HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today called on states and communities to join with HHS to redouble efforts to find and enroll the 5 million children who are currently eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), but are not yet covered. The Secretary
issued this call to action as she opened the National Children's Health Insurance Summit in Chicago, kicking off the nation's largest campaign to find and enroll uninsured children in over a decade.
Much progress has been made in recent years, but the enactment of the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) creates new opportunities to move forward. At the same time, given the economic downturn, the need among families for affordable coverage for their children could not be greater. Not since the creation of CHIP in 1997 has the federal government, in conjunction with states, concentrated so many resources on the effort to find and enroll children who are needlessly going without health insurance coverage.
"As a society and as parents, we have no greater responsibility than to provide quality health care for our children," Secretary Sebelius said. "Our charge here today is to get all eligible children covered to ensure they are healthy throughout their childhood. A healthy child is the
block upon which all other successes are built, not just for the child, but for the nation they will lead in the future."
In February, President Obama signed CHIPRA into law. The legislation fully funds CHIP over the next four years and devotes an unprecedented amount of federal funding to support outreach and enrollment efforts for both CHIP and Medicaid. Currently, Medicaid serves more than 32 million low-income American children while CHIP has over 7 million beneficiaries.
Today's speech launched the three-day conference in Chicago sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that has brought together state Medicaid and CHIP officials, local government, community-based organizations, safety net providers and others who are working to promote enrollment in children's health programs. These experts will exchange proven strategies for finding and enrolling children in health programs as well as removing program barriers that sometimes prevent children from staying in these programs despite
continued eligibility.
Participants in the conference will also hear from experts on a wide range of specialized topics, such as reaching diverse or isolated populations, the usefulness of online applications and how to best work with managed care plans and other health care providers.
Also attending today's conference are grantees from 69 organizations across the country that were awarded $40 million by HHS to fund outreach projects in their local communities. Over the next four years, HHS will award a total of $90 million in outreach grants.
"With the nation's unemployment rate at a staggering 9.8 percent and families losing their job-related health care, finding and enrolling eligible children could never be more important," said Cindy Mann, director of the Center for Medicaid and State Operations within CMS.
"Bringing together government officials, tribal leaders, community organizations and policy experts, we hope, will build on the successes achieved in recent years and lead to fresh, innovative and successful strategies to deliver quality health care to every eligible child in
America."
For more information about free or low-cost children's health insurance, visit the newly updated and redesigned Web site www.insurekidsnow.gov or call toll-free 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). The site gives parents and caregivers information on connecting their children to health coverage through Medicaid or CHIP and also provides program
information and federal guidance for states and health policy professionals. It will be available in both English and Spanish. National Children's Health Insurance Summit presentations and other conference materials can be downloaded at www.childrenshealthinsurancesummit.com.
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Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Aetna Signs Agreement with WellStar Health System
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aetna (NYSE: ΑET) and WellStar Health System of Marietta, Ga. announced today that they have reached agreement on a three-year contract that provides access for Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members to the hospital’s facilities and physicians.
Under this new agreement, Aetna Medicare Advantage plan members will be able to receive covered services, at in-network rates, from WellStar facilities in the greater Atlanta area. Earlier this year, Aetna and WellStar reached agreement on a contract that applied to members of Aetna’s commercial plans. Aetna members also will be able to continue receiving covered services from WellStar physicians.
“Aetna is very pleased to expand its relationship with WellStar,” said Ramzy Elgomayel, Aetna’s vice president of network operations for Georgia. “WellStar has provided excellent care to our commercial-plan members for several years, and we’re delighted to be able offer in-network access to their facilities and providers for our Medicare Advantage plan members.”
“The expansion of the Aetna contract to cover the Medicare Advantage members further solidifies our relationship,” said Barbara Corey, senior vice president of managed care for WellStar. “We look forward to providing exceptional health care services to these members.”
Aetna provides health benefits to approximately 600,000 members in Georgia. Those members have access to a network that includes 80 contracted hospitals and more than 9,500 primary care physicians and specialists.
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Under this new agreement, Aetna Medicare Advantage plan members will be able to receive covered services, at in-network rates, from WellStar facilities in the greater Atlanta area. Earlier this year, Aetna and WellStar reached agreement on a contract that applied to members of Aetna’s commercial plans. Aetna members also will be able to continue receiving covered services from WellStar physicians.
“Aetna is very pleased to expand its relationship with WellStar,” said Ramzy Elgomayel, Aetna’s vice president of network operations for Georgia. “WellStar has provided excellent care to our commercial-plan members for several years, and we’re delighted to be able offer in-network access to their facilities and providers for our Medicare Advantage plan members.”
“The expansion of the Aetna contract to cover the Medicare Advantage members further solidifies our relationship,” said Barbara Corey, senior vice president of managed care for WellStar. “We look forward to providing exceptional health care services to these members.”
Aetna provides health benefits to approximately 600,000 members in Georgia. Those members have access to a network that includes 80 contracted hospitals and more than 9,500 primary care physicians and specialists.
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Friday, October 30, 2009
Policymakers Have Many Options to Make Social Security Both Solvent and More Adequate
/PRNewswire/ -- Social Security, the foundation of economic security for millions of America's seniors and working families, can be made more adequate and solvent for the long term, according to a new report released today by the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI).
The report, Fixing Social Security: Adequate Benefits, Adequate Financing, outlines approximately 30 options for putting the program's finances into 75-year balance and more than 10 ways to make Social Security more adequate for those who rely on it. All options have long-range cost estimates from Social Security actuaries.
"Fixing Social Security is a manageable job. While Social Security does not need more money now, policymakers could act now to make funds available in the future when the money will be needed," said Virginia Reno, co-author of the report and Vice President for Income Security at NASI.
"We also need to consider the adequacy of Social Security benefits," said Janice Gregory, president of NASI. "Long-term shifts in private retirement plans are placing more risks on individual workers. Recent losses in jobs, home equity, and individual savings are weakening all other sources of financial security in retirement. Only Social Security has held its value. Yet benefits remain modest for all, and inadequate for some especially vulnerable populations."
Benefit adequacy options in the report target such financially vulnerable groups as:
-- The oldest beneficiaries (over 85 years);
-- Widowed spouses of low-earning couples;
-- Low-paid workers generally;
-- Workers with gaps in paid work due to childcare; and
-- Students in college or vocational school who have lost parental
support due to death or disability.
Other adequacy options would increase benefits across the board for current and future beneficiaries.
Options to balance Social Security's future finances include:
-- Lifting the cap (now $106,800) on the earnings from which workers and
employers pay Social Security taxes;
-- Broadening the base for Social Security taxes;
-- Scheduling modest rate increases in the future when funds will be
needed;
-- Dedicating progressive taxes to pay part of Social Security's future
cost; and
-- Gradually lowering some future benefits.
A recent survey conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group (BSG) for NASI and the Rockefeller Foundation found that Americans want to preserve and improve Social Security, even if it means paying higher taxes to do so. "Even before the recession, fear of an insecure retirement was among Americans' top economic concerns," said Danny Franklin of BSG. "Those fears have only intensified in the past year. Americans today are willing -- even eager -- to invest in the peace of mind that Social Security provides."
The NASI project receives support from the Ford Foundation's initiative on Economic Fairness and Opportunity and the Rockefeller Foundation's Campaign for American Workers.
The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization made up of the nation's leading experts on social insurance. Its mission is to promote understanding of how social insurance contributes to economic security and a vibrant economy.
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The report, Fixing Social Security: Adequate Benefits, Adequate Financing, outlines approximately 30 options for putting the program's finances into 75-year balance and more than 10 ways to make Social Security more adequate for those who rely on it. All options have long-range cost estimates from Social Security actuaries.
"Fixing Social Security is a manageable job. While Social Security does not need more money now, policymakers could act now to make funds available in the future when the money will be needed," said Virginia Reno, co-author of the report and Vice President for Income Security at NASI.
"We also need to consider the adequacy of Social Security benefits," said Janice Gregory, president of NASI. "Long-term shifts in private retirement plans are placing more risks on individual workers. Recent losses in jobs, home equity, and individual savings are weakening all other sources of financial security in retirement. Only Social Security has held its value. Yet benefits remain modest for all, and inadequate for some especially vulnerable populations."
Benefit adequacy options in the report target such financially vulnerable groups as:
-- The oldest beneficiaries (over 85 years);
-- Widowed spouses of low-earning couples;
-- Low-paid workers generally;
-- Workers with gaps in paid work due to childcare; and
-- Students in college or vocational school who have lost parental
support due to death or disability.
Other adequacy options would increase benefits across the board for current and future beneficiaries.
Options to balance Social Security's future finances include:
-- Lifting the cap (now $106,800) on the earnings from which workers and
employers pay Social Security taxes;
-- Broadening the base for Social Security taxes;
-- Scheduling modest rate increases in the future when funds will be
needed;
-- Dedicating progressive taxes to pay part of Social Security's future
cost; and
-- Gradually lowering some future benefits.
A recent survey conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group (BSG) for NASI and the Rockefeller Foundation found that Americans want to preserve and improve Social Security, even if it means paying higher taxes to do so. "Even before the recession, fear of an insecure retirement was among Americans' top economic concerns," said Danny Franklin of BSG. "Those fears have only intensified in the past year. Americans today are willing -- even eager -- to invest in the peace of mind that Social Security provides."
The NASI project receives support from the Ford Foundation's initiative on Economic Fairness and Opportunity and the Rockefeller Foundation's Campaign for American Workers.
The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization made up of the nation's leading experts on social insurance. Its mission is to promote understanding of how social insurance contributes to economic security and a vibrant economy.
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Thursday, October 29, 2009
New Report Highlights How Health Insurance Reform Will Reduce Costs for Small Businesses
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released a new report, "Lower Premiums, Stronger Businesses: How Health Insurance Reform Will Bring Down Costs for Small Businesses." The report outlines the many ways health insurance reform will lower health care costs for small
businesses and is available now at www.HealthReform.gov.
"Small businesses drive our economy and create jobs, but they are struggling as health care costs continue to rise," Secretary Sebelius said. "The high cost of care is making it difficult or impossible for these businesses to offer care or grow their business. Health insurance reform will bring costs down and give small businesses the relief they need."
The report notes:
* Small businesses, the backbone of job creation in our economy,
are disproportionately burdened by the financial strains caused by
rising health care costs. On average, small businesses pay up to 18
percent more than large firms for the same health insurance policy. This
difference is due in part to high broker fees (which can be up to 10
percent of premiums), and health plan administrative costs that are
three times those in the large group market.
* In a recent national survey, nearly three-quarters of small
businesses that did not offer benefits cited high premiums as the
reason.
* Nearly half of workers covered by a small business employer have
insurance that limits the total amount the plan will pay for medical
care and nearly one in ten small business workers have a health plan
that does not offer prescription drug coverage.
* Workers in small firms are more likely to shoulder burdensome
out-of-pocket health care costs. Thirty-six percent spent more than 10
percent of their household income on out-of-pocket medical expenses in
2007, compared with 27 percent of workers in larger firms.
Health insurance reform will bring down costs for small businesses by creating a health insurance exchange, providing a small business tax credit, ending the "hidden tax" on small businesses that provide health insurance and preventing arbitrary premium hikes. Reform will also ensure Americans have stable, secure insurance coverage, limit out-of-pocket spending and eliminate caps on benefits.
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businesses and is available now at www.HealthReform.gov.
"Small businesses drive our economy and create jobs, but they are struggling as health care costs continue to rise," Secretary Sebelius said. "The high cost of care is making it difficult or impossible for these businesses to offer care or grow their business. Health insurance reform will bring costs down and give small businesses the relief they need."
The report notes:
* Small businesses, the backbone of job creation in our economy,
are disproportionately burdened by the financial strains caused by
rising health care costs. On average, small businesses pay up to 18
percent more than large firms for the same health insurance policy. This
difference is due in part to high broker fees (which can be up to 10
percent of premiums), and health plan administrative costs that are
three times those in the large group market.
* In a recent national survey, nearly three-quarters of small
businesses that did not offer benefits cited high premiums as the
reason.
* Nearly half of workers covered by a small business employer have
insurance that limits the total amount the plan will pay for medical
care and nearly one in ten small business workers have a health plan
that does not offer prescription drug coverage.
* Workers in small firms are more likely to shoulder burdensome
out-of-pocket health care costs. Thirty-six percent spent more than 10
percent of their household income on out-of-pocket medical expenses in
2007, compared with 27 percent of workers in larger firms.
Health insurance reform will bring down costs for small businesses by creating a health insurance exchange, providing a small business tax credit, ending the "hidden tax" on small businesses that provide health insurance and preventing arbitrary premium hikes. Reform will also ensure Americans have stable, secure insurance coverage, limit out-of-pocket spending and eliminate caps on benefits.
