No amount of air filtration can eliminate the health hazards of secondhand smoke, according to a new U.S. surgeon general's report that could challenge a controversial loophole in Chicago's impending ban on smoking in public places.The report surveyed 20 years of scientific evidence about the effects of secondhand smoke and found that even trace amounts cause immediate and damaging effects in non-smokers. That led Surgeon General Richard Carmona to conclude there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke."The debate is over as far as I'm concerned," said Carmona. "Based on the science I wouldn't allow anyone in my family to stand in a room with someone smoking."Some 126 million non-smokers in the U.S. are exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes and workplaces, putting them at a 20 percent to 30 percent greater risk for lung cancer and heart disease, according to the report. It attributed an estimated 50,000 deaths each year to secondhand smoke exposure, 430 of them babies who succumb to sudden infant death syndrome.
John Berkowitz of www.medequote.com says a smoking ban goes into effect in Evanston July 1st.
www.medequote.com
www.medequote.net
www.unicaresoundplans.com
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Access to care expands in suburban Cook County
A low-cost medical program for the uninsured in suburban Cook County will be able to serve 5,000 new clients this year thanks to a $3 million allocation from the State of Illinois. Access to Care, a Westchester-based non-profit group, said the legislature provided the money in a bipartisan endorsement of the program's efforts to reach the growing number of uninsured in suburban Cook County. Access to Care lets patients pay $5 for certain doctor's office visits, $5 for basic lab tests and X-rays and $10 to $30 for certain prescription drugs. There is an annual enrollment fee of $20 to $50, depending on family size.Nearly 360,000 of the more than 900,000 uninsured residents of Cook County are in its suburbs, Access to Care said. In Illinois there are about 1.8 million uninsured of the estimated 45 million uninsured in the U.S., the most recent U.S. Census Bureau figures show.Last year Access to Care provided medical services to nearly 14,000 people and it has about 2,800 on its waiting list.
The pilot program serves the area of Chicago west of Pulaski Road and north of North Avenue.For eligibility questions, call Access to Care at 708-531-0680
The pilot program serves the area of Chicago west of Pulaski Road and north of North Avenue.For eligibility questions, call Access to Care at 708-531-0680
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Your Health Insurance Company Can Actually Kill You!
Many health insurance companies, including Illinois Health insurance companies are now selling direct to the consumer, bypassing the health insurance agent. The cost of health insurance is the same, there is no discount whether you are buying it from the agent, or directly from the insurance company. The advantage for the insurance company is simply more profit, by not paying the agent, they make more money.
One large Midwest Health Insurance comments that they have a goal of selling 10% of their sales volume in house, but despite that they realize the importance of having agents in the field becuase there is no way they could service their cutomer base without the aid of independent agents. Still that 10% adds a lot to the bottomline, so they go after it while still supporting affiliated agents.
For the consumer there is no advantage to buying directly from the health insurance company. What the consumer gets is a reduced, to non existant level of policy service. That's right, dealing directly with the company means you are going to be dealing with entry level customer service people on the phone, and more often, or not that customer service is being outsourced to foreign countries.
The level of service you expect won't be there. The same health insurance companies that want you to buy direct, and cut out the agent to increase their profits is also cutting back on the level of customer service it provides. Do you really think they will act in your best interest rather than the insurance companies? Does this really surprise you? In a profit driven health care system that is becoming more centralized in power it should be no surprise.
Your health insurance company can actually kill you!
Let me give you a prime example of how having a health insurance agent can save you, or a family members life. The following is a recent scenario that I was involved in that became a life and death situation for the insured.
I sold a health policy to a Chicago family in 2002, sometime along the way the primary applicant developed cancer, he went through various treatments, got better, but had a relapse this Spring. He also had a problem with his checking account where he was over drawn a small amount. His bankdraft for his insurance premium was returned, so his policy lapsed, and he lost his coverage, which in his case is a death sentence.
In Illinois, and most states you have a 30 day grace period when it comes to paying your health insurance premiums. Once you are past thirty days with no payment, you lose your policy. You can apply for reinstatement, but if you have cancer like my client did, they won't take you back after a lapse of more than 30 days. My client never learned in writing that his policy has lapsed till May 24th, which was too late to reinstate by payment, and in his case no exception could be made due to his prior health history.
If you do not have an agent in a situation like this, and you are dealing with entry level customer service at your health insurance company, you are as good as dead, honestly you have been handed a death sentence because hospitals are not going to treat you, that's right no chemo, no radiation, until you show up with cash, or make other financial arrangements. In the end a public health hospital will make you comfortable.....that's it, that is the reality, and the coldness of the current health care system in America.
You have nobody on your side, no advice, you are completely alone if you do not have an experienced health insurance agent by your side in a situation like this.
Well in my clients case he called the insurance company first a number of times directly to try to rectify the situation before he contacted me, which wasting valuable time. He had no idea that the clock was ticking on all his available options because nobody on the phone he talked to at the insurance company was trained well enough to tell him what they were.
He owned a small business, had a few employee's, but never offered group coverage in the past, so he could have formed a small group if there was time, and he could have gotten credit for continuous coverage credits for Hippa (63 days), but by the time he was able to react to the letter he received, that option was gone too!
He asked me for help, his case had to go through an elaborate appeal process which by law can take up to six months. This guy didn't have six months, or six weeks, if he didn't get treated the cancer was going to spread, and quickly become untreatable. He would of course leverage everything he owned to prevent that, his house, his cars, his two pizza restaurants, they would all have to be sold to give him a chance to live. All because of a delayed correspondence, and being less than $100 shy in has bank account for the first time in ages.
I had one option, and that was to write the most important letter of my life, and that was his appeal letter. I had to completely state his case, his contacts, and his lack of correspondence. Everything involved had to be documented including copies of his bank statements, copies of the correspondence he received, and the postmarks on the envelopes they were delivered in.
I sent the appeal in, and didn't hear anything for a few weeks even though I contacted the company each day. On June 17th my client received a letter from the company. It was dated April 20th, but postmarked June 14th. The letter informed him that if he didnt get his premium in by the end of the April his policy would lapse. Well obviously he never had time to react, the letter had been misplaced in the company mailroom.
When I forwarded the insurance company a copy of that letter, they reinstated the policy for back premium within 48 hours, and my client had another shot at life. I spent maybe 30 hours working on this situation from May 24th till today, June 22nd, when this was resolved in my clients favor.
I ask you, would you receive that type of service dealing directly with your health insurance company?
What would have happened if he didn't have an experienced agent?
He would never have heard about the reinstatement process, he would never have known in time about the appeal process, he would not have been able to expedite his appeal because by law they can take up to six months. In other words he would have lost everything he owned, everything his family had worked for, and most importantly he would have lost his life.
Perhaps he could have called an attorney, he could have called the state insurance commisioners office. All good ideas, but that would have guaranteed the six month appeal process, by law the insurance company can take six months to decide an appeal. It is a common unwritten practice that if the company is threatened by an outside authority, (Attorney, Insurance Commisioner) they sit on the appeal for the six month period allotted by the law. To my client, and anyone else in this situation, it would have been a death sentence.
Long after he passed away, perhaps two to three years from now his family would have recourse in the court's, and there is a very good chance they would win.
Insurance companies have yearly budgets for litigation, and they know that most people won't sue, they will end up beaten down by the circumstances and just give up. Insurance is a calculated risk business, and yes litigation is part of the calculated risk formula. On average they know they will come out ahead regardless of the outcome.
