline.
THE QUESTION: Adhering to a so-called Mediterranean diet — lots of fruit, vegetables and fish, and little poultry, meat and dairy products — appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Might what's good for the heart also be good for the brain?
Information
Learn more about Alzheimer's disease: at http://www.alz.org/ and www.alzinfo.org.
www.medequote.com
THIS STUDY followed 2,258 older people (average age, 77) with normal mental faculties, recording what they ate and periodically assessing their cognitive abilities. In a four-year period, 262 of them were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The more closely people followed a Mediterranean diet, the less likely they were to have Alzheimer's.
Compared with those who followed the diet the least, people in the mid-range of adherence had Alzheimer's 15 percent less often, and those who followed the eating pattern the closest were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's.
WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE FINDINGS? Older people. About 10 percent of those over 65 and about half of people older than 85 have Alzheimer's. The number of Americans with the disease, currently about 4 ½ million, is expected to grow to as many as 16 million in the next 15 years.
CAVEATS: The study did not address the effects of following a Mediterranean diet earlier in life.
FIND THIS STUDY: April 18 online issue of Annals of Neurology; abstract available at www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/ana
Alzheimers Disease Prevention
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
A heart-healthy diet may also guard against cognitive decline.
THE QUESTION: Adhering to a so-called Mediterranean diet — lots of fruit, vegetables and fish, and little poultry, meat and dairy products — appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Might what's good for the heart also be good for the brain?
Information
Learn more about Alzheimer's disease: at http://www.alz.org/ and www.alzinfo.org.
THIS STUDY followed 2,258 older people (average age, 77) with normal mental faculties, recording what they ate and periodically assessing their cognitive abilities. In a four-year period, 262 of them were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The more closely people followed a Mediterranean diet, the less likely they were to have Alzheimer's.
Compared with those who followed the diet the least, people in the mid-range of adherence had Alzheimer's 15 percent less often, and those who followed the eating pattern the closest were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's.
WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE FINDINGS? Older people. About 10 percent of those over 65 and about half of people older than 85 have Alzheimer's. The number of Americans with the disease, currently about 4 ½ million, is expected to grow to as many as 16 million in the next 15 years.
CAVEATS: The study did not address the effects of following a Mediterranean diet earlier in life.
FIND THIS STUDY: April 18 online issue of Annals of Neurology; abstract available at www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/ana
www.medequote.com
A heart-healthy diet may also guard against cognitive decline.
THE QUESTION: Adhering to a so-called Mediterranean diet — lots of fruit, vegetables and fish, and little poultry, meat and dairy products — appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Might what's good for the heart also be good for the brain?
Information
Learn more about Alzheimer's disease: at http://www.alz.org/ and www.alzinfo.org.
THIS STUDY followed 2,258 older people (average age, 77) with normal mental faculties, recording what they ate and periodically assessing their cognitive abilities. In a four-year period, 262 of them were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The more closely people followed a Mediterranean diet, the less likely they were to have Alzheimer's.
Compared with those who followed the diet the least, people in the mid-range of adherence had Alzheimer's 15 percent less often, and those who followed the eating pattern the closest were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's.
WHO MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE FINDINGS? Older people. About 10 percent of those over 65 and about half of people older than 85 have Alzheimer's. The number of Americans with the disease, currently about 4 ½ million, is expected to grow to as many as 16 million in the next 15 years.
CAVEATS: The study did not address the effects of following a Mediterranean diet earlier in life.
FIND THIS STUDY: April 18 online issue of Annals of Neurology; abstract available at www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/ana
www.medequote.com
Avoid Skimping on health care, study says
Millions of Americans are going without needed medical services because of skimpy insurance coverage, potentially endangering their health, according to a study published Monday in the journal Health Affairs.The report found that 16 million adult Americans are "underinsured" and face problems similar to those encountered by the 45 million Americans with no health insurance--primarily, difficulty getting and paying for care.