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Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Selecting Medicare Coverage: Four Considerations to Help Seniors Choose
/PRNewswire/ -- Open enrollment, the six-week period during which seniors can select healthcare coverage for 2010, begins Nov. 15. Health plans have begun sharing their costs and coverage, but making a choice can be a daunting task. Here are four considerations to help Medicare-eligible seniors select which Medicare coverage best meets their individual needs:
1. Understand the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare. There are four primary parts
to Medicare. Parts A and B cover hospital and medical expenses,
respectively. Parts C and D provide benefit and prescription drug
coverage through health insurance companies that are approved by
Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans include all of the coverage offered
by Parts A and B and can include prescription drug coverage under Part
D.
2. Compare costs. Premiums can range for $0 to hundreds of dollars per
month, depending upon the type of organization (nonprofit or
for-profit) and the type of coverage. Total plan costs include
premiums, co-payments and deductibles for everything from preventive
care to hospitalization.
3. Compare benefits and doctors. Does the plan have a large network of
doctors and specialists for you to choose from? Is your doctor and
preferred hospital in that network? Does the plan cover your
prescription medications?
4. Compare quality. Call the customer service number for the plans you're
considering. Does a live person answer the phone? Are they friendly,
helpful and knowledgeable? Does the plan offer value-added programs
that help you maintain or improve your health and independence? Does
the plan offer services to help your loved ones take care of you if
needed? Will the plan coordinate your care between doctors and
specialists?
Selecting Medicare coverage is an important decision, especially since Medicare rules indicate that members must maintain the coverage they've chosen for an entire year. Seniors currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans will soon receive letters from their health plans explaining any changes in coverage for 2010. "We recommend that people read this letter thoroughly to avoid any surprises in the coming year," said Tom Lescault, president of SCAN Health Plan Arizona. "Changes in government funding has forced many health plans to reduce benefits or increase costs. People need to make sure they are able to make informed decisions during open enrollment."
As part of an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of seniors, SCAN Health Plan Arizona is an exclusive sponsor of "Healthy Tips for Successful Aging" with ABC 15. Each week, the station airs 30-second health tips provided by SCAN. The health plan also is the exclusive studio sponsor for KOY radio and co-hosts "Senior Focus," a broadcast dedicated to senior-related issues.
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1. Understand the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare. There are four primary parts
to Medicare. Parts A and B cover hospital and medical expenses,
respectively. Parts C and D provide benefit and prescription drug
coverage through health insurance companies that are approved by
Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans include all of the coverage offered
by Parts A and B and can include prescription drug coverage under Part
D.
2. Compare costs. Premiums can range for $0 to hundreds of dollars per
month, depending upon the type of organization (nonprofit or
for-profit) and the type of coverage. Total plan costs include
premiums, co-payments and deductibles for everything from preventive
care to hospitalization.
3. Compare benefits and doctors. Does the plan have a large network of
doctors and specialists for you to choose from? Is your doctor and
preferred hospital in that network? Does the plan cover your
prescription medications?
4. Compare quality. Call the customer service number for the plans you're
considering. Does a live person answer the phone? Are they friendly,
helpful and knowledgeable? Does the plan offer value-added programs
that help you maintain or improve your health and independence? Does
the plan offer services to help your loved ones take care of you if
needed? Will the plan coordinate your care between doctors and
specialists?
Selecting Medicare coverage is an important decision, especially since Medicare rules indicate that members must maintain the coverage they've chosen for an entire year. Seniors currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans will soon receive letters from their health plans explaining any changes in coverage for 2010. "We recommend that people read this letter thoroughly to avoid any surprises in the coming year," said Tom Lescault, president of SCAN Health Plan Arizona. "Changes in government funding has forced many health plans to reduce benefits or increase costs. People need to make sure they are able to make informed decisions during open enrollment."
As part of an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of seniors, SCAN Health Plan Arizona is an exclusive sponsor of "Healthy Tips for Successful Aging" with ABC 15. Each week, the station airs 30-second health tips provided by SCAN. The health plan also is the exclusive studio sponsor for KOY radio and co-hosts "Senior Focus," a broadcast dedicated to senior-related issues.
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Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Overriding State Insurance Protections Should Not Be Part of Financial Re-Regulation Package, Writes Consumer Watchdog to Geithner, Frank
/PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Watchdog sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Geithner, House Financial Services Committee Chair Barney Frank, and Financial Services Subcommittee Chair Paul Kanjorski today, arguing that legislation intended to undermine state insurance protections (H.R. 2609) is inconsistent with the re-regulatory promise of the financial reform package. The bill will be marked up in the House Financial Services committee today.
"We are at a loss to understand why you have proposed a measure to deregulate the insurance industry by preempting state laws as part of the financial re-regulation package," wrote Consumer Watchdog. "Each version of the bill would restrict the ability of state lawmakers and regulators to protect insurance consumers by granting the Treasury Department and a new Federal Insurance Office the authority to preempt state laws and regulations on prudential matters on behalf of foreign insurance firms."
"This proposal is even more perplexing in light of the strong fight, on the part of both the administration and majority members of the Financial Services committee, to preserve states' ability to protect their citizens during the debate over the Consumer Financial Protection Agency," the letter continued.
As Assistant Treasury Secretary Michael Barr put it to the Washington Post last week:
"'Washington doesn't always know what's best'... He said the administration wanted to restore the right of states 'to protect their citizens with the rules that they think make sense.'"
"If Washington doesn't always know what's best for American consumers, why would you expect foreign diplomats and regulators to know what's best for American insurance policyholders?" asked Carmen Balber, Washington Director for Consumer Watchdog.
The letter concludes: "Wall Street firms are again riding high a year after the crash, but the rest of the country continues to suffer rising foreclosures, increased unemployment, and a dearth of credit. With American homes, jobs and businesses already on the line, now is hardly the time for Congress to place our insurance policies at risk as well."
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"We are at a loss to understand why you have proposed a measure to deregulate the insurance industry by preempting state laws as part of the financial re-regulation package," wrote Consumer Watchdog. "Each version of the bill would restrict the ability of state lawmakers and regulators to protect insurance consumers by granting the Treasury Department and a new Federal Insurance Office the authority to preempt state laws and regulations on prudential matters on behalf of foreign insurance firms."
"This proposal is even more perplexing in light of the strong fight, on the part of both the administration and majority members of the Financial Services committee, to preserve states' ability to protect their citizens during the debate over the Consumer Financial Protection Agency," the letter continued.
As Assistant Treasury Secretary Michael Barr put it to the Washington Post last week:
"'Washington doesn't always know what's best'... He said the administration wanted to restore the right of states 'to protect their citizens with the rules that they think make sense.'"
"If Washington doesn't always know what's best for American consumers, why would you expect foreign diplomats and regulators to know what's best for American insurance policyholders?" asked Carmen Balber, Washington Director for Consumer Watchdog.
The letter concludes: "Wall Street firms are again riding high a year after the crash, but the rest of the country continues to suffer rising foreclosures, increased unemployment, and a dearth of credit. With American homes, jobs and businesses already on the line, now is hardly the time for Congress to place our insurance policies at risk as well."
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Friday, October 23, 2009
Sebelius Releases New Report on Benefits of Health Insurance Reform for Women with Breast Cancer
As Americans mark breast cancer awareness month, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius today released a new report, Health Insurance Reform and Breast Cancer: Making the Health Care System Work for Women. The report details how health insurance reform will help women diagnosed with breast cancer and is available now at www.HealthReform.gov.
"Thousands of women and their families are impacted by breast cancer," Secretary Sebelius said. "We are fighting for health reform that will help improve treatment for women with breast cancer and doing all we can to encourage women to take the simple steps that can help prevent this disease."
The new report highlights the problems in the health care status quo that significantly impact women who are diagnosed with breast cancer or are breast cancer survivors. The report notes:
* Breast cancer is the second leading type of cancer among women.
The disease will affect one in eight American women during their
lifetime, with treatment costs totaling $7 Billion in 2007.
* Breast cancer patients with employer-based insurance had total
out-of-pocket costs averaging $6,250 in 2007, higher than out-of-pocket
spending for patients with asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), or high blood pressure.
* Breast cancer patients, even when in remission, are unlikely to
find meaningful insurance coverage in the individual insurance market. A
full 11 percent of individuals with any cancer said they could not
obtain health coverage in the individual insurance market.
"Today, breast cancer patients incur thousands of dollars in debt, and breast cancer survivors struggle to get the affordable care they need," Sebelius added. "Health insurance reform will bring costs down, make care more affordable and prevent insurance companies from discriminating against breast cancer survivors."
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"Thousands of women and their families are impacted by breast cancer," Secretary Sebelius said. "We are fighting for health reform that will help improve treatment for women with breast cancer and doing all we can to encourage women to take the simple steps that can help prevent this disease."
The new report highlights the problems in the health care status quo that significantly impact women who are diagnosed with breast cancer or are breast cancer survivors. The report notes:
* Breast cancer is the second leading type of cancer among women.
The disease will affect one in eight American women during their
lifetime, with treatment costs totaling $7 Billion in 2007.
* Breast cancer patients with employer-based insurance had total
out-of-pocket costs averaging $6,250 in 2007, higher than out-of-pocket
spending for patients with asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), or high blood pressure.
* Breast cancer patients, even when in remission, are unlikely to
find meaningful insurance coverage in the individual insurance market. A
full 11 percent of individuals with any cancer said they could not
obtain health coverage in the individual insurance market.
"Today, breast cancer patients incur thousands of dollars in debt, and breast cancer survivors struggle to get the affordable care they need," Sebelius added. "Health insurance reform will bring costs down, make care more affordable and prevent insurance companies from discriminating against breast cancer survivors."
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Humana Will Cover H1N1 Vaccine for Members
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) today announced that the company will cover the administration cost of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine for all fully insured members including those members who have a benefit plan that excludes immunization coverage. All co-payment, coinsurance and deductibles will be waived for the administration of the H1N1 vaccination regardless of the preventative-services benefit currently provided in these members’ plans.
“The safety and well-being of our health plan members, country, communities and associates is of utmost concern to Humana,” said Lisa Weaver, M.D., Humana segment vice president, clinical strategies. “Our initial focus is to encourage the CDC-identified priority groups to get vaccinated.”
Humana is taking this step to support its members’ ability to get the vaccination. The company will continue to monitor and respond to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the most up-to-date H1N1 information, log on to their website: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. To reach the CDC by phone call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
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“The safety and well-being of our health plan members, country, communities and associates is of utmost concern to Humana,” said Lisa Weaver, M.D., Humana segment vice president, clinical strategies. “Our initial focus is to encourage the CDC-identified priority groups to get vaccinated.”
Humana is taking this step to support its members’ ability to get the vaccination. The company will continue to monitor and respond to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the most up-to-date H1N1 information, log on to their website: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. To reach the CDC by phone call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) or email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Sebelius, Mills Release New Report Insurance at Risk: Small Business Employees Risk Losing Coverage
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius and Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills today released a new report, Insurance at Risk: Small Business Employees Risk Losing Coverage. The report examines the health care status quo that has left
employees at risk of losing their insurance and underscores the financial difficulties small businesses face when providing health insurance to their employees. The complete report is available now at www.HealthReform.gov.
"More Americans who work for a small business have lost their health insurance coverage, and those who still have coverage have seen their costs go up," said Secretary Sebelius. "Health insurance reform will drive costs down and make it easier for small business owners to give
their employees the quality coverage they need."
"The cost of health insurance is the number one concern of small business owners. On average, small businesses pay 18 percent more than big businesses for the same health insurance policy. This has left small business owners in an untenable situation, having to choose between their employees, who are often like family to them, and the bottom line," Administrator Mills said. "Health care reform will provide small business owners with greater access to the affordable, quality coverage they want and need for themselves and their employees."
The report notes:
* Employees of small businesses are 50 percent more likely to lose
coverage as workers at large businesses. Half of workers in small firms
that do not offer health benefits remain uninsured.
* Premiums for employer-based health insurance have more than
doubled since 2000, rising three times faster than wages. As a result,
fewer small businesses provide coverage for their employees. In 2000, 57
percent of firms employing less than 10 workers provided coverage. In
2009, only 46 percent of similar-sized firms provided coverage.
* In one national survey, nearly three-quarters of small
businesses that did not offer benefits cited high premiums as the
reason, and on average small businesses pay up to 18 percent more than
large firms for the same health insurance policy. This is due in part to
high broker fees (which can be up to 10 percent of premiums) and health
plan administrative costs that are three to four times those in the
large group market.
Health insurance reform will stabilize health insurance coverage for Americans who work for small businesses. Health insurance reform will provide small businesses with tax credits to help them provide health insurance for their employees. This will make health care more affordable for small businesses and their workers, solidifying and strengthening employer-based coverage for years to come.
Health insurance reform will also create a health insurance exchange so Americans without access to affordable insurance on the job can compare prices and health plans and decide which quality affordable option is right for them. The exchange will also significantly reduce
administrative costs for small businesses by enabling them to easily and simply compare the prices, benefits, and performance of health plans.