In life sometimes you can't wait six months, or two years, so that why it is important to have a health insurance expert on your side.
Here are a couple of guidelines for picking an Illinois health insurance agent, or a health insurance agent in any state for that matter.
1. Only work with a licensed independent insurance agent who gives you at least five companies to choose from. There is something wrong if the agent only gives you one choice, that means he represents the company, not you. A good agent will always offer plenty of choice.
2. Only work with an agent who has five or more years of experience and is a succesful producer for the companies he represents. Succesful producers can get problems solved with a phone call, in fact they can go to the very top of the company to get a problem solved. A top agent can circumvent the red tape.
3. Never buy your health insurance directly from the insurance company. If you do, you won't have anyone who is independent that can represent you when problems arise, or simply when you have basic policy questions.
4. Shopping on the internet is a great way to buy health insurance, but who are the people behind the website? Make sure you are buying from an experienced health insurance agent who will be there when you need him, not a telemarketer reading a script. Don't buy from a phone room, buy from an agent.
5. When buying on the internet call before you apply. Get to know the agent you are dealing with, make sure he is around to service you. A good way to figure that out is if he presses you to buy, if he does that it is a sign that he may not have your best interest at heart. We all of course want you to buy a policy from us, but our agency www.medequote.com want's you to make sure you understand everything before you buy. We want you take your time. A good agent gives you the information to make your own best decision. A good agent lets you take your time.
In conclusion the internet has made comparing policies, getting information and applying for health insurance a lot easier for the consumer, but the most important decision you make is always picking the right agent, or agency.
At Medequote we are that type of agency, and if you want service after the sale, and you aren't getting it from your existing agency give us a call at 800-301-7469, or visit us online at www.medequote.com , www.medequote.net , or if you are a young single stop by www.unicaresoundplans.com .
I have over 18 years of experience as a life, and health agent. I am known by the companies I represent in words, and deed. I personally service every client who calls, and we are always available. We make a commitment to always be there for you and your family, and we take that commitment seriously.
Whomever you choose, make sure they compare to the standards set by www.medequote.com, if you are in a state we are not licensed in, we currently serve Illinois, Texas, and Michigan, if you need a referal for a quality agent in a state we do not directly serve, just give us a call!
One large Midwest Health Insurance comments that they have a goal of selling 10% of their sales volume in house, but despite that they realize the importance of having agents in the field becuase there is no way they could service their cutomer base without the aid of independent agents. Still that 10% adds a lot to the bottomline, so they go after it while still supporting affiliated agents.
For the consumer there is no advantage to buying directly from the health insurance company. What the consumer gets is a reduced, to non existant level of policy service. That's right, dealing directly with the company means you are going to be dealing with entry level customer service people on the phone, and more often, or not that customer service is being outsourced to foreign countries.
The level of service you expect won't be there. The same health insurance companies that want you to buy direct, and cut out the agent to increase their profits is also cutting back on the level of customer service it provides. Do you really think they will act in your best interest rather than the insurance companies? Does this really surprise you? In a profit driven health care system that is becoming more centralized in power it should be no surprise.
Your health insurance company can actually kill you!
Let me give you a prime example of how having a health insurance agent can save you, or a family members life. The following is a recent scenario that I was involved in that became a life and death situation for the insured.
I sold a health policy to a Chicago family in 2002, sometime along the way the primary applicant developed cancer, he went through various treatments, got better, but had a relapse this Spring. He also had a problem with his checking account where he was over drawn a small amount. His bankdraft for his insurance premium was returned, so his policy lapsed, and he lost his coverage, which in his case is a death sentence.
In Illinois, and most states you have a 30 day grace period when it comes to paying your health insurance premiums. Once you are past thirty days with no payment, you lose your policy. You can apply for reinstatement, but if you have cancer like my client did, they won't take you back after a lapse of more than 30 days. My client never learned in writing that his policy has lapsed till May 24th, which was too late to reinstate by payment, and in his case no exception could be made due to his prior health history.
If you do not have an agent in a situation like this, and you are dealing with entry level customer service at your health insurance company, you are as good as dead, honestly you have been handed a death sentence because hospitals are not going to treat you, that's right no chemo, no radiation, until you show up with cash, or make other financial arrangements. In the end a public health hospital will make you comfortable.....that's it, that is the reality, and the coldness of the current health care system in America.
You have nobody on your side, no advice, you are completely alone if you do not have an experienced health insurance agent by your side in a situation like this.
Well in my clients case he called the insurance company first a number of times directly to try to rectify the situation before he contacted me, which wasting valuable time. He had no idea that the clock was ticking on all his available options because nobody on the phone he talked to at the insurance company was trained well enough to tell him what they were.
He owned a small business, had a few employee's, but never offered group coverage in the past, so he could have formed a small group if there was time, and he could have gotten credit for continuous coverage credits for Hippa (63 days), but by the time he was able to react to the letter he received, that option was gone too!
He asked me for help, his case had to go through an elaborate appeal process which by law can take up to six months. This guy didn't have six months, or six weeks, if he didn't get treated the cancer was going to spread, and quickly become untreatable. He would of course leverage everything he owned to prevent that, his house, his cars, his two pizza restaurants, they would all have to be sold to give him a chance to live. All because of a delayed correspondence, and being less than $100 shy in has bank account for the first time in ages.
I had one option, and that was to write the most important letter of my life, and that was his appeal letter. I had to completely state his case, his contacts, and his lack of correspondence. Everything involved had to be documented including copies of his bank statements, copies of the correspondence he received, and the postmarks on the envelopes they were delivered in.
I sent the appeal in, and didn't hear anything for a few weeks even though I contacted the company each day. On June 17th my client received a letter from the company. It was dated April 20th, but postmarked June 14th. The letter informed him that if he didnt get his premium in by the end of the April his policy would lapse. Well obviously he never had time to react, the letter had been misplaced in the company mailroom.
When I forwarded the insurance company a copy of that letter, they reinstated the policy for back premium within 48 hours, and my client had another shot at life. I spent maybe 30 hours working on this situation from May 24th till today, June 22nd, when this was resolved in my clients favor.
I ask you, would you receive that type of service dealing directly with your health insurance company?
What would have happened if he didn't have an experienced agent?
He would never have heard about the reinstatement process, he would never have known in time about the appeal process, he would not have been able to expedite his appeal because by law they can take up to six months. In other words he would have lost everything he owned, everything his family had worked for, and most importantly he would have lost his life.
Perhaps he could have called an attorney, he could have called the state insurance commisioners office. All good ideas, but that would have guaranteed the six month appeal process, by law the insurance company can take six months to decide an appeal. It is a common unwritten practice that if the company is threatened by an outside authority, (Attorney, Insurance Commisioner) they sit on the appeal for the six month period allotted by the law. To my client, and anyone else in this situation, it would have been a death sentence.
Long after he passed away, perhaps two to three years from now his family would have recourse in the court's, and there is a very good chance they would win.
Insurance companies have yearly budgets for litigation, and they know that most people won't sue, they will end up beaten down by the circumstances and just give up. Insurance is a calculated risk business, and yes litigation is part of the calculated risk formula. On average they know they will come out ahead regardless of the outcome.
In life sometimes you can't wait six months, or two years, so that why it is important to have a health insurance expert on your side.