It's important to understand your health care coverages and be aware of any limitations it may have. Don't assume you are covered for everything when you are not. As health care prices continue to rise it is important to understand that benefits are cut to keep prices in line. Physical therapy is a good example of a service that is becoming increasingly limited under most health plans. It is always a good idea to have an experienced insurange agent review coverage with you on a yearly basis so you are aware of where the gaps in your existing policy exist, and of course if better coverage is available in the same price range from another carrier.
www.medequote.com
http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-060103insurance2-story,1,4544168.story?coll=chi-health-utl
ww.medequote.com
It's important to understand your health care coverages and be aware of any limitations it may have. Don't assume you are covered for everything when you are not. As health care prices continue to rise it is important to understand that benefits are cut to keep prices in line. Physical therapy is a good example of a service that is becoming increasingly limited under most health plans. It is always a good idea to have an experienced insurange agent review coverage with you on a yearly basis so you are aware of where the gaps in your existing policy exist, and of course if better coverage is available in the same price range from another carrier.
www.medequote.com
http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-060103insurance2-story,1,4544168.story?coll=chi-health-utl
ww.medequote.com
Saturday, May 20, 2006
More Americans declining health coverage, but UniCare offers solution
As the cost of employment-based health insurance and premiums faced by the employee continue to rise, an increasing number of employed Americans are declining coverage, according to a new report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. About 3 million fewer eligible Americans signed up for health insurance in 2003, compared with 1998.
There has been a 42 percent increase in the cost of individual, employment-based health care plans between 1998 and 2003, with adjustment for inflation. About 80 percent of eligible workers elected to enroll in their employers’ health care plans in 2003. More than half of all adults who do not have health insurance cite high costs.
A series of Institute of Medicine reports looks at the United States' uninsured population and what the nation should do to ensure health care coverage. Insuring America's Health: Principles and Recommendations calls for universal health coverage by 2010 given the growing stress being placed on the nation's health care system, the exacerbated health problems, and the substantial societal costs that result from more than 45 million Americans lacking health insurance. Hidden Costs, Value Lost: Uninsurance in America estimated the societal economic loss for the United States at between $65 billion and $130 billion every year because of the poorer health and earlier death experienced by the uninsured.
UniCare has taken a huge step in reducing this problem in Illinois, and Texas by introducing the new Sound Health plans aimed at the nations largest amount of uninsured, those in the 18-40 age group, the young invicibles. John Berkowitz of Medequote in Chicago states that sales have been brisk for the new product. "It includes everything you need at a very low cost without sacraficing the quality of coverage", says Berkowitz, "The product is now be offered at our website www.medequote.com, and the sign-up is slick, easy and only takes only a few moments, most applicants are immediately covered and are able to print out a colorful enrollment card."
UniCare has plans for national distribution of this product in the future. Based on sales so far of the similar Tonic product in California for Blue Cross of California, another WellPoint company. Tonic has been a huge hit in California, and UniCare's Sound should do well and make a serious dent in the number of young insured's in Illinois, Texas, and at a later date, the country as a whole.
www.soundhealthplans.com
There has been a 42 percent increase in the cost of individual, employment-based health care plans between 1998 and 2003, with adjustment for inflation. About 80 percent of eligible workers elected to enroll in their employers’ health care plans in 2003. More than half of all adults who do not have health insurance cite high costs.
A series of Institute of Medicine reports looks at the United States' uninsured population and what the nation should do to ensure health care coverage. Insuring America's Health: Principles and Recommendations calls for universal health coverage by 2010 given the growing stress being placed on the nation's health care system, the exacerbated health problems, and the substantial societal costs that result from more than 45 million Americans lacking health insurance. Hidden Costs, Value Lost: Uninsurance in America estimated the societal economic loss for the United States at between $65 billion and $130 billion every year because of the poorer health and earlier death experienced by the uninsured.
UniCare has taken a huge step in reducing this problem in Illinois, and Texas by introducing the new Sound Health plans aimed at the nations largest amount of uninsured, those in the 18-40 age group, the young invicibles. John Berkowitz of Medequote in Chicago states that sales have been brisk for the new product. "It includes everything you need at a very low cost without sacraficing the quality of coverage", says Berkowitz, "The product is now be offered at our website www.medequote.com, and the sign-up is slick, easy and only takes only a few moments, most applicants are immediately covered and are able to print out a colorful enrollment card."