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employees at risk of losing their insurance and underscores the financial difficulties small businesses face when providing health insurance to their employees. The complete report is available now at www.HealthReform.gov.
"More Americans who work for a small business have lost their health insurance coverage, and those who still have coverage have seen their costs go up," said Secretary Sebelius. "Health insurance reform will drive costs down and make it easier for small business owners to give
their employees the quality coverage they need."
"The cost of health insurance is the number one concern of small business owners. On average, small businesses pay 18 percent more than big businesses for the same health insurance policy. This has left small business owners in an untenable situation, having to choose between their employees, who are often like family to them, and the bottom line," Administrator Mills said. "Health care reform will provide small business owners with greater access to the affordable, quality coverage they want and need for themselves and their employees."
The report notes:
* Employees of small businesses are 50 percent more likely to lose
coverage as workers at large businesses. Half of workers in small firms
that do not offer health benefits remain uninsured.
* Premiums for employer-based health insurance have more than
doubled since 2000, rising three times faster than wages. As a result,
fewer small businesses provide coverage for their employees. In 2000, 57
percent of firms employing less than 10 workers provided coverage. In
2009, only 46 percent of similar-sized firms provided coverage.
* In one national survey, nearly three-quarters of small
businesses that did not offer benefits cited high premiums as the
reason, and on average small businesses pay up to 18 percent more than
large firms for the same health insurance policy. This is due in part to
high broker fees (which can be up to 10 percent of premiums) and health
plan administrative costs that are three to four times those in the
large group market.
Health insurance reform will stabilize health insurance coverage for Americans who work for small businesses. Health insurance reform will provide small businesses with tax credits to help them provide health insurance for their employees. This will make health care more affordable for small businesses and their workers, solidifying and strengthening employer-based coverage for years to come.
Health insurance reform will also create a health insurance exchange so Americans without access to affordable insurance on the job can compare prices and health plans and decide which quality affordable option is right for them. The exchange will also significantly reduce
administrative costs for small businesses by enabling them to easily and simply compare the prices, benefits, and performance of health plans.
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Thursday, October 15, 2009
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia to Provide First Dollar Coverage of H1N1 Vaccine for All Members
/PRNewswire/ -- Each year, influenza causes illness, hospitalizations and deaths, and severely strains the health care delivery system. This year, seasonal flu is complicated by the emergence and rapid spread of the H1N1 virus. In an effort to ensure that individuals and their families can take the appropriate actions to help protect themselves against the H1N1 virus, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) will cover the administration of the H1N1 vaccine without co-pay or deductible for all of its members. BCBSGA is also are encouraging self-insured employers to cover the cost of the vaccination for their employees.
"At BCBSGA, our priority is to ensure that our actions and communications support public health," said Dr. Bob McCormack, BCBSGA medical director. "Our goal is to keep our members as healthy as possible. We are committed to working with the CDC and HHS on an information campaign to ensure that members and the public are vaccinated to prevent H1N1, and if they develop H1N1 flu, they are treated effectively and appropriately."
Since a significant proportion of the vaccine is likely to be administered through non-traditional providers such as pharmacies, retail clinics and public health clinics, BCBSGA is currently working to complete agreements with these providers to increase access to the H1N1 vaccine. In addition, the antiviral medications Tamiflu and Relenza will move to an economical tier in plan formularies.
The CDC has recommended that certain populations receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. Initial prioritization includes pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age, children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years old, and people from 25 through 64 years old if they have chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza infection.
The CDC also recommends people take common-sense steps like washing your hands frequently; covering your mouth with your arm when you cough and sneeze; and staying home when you are sick to help protect others from the flu.
"The U.S. health care system has a responsibility to achieve maximal vaccination and effective treatment of H1N1 flu and its emerging risks, and we are eager to do our part to be sure that populations at high risk are immunized against this virus," said Monye Connolly, president, BCBSGA.
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"At BCBSGA, our priority is to ensure that our actions and communications support public health," said Dr. Bob McCormack, BCBSGA medical director. "Our goal is to keep our members as healthy as possible. We are committed to working with the CDC and HHS on an information campaign to ensure that members and the public are vaccinated to prevent H1N1, and if they develop H1N1 flu, they are treated effectively and appropriately."
Since a significant proportion of the vaccine is likely to be administered through non-traditional providers such as pharmacies, retail clinics and public health clinics, BCBSGA is currently working to complete agreements with these providers to increase access to the H1N1 vaccine. In addition, the antiviral medications Tamiflu and Relenza will move to an economical tier in plan formularies.
The CDC has recommended that certain populations receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. Initial prioritization includes pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age, children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years old, and people from 25 through 64 years old if they have chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza infection.
The CDC also recommends people take common-sense steps like washing your hands frequently; covering your mouth with your arm when you cough and sneeze; and staying home when you are sick to help protect others from the flu.
"The U.S. health care system has a responsibility to achieve maximal vaccination and effective treatment of H1N1 flu and its emerging risks, and we are eager to do our part to be sure that populations at high risk are immunized against this virus," said Monye Connolly, president, BCBSGA.
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Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Insurance Deregulation Is Not Financial Reform, Says Consumer Watchdog
/PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Watchdog called on Congress to reject legislation allowing the Treasury Department to use international agreements to override state insurance laws, including those requiring insurers to hold enough money to pay all claims. The proposal is under consideration in the U.S. House Financial Services Committee today.
"State insurance regulators made sure that insurance companies had enough money in the bank to pay policyholder claims and weather the financial storm. Congress should not give a political appointee the power to take away that authority on behalf of foreign insurance companies," said Carmen Balber, Washington Director for Consumer Watchdog. "This bill promotes insurance deregulation as Congress should be strengthening financial service sector regulation."
Download Consumer Watchdog's letter with Public Citizen and US PIRG here: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/FedInsOfc10-6-09.pdf
The proposal, a discussion draft amending H.R. 2609 offered by Rep. Kanjorski, would give the Treasury Secretary unilateral new authority to negotiate international insurance agreements on prudential issues, determine if state insurance laws are "inconsistent" with such an agreement, and then preempt those state laws. Safeguards intended to exempt specific state insurance laws from preemption do not go far enough to protect important consumer protections, wrote the groups.
The letter reads: "Never before has the U.S. government allowed a federal agency to unilaterally interpret or enter into international agreements on subject matter under the authority of the legislative branch, and then preempt states through rule-making on the basis that state policies are in contradiction to those agreements."
Consumer Watchdog also objected to the lack of consumer representation on the Financial Services witness panel today.
Rep. Kanjorski offered similar legislation last year, which was pulled back in the wake of AIG's dramatic collapse.
Download Consumer Watchdog's letter opposing last year's legislation here: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/HR5840.pdf
Download last year's letter from Public Citizen and US PIRG: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/HR-5840-letter-Consumer.pdf
The groups supported efforts to develop greater federal information and expertise in insurance but noted that the proposed legislation goes far beyond information gathering.
In California, where voters enacted the nation's toughest system of insurance regulation with Proposition 103, consumers are protected from unfair or excessive insurance rates, illegal surcharges and other abusive and discriminatory practices. Any move to federalize insurance regulation would jeopardize these consumer protections, said Consumer Watchdog.
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"State insurance regulators made sure that insurance companies had enough money in the bank to pay policyholder claims and weather the financial storm. Congress should not give a political appointee the power to take away that authority on behalf of foreign insurance companies," said Carmen Balber, Washington Director for Consumer Watchdog. "This bill promotes insurance deregulation as Congress should be strengthening financial service sector regulation."
Download Consumer Watchdog's letter with Public Citizen and US PIRG here: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/FedInsOfc10-6-09.pdf
The proposal, a discussion draft amending H.R. 2609 offered by Rep. Kanjorski, would give the Treasury Secretary unilateral new authority to negotiate international insurance agreements on prudential issues, determine if state insurance laws are "inconsistent" with such an agreement, and then preempt those state laws. Safeguards intended to exempt specific state insurance laws from preemption do not go far enough to protect important consumer protections, wrote the groups.
The letter reads: "Never before has the U.S. government allowed a federal agency to unilaterally interpret or enter into international agreements on subject matter under the authority of the legislative branch, and then preempt states through rule-making on the basis that state policies are in contradiction to those agreements."
Consumer Watchdog also objected to the lack of consumer representation on the Financial Services witness panel today.
Rep. Kanjorski offered similar legislation last year, which was pulled back in the wake of AIG's dramatic collapse.
Download Consumer Watchdog's letter opposing last year's legislation here: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/HR5840.pdf
Download last year's letter from Public Citizen and US PIRG: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/HR-5840-letter-Consumer.pdf
The groups supported efforts to develop greater federal information and expertise in insurance but noted that the proposed legislation goes far beyond information gathering.
In California, where voters enacted the nation's toughest system of insurance regulation with Proposition 103, consumers are protected from unfair or excessive insurance rates, illegal surcharges and other abusive and discriminatory practices. Any move to federalize insurance regulation would jeopardize these consumer protections, said Consumer Watchdog.
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
Contact GEICO for storm claims at 1-800-841-3000 or geico.com
(BUSINESS WIRE)--GEICO urges policyholders whose vehicles have been damaged in the recent Atlanta area flooding to report their claims as early as possible. To reach GEICO’s claims team at anytime, 24 hours a day, call 1-800-841-3000 or report the claim on www.geico.com.
“Our adjusters have been in Atlanta and the local areas all week assisting policyholders with damaged or flooded vehicles,” said Gary Musolf, head of GEICO claims in the region. “If you notice damage to your vehicle, contact GEICO right away so we can make arrangements to take care of your claim and get you back on the road.”
GEICO advises residents to heed all weather warnings and road closures. However, if driving is necessary, GEICO recommends these rain and flood driving tips to keep you safe:
* Heavy rain can make it difficult for other drivers to see you. Keep your headlights on and drive slowly, keeping your eyes out for on-coming traffic.
* If you see a large puddle or standing water, go around it or choose a different route. That puddle could be hiding a deep hole.
* Give yourself plenty of time to brake and do so gently in order to avoid hydroplaning.
“The safety of our policyholders and the quick and quality repair of their vehicles is our first priority during stressful times like these,” said Musolf.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) – as part of Berkshire Hathaway – is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States*. GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.
In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available.
As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.
*A.M. Best 2008 market share data
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“Our adjusters have been in Atlanta and the local areas all week assisting policyholders with damaged or flooded vehicles,” said Gary Musolf, head of GEICO claims in the region. “If you notice damage to your vehicle, contact GEICO right away so we can make arrangements to take care of your claim and get you back on the road.”
GEICO advises residents to heed all weather warnings and road closures. However, if driving is necessary, GEICO recommends these rain and flood driving tips to keep you safe:
* Heavy rain can make it difficult for other drivers to see you. Keep your headlights on and drive slowly, keeping your eyes out for on-coming traffic.
* If you see a large puddle or standing water, go around it or choose a different route. That puddle could be hiding a deep hole.
* Give yourself plenty of time to brake and do so gently in order to avoid hydroplaning.
“The safety of our policyholders and the quick and quality repair of their vehicles is our first priority during stressful times like these,” said Musolf.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) – as part of Berkshire Hathaway – is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States*. GEICO provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures more than 16 million vehicles.
In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available.
As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial strength by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.
*A.M. Best 2008 market share data
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Launches Zagat Health Survey Tool
/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) today announced the launch of the Zagat Health Survey tool, an online survey tool that will allow its members to share their physician experiences with other members throughout the state.
"Zagat is widely known and trusted for its ability to help people share and learn from other consumer experiences. By working with them we are able to create a trusted resource for our members that will actively engage them in sharing and using that information," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "We are committed to providing our members with useful information to better help them navigate the health care system. Making information available, such as the patient experience information contained in the Zagat Health Survey, along with other quality and cost transparency information, is part of that commitment."
The Zagat Survey enables BCBSGA to address an unmet need for peer-to-peer interaction among health care consumers. The Zagat Health Survey tool provides a vehicle for members to review physicians based on a set of distinct criteria, creating a trusted resource to support informed member decision-making. The criteria are solely designed to reflect a consumer's experience with a physician and not to reflect the quality of care received. This tool not only helps members, but is also designed to assist doctors in understanding members' experiences.
The online survey tool allows consumers to review their doctor visits based on:
-- Trust - Confidence in the physician's approach
-- Communication - Physician's bedside manner, responsiveness and rapport
-- Availability - Convenience for making appointments and physician's
punctuality
-- Environment - Condition of the office, staff helpfulness, atmosphere
and amenities
Members are also asked whether they would recommend their doctor to others. The survey also features a comments section, allowing members to explain their ratings.
The online entry will display physician contact information, ratings on a 30-point scale for each of the four categories, and the percentage of members who recommend that physician. The most recent comments will be displayed first, and members will have the option to rate the usefulness of comments and report suspicious comments. BCBSGA members can complete the Zagat Health Survey by logging on to the secure member portal on the BCBSGA Web site.