Here are a couple of guidelines for picking an Illinois health insurance agent, or a health insurance agent in any state for that matter.
1. Only work with a licensed independent insurance agent who gives you at least five companies to choose from. There is something wrong if the agent only gives you one choice, that means he represents the company, not you. A good agent will always offer plenty of choice.
2. Only work with an agent who has five or more years of experience and is a succesful producer for the companies he represents. Succesful producers can get problems solved with a phone call, in fact they can go to the very top of the company to get a problem solved. A top agent can circumvent the red tape.
3. Never buy your health insurance directly from the insurance company. If you do, you won't have anyone who is independent that can represent you when problems arise, or simply when you have basic policy questions.
4. Shopping on the internet is a great way to buy health insurance, but who are the people behind the website? Make sure you are buying from an experienced health insurance agent who will be there when you need him, not a telemarketer reading a script. Don't buy from a phone room, buy from an agent.
5. When buying on the internet call before you apply. Get to know the agent you are dealing with, make sure he is around to service you. A good way to figure that out is if he presses you to buy, if he does that it is a sign that he may not have your best interest at heart. We all of course want you to buy a policy from us, but our agency www.medequote.com want's you to make sure you understand everything before you buy. We want you take your time. A good agent gives you the information to make your own best decision. A good agent lets you take your time.
In conclusion the internet has made comparing policies, getting information and applying for health insurance a lot easier for the consumer, but the most important decision you make is always picking the right agent, or agency.
At Medequote we are that type of agency, and if you want service after the sale, and you aren't getting it from your existing agency give us a call at 800-301-7469, or visit us online at www.medequote.com , www.medequote.net , or if you are a young single stop by www.unicaresoundplans.com .
I have over 18 years of experience as a life, and health agent. I am known by the companies I represent in words, and deed. I personally service every client who calls, and we are always available. We make a commitment to always be there for you and your family, and we take that commitment seriously.
Whomever you choose, make sure they compare to the standards set by www.medequote.com, if you are in a state we are not licensed in, we currently serve Illinois, Texas, and Michigan, if you need a referal for a quality agent in a state we do not directly serve, just give us a call!
Monday, June 19, 2006
UniCare Sound Quoting
Medequote is providing online quoting and applications for UniCare Sound Health Plans on their websites. The plans offer Unlimited Doc visits, ER, RX, Dental, and Vision in one slick package.
The plans are available at www.unicaresoundplans.com
The plans are very popular among students in Illinois, and Texas. If you are graduating this is exactly the plan you need as you enter the real world and are dropped by your parents policy. Don't go without coverage, don't take the risk. Consider this, a ruptured appendix could cost you $30,000, where are you going to come up with that type of money? With UniCare Sound the most you will ever pay is the deductible, that's right no co insurance, all Sound Plans are 100% after you fulfil the deductible. You have a choice of three deductibles, $1500, $3000, and $5000. Paying any of those amounts and getting the care you need from the provider of your choice is a lot better choice. The plan only cost's $60 - $114 per month depending on how old you are, and where you live.
So anyway, what are you waiting for?
Don't take the risk, get a UniCare Sounf Health Plan today!
The plans are available at www.unicaresoundplans.com
The plans are very popular among students in Illinois, and Texas. If you are graduating this is exactly the plan you need as you enter the real world and are dropped by your parents policy. Don't go without coverage, don't take the risk. Consider this, a ruptured appendix could cost you $30,000, where are you going to come up with that type of money? With UniCare Sound the most you will ever pay is the deductible, that's right no co insurance, all Sound Plans are 100% after you fulfil the deductible. You have a choice of three deductibles, $1500, $3000, and $5000. Paying any of those amounts and getting the care you need from the provider of your choice is a lot better choice. The plan only cost's $60 - $114 per month depending on how old you are, and where you live.
So anyway, what are you waiting for?
Don't take the risk, get a UniCare Sounf Health Plan today!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
250,000 children in Illinois without Health Insurance
Of the 250,000 children in Illinois without health insurance, half come from working and middle class families who earn too much to qualify for programs like KidCare, but not enough to afford private health insurance. The Governor’s program would make comprehensive health insurance available to children, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, vision care, dental care and medical devices like eye glasses and asthma inhalers. Parents will pay monthly premiums and co-payments for doctors’ visits and prescription drugs at affordable rates.
Unlike private insurance that is too expensive for so many families, the rates for All Kids coverage will be based on a family’s income. The state is able to offer All Kids insurance coverage at much lower than market rates for middle-income families by leveraging the significant negotiating and buying power it already has through Medicaid.
For example, a family with two children 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. A family with two children earning between $60,000 and $79,999 will pay a $70 monthly premium per child, and a $15 co-pay per physician visit. However, there will be no co-pays for preventative care visits, such as annual immunizations and regular check ups and screenings for vision, hearing, appropriate development or preventative dental. These premiums for middle-income families are significantly more affordable than typical private insurance premiums of $100 to $200 a month, or $2,400 per child annually.
The state will cover the difference between what parents contribute in monthly premiums and the actual cost of providing health care for each child, expected to be $45 million in the first year, with savings generated by implementing a primary care case management model (PCCM) for participants in the state’s FamilyCare and All Kids health care programs. Participants will choose a single primary physician who will manage their care by ensuring they get immunizations and other preventative health care services and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Patients with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes will have a single care manager to make sure they are getting the treatments and ongoing care they need to avoid acute care. Primary care physicians will make referrals to specialists for additional care or tests as needed.
By ensuring patients get adequate preventative care on the front end, fewer people will need expensive specialized care or emergency care for critical conditions. In children, preventative care is especially important. For example, infants with stomach flu (gastroenteritis) who receive appropriate primary care can avoid being hospitalized for dehydration. Providing a timely exam and appropriate antibiotic treatment for children with ear infections (otitis media) can prevent chronic ear problems, loss of hearing and the need for surgically placed tubes to relieve fluid build up. Treating children with bronchitis or minor lung infections in a primary care setting can help to avoid more expensive hospitalization treatment of pneumonia, including intravenous antibiotics and respiratory treatments. And early identification and appropriate treatment of children who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, will result in fewer expensive emergency room and inpatient care visits.
Twenty-nine other states, including North Carolina, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Louisiana, have realized significant savings by using this model for their Medicaid programs. Based on independent analyses, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services estimates the state will save $56 million in the first year by implementing the PCCM model in all state health programs but those that serve seniors and the blind.
Research provides strong economic reasons for insuring all children. Delayed treatment can result in more complex, more threatening and more expensive care later. While the uninsured pay approximately 35% of their medical bills out of pocket, more than 40% ends up being absorbed by those who do have health insurance in the form of higher premiums. According to a recent Families USA report, the cost of paying for the uninsured added $1059 to the average family’s insurance premiums in Illinois in 2005.
In addition, investing in health care can have a positive impact on local economies. Over the past five years, the health care industry has created nearly 40,000 new jobs in Illinois. Health care is the second-fastest growing industry in the state, and one of the fastest in the nation. Families USA found that for every $1 million invested in health care for people who need coverage, an additional $2.4 million is generated in new business activity and $840,000 in new wages.
While All Kids coverage does not begin until July 1, 2006, pre-registration is now underway in order to expedite the application process so children can enjoy the benefits of the program as soon as All Kids takes effect. The forms are now available online at www.allkidscovered.com in 8 languages: English, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese, with more translations on the way. The forms can also be requested through 1-866-ALL-KIDS to receive them in the mail.