UniCare has plans for national distribution of this product in the future. Based on sales so far of the similar Tonic product in California for Blue Cross of California, another WellPoint company. Tonic has been a huge hit in California, and UniCare's Sound should do well and make a serious dent in the number of young insured's in Illinois, Texas, and at a later date, the country as a whole.
www.soundhealthplans.com
Survey says that recent college grads are unaware they are no longer covered by parents insurance
New research by College Parents of America and Assurant Health shows parents are concerned about insurance but unaware of affordable options Milwaukee – April 18, 2006 – Graduation day is just around the corner, but it’s the parents of these young students who still need remedial education on whether their health plans cover their children and the options now available for short-term medical insurance.
John Berkowitz of Chicago's Medequote agency comments, "That it is a growing problem and we are prepared to deal with it since we have added the new UniCare Sound, and Assurant Student plans to our health portfolio." www.medequote.com
Findings from a recent national survey of college parents revealed that only 23 percent were highly confident that their adult children would immediately find a job after college that provides health insurance. Yet, fewer than one in three were aware that they could buy short-term medical insurance for these young adults for as little as $50 per month.
The research was conducted by College Parents of America and Assurant Health. It reaffirmed the results of a previous Assurant Health survey that showed 40 percent of parents mistakenly believed that adult children (ages 21 -24) living at home were covered under their health insurance plans.
“We hope this sends a wake-up call to the tens of thousands of parents who do not realize they may be at great financial risk right after their children graduate,” said James A. Boyle, founder and president of College Parents of America, the only national membership association dedicated to advocating and serving on behalf of current and future college parents.
Some of the survey’s other findings included:
20 percent of parents have no idea when their health insurance will no longer cover their college-age children.
Most believe that short-term health insurance for a healthy young adult costs more than $100/month, when in fact such policies can be obtained for as little as $50/month.
68 percent of the parents were not even aware of the availability of short-term health insurance, which typically offers coverage for periods ranging from one to six months.
“Other studies show that about 40 percent of young adults are uninsured at some time during the year following their graduation,” said David Andrews, Vice President, Product Management, Short Term Medical for Assurant Health. “With college expenses so high, the last thing parents and their children need is to get hit with unexpected medical bills.”
According to Assurant Health data, a climbing accident could result in more than $450,000 in medical expenses, while a case of pneumonia can cost $75,000. One Assurant Health policyholder suffered a spinal cord injury that cost $623,000 to treat, yet paid only $266.40 for six months of short-term coverage.
Assurant Health offered the country’s first Short Term Medical Plan in 1973 and is the leading provider of temporary health insurance. For more information on the company’s other health insurance products and services, please visit www.medequote.com.
The survey was conducted online among a nationally representative sample of college parents in March 2006, and its results carry a 95% confidence with a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points. About Assurant HealthAssurant Health has been in business since 1892. Assurant Health's underwriting companies provide health insurance coverage for more than one million people nationwide. The companies’ primary products include individual medical, small group, short-term and student health insurance products, as well as non-insurance products and consumer-choice products such as Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements.
About Assurant Health, Assurant Health is part of Assurant, which offers specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected other markets. Its five key business units – Assurant Employee Benefits, Assurant Health, Assurant Preneed, Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property – have partnered with clients who are leaders in their industries and have built leadership positions in a number of specialty market segments in the U.S. and selected international markets. Assurant is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ.
About Medequote, founded in 1999 as one of Chicago's first internet health insurance agencies. The company continues to be a leading provider of health insurance in the state of Illinois. Medequote is a prefered Assurant Master General Agency. Please visit the website at www.unicaresoundplans.com for more information.
About College Parents of AmericaCollege Parents of America is the nation's only membership organization dedicated to advocating for and providing practical information to parents of current and college-bound students. Based in Arlington, Virginia, it also provides discounts on a broad variety of educational and consumer products to help members save money while their children prepare for, apply to and make the transition to college. The College Parents of America Web site is http://www.collegeparents.org/.
John Berkowitz of Chicago's Medequote agency comments, "That it is a growing problem and we are prepared to deal with it since we have added the new UniCare Sound, and Assurant Student plans to our health portfolio." www.medequote.com
Findings from a recent national survey of college parents revealed that only 23 percent were highly confident that their adult children would immediately find a job after college that provides health insurance. Yet, fewer than one in three were aware that they could buy short-term medical insurance for these young adults for as little as $50 per month.
The research was conducted by College Parents of America and Assurant Health. It reaffirmed the results of a previous Assurant Health survey that showed 40 percent of parents mistakenly believed that adult children (ages 21 -24) living at home were covered under their health insurance plans.