"For physicians the Zagat survey tool can provide valuable, objective feedback on how their patients feel about them and their practice, information that often remains unknown," said Dr. Robert McCormack, medical director for BCBSGA. "For consumers, the survey can provide information to help them select a physician who is most likely aligned with their personal style and who will meet their health care needs. All-in-all, it is a viable mechanism that could very well change the way health care is measured and delivered throughout Georgia."
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"Zagat is widely known and trusted for its ability to help people share and learn from other consumer experiences. By working with them we are able to create a trusted resource for our members that will actively engage them in sharing and using that information," said Monye Connolly, president of BCBSGA. "We are committed to providing our members with useful information to better help them navigate the health care system. Making information available, such as the patient experience information contained in the Zagat Health Survey, along with other quality and cost transparency information, is part of that commitment."
The Zagat Survey enables BCBSGA to address an unmet need for peer-to-peer interaction among health care consumers. The Zagat Health Survey tool provides a vehicle for members to review physicians based on a set of distinct criteria, creating a trusted resource to support informed member decision-making. The criteria are solely designed to reflect a consumer's experience with a physician and not to reflect the quality of care received. This tool not only helps members, but is also designed to assist doctors in understanding members' experiences.
The online survey tool allows consumers to review their doctor visits based on:
-- Trust - Confidence in the physician's approach
-- Communication - Physician's bedside manner, responsiveness and rapport
-- Availability - Convenience for making appointments and physician's
punctuality
-- Environment - Condition of the office, staff helpfulness, atmosphere
and amenities
Members are also asked whether they would recommend their doctor to others. The survey also features a comments section, allowing members to explain their ratings.
The online entry will display physician contact information, ratings on a 30-point scale for each of the four categories, and the percentage of members who recommend that physician. The most recent comments will be displayed first, and members will have the option to rate the usefulness of comments and report suspicious comments. BCBSGA members can complete the Zagat Health Survey by logging on to the secure member portal on the BCBSGA Web site.
"For physicians the Zagat survey tool can provide valuable, objective feedback on how their patients feel about them and their practice, information that often remains unknown," said Dr. Robert McCormack, medical director for BCBSGA. "For consumers, the survey can provide information to help them select a physician who is most likely aligned with their personal style and who will meet their health care needs. All-in-all, it is a viable mechanism that could very well change the way health care is measured and delivered throughout Georgia."
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Analysis Shows Narrow Age Rating Would Raise Premiums by Nearly 50 Percent, Causing Many Young and Healthy to Forgo Coverage
/PRNewswire/ -- Allowing age adjustments more restrictive than 5 to 1 would cause dramatic premium spikes for the young and healthy in the individual insurance market, making coverage unaffordable for many according to a new analysis.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) released today new data, prepared by Oliver Wyman's Actuarial and Health and Life Sciences practice, showing that a 2 to 1 age rating ratio would increase premiums for the youngest and healthiest Americans in the individual market in many states by nearly 50 percent in the first year, relative to a 5 to 1 age rating ratio.
Currently 42 states permit health plans to vary premiums based on age by 5 to 1 or more -- the primary benefit being that premiums are kept affordable for younger individuals to encourage broad participation. If more restrictive age ratings are implemented, younger people would opt out of purchasing coverage. Oliver Wyman estimates that, over a five year period, more than 1 million younger members would leave the market, resulting in a 10 percent premium increase overall for individuals in some parts of the country.
"An affordable, sustainable insurance market requires broad participation across all age groups to maintain more affordable premiums. As this analysis shows, overly restrictive age rating regulations would hurt a large portion of those with individual coverage -- making coverage less affordable and undermining the key goals of healthcare reform," said Scott P. Serota, president and CEO of BCBSA. "To ensure the long-term sustainability of healthcare reform, we must strike the right balance on age rating to avoid disproportionately burdening one segment of the population over another. For this reason, we support a 5 to 1 age rating similar to what the vast majority of states permit today."
The Oliver Wyman analysis also finds that restricting age rating ratios to 3 to 1 would increase premiums in many states by as much as 30 percent for younger people, relative to a 5 to 1 ratio.
"Younger individuals are much more sensitive to the costs of health insurance compared to older individuals. The bottom line is that if premiums are too high, young and healthy individuals simply will not purchase insurance and their needed cross-subsidies for older, sicker people will be lost, increasing the cost of healthcare for everyone," Serota said.
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The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) released today new data, prepared by Oliver Wyman's Actuarial and Health and Life Sciences practice, showing that a 2 to 1 age rating ratio would increase premiums for the youngest and healthiest Americans in the individual market in many states by nearly 50 percent in the first year, relative to a 5 to 1 age rating ratio.
Currently 42 states permit health plans to vary premiums based on age by 5 to 1 or more -- the primary benefit being that premiums are kept affordable for younger individuals to encourage broad participation. If more restrictive age ratings are implemented, younger people would opt out of purchasing coverage. Oliver Wyman estimates that, over a five year period, more than 1 million younger members would leave the market, resulting in a 10 percent premium increase overall for individuals in some parts of the country.
"An affordable, sustainable insurance market requires broad participation across all age groups to maintain more affordable premiums. As this analysis shows, overly restrictive age rating regulations would hurt a large portion of those with individual coverage -- making coverage less affordable and undermining the key goals of healthcare reform," said Scott P. Serota, president and CEO of BCBSA. "To ensure the long-term sustainability of healthcare reform, we must strike the right balance on age rating to avoid disproportionately burdening one segment of the population over another. For this reason, we support a 5 to 1 age rating similar to what the vast majority of states permit today."
The Oliver Wyman analysis also finds that restricting age rating ratios to 3 to 1 would increase premiums in many states by as much as 30 percent for younger people, relative to a 5 to 1 ratio.
"Younger individuals are much more sensitive to the costs of health insurance compared to older individuals. The bottom line is that if premiums are too high, young and healthy individuals simply will not purchase insurance and their needed cross-subsidies for older, sicker people will be lost, increasing the cost of healthcare for everyone," Serota said.
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Vice President Biden, Secretary Sebelius Issue New Report on Seniors and Health Insurance Reform
Vice President Joe Biden and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today hosted a town hall meeting with seniors in Silver Spring, Md., and released a new report,
Health Insurance Reform and Medicare: Making Medicare Stronger for America's Seniors. The report, authored by HHS, outlines how health insurance reform will help seniors and answers key questions about President Obama's health insurance reform plan. The complete report is
available now at www.HealthReform.gov.
"We will protect seniors -- not burden them with out of pocket costs," said Vice President Biden. "The bottom line is, seniors will be better off under what we are proposing, and not a dollar from the Medicare trust fund will be used to pay for health insurance reform."
"Under health insurance reform, seniors will get better care and their health care costs will go down," said Secretary Sebelius. "Reform will strengthen Medicare, cut drug costs, and help ensure all seniors get the high-quality, affordable care they deserve."
The report highlights several problems in the current health care system and health insurance reform solutions such as:
* Preserving and strengthening Medicare.
According to the Medicare Trustees 2009 report, the Medicare Part A
Trust Fund will be exhausted by 2017. Health insurance reform will
extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by an additional four to five
years -- and delivery system reforms included in health insurance reform
have the potential to keep the Trust Fund solvent even longer into the
future. Health insurance reform will also reduce overpayments to private
plans and will clamp down on fraud and abuse to strengthen Medicare for
all seniors. Coupled with improvements in the quality of care, expansion
of the health care workforce, and reductions in out-of-pocket costs,
health insurance reform will ensure that Medicare will continue to
provide the high-quality, affordable coverage that America's seniors
deserve and expect.
* Cutting high prescription drug costs.
Prescription drug costs represent a significant expense for seniors.
While Medicare added a prescription drug benefit, this benefit includes
a coverage gap commonly called the "donut hole." In 2007, over 8 million
seniors hit the "donut hole." For those who are not low-income or have
not purchased other coverage, average drug costs in this coverage gap
are $340 per month, or $4,080 per year. Health insurance reform will
close the coverage gap in Medicare Part D over time, so seniors do not
have to worry about losing coverage for their drug costs. While the
closure of the coverage gap is phased in, health insurance reform will
also provide seniors with a discount of 50 percent on their brand name
medication costs in the coverage gap, saving thousands of dollars for
some seniors.
* Making preventive services free.
Many seniors do not receive recommended preventive and primary care,
leading to less effective and more expensive treatments. For example, 20
percent of women aged 50 and over did not receive a mammogram in the
past two years, and 38 percent of adults aged 50 and over have never had
a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Seniors in Medicare must pay 20 percent
of the cost of many preventive services on their own. For a colonoscopy
that costs $700, this means that a senior must pay $140 -- a price that
can be prohibitively expensive. Under health insurance reform, a senior
would not pay anything for a screening colonoscopy or other preventive
services. Reform will eliminate any deductibles, copayments, or other
cost-sharing for obtaining preventive services, making them affordable
and accessible.
* Ending overpayments to private insurance companies that cost all
Medicare beneficiaries.
The federal government pays private insurance companies on average 14
percent more for providing coverage to Medicare Advantage beneficiaries
than it would pay for the same beneficiary in the traditional Medicare
program. There is no evidence that this extra payment leads to better
quality for Medicare beneficiaries, and all Medicare beneficiaries pay
the price of these excessive overpayments through higher premiums --
even the 78 percent of seniors who are not enrolled in a Medicare
Advantage plan. A typical couple in traditional Medicare will pay on
average nearly $90 next year to subsidize private insurance companies
that do not provide their Medicare benefits. Health insurance reform
will eliminate excessive government subsidies to Medicare Advantage
plans, which could save the federal government, taxpayers, and Medicare
beneficiaries well over $100 billion over the next 10 years.
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Health Insurance Reform and Medicare: Making Medicare Stronger for America's Seniors. The report, authored by HHS, outlines how health insurance reform will help seniors and answers key questions about President Obama's health insurance reform plan. The complete report is
available now at www.HealthReform.gov.
"We will protect seniors -- not burden them with out of pocket costs," said Vice President Biden. "The bottom line is, seniors will be better off under what we are proposing, and not a dollar from the Medicare trust fund will be used to pay for health insurance reform."
"Under health insurance reform, seniors will get better care and their health care costs will go down," said Secretary Sebelius. "Reform will strengthen Medicare, cut drug costs, and help ensure all seniors get the high-quality, affordable care they deserve."
The report highlights several problems in the current health care system and health insurance reform solutions such as:
* Preserving and strengthening Medicare.
According to the Medicare Trustees 2009 report, the Medicare Part A
Trust Fund will be exhausted by 2017. Health insurance reform will
extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund by an additional four to five
years -- and delivery system reforms included in health insurance reform
have the potential to keep the Trust Fund solvent even longer into the
future. Health insurance reform will also reduce overpayments to private
plans and will clamp down on fraud and abuse to strengthen Medicare for
all seniors. Coupled with improvements in the quality of care, expansion
of the health care workforce, and reductions in out-of-pocket costs,
health insurance reform will ensure that Medicare will continue to
provide the high-quality, affordable coverage that America's seniors
deserve and expect.
* Cutting high prescription drug costs.
Prescription drug costs represent a significant expense for seniors.
While Medicare added a prescription drug benefit, this benefit includes
a coverage gap commonly called the "donut hole." In 2007, over 8 million
seniors hit the "donut hole." For those who are not low-income or have
not purchased other coverage, average drug costs in this coverage gap
are $340 per month, or $4,080 per year. Health insurance reform will
close the coverage gap in Medicare Part D over time, so seniors do not
have to worry about losing coverage for their drug costs. While the
closure of the coverage gap is phased in, health insurance reform will
also provide seniors with a discount of 50 percent on their brand name
medication costs in the coverage gap, saving thousands of dollars for
some seniors.
* Making preventive services free.
Many seniors do not receive recommended preventive and primary care,
leading to less effective and more expensive treatments. For example, 20
percent of women aged 50 and over did not receive a mammogram in the
past two years, and 38 percent of adults aged 50 and over have never had
a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. Seniors in Medicare must pay 20 percent
of the cost of many preventive services on their own. For a colonoscopy
that costs $700, this means that a senior must pay $140 -- a price that
can be prohibitively expensive. Under health insurance reform, a senior
would not pay anything for a screening colonoscopy or other preventive
services. Reform will eliminate any deductibles, copayments, or other
cost-sharing for obtaining preventive services, making them affordable
and accessible.
* Ending overpayments to private insurance companies that cost all
Medicare beneficiaries.
The federal government pays private insurance companies on average 14
percent more for providing coverage to Medicare Advantage beneficiaries
than it would pay for the same beneficiary in the traditional Medicare
program. There is no evidence that this extra payment leads to better
quality for Medicare beneficiaries, and all Medicare beneficiaries pay
the price of these excessive overpayments through higher premiums --
even the 78 percent of seniors who are not enrolled in a Medicare
Advantage plan. A typical couple in traditional Medicare will pay on
average nearly $90 next year to subsidize private insurance companies
that do not provide their Medicare benefits. Health insurance reform
will eliminate excessive government subsidies to Medicare Advantage
plans, which could save the federal government, taxpayers, and Medicare
beneficiaries well over $100 billion over the next 10 years.