Once a pre-registration form is received, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will process the information and mail parents a letter to explain the next steps in the application process. When it is time for the family to apply, the Department will mail each family an All Kids application that will be partially filled out based on the information provided during pre-registration. Children who are determined to be eligible for KidCare can apply immediately to receive health coverage. Families not currently eligible for KidCare may apply early in 2006 for benefits that will begin July 1, 2006.
For more information on these plans, or to apply for Illinois health insurance visit us at www.medequote.com , www.medequote.net , or www.unicaresoundplans.com .
Unlike private insurance that is too expensive for so many families, the rates for All Kids coverage will be based on a family’s income. The state is able to offer All Kids insurance coverage at much lower than market rates for middle-income families by leveraging the significant negotiating and buying power it already has through Medicaid.
For example, a family with two children 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. A family with two children earning between $60,000 and $79,999 will pay a $70 monthly premium per child, and a $15 co-pay per physician visit. However, there will be no co-pays for preventative care visits, such as annual immunizations and regular check ups and screenings for vision, hearing, appropriate development or preventative dental. These premiums for middle-income families are significantly more affordable than typical private insurance premiums of $100 to $200 a month, or $2,400 per child annually.
The state will cover the difference between what parents contribute in monthly premiums and the actual cost of providing health care for each child, expected to be $45 million in the first year, with savings generated by implementing a primary care case management model (PCCM) for participants in the state’s FamilyCare and All Kids health care programs. Participants will choose a single primary physician who will manage their care by ensuring they get immunizations and other preventative health care services and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations. Patients with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes will have a single care manager to make sure they are getting the treatments and ongoing care they need to avoid acute care. Primary care physicians will make referrals to specialists for additional care or tests as needed.
By ensuring patients get adequate preventative care on the front end, fewer people will need expensive specialized care or emergency care for critical conditions. In children, preventative care is especially important. For example, infants with stomach flu (gastroenteritis) who receive appropriate primary care can avoid being hospitalized for dehydration. Providing a timely exam and appropriate antibiotic treatment for children with ear infections (otitis media) can prevent chronic ear problems, loss of hearing and the need for surgically placed tubes to relieve fluid build up. Treating children with bronchitis or minor lung infections in a primary care setting can help to avoid more expensive hospitalization treatment of pneumonia, including intravenous antibiotics and respiratory treatments. And early identification and appropriate treatment of children who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, will result in fewer expensive emergency room and inpatient care visits.
Twenty-nine other states, including North Carolina, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Louisiana, have realized significant savings by using this model for their Medicaid programs. Based on independent analyses, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services estimates the state will save $56 million in the first year by implementing the PCCM model in all state health programs but those that serve seniors and the blind.
Research provides strong economic reasons for insuring all children. Delayed treatment can result in more complex, more threatening and more expensive care later. While the uninsured pay approximately 35% of their medical bills out of pocket, more than 40% ends up being absorbed by those who do have health insurance in the form of higher premiums. According to a recent Families USA report, the cost of paying for the uninsured added $1059 to the average family’s insurance premiums in Illinois in 2005.
In addition, investing in health care can have a positive impact on local economies. Over the past five years, the health care industry has created nearly 40,000 new jobs in Illinois. Health care is the second-fastest growing industry in the state, and one of the fastest in the nation. Families USA found that for every $1 million invested in health care for people who need coverage, an additional $2.4 million is generated in new business activity and $840,000 in new wages.
While All Kids coverage does not begin until July 1, 2006, pre-registration is now underway in order to expedite the application process so children can enjoy the benefits of the program as soon as All Kids takes effect. The forms are now available online at www.allkidscovered.com in 8 languages: English, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese, with more translations on the way. The forms can also be requested through 1-866-ALL-KIDS to receive them in the mail.
Once a pre-registration form is received, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) will process the information and mail parents a letter to explain the next steps in the application process. When it is time for the family to apply, the Department will mail each family an All Kids application that will be partially filled out based on the information provided during pre-registration. Children who are determined to be eligible for KidCare can apply immediately to receive health coverage. Families not currently eligible for KidCare may apply early in 2006 for benefits that will begin July 1, 2006.
For more information on these plans, or to apply for Illinois health insurance visit us at www.medequote.com , www.medequote.net , or www.unicaresoundplans.com .
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Emergency Medical Crisis....UniCare Sound Solution
Emergency medical care in the United States is on the verge of collapse, with the nation's declining number of emergency rooms dangerously overcrowded and often unable to provide the expertise needed to treat seriously ill people in a safe and efficient manner.
That's the grim conclusion of three reports released by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Wednesday, the product of a massive, two-year look at emergency care.
Long waits for treatment are epidemic, the reports said, with ambulances sometimes idling for hours to unload patients, and patients, once in the ER, waiting up to two days to be admitted to a hospital bed.
One thing for sure, when you head off to the hospital, you better have insurance, if you don't you may not get the service you need. If you have to go to a public healthcare institution like Cook County in Chicago be prepared for a long wait.
The great thing about the UniCare Sound Plan is that it includes a $150 copay for emergency room and UniCare pays the rest! Most plans apply ER against your deductible, and that can be costly. Make sure you get covered, with UniCare Sound you have no excuse to go with out health insurance!
Another helpful hint is to not go to the emergency room unless it is completely neccesary. Give your doctor a call first, try to make an appointment to see him/her first. Under the Sound Health Plan you only pay $40 for a doctor visit, and the wait at the doctors office is pretty brief compared to the ER. Usually over the phone if the doctor is familiar with you he can prescribe something to make you feel better without having to go in.
You want to stay out of the doctor's office, and the ER, but if you have a Sound Health Plan you have all your bases covered. www.unicaresoundplans.com
That's the grim conclusion of three reports released by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Wednesday, the product of a massive, two-year look at emergency care.
Long waits for treatment are epidemic, the reports said, with ambulances sometimes idling for hours to unload patients, and patients, once in the ER, waiting up to two days to be admitted to a hospital bed.
One thing for sure, when you head off to the hospital, you better have insurance, if you don't you may not get the service you need. If you have to go to a public healthcare institution like Cook County in Chicago be prepared for a long wait.
The great thing about the UniCare Sound Plan is that it includes a $150 copay for emergency room and UniCare pays the rest! Most plans apply ER against your deductible, and that can be costly. Make sure you get covered, with UniCare Sound you have no excuse to go with out health insurance!
Another helpful hint is to not go to the emergency room unless it is completely neccesary. Give your doctor a call first, try to make an appointment to see him/her first. Under the Sound Health Plan you only pay $40 for a doctor visit, and the wait at the doctors office is pretty brief compared to the ER. Usually over the phone if the doctor is familiar with you he can prescribe something to make you feel better without having to go in.
You want to stay out of the doctor's office, and the ER, but if you have a Sound Health Plan you have all your bases covered. www.unicaresoundplans.com
U.S. new Flu Vaccine Program
Worried that the 1940s-era egg-based flu vaccine technology still in use won't stand up to bird flu, the federal government on Thursday awarded Baxter International Inc. and five other vaccine makers more than $1 billion to advance a new technology that eliminates the need for chicken eggs.The contracts are a vote of support for new cell-based flu vaccine production technologies being pursued by Deerfield-based Baxter and others. They are also a boost for vaccine makers in an era when the United States and other countries lack sufficient capacity to make vaccines against both seasonal flu and pandemic bird flu.