“We hope this sends a wake-up call to the tens of thousands of parents who do not realize they may be at great financial risk right after their children graduate,” said James A. Boyle, founder and president of College Parents of America, the only national membership association dedicated to advocating and serving on behalf of current and future college parents.
Some of the survey’s other findings included:
20 percent of parents have no idea when their health insurance will no longer cover their college-age children.
Most believe that short-term health insurance for a healthy young adult costs more than $100/month, when in fact such policies can be obtained for as little as $50/month.
68 percent of the parents were not even aware of the availability of short-term health insurance, which typically offers coverage for periods ranging from one to six months.
“Other studies show that about 40 percent of young adults are uninsured at some time during the year following their graduation,” said David Andrews, Vice President, Product Management, Short Term Medical for Assurant Health. “With college expenses so high, the last thing parents and their children need is to get hit with unexpected medical bills.”
According to Assurant Health data, a climbing accident could result in more than $450,000 in medical expenses, while a case of pneumonia can cost $75,000. One Assurant Health policyholder suffered a spinal cord injury that cost $623,000 to treat, yet paid only $266.40 for six months of short-term coverage.
Assurant Health offered the country’s first Short Term Medical Plan in 1973 and is the leading provider of temporary health insurance. For more information on the company’s other health insurance products and services, please visit www.medequote.com.
The survey was conducted online among a nationally representative sample of college parents in March 2006, and its results carry a 95% confidence with a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points. About Assurant HealthAssurant Health has been in business since 1892. Assurant Health's underwriting companies provide health insurance coverage for more than one million people nationwide. The companies’ primary products include individual medical, small group, short-term and student health insurance products, as well as non-insurance products and consumer-choice products such as Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements.
About Assurant Health, Assurant Health is part of Assurant, which offers specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected other markets. Its five key business units – Assurant Employee Benefits, Assurant Health, Assurant Preneed, Assurant Solutions and Assurant Specialty Property – have partnered with clients who are leaders in their industries and have built leadership positions in a number of specialty market segments in the U.S. and selected international markets. Assurant is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ.
About Medequote, founded in 1999 as one of Chicago's first internet health insurance agencies. The company continues to be a leading provider of health insurance in the state of Illinois. Medequote is a prefered Assurant Master General Agency. Please visit the website at www.unicaresoundplans.com for more information.
About College Parents of AmericaCollege Parents of America is the nation's only membership organization dedicated to advocating for and providing practical information to parents of current and college-bound students. Based in Arlington, Virginia, it also provides discounts on a broad variety of educational and consumer products to help members save money while their children prepare for, apply to and make the transition to college. The College Parents of America Web site is http://www.collegeparents.org/.
UniCare introduces Sound Health Plan to Illinois and Texas
UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company has unveiled an innovative health insurance plan for Illinois, and Texas called Sound™, which caters to the unique needs of adults between the ages of 19 and 29. There are an estimated 1.2 million uninsured people between the ages of 19-29 in Illinois, and Texas. And nationwide, nearly half of all full-time workers in this age group lack employer-based health benefits. Sound™ has the potential to reduce the number of uninsured by offering affordable access to quality medical care. Between school and the beginning of their professional careers, “young invincibles” are often no longer covered by their parents' insurance policy and are less likely to have employer-provided health coverage. Statistics indicate these individuals have one of the highest uninsured rates in the nation.
“Sound is designed with the lifestyle and attitude of the ‘young invincible' in mind,” said Mike Murphy, UniCare Regional Vice President for Individual and Small Group sales. The insurance plans are simplified, focusing on the benefits young people are looking for. There is an easy, online application and automated underwriting. “Too often young adults risk their financial futures by going without health insurance because they don't understand it or don't think they need it,” said Murphy. “Sound™ provides affordable coverage for everyday preventive needs like doctor's visits as well as for situations that require hospitalization.” Sign-up is available with the click of a mouse at http://www.medequote.com, or http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/. If approved, applicants will be notified within minutes and can print out a flashy, colorful Sound identification card right on the spot. Once approved, coverage is effective immediately. No paperwork, no hassles. Applicants can choose from three different plans: Gravity Bender, Curb Jumper and The Cruiser. Premiums start as low as $68 a month, depending on the plan selected, age, medical history and where the applicant lives. Basic dental and vision benefits, traditionally sold as separate policies, are included with Sound™.UniCare is committed to increasing access to health insurance.