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Thursday, September 17, 2009
New Report Outlines Importance of Health Insurance Reform for Young Americans
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released a new report, Young Americans and Health Insurance Reform: Giving Young Americans the Security and Stability They Need. The report highlights the vulnerability young adults face in the current health care system and the urgent need for health insurance reform. The complete report is available at www.healthreform.gov.
"More and more young adults wake up the day after their nineteenth birthday or on graduation day and find themselves uninsured," said Secretary Sebelius. "I've seen this problem first-hand. When my son graduated, he faced the challenge of finding health insurance. Unfortunately, too many of his peers are forced to go without the care they need. Health insurance reform will help insure young Americans have access to the affordable health care they need and deserve."
While seventeen percent of adults (those aged 30-64) are uninsured, thirty percent of young adults do not have health insurance. When young adults lose access to their parents' health insurance, they find it increasingly difficult to afford the high cost of health insurance.
Young adults are often less likely to work for employers who offer health insurance benefits. Nearly half of young people work part-time, and part-time workers are less likely to be offered coverage. Young people are also more likely to work for smaller firms, which tend to offer less coverage. Among young adults working in firms of fewer than 50 employees and who had coverage in 2006, one in four lost that insurance in the following two years - more than twice the rate of older adults.
The report also shows that 33 states allowed insurance companies to charge unrestricted premiums based on age, health status and even gender. In some states, a 22-year-old woman can be charged twice as much for her premium than a 22-year-old man.
The health care status quo is significantly impacting young Americans. In a recent survey, two-thirds who had gaps in healthcare admitted to forsaking health care because of costs including skipping recommended tests and treatment and neglecting to fill a prescription. Even with cost-saving measures, more than one-third of all young adults with coverage report having problems paying medical bills.
Health insurance reform would ensure young adults have access to quality, affordable health coverage, deter mounting health problems and ensure young people are not left with crushing medical debt after an accident or illness. Capping out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays and
deductibles while limiting arbitrary premium increases would provide affordable health care options for young adults as well.
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"More and more young adults wake up the day after their nineteenth birthday or on graduation day and find themselves uninsured," said Secretary Sebelius. "I've seen this problem first-hand. When my son graduated, he faced the challenge of finding health insurance. Unfortunately, too many of his peers are forced to go without the care they need. Health insurance reform will help insure young Americans have access to the affordable health care they need and deserve."
While seventeen percent of adults (those aged 30-64) are uninsured, thirty percent of young adults do not have health insurance. When young adults lose access to their parents' health insurance, they find it increasingly difficult to afford the high cost of health insurance.
Young adults are often less likely to work for employers who offer health insurance benefits. Nearly half of young people work part-time, and part-time workers are less likely to be offered coverage. Young people are also more likely to work for smaller firms, which tend to offer less coverage. Among young adults working in firms of fewer than 50 employees and who had coverage in 2006, one in four lost that insurance in the following two years - more than twice the rate of older adults.
The report also shows that 33 states allowed insurance companies to charge unrestricted premiums based on age, health status and even gender. In some states, a 22-year-old woman can be charged twice as much for her premium than a 22-year-old man.
The health care status quo is significantly impacting young Americans. In a recent survey, two-thirds who had gaps in healthcare admitted to forsaking health care because of costs including skipping recommended tests and treatment and neglecting to fill a prescription. Even with cost-saving measures, more than one-third of all young adults with coverage report having problems paying medical bills.
Health insurance reform would ensure young adults have access to quality, affordable health coverage, deter mounting health problems and ensure young people are not left with crushing medical debt after an accident or illness. Capping out-of-pocket expenses, co-pays and
deductibles while limiting arbitrary premium increases would provide affordable health care options for young adults as well.
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Senate Finance Committee Plan Goes Far To Achieve Reform But New Taxes Raise Affordability Concerns
/PRNewswire/ -- Scott P. Serota, president and chief executive officer of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), issued the following statement regarding the chairman's mark released yesterday by Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and members of the Senate Finance Committee:
"We strongly support healthcare reforms that expand coverage to everyone, improve quality, and rein in costs. This chairman's mark achieves many of these goals.
"The mark addresses many necessary insurance reforms, the foundation of which is a proposal advocated by BCBSA to guarantee coverage to everyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions. We commend Chairman Baucus for including in his mark a personal responsibility requirement to obtain and maintain coverage -- the linchpin to making insurance reforms work.
"We also support the mark's age rating provision which allows discounts to young people to encourage them to purchase coverage. Age rating provisions in other bills would preclude these discounts and would result in major premium increases to young people causing many to forgo coverage. Making insurance affordable for young people, who account for as much as 40 percent of those without insurance, is critical to reducing the number of uninsured and will help to lower the cost of health insurance for everyone, including older Americans.
"We strongly support the goal of making coverage affordable. However, we are greatly concerned that burdensome new taxes and fees aimed at insurers and other healthcare industry stakeholders would severely undermine the reforms that the chairman's mark aims to achieve. These unprecedented new taxes would make coverage much less affordable for individuals, their families, and employers.
"We look forward to continuing a vigorous and productive discussion with the Senate Finance Committee. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve meaningful and sustainable change in our healthcare system, and BCBSA will continue to advocate for reforms that expand access to everyone, improve quality, and rein in costs."
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"We strongly support healthcare reforms that expand coverage to everyone, improve quality, and rein in costs. This chairman's mark achieves many of these goals.
"The mark addresses many necessary insurance reforms, the foundation of which is a proposal advocated by BCBSA to guarantee coverage to everyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions. We commend Chairman Baucus for including in his mark a personal responsibility requirement to obtain and maintain coverage -- the linchpin to making insurance reforms work.
"We also support the mark's age rating provision which allows discounts to young people to encourage them to purchase coverage. Age rating provisions in other bills would preclude these discounts and would result in major premium increases to young people causing many to forgo coverage. Making insurance affordable for young people, who account for as much as 40 percent of those without insurance, is critical to reducing the number of uninsured and will help to lower the cost of health insurance for everyone, including older Americans.
"We strongly support the goal of making coverage affordable. However, we are greatly concerned that burdensome new taxes and fees aimed at insurers and other healthcare industry stakeholders would severely undermine the reforms that the chairman's mark aims to achieve. These unprecedented new taxes would make coverage much less affordable for individuals, their families, and employers.
"We look forward to continuing a vigorous and productive discussion with the Senate Finance Committee. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve meaningful and sustainable change in our healthcare system, and BCBSA will continue to advocate for reforms that expand access to everyone, improve quality, and rein in costs."
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Aetna and WellStar Renew Agreement
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aetna (NYSE: AET) and WellStar Health System in Marietta, Ga., announced August 24 they have reached an agreement on a three-year contract renewal.
Under this new agreement, Aetna members will continue to receive covered services, at in-network rates, from WellStar facilities in the greater Atlanta area. Aetna members also will be able to continue receiving covered services from WellStar physicians.
“Aetna is happy to announce this renewal” said Ramzy Elgomayel, Aetna’s vice president of network management for the Atlanta area. “WellStar Health System has provided valued care and services to our commercial-plan members.”
"WellStar is pleased to reach a new three-year agreement with Aetna. We look forward to seamlessly continuing the long standing relationship that we have had with Aetna. As a not-for-profit organization, and one of the top integrated health systems in the country, WellStar is committed to meeting the ongoing health care needs of our community and will continue to invest in and deliver high quality health care services," said Barbara Corey, senior vice president of managed care.
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Under this new agreement, Aetna members will continue to receive covered services, at in-network rates, from WellStar facilities in the greater Atlanta area. Aetna members also will be able to continue receiving covered services from WellStar physicians.
“Aetna is happy to announce this renewal” said Ramzy Elgomayel, Aetna’s vice president of network management for the Atlanta area. “WellStar Health System has provided valued care and services to our commercial-plan members.”
"WellStar is pleased to reach a new three-year agreement with Aetna. We look forward to seamlessly continuing the long standing relationship that we have had with Aetna. As a not-for-profit organization, and one of the top integrated health systems in the country, WellStar is committed to meeting the ongoing health care needs of our community and will continue to invest in and deliver high quality health care services," said Barbara Corey, senior vice president of managed care.
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Sunday, August 09, 2009
New State-by-State Reports Show How Health Insurance Reform Will Benefit All Americans
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius August 7 released Stable and Secure Health Care for America, a series of new state-by-state reports outlining how health insurance reform will improve health care for all Americans. Sebelius announced the availability of the new reports as part of a
Webcast -- "Health Insurance Reform: What's In It For You?" -- where Sebelius and top HHS officials took questions from the American people and discussed the importance of health insurance reform. The new reports are available at www.HealthReform.gov.
"These reports show how health insurance reform will help Americans save money, get better care, strengthen their insurance if they already have it, and afford insurance if they don't," said Sebelius. "Every American will benefit when we pass health insurance reform."
The reports released today show reform will:
* Lower health care costs;
* Increase health care choices by protecting what works and fixing
what's broken; and
* Assure quality, affordable care for all Americans.
Friday's reports are the second in a series of state-by-state reports on health care across the country. Earlier this summer, Sebelius released The Health Care Status Quo in Your State, a series of state by state reports on the current state of health care in America. The reports are
available at http://www.healthreform.gov/healthcarestatus.html.
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Webcast -- "Health Insurance Reform: What's In It For You?" -- where Sebelius and top HHS officials took questions from the American people and discussed the importance of health insurance reform. The new reports are available at www.HealthReform.gov.
"These reports show how health insurance reform will help Americans save money, get better care, strengthen their insurance if they already have it, and afford insurance if they don't," said Sebelius. "Every American will benefit when we pass health insurance reform."
The reports released today show reform will:
* Lower health care costs;
* Increase health care choices by protecting what works and fixing
what's broken; and
* Assure quality, affordable care for all Americans.
Friday's reports are the second in a series of state-by-state reports on health care across the country. Earlier this summer, Sebelius released The Health Care Status Quo in Your State, a series of state by state reports on the current state of health care in America. The reports are
available at http://www.healthreform.gov/healthcarestatus.html.
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Monday, August 03, 2009
BCBSGA Announces Decision to Cover H1N1 Vaccine Administration
/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) announced today that it will offer coverage for the administration of the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine when it becomes commercially available to the general public. The vaccine administration will be covered for members whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines.
BCBSGA will also continue coverage of seasonal flu vaccine administration for those whose health plans offer vaccine coverage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day, according to the CDC.
The decision to cover the H1N1 vaccine administration is based on formal recommendations announced this week by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. ACIP recommended initial prioritization for those administering the vaccine for five key populations, including:
-- pregnant women,
-- people who live with or care for children younger than six months of
age,
-- health care and emergency services personnel,
-- children and young adults from 6 months old to 24 years old, and
-- people from 25 through 64 years old if they have chronic medical
conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza
infection.
ACIP also provided guidance regarding high risk groups to be targeted in the event of a significant shortage of vaccine as well as recommendations for the rest of the general population if the supply of vaccine exceeds the needs of the target groups.
BCBSGA's immunization policy decisions are based on recommendations issued by ACIP and other nationally recognized organizations. ACIP is composed of 15 experts in fields associated with immunization who provide advice and guidance to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CDC on the most effective means to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccine administration is covered for members whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines. Policyholders should confirm their specific benefits by calling the toll-free telephone number listed on their insurance card.
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BCBSGA will also continue coverage of seasonal flu vaccine administration for those whose health plans offer vaccine coverage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day, according to the CDC.
The decision to cover the H1N1 vaccine administration is based on formal recommendations announced this week by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. ACIP recommended initial prioritization for those administering the vaccine for five key populations, including:
-- pregnant women,
-- people who live with or care for children younger than six months of
age,
-- health care and emergency services personnel,
-- children and young adults from 6 months old to 24 years old, and
-- people from 25 through 64 years old if they have chronic medical
conditions that increase their risk of complications from influenza
infection.
ACIP also provided guidance regarding high risk groups to be targeted in the event of a significant shortage of vaccine as well as recommendations for the rest of the general population if the supply of vaccine exceeds the needs of the target groups.
BCBSGA's immunization policy decisions are based on recommendations issued by ACIP and other nationally recognized organizations. ACIP is composed of 15 experts in fields associated with immunization who provide advice and guidance to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and CDC on the most effective means to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccine administration is covered for members whose benefit plans provide coverage for vaccines. Policyholders should confirm their specific benefits by calling the toll-free telephone number listed on their insurance card.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
Isakson, Dodd Introduce Legislation Requiring Child Care Providers to Disclose Insurance Status
U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Chris Dodd, D-Conn., both members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, today introduced legislation that would require child care providers to disclose whether they have liability insurance.