Boosting capacity is what this is all about, we do have the technology to predict most people from a pandemic, the questions is can we develop quickly enough, in amounts large enough, to protect every human being in the world, the answer to that will always be no. As we all know there is more than enough food in the world for everyone, but hunger and famine are more distribution, than drought issues. The problem is getting it all there, stockpiling, and distributing it.
It is a big boost for the drug companies says John Berkowitz of www.medequote.com, with the new technology they will be able to replace and update vaccination stocks across the world for more than just pandemic flu. This is a big piece in equation to mitigating the damage and suffering a pandemic would cause.
Boosting capacity is what this is all about, we do have the technology to predict most people from a pandemic, the questions is can we develop quickly enough, in amounts large enough, to protect every human being in the world, the answer to that will always be no. As we all know there is more than enough food in the world for everyone, but hunger and famine are more distribution, than drought issues. The problem is getting it all there, stockpiling, and distributing it.
It is a big boost for the drug companies says John Berkowitz of www.medequote.com, with the new technology they will be able to replace and update vaccination stocks across the world for more than just pandemic flu. This is a big piece in equation to mitigating the damage and suffering a pandemic would cause.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Where do you bury the bodies in a pandemic?
They brought in steam shovels to dig graves. Caskets were rented — just long enough to hold a brief memorial service — and passed on to the next grieving family. The death toll of the 1918 flu pandemic was so overwhelming that the military commandeered trains to transport dead soldiers; priests patrolled the streets of Philadelphia in horse-drawn carriages, collecting bodies from doorsteps.
"One of the most demoralizing things was the inability to move bodies out of the home," said John Barry, author of "The Great Influenza," the definitive work on the 1918 pandemic.
With medical experts and government leaders racing to prepare for a potential pandemic, a cadre of mortuary specialists has begun quietly dealing with the grisly but essential question of what to do with the dead if it happens again.
Opinion is varied on when and how virulent the next global flu outbreak would be, but even a modest epidemic — similar to the one that hit in 1968 — could kill 89,000 to 207,000 Americans. If the next virus mimics the far more potent 1918 strain, the U.S. death toll could reach 1.9 million.
In any event, experts foresee 18 months of funeral homes being short-staffed, crematories operating round-the-clock, dwindling supplies of caskets and restrictions on group gatherings, such as memorial services. Morgues and hospitals would quickly reach capacity. And most of the federal Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORT) would be too busy in their own communities to deploy elsewhere.
"I can't see myself packing my bags to go to another state to help out," said Joyce deJong, a Michigan medical examiner who worked on DMORT teams after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. "I'll be here dealing with an increase in the number of bodies."
Some fear that the Bush administration, in all its planning for pandemic flu, has paid scant attention to deaths.
"The last flu epidemic taxed the resources of the country, there were times when it began to look that if it dind't slow down it would result in mass extinction according to Medequote's John Berkowitz who grew up in Seattle. "Seattle, and Chicago being port sities were particlularly hit hard in 1918, the living barely had enough strength to take care of the dead...then it simply stopped by the grace of god. We are overdue for another one, and it will take a much greater toll this time."
"It's the one thing nobody wants to address, because it's ugly. People don't want to think that anyone will die," said John Fitch, senior vice president for advocacy at the National Funeral Directors Association. "We can't put our head in the sand and say response stops at prevention and treatment."
The high amount of uninsured add's to the problem, that is why UniCare introduced the Sound Health Plan. The plan which is targeted at singles between ages of 18 and 45 is a good thing to have when illness strikes.
www.unicaresoundplans.com
www.medequote.com
www.medequote.net
"One of the most demoralizing things was the inability to move bodies out of the home," said John Barry, author of "The Great Influenza," the definitive work on the 1918 pandemic.
With medical experts and government leaders racing to prepare for a potential pandemic, a cadre of mortuary specialists has begun quietly dealing with the grisly but essential question of what to do with the dead if it happens again.
Opinion is varied on when and how virulent the next global flu outbreak would be, but even a modest epidemic — similar to the one that hit in 1968 — could kill 89,000 to 207,000 Americans. If the next virus mimics the far more potent 1918 strain, the U.S. death toll could reach 1.9 million.
In any event, experts foresee 18 months of funeral homes being short-staffed, crematories operating round-the-clock, dwindling supplies of caskets and restrictions on group gatherings, such as memorial services. Morgues and hospitals would quickly reach capacity. And most of the federal Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORT) would be too busy in their own communities to deploy elsewhere.
"I can't see myself packing my bags to go to another state to help out," said Joyce deJong, a Michigan medical examiner who worked on DMORT teams after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. "I'll be here dealing with an increase in the number of bodies."
Some fear that the Bush administration, in all its planning for pandemic flu, has paid scant attention to deaths.
"The last flu epidemic taxed the resources of the country, there were times when it began to look that if it dind't slow down it would result in mass extinction according to Medequote's John Berkowitz who grew up in Seattle. "Seattle, and Chicago being port sities were particlularly hit hard in 1918, the living barely had enough strength to take care of the dead...then it simply stopped by the grace of god. We are overdue for another one, and it will take a much greater toll this time."
"It's the one thing nobody wants to address, because it's ugly. People don't want to think that anyone will die," said John Fitch, senior vice president for advocacy at the National Funeral Directors Association. "We can't put our head in the sand and say response stops at prevention and treatment."
The high amount of uninsured add's to the problem, that is why UniCare introduced the Sound Health Plan. The plan which is targeted at singles between ages of 18 and 45 is a good thing to have when illness strikes.
www.unicaresoundplans.com
www.medequote.com
www.medequote.net
Rise in Teen Smoking Reported
The steady decline in teen smoking in the United States since the late 1990s appears to have halted, health officials said.
A survey released last week showed that smoking among high-school students held steady at about one in four teenagers between 2003 and 2005. Two other surveys in the past year or so found that teen smoking has apparently plateaued since 2002.
"We were making good progress, and now it looks like we're not," said Dr. Corinne Husten, acting director of the Office on Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
www.medequote.net
www.medequote.com
www.unicaresoundplans.com
A survey released last week showed that smoking among high-school students held steady at about one in four teenagers between 2003 and 2005. Two other surveys in the past year or so found that teen smoking has apparently plateaued since 2002.
"We were making good progress, and now it looks like we're not," said Dr. Corinne Husten, acting director of the Office on Smoking and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
www.medequote.net
www.medequote.com
www.unicaresoundplans.com
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Nurse practicioners threaten physicians in Illinois and Kentucky
Feeling threatened by the proliferation of retail health clinics staffed by nurse practitioners, the nation's largest doctors group is pushing this week for increased scrutiny of the clinics and the nurse practitioners who staff them.Basically, the American Medical Association has a problem with caregivers like Laura Maxwell.Maxwell, a 25-year-old licensed nurse practitioner with a master's degree, checks coughs, gives vaccinations and dispenses other routine medical care at The Little Clinic in a Kroger grocery store in Louisville."We see lots of minor illnesses like colds, sore throats, and write a lot of prescriptions, typically for viruses," said Maxwell, who views her clinic as a complement to a physician's care. "It's a place they can go when the doctor's office is closed."