John Berkowitz, President of Medequote, one of Chicago's, and UniCare's largest agencies comments that the introduction of this product and easy online application format will allow Unicare to dominate health insurance in the lucrative under 40 market. It will continue to contribute to stable rate's of their entire health portfolio. "UniCare is the best deal on the market for the consumer", Berkowitz adds, "They care about their clients financial well being!"
"The price point on Sound is great, a young person can get medical, dental, emergency room, office visits, and prescriptions in some cases for less than $100 per month, that's a great idea, no other carrier is competing with that!" http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/
In December, UniCare introduced six new plans for individuals and families and three new plans for small businesses in Illinois, and Texas. For Individuals and FamiliesThe Individual FIT portfolio includes six different insurance plans with deductibles ranging from $500 to $5,000. Each FIT plan offers vital doctor, hospital and surgical coverage; first dollar preventive care, unlimited office visits with a $30 co-payment and drug benefits at in-network providers. “UniCare is pleased to offer affordable access to quality medical services at discounted fees with our new, easy to understand FIT plans,” said Mark Gastineau, General Manager for Individual and Small Group at UniCare. “UniCare members benefit from our recognized record of reliability and may choose from an extensive network of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and surgical centers.” For Small Businesses As health costs increase nationwide, nearly 50 percent of small businesses do not offer employer-sponsored health benefits.
Berkowitz of Medequote comments that Unicare is the only insurance company interested in serving under the under five employee category of businesses in the state of Illinois. "Nobody else want's that business, but UniCare gladly takes it to help decrease the number of uninsured in the states of Illinois, and Texas." The theory has always been that health rates will stabalize and become affordable if everyone pays their fair share into the privately managed systems available.
To help small business owners afford group health insurance, UniCare introduced its Small Group Pathways Plans. Three distinct Pathways insurance plans feature low premiums, first dollar accidental injury coverage and preventive care benefits, and unlimited office visits at in-network providers. With UniCare's Defined Contribution options as low as $30, budget conscious employers will know with certainty what their group health expenses will be each month. Further, the employer's share of the premium may be tax deductible. “UniCare understands the challenging economic times facing small businesses,” said Gastineau. “Pathways is an affordable answer for small businesses who want to offer health insurance to their employees. The Defined Contribution option makes budgeting more predictable for the employer by taking the month-to-month variation out of group health care costs. The coverage not only protects employees from the costs of health emergencies, but helps to shield the employer from the costs associated with lost time and decreased productivity.” FIT and Pathways applications, eligibility and benefit information can be found at http://www.medequote.com.UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company is a national operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., the largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company in terms of membership in the United States. UniCare can be found on the web at http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/ . Not all UniCare products are available in all states where UniCare is marketed. Insurance coverage is provided by UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company, Medequote is one of UniCare's top fifty agents.
“Sound is designed with the lifestyle and attitude of the ‘young invincible' in mind,” said Mike Murphy, UniCare Regional Vice President for Individual and Small Group sales. The insurance plans are simplified, focusing on the benefits young people are looking for. There is an easy, online application and automated underwriting. “Too often young adults risk their financial futures by going without health insurance because they don't understand it or don't think they need it,” said Murphy. “Sound™ provides affordable coverage for everyday preventive needs like doctor's visits as well as for situations that require hospitalization.” Sign-up is available with the click of a mouse at http://www.medequote.com, or http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/. If approved, applicants will be notified within minutes and can print out a flashy, colorful Sound identification card right on the spot. Once approved, coverage is effective immediately. No paperwork, no hassles. Applicants can choose from three different plans: Gravity Bender, Curb Jumper and The Cruiser. Premiums start as low as $68 a month, depending on the plan selected, age, medical history and where the applicant lives. Basic dental and vision benefits, traditionally sold as separate policies, are included with Sound™.UniCare is committed to increasing access to health insurance.
John Berkowitz, President of Medequote, one of Chicago's, and UniCare's largest agencies comments that the introduction of this product and easy online application format will allow Unicare to dominate health insurance in the lucrative under 40 market. It will continue to contribute to stable rate's of their entire health portfolio. "UniCare is the best deal on the market for the consumer", Berkowitz adds, "They care about their clients financial well being!"