The legislation was prompted by the story of Anthony DeJuan Boatwright, also known as Juan. In 2001, when he was 14 months old, Juan fell into an unattended bucket of mop water at his child care center in Augusta, Ga. As a result of the accident, Juan has remained semi-comatose and dependent on a ventilator for the past eight years. The center where Juan was injured was licensed, but not insured. At the time, there was no provision in place to let parents know the insurance status of child care providers.
“I hope the Senate will quickly pass this straight-forward, bipartisan legislation to simultaneously honor young Juan and provide parents with much-needed information about child care facilities,” Isakson said. “Juan’s mother Jackie deserves considerable credit for her efforts to ensure all parents know whether or not their child care provider is insured.”
“As the father of two young daughters, I understand the need for parents to be well informed when making decisions about child care,” said Dodd. “This bill will help to protect children and give parents peace of mind. I’m proud to support this important legislation, and look forward to future opportunities to improve the quality of and access to child care in this country for children, families, and providers.”
Specifically, the Anthony DeJuan Boatwright Act would require child care providers that receive Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to disclose whether or not they carry liability insurance for the operation of their facility. The bill also would require that states recommend such coverage in their licensure process.
Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Roland Burris, D-Ill., also are co-sponsors of the bill. A companion bill passed in the House of Representatives on June 2, 2009.
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The legislation was prompted by the story of Anthony DeJuan Boatwright, also known as Juan. In 2001, when he was 14 months old, Juan fell into an unattended bucket of mop water at his child care center in Augusta, Ga. As a result of the accident, Juan has remained semi-comatose and dependent on a ventilator for the past eight years. The center where Juan was injured was licensed, but not insured. At the time, there was no provision in place to let parents know the insurance status of child care providers.
“I hope the Senate will quickly pass this straight-forward, bipartisan legislation to simultaneously honor young Juan and provide parents with much-needed information about child care facilities,” Isakson said. “Juan’s mother Jackie deserves considerable credit for her efforts to ensure all parents know whether or not their child care provider is insured.”
“As the father of two young daughters, I understand the need for parents to be well informed when making decisions about child care,” said Dodd. “This bill will help to protect children and give parents peace of mind. I’m proud to support this important legislation, and look forward to future opportunities to improve the quality of and access to child care in this country for children, families, and providers.”
Specifically, the Anthony DeJuan Boatwright Act would require child care providers that receive Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to disclose whether or not they carry liability insurance for the operation of their facility. The bill also would require that states recommend such coverage in their licensure process.
Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Roland Burris, D-Ill., also are co-sponsors of the bill. A companion bill passed in the House of Representatives on June 2, 2009.
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Genworth Financial Simplifies the Process of Purchasing Affordable Long Term Care Insurance for Georgia AARP Members
/PRNewswire/ -- Long term care costs in Georgia continue to rise at a rate outpacing inflation, putting significant financial pressure on those in or near retirement. As a leader in the long term care insurance industry, Genworth offers a suite of insurance products to help people proactively plan for their future. Now, AARP® members that reside in Georgia can take advantage of a new program designed to simplify the process of purchasing affordable long term care insurance.
Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW) today introduced My Future, My Plan(SM), a suite of long term care insurance plans created exclusively for AARP members. My Future, My Plan is the result of Genworth combining its unique expertise in the area of the long term care insurance product with what it has learned about AARP's demographic. With My Future, My Plan, AARP members get access to industry-leading features while maintaining the ability to customize a plan that falls within their price range, meeting their lifestyle needs. In three simple steps, AARP members can choose one of three preselected long term care insurance plans, tailored to them and designed specifically to reflect membership demographics. All plans include the option of home care, assisted living and nursing home services along with flexible features designed exclusively for AARP members. Also included is no-cost access to Genworth's Privileged Care® Coordinators who assist policyholders and their families in planning for their long term care.
AARP members have three easy options available to find out more about My Future, My Plan: by scheduling a free, no obligation "readiness review" with an "Authorized to Offer" Genworth insurance agent in person or by calling 800 565.0805, or by visiting genworth.com/aarp for more information about long term care insurance.
My Future, My Plan is one of many products Genworth has developed, reflective of American families' varying and ever-growing long term care needs. The company also offers affordable long term care insurance solutions through independent financial advisors. Earlier this year, the company launched a product suite to offer employers a practical way to provide affordable, comprehensive long term care coverage to employees and their families.
Georgia residents can also take advantage of Georgia's Long Term Care (LTC) Partnership, an alliance between the private insurance industry and the state government to help Georgia residents plan for future long term care needs without depleting all of their assets to pay for care. The combination of benefits offered by Genworth's LTC insurance products and the Partnership Plan provide Georgia residents with financial incentives to take proactive measures to help protect themselves and their families from the growing costs of long term care.
"Two-thirds of people over age 65 will need long term care in their lifetimes," said Buck Stinson, president, insurance products at Genworth Financial. "The current economic downturn has depleted the nest eggs of many Georgia residents, making it more important than ever to plan ahead for future long term care costs."
Helping American Families Through Education
As an industry pioneer and the largest underwriter of long term care insurance for more than one million policyholders, Genworth brings a strong commitment to solving our nation's long term care challenges, a reputation for service and a longstanding history of product innovation.
Since 2005, the company has conducted an annual Cost of Care Survey to provide Americans with a clear understanding of the cost of long term care in their area. According to Genworth's 2009 Cost of Care Survey conducted by CareScout, the annual cost for a private nursing home room in the U.S. is $74,208, or $203 per day. Costs for this type of care in Georgia's three largest cities surveyed have increased 4 percent annually over the past five years in Columbus and 2 percent in both Atlanta and Augusta over the same time period. The median annual cost for a private nursing home room in Georgia ranges from $45,589 to $74,400.
"Long term care planning is a key consideration as you prepare for your retirement needs," continued Stinson. "For a few dollars now, families can potentially save thousands of dollars later should they have a long term care need."
To help families plan and have the right conversations at the right time, Genworth Financial has created the "Let's Talk" national campaign, designed to provide families with the right resources, education and motivation to have valuable conversations and successfully plan for a long life. The centerpiece of the campaign is an interactive Web site (www.caringtalk.com), featuring downloadable long term care guides and information on: ways to break the ice with family members; helpful do's and don'ts; and advice from people who have already been down this path.
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Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW) today introduced My Future, My Plan(SM), a suite of long term care insurance plans created exclusively for AARP members. My Future, My Plan is the result of Genworth combining its unique expertise in the area of the long term care insurance product with what it has learned about AARP's demographic. With My Future, My Plan, AARP members get access to industry-leading features while maintaining the ability to customize a plan that falls within their price range, meeting their lifestyle needs. In three simple steps, AARP members can choose one of three preselected long term care insurance plans, tailored to them and designed specifically to reflect membership demographics. All plans include the option of home care, assisted living and nursing home services along with flexible features designed exclusively for AARP members. Also included is no-cost access to Genworth's Privileged Care® Coordinators who assist policyholders and their families in planning for their long term care.
AARP members have three easy options available to find out more about My Future, My Plan: by scheduling a free, no obligation "readiness review" with an "Authorized to Offer" Genworth insurance agent in person or by calling 800 565.0805, or by visiting genworth.com/aarp for more information about long term care insurance.
My Future, My Plan is one of many products Genworth has developed, reflective of American families' varying and ever-growing long term care needs. The company also offers affordable long term care insurance solutions through independent financial advisors. Earlier this year, the company launched a product suite to offer employers a practical way to provide affordable, comprehensive long term care coverage to employees and their families.
Georgia residents can also take advantage of Georgia's Long Term Care (LTC) Partnership, an alliance between the private insurance industry and the state government to help Georgia residents plan for future long term care needs without depleting all of their assets to pay for care. The combination of benefits offered by Genworth's LTC insurance products and the Partnership Plan provide Georgia residents with financial incentives to take proactive measures to help protect themselves and their families from the growing costs of long term care.
"Two-thirds of people over age 65 will need long term care in their lifetimes," said Buck Stinson, president, insurance products at Genworth Financial. "The current economic downturn has depleted the nest eggs of many Georgia residents, making it more important than ever to plan ahead for future long term care costs."
Helping American Families Through Education
As an industry pioneer and the largest underwriter of long term care insurance for more than one million policyholders, Genworth brings a strong commitment to solving our nation's long term care challenges, a reputation for service and a longstanding history of product innovation.
Since 2005, the company has conducted an annual Cost of Care Survey to provide Americans with a clear understanding of the cost of long term care in their area. According to Genworth's 2009 Cost of Care Survey conducted by CareScout, the annual cost for a private nursing home room in the U.S. is $74,208, or $203 per day. Costs for this type of care in Georgia's three largest cities surveyed have increased 4 percent annually over the past five years in Columbus and 2 percent in both Atlanta and Augusta over the same time period. The median annual cost for a private nursing home room in Georgia ranges from $45,589 to $74,400.
"Long term care planning is a key consideration as you prepare for your retirement needs," continued Stinson. "For a few dollars now, families can potentially save thousands of dollars later should they have a long term care need."
To help families plan and have the right conversations at the right time, Genworth Financial has created the "Let's Talk" national campaign, designed to provide families with the right resources, education and motivation to have valuable conversations and successfully plan for a long life. The centerpiece of the campaign is an interactive Web site (www.caringtalk.com), featuring downloadable long term care guides and information on: ways to break the ice with family members; helpful do's and don'ts; and advice from people who have already been down this path.
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Wednesday, June 17, 2009
PIA Opposes Kennedy Proposal to Create Health Insurance "Navigators"
/PRNewswire/ -- A proposal to award grants to public and private entities to conduct public education, distribute information and assist with health insurance enrollment is ill-advised, according to the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).
The proposal is part of the Affordable Health Choices Act introduced by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions.
Section 3105 of the Kennedy bill says American Health Benefit Gateways would be created in every state, serving as a health insurance exchange. A "Navigators" program would award grants to public and private entities to "conduct public education; distribute fair and impartial information regarding health plans; [and] assist with enrollment and provide information that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for the population." The bill stipulates that both health insurance issuers and current independent insurance agents would be prohibited from participating in the Navigators program.
"This proposal would give federal grants to groups with no background or expertise in health insurance the responsibility to advise businesses and individuals regarding their health insurance decisions," said PIA National President Kenneth R. Auerbach, Esq. "In addition, it would specifically exclude licensed health insurance agents or brokers from participating, which makes no sense at all."
"Consumers already turn to their local professional insurance agents to help them navigate the current maze of health insurance choices," Auerbach said. "There's no need to recreate that system. The Kennedy proposal would use taxpayers' dollars to set up what are, in essence, federal insurance agencies for health insurance in every state, with the proviso that those with health insurance experience would be barred from being involved."
Auerbach expressed concern that entities receiving grants to act as health insurance "Navigators" could be community groups, labor unions, or other organizations with no experience in health insurance and that might be biased in favor of a government-option in health insurance, with the potential to inappropriately steer people away from opting for private health insurance plans.
PIA believes that Congress should build on the private health care delivery system, not seek to dismantle it. PIA vehemently opposes the creation of government-funded insurance agencies or brokerages for health care insurance that would displace professional insurance agents.
"It is our hope that this flawed section of Sen. Kennedy's bill that creates federally-backed insurance brokerages with no expertise in health insurance will be removed as the legislative process continues," said PIA Director of Federal Affairs Mike Becker.
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The proposal is part of the Affordable Health Choices Act introduced by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions.
Section 3105 of the Kennedy bill says American Health Benefit Gateways would be created in every state, serving as a health insurance exchange. A "Navigators" program would award grants to public and private entities to "conduct public education; distribute fair and impartial information regarding health plans; [and] assist with enrollment and provide information that is culturally and linguistically appropriate for the population." The bill stipulates that both health insurance issuers and current independent insurance agents would be prohibited from participating in the Navigators program.
"This proposal would give federal grants to groups with no background or expertise in health insurance the responsibility to advise businesses and individuals regarding their health insurance decisions," said PIA National President Kenneth R. Auerbach, Esq. "In addition, it would specifically exclude licensed health insurance agents or brokers from participating, which makes no sense at all."
"Consumers already turn to their local professional insurance agents to help them navigate the current maze of health insurance choices," Auerbach said. "There's no need to recreate that system. The Kennedy proposal would use taxpayers' dollars to set up what are, in essence, federal insurance agencies for health insurance in every state, with the proviso that those with health insurance experience would be barred from being involved."
Auerbach expressed concern that entities receiving grants to act as health insurance "Navigators" could be community groups, labor unions, or other organizations with no experience in health insurance and that might be biased in favor of a government-option in health insurance, with the potential to inappropriately steer people away from opting for private health insurance plans.
PIA believes that Congress should build on the private health care delivery system, not seek to dismantle it. PIA vehemently opposes the creation of government-funded insurance agencies or brokerages for health care insurance that would displace professional insurance agents.
"It is our hope that this flawed section of Sen. Kennedy's bill that creates federally-backed insurance brokerages with no expertise in health insurance will be removed as the legislative process continues," said PIA Director of Federal Affairs Mike Becker.