The big problem is that the nurse practicioners are making medical care affordable, and accessible for people, and that is cutting into the physicians bottom line.
One physician said, "If I can't charge the insurance company $300 bucks for the flu to see someone five minutes it hurts my lifestyle. A nurse practicioner charges far less and does basically the same things for a minor illness, and if they are independent that means I am not getting a cut of the action. We want to control the nurse practicioners so we can control prices and limit accesibilty for patients. Without control we make a lot less money. I went to medical school, nurse practicioners did not, why should they threaten my livelihood after I actually went the full road and got an education? Cold, and flu are the bread and butter of our practice, a person comes in, I spend four-five minutes, I write a prescription and get on to the next guy, it sounds very cold, but that is the reality of paying the bills, maintaining my lifestyle, and keeping the lights on. We practice assembly line medicine, the more people we see during the day the more it contributes to the bottom line. It's harsh, but that is the reality of medicine today, you need to pay the bills, and volume pays the bills, you chip into it, and you have a problem. sure, they are supervised by a physician, but they just come into review charts, it isn't the same as seeing a doctor. I can identify plenty of things that people never suspect they have simply by seeing them in person, you can't get that kind of care and experience from a nurse practicioner."
Insurance companies on the other hand are all for reducing cost, that increases profits, and lowers rates for the consumers, they will continue to strongly support the use of nurse practicioners for minor illnesses.
John Berkowitz of Medequote comments, "You need to cut costs somewhere to make sure health insurance stays affordable. One thing UniCare did this year was introduce the Sound Health Plan to consumers in Illinois, and Texas. It was the first time a plan was designed for a specific age group, and also a solution to the problem of young uninsured's. The cost ranges from $61- $114 per month if depending on where you live, and how old you are. The plan is a big hit with the single young adults aged 18-29 it was developed for. Suprisingly enough, healthy people into their 50's have been enrolling into the plan because of the low price point."
The plans are available at www.unicaresoundplans.com . The plan has unlimited doctor visits, so you can see whoever you choose within the network. The Sound health plan for UniCare is a winner that will bring a lot of people back into the healthcare system. The more people that participate the more stable rates will become.
The big problem is that the nurse practicioners are making medical care affordable, and accessible for people, and that is cutting into the physicians bottom line.
One physician said, "If I can't charge the insurance company $300 bucks for the flu to see someone five minutes it hurts my lifestyle. A nurse practicioner charges far less and does basically the same things for a minor illness, and if they are independent that means I am not getting a cut of the action. We want to control the nurse practicioners so we can control prices and limit accesibilty for patients. Without control we make a lot less money. I went to medical school, nurse practicioners did not, why should they threaten my livelihood after I actually went the full road and got an education? Cold, and flu are the bread and butter of our practice, a person comes in, I spend four-five minutes, I write a prescription and get on to the next guy, it sounds very cold, but that is the reality of paying the bills, maintaining my lifestyle, and keeping the lights on. We practice assembly line medicine, the more people we see during the day the more it contributes to the bottom line. It's harsh, but that is the reality of medicine today, you need to pay the bills, and volume pays the bills, you chip into it, and you have a problem. sure, they are supervised by a physician, but they just come into review charts, it isn't the same as seeing a doctor. I can identify plenty of things that people never suspect they have simply by seeing them in person, you can't get that kind of care and experience from a nurse practicioner."
Insurance companies on the other hand are all for reducing cost, that increases profits, and lowers rates for the consumers, they will continue to strongly support the use of nurse practicioners for minor illnesses.
John Berkowitz of Medequote comments, "You need to cut costs somewhere to make sure health insurance stays affordable. One thing UniCare did this year was introduce the Sound Health Plan to consumers in Illinois, and Texas. It was the first time a plan was designed for a specific age group, and also a solution to the problem of young uninsured's. The cost ranges from $61- $114 per month if depending on where you live, and how old you are. The plan is a big hit with the single young adults aged 18-29 it was developed for. Suprisingly enough, healthy people into their 50's have been enrolling into the plan because of the low price point."
The plans are available at www.unicaresoundplans.com . The plan has unlimited doctor visits, so you can see whoever you choose within the network. The Sound health plan for UniCare is a winner that will bring a lot of people back into the healthcare system. The more people that participate the more stable rates will become.
Monday, June 12, 2006
MedeQuote introduces New UniCare Sound WebSales Site
The Medequote Agency of Chicago announced today that they have opened an exclusive UniCare only Website for the new and popular UniCare Sound health plan. The Sound plan is designed for young singles between the age's of 18-30, but many healthy singles into their 50's are opting for the attractive health plan. The website at http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/ is a one step portal to getting all the information you need concerning UniCare Sound.
John Berkowitz of Medequote commented "The plans are very attractive and popular in Texas, and Illinois were they are marketed. We expect UniCare to continue to roll out the product in new states over the next couple of years. They are expanding the Tonik brand also for their BCBS affiliates, but after that they will concentrate on opening more states for UniCare. Having a site devoted to this product makes a lot of sense to me as it becomes more popular. This allows us to concentrate on other areas outside of Illinois.
Sound is designed for healthy, single, young adults, and it comes in three deductibles, $1500, $3000, and $5000. All plans include preventative, unlimited Dr visits, Rx, and ER. As an added bonus it includes dental and vision.
To find out more about the new UniCare Sound product visit http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/
John Berkowitz of Medequote commented "The plans are very attractive and popular in Texas, and Illinois were they are marketed. We expect UniCare to continue to roll out the product in new states over the next couple of years. They are expanding the Tonik brand also for their BCBS affiliates, but after that they will concentrate on opening more states for UniCare. Having a site devoted to this product makes a lot of sense to me as it becomes more popular. This allows us to concentrate on other areas outside of Illinois.
Sound is designed for healthy, single, young adults, and it comes in three deductibles, $1500, $3000, and $5000. All plans include preventative, unlimited Dr visits, Rx, and ER. As an added bonus it includes dental and vision.
To find out more about the new UniCare Sound product visit http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Why UniCare's Renewal Rates are so Stable
Unicare health insurance plans offer some of the lowest cost major medical plans in the industry. The Unicare HSA, FIT, Saver, and Sound plans offer the greatest values in health insurance depending on where you live.
Best values are found in the $1000 to $5000 deductible plans. When you have a Unicare plan, you will pay the same premium as an existing member, not an artificially low rate for the first year like other companies. No tiers, or blocking of business. uniCare never close out a block of business and allows exiting members to upgrade to new model plans when they become available. This kind of practice keeps their pool healthy and avoids the infmaous death spiral.
Unicare HSA's have only had two price increase's in the last eight years. The Unicare HSA is probably the best valued product of any carrier. Deductibles over $1000 had only a zero to one percent trend upwards last year. Your prices will however go up with age, there is now way you can stall father time, the older you are the more expensive health insurance becomes.
How can we help keep health costs down?
One of the best things that we can do with the public, legislators, and so forth is to really understand that uninsured population in great depth. A third of them are in households that have incomes of $50,000 or greater, and, for whatever reason, they're uninsured. Our job is to reach out to them with affordable products with lots of education, and that's what we're trying to do with things like UniCare Sound, Tonik or Blue Access, for example. The second segment is a third of the uninsured that are actually eligible for either federal or state programs. They're simply not enrolled. Then the balance are really the working poor. There, we really need to work collaboratively with the government and our industry and figure out what the right solution is. We've been in favor of tax credits. We've been in favor of giving those people incentives that would allow them to purchase some sort of coverage. So far the goverment has only addressed tax incentives for HSA's which are designed for the over 50 market which has borne most of the brunt of medical inflation these past few years.