"The price point on Sound is great, a young person can get medical, dental, emergency room, office visits, and prescriptions in some cases for less than $100 per month, that's a great idea, no other carrier is competing with that!" http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/
In December, UniCare introduced six new plans for individuals and families and three new plans for small businesses in Illinois, and Texas. For Individuals and FamiliesThe Individual FIT portfolio includes six different insurance plans with deductibles ranging from $500 to $5,000. Each FIT plan offers vital doctor, hospital and surgical coverage; first dollar preventive care, unlimited office visits with a $30 co-payment and drug benefits at in-network providers. “UniCare is pleased to offer affordable access to quality medical services at discounted fees with our new, easy to understand FIT plans,” said Mark Gastineau, General Manager for Individual and Small Group at UniCare. “UniCare members benefit from our recognized record of reliability and may choose from an extensive network of independently contracted doctors, hospitals and surgical centers.” For Small Businesses As health costs increase nationwide, nearly 50 percent of small businesses do not offer employer-sponsored health benefits.
Berkowitz of Medequote comments that Unicare is the only insurance company interested in serving under the under five employee category of businesses in the state of Illinois. "Nobody else want's that business, but UniCare gladly takes it to help decrease the number of uninsured in the states of Illinois, and Texas." The theory has always been that health rates will stabalize and become affordable if everyone pays their fair share into the privately managed systems available.
To help small business owners afford group health insurance, UniCare introduced its Small Group Pathways Plans. Three distinct Pathways insurance plans feature low premiums, first dollar accidental injury coverage and preventive care benefits, and unlimited office visits at in-network providers. With UniCare's Defined Contribution options as low as $30, budget conscious employers will know with certainty what their group health expenses will be each month. Further, the employer's share of the premium may be tax deductible. “UniCare understands the challenging economic times facing small businesses,” said Gastineau. “Pathways is an affordable answer for small businesses who want to offer health insurance to their employees. The Defined Contribution option makes budgeting more predictable for the employer by taking the month-to-month variation out of group health care costs. The coverage not only protects employees from the costs of health emergencies, but helps to shield the employer from the costs associated with lost time and decreased productivity.” FIT and Pathways applications, eligibility and benefit information can be found at http://www.medequote.com.UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company is a national operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., the largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company in terms of membership in the United States. UniCare can be found on the web at http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/ . Not all UniCare products are available in all states where UniCare is marketed. Insurance coverage is provided by UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company, Medequote is one of UniCare's top fifty agents.
All Kids Health Program in Illinois Starts July 1st, 2006
At one point or another, nearly everyone has lived through the experience of seeing a loved one cope with sickness or a serious injury. You only have to go through that experience once to know just how much it means to have health insurance. Yet more than a quarter of a million children right here in Illinois do not have health insurance. That means they can’t see a doctor or get medicine when they need to. When they do get medical care, it’s often in the emergency room, after a small problem has grown into a big problem. That’s wrong. I believe every child should be able to get medical care when they need it, before it becomes an emergency.
That’s why the All Kids program was created: to make health care a reality for hundreds of thousands of families across the state. Illinois will be the first state in the nation to provide affordable, comprehensive health insurance for every child. Of the 250,000 children in Illinois without health insurance, more than half come from working and middle class families who earn too much to qualify for state programs like KidCare, but not enough to afford private health insurance. Through All Kids, comprehensive health insurance will be available to every uninsured child at rates their parents can afford.
The All Kids program will offer Illinois’ uninsured children comprehensive health care that includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care and medical devices like eyeglasses and asthma inhalers. Parents will pay monthly premiums for the coverage, but rates for middle-income families will be significantly lower than they are on the private market. For instance, a family of four that earns between $40,000 and $59,999 a year will pay a $40 monthly premium per child, and a $10 co-pay per physician visit. To get enrollment information, fill out the application today. The program officially begins on July 1, 2006.