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Senate Bill to Protect Patients' Healthcare by Amending Medicare Coverage
/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Senate has introduced a bill, S. 1221, "The Medicare Prompt Pay Correction Act," a companion bill to H.R. 1392, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and currently has 45 co-sponsors.
The Senate bill was introduced by Senators Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Pat Roberts (R-KS). The bill is a step forward in addressing problems with Medicare reimbursement for cancer drugs and in alleviating a national problem affecting the delivery of cancer care treatment to patients, almost all of whom are treated in community oncology clinics close to their homes.
"Community cancer clinics play a critical role in our nation's fight against cancer, especially in rural areas where families do not have access to larger centers," said U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA). "I am pleased to introduce this legislation which will help ensure access for Medicare beneficiaries' to potentially life-saving cancer treatments."
This bill will amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure more appropriate payment amounts for drugs and biologicals under Part B of the Medicare Program. It excludes customary prompt pay discounts extended to wholesalers from the manufacturer's Average Sales Price (ASP). These discounts artificially reduce Medicare Part B drug reimbursement rates for community oncology clinics, jeopardizing the viability of these providers and thus endangering patient access to affordable, quality cancer care in their communities.
Excluding distributor prompt pay discounts from the ASP methodology is consistent with existing policy and will create greater uniformity among federal healthcare programs. The Medicaid Average Manufacturer Price (AMP) methodology already excludes these terms.
This legislation is an effort to improve the delivery of cancer care treatment to patients. Cancer care must be understood as different from general healthcare in that it is catastrophic in its threat to life, its potency of treatment and its cost. The cancer care delivery system is now in first-stage crisis because Medicare has substantially cut payment for cancer drugs and essential services.
Almost all Americans are currently treated in community cancer clinics, many of which have had to cut staff and close satellite facilities.
Patients with insufficient or no insurance, especially seniors and the swelling ranks of the unemployed, are increasingly being sent elsewhere for treatment and some patients are actually foregoing treatment.
"Especially during these tough economic times, millions of patients should not have to opt-out of quality cancer treatment because they can't afford it," said U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS).
The problem not only centers on payments for cancer drugs, but also on essential services provided to cancer patients, such as treatment planning, which are not reimbursed by Medicare.
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has aggressively advocated for the prompt pay solution.
"We appreciate the leadership of Senator Specter, who has long supported cancer care funding issues, and Senator Roberts for cosponsoring this important legislation," said Patrick Cobb, M.D., president of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and managing partner of Hematology-Oncology Centers of the Northern Rockies in Billings, Montana.
"This bipartisan bill is a welcomed and needed first step in supporting community cancer clinics," he continued. "The passage of these congressional bills will enable community oncology clinics to continue providing patients with cancer care treatments currently not properly reimbursed by Medicare."
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The Senate bill was introduced by Senators Arlen Specter (D-PA) and Pat Roberts (R-KS). The bill is a step forward in addressing problems with Medicare reimbursement for cancer drugs and in alleviating a national problem affecting the delivery of cancer care treatment to patients, almost all of whom are treated in community oncology clinics close to their homes.
"Community cancer clinics play a critical role in our nation's fight against cancer, especially in rural areas where families do not have access to larger centers," said U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA). "I am pleased to introduce this legislation which will help ensure access for Medicare beneficiaries' to potentially life-saving cancer treatments."
This bill will amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure more appropriate payment amounts for drugs and biologicals under Part B of the Medicare Program. It excludes customary prompt pay discounts extended to wholesalers from the manufacturer's Average Sales Price (ASP). These discounts artificially reduce Medicare Part B drug reimbursement rates for community oncology clinics, jeopardizing the viability of these providers and thus endangering patient access to affordable, quality cancer care in their communities.
Excluding distributor prompt pay discounts from the ASP methodology is consistent with existing policy and will create greater uniformity among federal healthcare programs. The Medicaid Average Manufacturer Price (AMP) methodology already excludes these terms.
This legislation is an effort to improve the delivery of cancer care treatment to patients. Cancer care must be understood as different from general healthcare in that it is catastrophic in its threat to life, its potency of treatment and its cost. The cancer care delivery system is now in first-stage crisis because Medicare has substantially cut payment for cancer drugs and essential services.
Almost all Americans are currently treated in community cancer clinics, many of which have had to cut staff and close satellite facilities.
Patients with insufficient or no insurance, especially seniors and the swelling ranks of the unemployed, are increasingly being sent elsewhere for treatment and some patients are actually foregoing treatment.
"Especially during these tough economic times, millions of patients should not have to opt-out of quality cancer treatment because they can't afford it," said U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS).
The problem not only centers on payments for cancer drugs, but also on essential services provided to cancer patients, such as treatment planning, which are not reimbursed by Medicare.
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has aggressively advocated for the prompt pay solution.
"We appreciate the leadership of Senator Specter, who has long supported cancer care funding issues, and Senator Roberts for cosponsoring this important legislation," said Patrick Cobb, M.D., president of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and managing partner of Hematology-Oncology Centers of the Northern Rockies in Billings, Montana.
"This bipartisan bill is a welcomed and needed first step in supporting community cancer clinics," he continued. "The passage of these congressional bills will enable community oncology clinics to continue providing patients with cancer care treatments currently not properly reimbursed by Medicare."
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Wednesday, June 10, 2009
New Single Source Location for HIPAA & HIT Information
/PRNewswire/ -- Several nationally recognized healthcare experts have joined forces to create HIPAA.com, a single-source resource site where visitors will find access to HIPAA regulations, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) updates, and practical guidance on what to do to meet new regulations.
"Most of our readers are seeking help on ARRA's requirement that Business Associates become covered entities, effective February 20, 2010," says Edward D. Jones, III, founding partner of HIPAA.com and leading authority on healthcare, insurance, electronic remittance/payments, and electronic health record (EHR) issues. Jones also was a founding commissioner of the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC) and served as the Chair of the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI).
While HIPAA.com serves as a single-source search site, the founders are clear about not offering legal advice. "We refer these inquiries to our health law partners, many of whom will soon be listed on our site," says David Cargile, co-founder of HIPAA.com. Cargile is CEO of Cargile Consulting, Inc. and previously served as the CEO of the Centris Group, U.S. Benefits, and USF Reinsurance Company and Reinsurance Facilities Corporation.
"HIPAA.com is the go-to resource for all information and services related to privacy laws and policies. [HIPAA.com] has expanded to guide health systems and providers in benefiting from the new Health Information Technology stimulus dollars. HIPAA.com is now a great source for both privacy and HIT," says Joseph E. Scherger, MD, MPH, Vice President of Primary Care at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA.
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"Most of our readers are seeking help on ARRA's requirement that Business Associates become covered entities, effective February 20, 2010," says Edward D. Jones, III, founding partner of HIPAA.com and leading authority on healthcare, insurance, electronic remittance/payments, and electronic health record (EHR) issues. Jones also was a founding commissioner of the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC) and served as the Chair of the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI).
While HIPAA.com serves as a single-source search site, the founders are clear about not offering legal advice. "We refer these inquiries to our health law partners, many of whom will soon be listed on our site," says David Cargile, co-founder of HIPAA.com. Cargile is CEO of Cargile Consulting, Inc. and previously served as the CEO of the Centris Group, U.S. Benefits, and USF Reinsurance Company and Reinsurance Facilities Corporation.
"HIPAA.com is the go-to resource for all information and services related to privacy laws and policies. [HIPAA.com] has expanded to guide health systems and providers in benefiting from the new Health Information Technology stimulus dollars. HIPAA.com is now a great source for both privacy and HIT," says Joseph E. Scherger, MD, MPH, Vice President of Primary Care at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA.
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Monday, June 01, 2009
HHS Releases $30 Million to Help Medicare Beneficiaries Access Their Benefits
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released $25 million in grants to
help older people, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers
apply for special assistance through Medicare, and an additional $5
million for a national resource center to support these important
efforts.
These grants, made possible by the Medicare Improvements for Patients
and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), will provide valuable support at the
state and community levels for organizations involved in reaching and
providing assistance to people likely to be eligible for the Low-Income
Subsidy program (LIS), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), the Medicare Part
D Prescription Drug Program and in helping beneficiaries to apply for
benefits. This initiative also includes special targeting efforts to
rural areas of the country and to Native American elders.
"Medicare is essential to our effort to provide high-quality health care
to all Americans," said Secretary Sebelius. "Many people could be
eligible for extra help through Medicare and not even know it. We know
that beneficiaries with the greatest needs are often the most difficult
to reach," said Secretary Sebelius. "Through these new collaborations at
the federal, state and local levels, we will better be able to target
and provide one-on-one assistance to our most vulnerable citizens."
This MIPPA funding, which is jointly administered by HHS' Administration
on Aging (AoA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS),
is being awarded to State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs),
State Agencies on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Aging and
Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Native Americans Tribal
Organizations and local communities to help seniors, caregivers and
those with disabilities on Medicare. These organizations are important
members of HHS' national network of state, tribal and community-based
organizations that assist seniors, caregivers and those with
disabilities with health benefits information and information on other
services, and enable them to remain independent and living in their
communities as long as possible.
"HHS is working hard to reach people who are unaware, unsure or unable
to apply for assistance for the benefits they deserve," said Charlene
Frizzera, acting administrator for CMS. "Through this collaboration
between AoA and CMS, state and community-based organizations will be
able to work in partnership and make maximum use of these federal funds
to help seniors and those with disabilities on Medicare." CMS and AoA
have worked closely together on this and other outreach efforts to
assist older Americans, those with disabilities and their families to
access important benefits and services.
"MIPPA presents a new opportunity to build on the successful partnership
between AoA and CMS through the Medicare Part D outreach efforts, our
Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs, ADRCs, and the National
Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information," said Edwin L. Walker,
acting Assistant Secretary for Aging. "This new effort allows us to
team up again so that we can leverage federal, state and local resources
to deliver health and long-term care services and information to those
who need it most."
The National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment, administered
by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), will help inform beneficiaries
about benefits available under federal and state programs, utilize
cost-effective strategies to find older individuals with the greatest
economic need, coordinate state and local efforts by providing a best
practice clearinghouse, data collection, training and technical
assistance.
-----
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help older people, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers
apply for special assistance through Medicare, and an additional $5
million for a national resource center to support these important
efforts.
These grants, made possible by the Medicare Improvements for Patients
and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), will provide valuable support at the
state and community levels for organizations involved in reaching and
providing assistance to people likely to be eligible for the Low-Income
Subsidy program (LIS), Medicare Savings Program (MSP), the Medicare Part
D Prescription Drug Program and in helping beneficiaries to apply for
benefits. This initiative also includes special targeting efforts to
rural areas of the country and to Native American elders.
"Medicare is essential to our effort to provide high-quality health care
to all Americans," said Secretary Sebelius. "Many people could be
eligible for extra help through Medicare and not even know it. We know
that beneficiaries with the greatest needs are often the most difficult
to reach," said Secretary Sebelius. "Through these new collaborations at
the federal, state and local levels, we will better be able to target
and provide one-on-one assistance to our most vulnerable citizens."
This MIPPA funding, which is jointly administered by HHS' Administration
on Aging (AoA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS),
is being awarded to State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs),
State Agencies on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Aging and
Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), Native Americans Tribal
Organizations and local communities to help seniors, caregivers and
those with disabilities on Medicare. These organizations are important
members of HHS' national network of state, tribal and community-based
organizations that assist seniors, caregivers and those with
disabilities with health benefits information and information on other
services, and enable them to remain independent and living in their
communities as long as possible.
"HHS is working hard to reach people who are unaware, unsure or unable
to apply for assistance for the benefits they deserve," said Charlene
Frizzera, acting administrator for CMS. "Through this collaboration
between AoA and CMS, state and community-based organizations will be
able to work in partnership and make maximum use of these federal funds
to help seniors and those with disabilities on Medicare." CMS and AoA
have worked closely together on this and other outreach efforts to
assist older Americans, those with disabilities and their families to
access important benefits and services.
"MIPPA presents a new opportunity to build on the successful partnership
between AoA and CMS through the Medicare Part D outreach efforts, our
Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs, ADRCs, and the National
Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information," said Edwin L. Walker,
acting Assistant Secretary for Aging. "This new effort allows us to
team up again so that we can leverage federal, state and local resources
to deliver health and long-term care services and information to those
who need it most."
The National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment, administered
by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), will help inform beneficiaries
about benefits available under federal and state programs, utilize
cost-effective strategies to find older individuals with the greatest
economic need, coordinate state and local efforts by providing a best
practice clearinghouse, data collection, training and technical
assistance.
-----
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and Piedmont Healthcare Announce Contract Renewal
/PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGA) and Piedmont Healthcare announced today that they have reached agreement on a three-year contract, effective August 1, 2009.
Under the agreement, BCBSGA HMO/POS and PPO members can continue to access Piedmont Healthcare as an in-network provider, including services from Piedmont Clinic physicians, Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper, and Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Newnan.