The key to keeping health costs down nationally is to make the best effort to make sure as many people as possible are insured. UniCare has the largest block of insured's in the country and that number is increasing daily, and that is a major factor in keeping the cost of their plans affordable, volume equals cost savings. By not closing of blocks and letting people have the opportunity to upgrade coverage when neccesary without changing carriers it keeps the overall costs down as the block continues to increase in size.
Would a larger role for the government in health care be a good thing?
A public/private system is what best serves Americans. We're a culture of people that want choice. I just can't imagine us going to a place that's going to be a one-size-fits-all. It's just not our makeup as a culture.
Unicare health plans can be purchased for Illlinois, Texas, and Michigan at www.medequote.com
http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/
Best values are found in the $1000 to $5000 deductible plans. When you have a Unicare plan, you will pay the same premium as an existing member, not an artificially low rate for the first year like other companies. No tiers, or blocking of business. uniCare never close out a block of business and allows exiting members to upgrade to new model plans when they become available. This kind of practice keeps their pool healthy and avoids the infmaous death spiral.
Unicare HSA's have only had two price increase's in the last eight years. The Unicare HSA is probably the best valued product of any carrier. Deductibles over $1000 had only a zero to one percent trend upwards last year. Your prices will however go up with age, there is now way you can stall father time, the older you are the more expensive health insurance becomes.
How can we help keep health costs down?
One of the best things that we can do with the public, legislators, and so forth is to really understand that uninsured population in great depth. A third of them are in households that have incomes of $50,000 or greater, and, for whatever reason, they're uninsured. Our job is to reach out to them with affordable products with lots of education, and that's what we're trying to do with things like UniCare Sound, Tonik or Blue Access, for example. The second segment is a third of the uninsured that are actually eligible for either federal or state programs. They're simply not enrolled. Then the balance are really the working poor. There, we really need to work collaboratively with the government and our industry and figure out what the right solution is. We've been in favor of tax credits. We've been in favor of giving those people incentives that would allow them to purchase some sort of coverage. So far the goverment has only addressed tax incentives for HSA's which are designed for the over 50 market which has borne most of the brunt of medical inflation these past few years.
The key to keeping health costs down nationally is to make the best effort to make sure as many people as possible are insured. UniCare has the largest block of insured's in the country and that number is increasing daily, and that is a major factor in keeping the cost of their plans affordable, volume equals cost savings. By not closing of blocks and letting people have the opportunity to upgrade coverage when neccesary without changing carriers it keeps the overall costs down as the block continues to increase in size.
Would a larger role for the government in health care be a good thing?
A public/private system is what best serves Americans. We're a culture of people that want choice. I just can't imagine us going to a place that's going to be a one-size-fits-all. It's just not our makeup as a culture.
Unicare health plans can be purchased for Illlinois, Texas, and Michigan at www.medequote.com
http://www.unicaresoundplans.com/
U. of C. gets $10 million to study cancer's spread
Arlington Park racetrack Chairman Richard Duchossois and his family said Tuesday that they are giving $10 million to the University of Chicago for research on the metastasis, or spreading, of cancer cells.The gift is the latest donation by the family to the U. of C. since 1980, including $21 million in 1994 for the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine.It also represents the school's fourth major medical-related gift this year, all from different donors and totaling $102 million.
www.medequote.com
www.unicaresoundplans.com
www.medequote.com
www.unicaresoundplans.com
Monday, June 05, 2006
New Alzheimer Drugs on the way
University of Washington scientists have begun testing two new drugs they hope will ease the symptoms and possibly prolong the useful lives of Alzheimer's disease patients, a group that is destined to grow by multitudes in the decades to come.
Researchers hope the drugs, which take a new approach to the disease, will do a better job than the current generation of medications that slow progression for only a few years.
www.mededquote.com
Researchers hope the drugs, which take a new approach to the disease, will do a better job than the current generation of medications that slow progression for only a few years.
www.mededquote.com
Sunday, June 04, 2006
United Health Care urges pill-splitting to ease swollen expenses
In another push following an initial effort made last fall, the second-largest health insurer in Illinois is encouraging its members to split pills to help them save money on select maintenance drugs.UnitedHealthcare Illinois has sent letters to its members to inform them that by using higher-strength tablets and splitting them in half, they will get the same medication and dosage for half the cost. Members can save $150 to $300 in copayments for one drug over a year in the Half Tablet program.Member physicians also are being urged to inform patients about the voluntary program and change prescription doses for those who participate. Physicians must write the prescription for a double-strength tablet with instructions to take one-half tablet.In Illinois, 8.5 percent of UnitedHealthcare members have participated in the pill-splitting program since its inception last October. The goal is to have 20 percent participation rate by the end of 2006. United Healthcare will provide pill splitters to members who request them."We do not have a specific policy on pill splitting," said spokesman Tony Rau of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, the largest insurer in the state. "We don't promote it, but we understand that some people do choose to split pills, and that's a decision to be made by members and their pharmacists to determine whether that's an appropriate option in terms of cost savings on drugs."Not all medications are appropriate for pill splitting. UnitedHealthcare has identified 17 medications that can be split and retain their effectiveness. These include the cholesterol-lowering drugs Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, Pravastatin and Zocor; the ACE inhibitors Aceon, Mavik and Univasc; the Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Atacand, Avapro, Benicar, Cozaar and Diovan; the antidepressants Lexapro, Pexeva and Zoloft and the antiviral Valtrex."The program is aimed at making medication affordable and increasing patient compliance," said Bill Moeller, president and CEO of UnitedHealthcare Illinois. "Pharmaceutical companies in many cases charge the same price for drugs regardless of pill size," he said. "This program makes good economic sense for anybody who takes medications in these categories of drugs."Michael O'Rourke of Crown Point, Ind., takes Zocor to manage his cholesterol. At his doctor's suggestion, he began to split 20-milligram tablets and take the 10-milligram dose a year ago. He saved about $150 in copayments. "It's very easy," he said. "I bought the pill splitter at the local drugstore, and when I get my pills, I sit at the table and cut them in half. It's very simple and certainly worth the savings."
www.medequote.com
www.medequote.com
Diabetes increasing dramatically.
The number of Americans diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the kind associated with obesity, has topped 19 million, and a study says a third of adults with the disease don't even know they have it. Researchers found that another 26 percent of adults had "impaired fasting glucose," a precursor to diabetes."So, if you add that together with the 9.3 percent of people with diabetes, that means that fully one-third of the adult population--73 million Americans--have diabetes or they may be on their way to getting it," said lead researcher Catherine Cowie, director of the diabetes epidemiology program at the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Her team's report appears in the June issue of Diabetes Care. http://care.diabetesjournals.org/
www.medequote.com
We have a suggestion for curbing your risk for Diabetes and that is eating better, and getting a little exercise. It only takes a leisurely one hour walk per day to stay in shape and stimulate the body to lose weight which decreases your chances of developing diabetes. For most people Diabetes is very preventable just by changing your lifetyle a tad bit.