We know providing every child with health coverage will mean better attendance and performance in our schools. We know it will reduce the pressure on insurance premiums. We also know it can boost our local economies and improve productivity in the workplace. But more than any of these things, giving every child the chance to grow up healthy is the right thing to do.
http://www.allkidscovered.com/aktraining/
www.medequote.com
That’s why the All Kids program was created: to make health care a reality for hundreds of thousands of families across the state. Illinois will be the first state in the nation to provide affordable, comprehensive health insurance for every child. Of the 250,000 children in Illinois without health insurance, more than half come from working and middle class families who earn too much to qualify for state programs like KidCare, but not enough to afford private health insurance. Through All Kids, comprehensive health insurance will be available to every uninsured child at rates their parents can afford.
The All Kids program will offer Illinois’ uninsured children comprehensive health care that includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care and medical devices like eyeglasses and asthma inhalers. Parents will pay monthly premiums for the coverage, but rates for middle-income families will be significantly lower than they are on the private market. For instance, a family of four that earns between $40,000 and $59,999 a year will pay a $40 monthly premium per child, and a $10 co-pay per physician visit. To get enrollment information, fill out the application today. The program officially begins on July 1, 2006.
We know providing every child with health coverage will mean better attendance and performance in our schools. We know it will reduce the pressure on insurance premiums. We also know it can boost our local economies and improve productivity in the workplace. But more than any of these things, giving every child the chance to grow up healthy is the right thing to do.
http://www.allkidscovered.com/aktraining/
www.medequote.com
Insurance Premium Relief for ICHIP Participants
A multi-million dollar grant, secured from the United States government, provides insurance relief to the people of Illinois covered by the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan's (ICHIP) high risk health insurance pool. This grant is used to help working families who are in transition between jobs and who have no other access to health insurance plans. Illinois is one of only two states using this grant money to provide insurance premium relief.
ICHIP allocated $5.365 million in federal funds distributed to the state by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for insurance premium relief for the 11,000 enrollees in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) pool. The average amount of premium relief will be $482 in 2005. The one-time reduction in premiums will range from $160 to more than $1,000 depending on several factors, such as age and residence.
HIPAA provides for the portability of health insurance coverage, without regard to pre-existing health problems, to persons coming off group coverage and who have otherwise exhausted their COBRA or state continuation benefits. HIPAA is one of several health insurance programs administered by the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (ICHIP).
ICHIP provides access to health insurance coverage for some Illinois residents who have been denied access to major medical coverage by private insurers because of pre-existing health problems. ICHIP also serves as the state's agency of compliance with the individual portability requirements of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
John Berkowitz of Chicago's Medequote agency comments, "ICHIP is a huge safety net for everyone in this state who is unable to get individual health insurance from an individual and family plan, plus does not have acesss to an employer group. The rates to be in this high risk pool are expensive, and any type of temporary relief is welcom, but is not part of the long range solution which becomes more difficult to solve each year."
www.medequote.com
ICHIP allocated $5.365 million in federal funds distributed to the state by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for insurance premium relief for the 11,000 enrollees in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) pool. The average amount of premium relief will be $482 in 2005. The one-time reduction in premiums will range from $160 to more than $1,000 depending on several factors, such as age and residence.
HIPAA provides for the portability of health insurance coverage, without regard to pre-existing health problems, to persons coming off group coverage and who have otherwise exhausted their COBRA or state continuation benefits. HIPAA is one of several health insurance programs administered by the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (ICHIP).
ICHIP provides access to health insurance coverage for some Illinois residents who have been denied access to major medical coverage by private insurers because of pre-existing health problems. ICHIP also serves as the state's agency of compliance with the individual portability requirements of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
John Berkowitz of Chicago's Medequote agency comments, "ICHIP is a huge safety net for everyone in this state who is unable to get individual health insurance from an individual and family plan, plus does not have acesss to an employer group. The rates to be in this high risk pool are expensive, and any type of temporary relief is welcom, but is not part of the long range solution which becomes more difficult to solve each year."
www.medequote.com
Clinton in Chicago: Health Care Spending Hurts Auto Industry
Former President Bill Clinton was in Chicago, and Evanston Friday, and he says U.S. spending on health care is dragging down the nation's competitiveness, particularly in the auto industry. The former President spoke on Friday in Evanston at a forum on health care sponsored by Huron Consulting Group and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He told an audience of hospital administrators that when it comes to health care, no one in the world spends more money than the United States, yet many people are without quality health care.“We have made decisions as a society pretending that we weren’t making them, that it is more important to us to let the healthcare financing tail wag the healthcare dog than it is to maintain a competitive automobile industry or insure all Americans, or improve the quality of healthcare,” Clinton said. “Now that’s the truth.”The former president says he would gladly give up his share of the Bush administration's tax cut to help Detroit auto makers with its legacy of high health care costs. Clinton also talked about the health crisis affecting school children. He says schools should measure the body mass index of students and give the results to parents. Clinton says his recent success in brokering an agreement to get soft drinks out of schools is an example of an approach it will take to solve the nation's health care problems.
John Berkowitz of Medequote www.medequote.com comments, "Exactly how he hopes to help reduce health care costs is a mystery without goverment subsidies which would be unheralded for upper middle class factory workers, is he saying the goverment should chip in on employee health insurance costs to reduce the cost of it for fortune 500 companies?"
John Berkowitz of Medequote www.medequote.com comments, "Exactly how he hopes to help reduce health care costs is a mystery without goverment subsidies which would be unheralded for upper middle class factory workers, is he saying the goverment should chip in on employee health insurance costs to reduce the cost of it for fortune 500 companies?"
Friday, May 19, 2006
Illinois State budget expands uninsured coverage
More uninsured women can obtain screening and treatment for breast and cervical cancer under the new state budget, Gov. Blagojevich said Sunday. The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers uninsured, low-income women mammograms and breast exams between the ages of 40 and 64, and free pelvic exams and Pap tests between 35 and 64. The new budget raises the income threshold for women who qualify for the program, to $50,000 for a family of four -- up from $40,000. Treatment for outside diagnoses Before the new budget, women weren't eligible for free IBCCP treatment if their cancer was first diagnosed outside of the program. But now, even if diagnosed elsewhere, they can "go straight into the free treatment program," according to the governor's office. Uninsured, symptomatic younger women who meet the income ceiling are considered for the program on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, check the Illinois Department of Public Health's Web site at:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/press06/5.19.06IBCCP.htm
www.medequote.com
For more information, check the Illinois Department of Public Health's Web site at:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/press06/5.19.06IBCCP.htm
www.medequote.com
Quitting smoking decreases your risk for Flu and lowers your health insurance premiums
To increase your resistance to the flu, as well as many other resperatory illnesses, you should at least cut back your smoking although stopping completely will reap you the most benefit.
For those of you who are not ready to quit remember that smoking will make your flu symptoms worse. If you can stop smoking while you are ill it can greatly improve your recovery time. Another help would be if you can avoid secondhand smoke altogether.
Health insurance rates can increase as much as 40% if you smoke, so you have plenty of financial and well as health incentives to quit. Many health insurance companies like Unicare offer smoking cessation programs as part of their health plans.
The link below is to the American Lung Association website which has a considerable amount of information, quitting, and lung disease.
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22938
www.medequote.com
For those of you who are not ready to quit remember that smoking will make your flu symptoms worse. If you can stop smoking while you are ill it can greatly improve your recovery time. Another help would be if you can avoid secondhand smoke altogether.
Health insurance rates can increase as much as 40% if you smoke, so you have plenty of financial and well as health incentives to quit. Many health insurance companies like Unicare offer smoking cessation programs as part of their health plans.
The link below is to the American Lung Association website which has a considerable amount of information, quitting, and lung disease.
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22938
www.medequote.com
Medicare deadline hits; fee for late sign-ups debated
Enrollment in Medicare's new prescription drug benefit ends Monday, with insurers and many lawmakers saying Congress should eliminate the financial penalty for people who sign up late.Under one proposal, Monday still would be the deadline for enrollment, and beneficiaries would not have another chance to sign up until November. But people who sign up at the end of this year would be spared the late-enrollment penalty, a permanent surcharge that otherwise would increase all future premiums by 7 percent or more.
www.medequote.com
www.medequote.com
Seniors get Extra Time from State For Drug Aid
As an unprecedented campaign to sign up seniors for Medicare drug coverage came to a close Monday, Illinois officials announced they would let needy elderly and disabled residents join the state's pharmaceutical assistance plan through the end of the year. That will offer a safety net to low-income consumers who couldn't meet Medicare's enrollment deadline, a group that could include tens of thousands of people. "You can sign up for Illinois Cares Rx tomorrow or next week and still be covered through December," announced Anne Marie Murphy, director of the Illinois Medicaid program.
www.medequote.net
www.medequote.net
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