The cost of Diabetes is expensive, especially for the self employed whose only option for coverage is state sponsored high risk pools. A 38 year old Woman in Illinois will pay approximately $1700 per quater for health insurance for the state sponsored plan compared to approximately $400 for for the same time period for an Illinois health insurance program through a provider such as UniCare, or BCBSIL that a healthy person can qualify for.
The best advice for saving money on health care, and health insurance premiums is to try to lead a healthier lifestyle!
www.medequote.com
We have a suggestion for curbing your risk for Diabetes and that is eating better, and getting a little exercise. It only takes a leisurely one hour walk per day to stay in shape and stimulate the body to lose weight which decreases your chances of developing diabetes. For most people Diabetes is very preventable just by changing your lifetyle a tad bit.
The cost of Diabetes is expensive, especially for the self employed whose only option for coverage is state sponsored high risk pools. A 38 year old Woman in Illinois will pay approximately $1700 per quater for health insurance for the state sponsored plan compared to approximately $400 for for the same time period for an Illinois health insurance program through a provider such as UniCare, or BCBSIL that a healthy person can qualify for.
The best advice for saving money on health care, and health insurance premiums is to try to lead a healthier lifestyle!
Pharmacist loses fight with Walmart
A federal judge dismissed a Roman Catholic pharmacist's claim that he was fired by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. for refusing to fill birth-control prescriptions and that the dismissal violated his religious freedom.The ruling Thursday said Wal-Mart had accommodated Neil Noesen's religious opposition to birth control by having other pharmacists fill prescriptions. But U.S. District Judge John Shabaz said Noesen, 32, went too far by obstructing service for those customers.
The morning after pill which is basically an abortion in a capsule is another growing controversy as many pharmacists across the country are refusing to handle it because of moral, and religous beliefs. How Walmart, and other companies will handle this is not uncertain, if you work for them you follow their rules, and if you don't you need to find another place to work.
The FDA is investigating numerous health problems associated with the pill which basically cause the body to have a miscarriage.
At Medequote we really don't have a proffesional opinion regarding these drugs since they are not covered by health plans anyway, but we advise you to be very careful with any medication which can cause a violent enough reaction to cause a miscarriage. The long term benefits can't be good for you. Remember the drug companies want to sell this product to make a profit for their executives and major stock holders, your long term health is of little consequence to them.
Medications of course are a good thing, but unneccesary lifestyle drugs just fuel the rise of health care cost's.
www.unicaresoundplans.com
The morning after pill which is basically an abortion in a capsule is another growing controversy as many pharmacists across the country are refusing to handle it because of moral, and religous beliefs. How Walmart, and other companies will handle this is not uncertain, if you work for them you follow their rules, and if you don't you need to find another place to work.
The FDA is investigating numerous health problems associated with the pill which basically cause the body to have a miscarriage.
At Medequote we really don't have a proffesional opinion regarding these drugs since they are not covered by health plans anyway, but we advise you to be very careful with any medication which can cause a violent enough reaction to cause a miscarriage. The long term benefits can't be good for you. Remember the drug companies want to sell this product to make a profit for their executives and major stock holders, your long term health is of little consequence to them.
Medications of course are a good thing, but unneccesary lifestyle drugs just fuel the rise of health care cost's.
www.unicaresoundplans.com
Friday, June 02, 2006
Study says Canadians more healthy than Americans
You can add Canadians to the list of foreigners who are healthier than Americans.
Americans are 42 percent more likely than Canadians to have diabetes, 32 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, and 12 percent more likely to have arthritis, Harvard Medical School researchers found. That is according to a survey in which U.S. and Canadian adults were asked over the telephone about their health.
The study comes less than a month after other researchers reported that middle-aged, white Americans are much sicker than their counterparts in England.
"We're really falling behind other nations," said Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard and a co-author of the Canadian study.
Woolhandler said her findings were different in at least one important respect: In the Canadian study, insured Americans and Canadians had about the same rates of disease. It was the uninsured Americans who made the overall U.S. figures worse, she said.
Medequote believes uninsured in America are a huge factor in the increase of the cost of health insurance. If everyone is paying in the rates would be much lower.
www.medequote.com
www.unicaresoundplans.com
Americans are 42 percent more likely than Canadians to have diabetes, 32 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, and 12 percent more likely to have arthritis, Harvard Medical School researchers found. That is according to a survey in which U.S. and Canadian adults were asked over the telephone about their health.
The study comes less than a month after other researchers reported that middle-aged, white Americans are much sicker than their counterparts in England.
"We're really falling behind other nations," said Dr. Steffie Woolhandler, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard and a co-author of the Canadian study.
Woolhandler said her findings were different in at least one important respect: In the Canadian study, insured Americans and Canadians had about the same rates of disease. It was the uninsured Americans who made the overall U.S. figures worse, she said.
Medequote believes uninsured in America are a huge factor in the increase of the cost of health insurance. If everyone is paying in the rates would be much lower.
www.medequote.com
www.unicaresoundplans.com
AMA mulls backing limits on TV drug ads
Once again, the American Medical Association will consider backing a government moratorium on pharmaceutical advertising to consumers.The largest U.S. doctor group will ask its members at its annual meeting later this month to put its considerable lobbying clout behind federal regulations that would greatly limit television commercials targeted at consumers once drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.Last year the AMA stopped short of backing a moratorium at its annual policymaking House of Delegates meeting in favor of more study. The study, now complete, advises AMA delegates to support a "time interval" that would put an unspecified amount of time between a drug's approval and when a company could begin advertising to consumers, specifically on television.
Medequote feels that drug advertising leads to one thing, higher drug sales, and that is why the companies are doing it. People watch TV, self diagnose themselves then go to the doctor to ask for a prescription. What this is doing is fueling the increase in the cost of health insurance. Funny but there is a collorary between the advent of drug company advertising and the increase in medical insurance rates over the last decade. www.mededquote.com
http://unicaresoundplans.com/
www.medequote.com
Medequote feels that drug advertising leads to one thing, higher drug sales, and that is why the companies are doing it. People watch TV, self diagnose themselves then go to the doctor to ask for a prescription. What this is doing is fueling the increase in the cost of health insurance. Funny but there is a collorary between the advent of drug company advertising and the increase in medical insurance rates over the last decade. www.mededquote.com
http://unicaresoundplans.com/
www.medequote.com
Destiny Health CEO to leave post soon
In a surprise announcement, a South African health benefits company Friday said the chief executive of its up and coming Chicago-based U.S. subsidiary would leave "in the next few weeks."Scott Spiker, 50, who became chief executive officer of Destiny Health in 2004, helped to more than double the size of the company as more businesses bought its new consumer-directed health plans. He also led the relocation of the company last year to more spacious downtown Chicago offices from the suburbs after the company grew from just five workers at its launch five years ago to more than 150.Yet despite the overall growth of consumer-directed health plans across the country, Destiny Health's performance "disappointed during the latter half of the year," a financial report posted on the parent company's Web site said.In particular, the company said Destiny has had trouble in the Illinois market, despite growth elsewhere.
Destiny has a different kind of business model that differe from other plans, despite a lower price point few large Illinois companies have been willing to take the risk of working with an overseas funded health insurer. www.medequote.com
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0605270025may27,0,4125045.story
Destiny has a different kind of business model that differe from other plans, despite a lower price point few large Illinois companies have been willing to take the risk of working with an overseas funded health insurer. www.medequote.com
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-0605270025may27,0,4125045.story
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