"We are pleased to continue our relationship with Piedmont Healthcare," said Amy Cheslock, vice president of health services, BCBSGA. "As the state's largest health benefits provider, this new contract allows us to continue offering our members a wide range of choices and continued access to affordable, quality health care."
"We are pleased to renew our participation in the BCBSGA provider network that serves so many of our patients," said Gregory A. Hurst, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Piedmont Healthcare. "Piedmont has a long-standing commitment to the residents of Georgia and the communities we serve. This agreement ensures that BCBSGA members will continue to have access to the highest quality healthcare and the physicians and hospitals they have come to trust."
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Under the agreement, BCBSGA HMO/POS and PPO members can continue to access Piedmont Healthcare as an in-network provider, including services from Piedmont Clinic physicians, Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper, and Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Newnan.
"We are pleased to continue our relationship with Piedmont Healthcare," said Amy Cheslock, vice president of health services, BCBSGA. "As the state's largest health benefits provider, this new contract allows us to continue offering our members a wide range of choices and continued access to affordable, quality health care."
"We are pleased to renew our participation in the BCBSGA provider network that serves so many of our patients," said Gregory A. Hurst, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Piedmont Healthcare. "Piedmont has a long-standing commitment to the residents of Georgia and the communities we serve. This agreement ensures that BCBSGA members will continue to have access to the highest quality healthcare and the physicians and hospitals they have come to trust."
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sebelius Statement on New Medicare Trustees' Report
President Obama understands that Medicare is an essential program that
provides care for millions of our seniors and the disabled. We will do
whatever it takes to protect it.
But today's report should trouble anyone who is concerned about the
future of Medicare and health care in America. Just as families,
communities and businesses are struggling under the crushing burden of
skyrocketing health care costs, so too are our Medicare Trust funds.
This isn't just another government report. It's a wake up call for
everyone who is concerned about Medicare and the health of our economy.
And it's yet another sign that we can't wait for real, comprehensive
health reform.
I want to highlight two examples of the problem we're facing. First, the
Hospital Insurance Trust Fund helps cover the cost of beneficiaries'
hospital stays and related care. Today, the fund spends more than it
takes in and we make up the difference using assets from the fund. But
in 2017 - eight years from now - those assets will be exhausted if we
don't do something. Second, the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust
Fund helps pay for medical care and prescription drugs. This fund is
solvent, but only because premiums and general revenue financing are
reset every year, requiring seniors and the Federal budget to pay more
for their care. If health care costs keep going up, our beneficiaries
will continue to see their premiums rise at unsustainable rates.
I know this alarm has been sounded before. Politicians have been
worrying about the growth of Medicare spending for many years.
The Obama Administration isn't just worrying; we're doing something
about it. And if we want to bring down the cost of health care in this
country and strengthen our economy, then we all must show leadership and
take action to control costs.
At the Department of Health and Human Services, we have started using
our administrative authorities to keep Medicare costs in check.
The President's budget is another crucial step. It includes new
incentives that put quality first, make Medicare more efficient and save
taxpayer dollars. The President's budget also fights fraud in Medicare
that costs us billions each year by providing a 50 percent increase in
funding to help crack down on anyone who tries to cheat the system.
We are working with Congress on legislation that includes and goes
beyond the cost-savings policies in the President's budget. The only
way to slow Medicare spending is to slow overall health system spending
through comprehensive and carefully crafted legislation.
But we cannot do it alone. Yesterday the President stood with the
health care leaders from the private sector who have come together to
pledge to cut health care spending by $2 trillion over 10 years, which
would result in savings of $2,500 for a family of four.
Medicare is central to the effort to promote high-quality, affordable
health care for all Americans. As the nation's largest insurer, its
success will both improve the lives of seniors and disabled
beneficiaries and set the standard for other insurers. But we know that
its success in becoming a strong and sustainable program depends on our
ability to fix what's broken in the rest of the system. When previously
uninsured Americans join Medicare, they are less healthy and cost the
system more. Giving the uninsured coverage before they join Medicare
will improve their quality of life and save money for Medicare.
If we fail to take action, health care costs will only get worse and
Medicare spending will increase. Businesses will see more of their
profits consumed by health care. Families will continue to struggle.
We know that bending the cost curve is an important component of health
care reform, and key to strengthening Medicare.
And this report makes it clear: reform can't wait. All of us in the
Administration look forward to working with Congress to make reform a
reality.
-----
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provides care for millions of our seniors and the disabled. We will do
whatever it takes to protect it.
But today's report should trouble anyone who is concerned about the
future of Medicare and health care in America. Just as families,
communities and businesses are struggling under the crushing burden of
skyrocketing health care costs, so too are our Medicare Trust funds.
This isn't just another government report. It's a wake up call for
everyone who is concerned about Medicare and the health of our economy.
And it's yet another sign that we can't wait for real, comprehensive
health reform.
I want to highlight two examples of the problem we're facing. First, the
Hospital Insurance Trust Fund helps cover the cost of beneficiaries'
hospital stays and related care. Today, the fund spends more than it
takes in and we make up the difference using assets from the fund. But
in 2017 - eight years from now - those assets will be exhausted if we
don't do something. Second, the Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust
Fund helps pay for medical care and prescription drugs. This fund is
solvent, but only because premiums and general revenue financing are
reset every year, requiring seniors and the Federal budget to pay more
for their care. If health care costs keep going up, our beneficiaries
will continue to see their premiums rise at unsustainable rates.
I know this alarm has been sounded before. Politicians have been
worrying about the growth of Medicare spending for many years.
The Obama Administration isn't just worrying; we're doing something
about it. And if we want to bring down the cost of health care in this
country and strengthen our economy, then we all must show leadership and
take action to control costs.
At the Department of Health and Human Services, we have started using
our administrative authorities to keep Medicare costs in check.
The President's budget is another crucial step. It includes new
incentives that put quality first, make Medicare more efficient and save
taxpayer dollars. The President's budget also fights fraud in Medicare
that costs us billions each year by providing a 50 percent increase in
funding to help crack down on anyone who tries to cheat the system.
We are working with Congress on legislation that includes and goes
beyond the cost-savings policies in the President's budget. The only
way to slow Medicare spending is to slow overall health system spending
through comprehensive and carefully crafted legislation.
But we cannot do it alone. Yesterday the President stood with the
health care leaders from the private sector who have come together to
pledge to cut health care spending by $2 trillion over 10 years, which
would result in savings of $2,500 for a family of four.
Medicare is central to the effort to promote high-quality, affordable
health care for all Americans. As the nation's largest insurer, its
success will both improve the lives of seniors and disabled
beneficiaries and set the standard for other insurers. But we know that
its success in becoming a strong and sustainable program depends on our
ability to fix what's broken in the rest of the system. When previously
uninsured Americans join Medicare, they are less healthy and cost the
system more. Giving the uninsured coverage before they join Medicare
will improve their quality of life and save money for Medicare.
If we fail to take action, health care costs will only get worse and
Medicare spending will increase. Businesses will see more of their
profits consumed by health care. Families will continue to struggle.
We know that bending the cost curve is an important component of health
care reform, and key to strengthening Medicare.
And this report makes it clear: reform can't wait. All of us in the
Administration look forward to working with Congress to make reform a
reality.
-----
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
Oxendine: Can Your Health Insurance Cope with Swine Flu?
Insurance Commissioner John W. Oxendine wants Georgians to be prepared for a possible swine flu outbreak by reviewing whether their health insurance policies will cover possible contingencies like hospitalization and prescription medications.
The Commissioner suggested that you take a few minutes and consider these questions:
* Does your policy have a preauthorization requirement for hospital admission or other services?
* What is your co-payment for the most common H1N1 treatments? The two drugs doctors can prescribe to treat H1N1 flu are Tamiflu and Relenza. Also find out if there are any coverage limitations that apply to the distribution of the medication. Some policies will restrict coverage on the number of doses per prescription or per year.
* What is your out-of-network co-payment? If your area is heavily affected by the spread of the H1N1 flu outbreak, your regular physician may not be able to see you in a timely manner. If you have to go out-of-network, be aware you will have to pay a higher co-payment for your office visit and possibly any tests run during the visit. Get prepared for any eventuality with the following checklist:
-- Have your health insurance I.D. card handy.
-- Review your health insurance policy provisions. Know which doctors and hospitals are in your network.
-- Make note of your co-payments. Know how much a doctor's office visit will cost. Check to see if your co-payments go up if you go out-of-network.
-- Find the list of pharmacies covered by your health insurance policy.
-- If you have plans to travel, make sure you check to see if there are any doctors or medical facilities in-network where you will be visiting.
-- Make sure you have contact details for your health insurance company available in case you have questions. Your employer may gather all pertinent health insurance information together for you in one simple-to-reference form. If they do, post the information where it can easily be accessed by you and your family.
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---
The Commissioner suggested that you take a few minutes and consider these questions:
* Does your policy have a preauthorization requirement for hospital admission or other services?
* What is your co-payment for the most common H1N1 treatments? The two drugs doctors can prescribe to treat H1N1 flu are Tamiflu and Relenza. Also find out if there are any coverage limitations that apply to the distribution of the medication. Some policies will restrict coverage on the number of doses per prescription or per year.
* What is your out-of-network co-payment? If your area is heavily affected by the spread of the H1N1 flu outbreak, your regular physician may not be able to see you in a timely manner. If you have to go out-of-network, be aware you will have to pay a higher co-payment for your office visit and possibly any tests run during the visit. Get prepared for any eventuality with the following checklist:
-- Have your health insurance I.D. card handy.
-- Review your health insurance policy provisions. Know which doctors and hospitals are in your network.
-- Make note of your co-payments. Know how much a doctor's office visit will cost. Check to see if your co-payments go up if you go out-of-network.
-- Find the list of pharmacies covered by your health insurance policy.
-- If you have plans to travel, make sure you check to see if there are any doctors or medical facilities in-network where you will be visiting.
-- Make sure you have contact details for your health insurance company available in case you have questions. Your employer may gather all pertinent health insurance information together for you in one simple-to-reference form. If they do, post the information where it can easily be accessed by you and your family.
---
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---
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
30 Days to Hurricane Season: FEMA Advises to Prepare Now With Flood Insurance
/PRNewswire/ -- June 1, 2009 marks the beginning of Atlantic hurricane season. In addition to knowing appropriate safety precautions, FEMA recommends protecting your property now with a flood insurance policy. It typically takes 30 days from the time of purchase for a policy to become effective.
"Past hurricane seasons have shown that storms can form as early as the beginning of June, so property owners can't afford to wait to buy flood insurance," said Ed Connor, Acting Federal Insurance Administrator and Acting Assistant Administrator, FEMA Mitigation Directorate. "Homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage and, without flood insurance, property owners may have to absorb the financial losses on their own. Just a few inches of water can cost thousands of dollars in repairs and, in this economy, few can afford that potential drain on their savings."
Flood insurance is affordable and available through about 85 insurance companies in approximately 20,600 participating communities nationwide. National flood insurance is available to renters, business owners and homeowners, even if it is not required by the terms of a mortgage. While the average flood insurance policy is around $540 a year, homeowners can protect their properties in moderate-to low-risk areas with lower cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) that start at just $119 a year.
Individuals can learn how to prepare for floods, how to purchase a flood insurance policy and the benefits of protecting their properties against flooding by visiting Floodsmart.gov or calling 1-800-427-2419.
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"Past hurricane seasons have shown that storms can form as early as the beginning of June, so property owners can't afford to wait to buy flood insurance," said Ed Connor, Acting Federal Insurance Administrator and Acting Assistant Administrator, FEMA Mitigation Directorate. "Homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage and, without flood insurance, property owners may have to absorb the financial losses on their own. Just a few inches of water can cost thousands of dollars in repairs and, in this economy, few can afford that potential drain on their savings."
Flood insurance is affordable and available through about 85 insurance companies in approximately 20,600 participating communities nationwide. National flood insurance is available to renters, business owners and homeowners, even if it is not required by the terms of a mortgage. While the average flood insurance policy is around $540 a year, homeowners can protect their properties in moderate-to low-risk areas with lower cost Preferred Risk Policies (PRPs) that start at just $119 a year.
Individuals can learn how to prepare for floods, how to purchase a flood insurance policy and the benefits of protecting their properties against flooding by visiting Floodsmart.gov or calling 1-800-427-2419.
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Georgia Front Page
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
On-Line Petition Launched in Support of a National Health Insurer Code of Conduct
(BUSINESS WIRE)--In an effort to ensure and protect patient access to approved medical treatments, a petition in support of a Health Insurer Code of Conduct was launched today by the Alliance for Patient Access (AfPA). The petition calls for the adoption of a Code of Conduct, currently being drafted by the American Medical Association, which will address restrictive practices of the managed care industry which undermine the integrity of doctor-patient relationships.
The AMA House of Delegates passed a resolution in November of 2008 to draft and adopt a National Health Insurer Code of Conduct. According to the resolution, the AMA code will set forth clear and concise principles addressing both medical policies and payment issues, as well as create a mechanism to monitor compliance by managed care companies.
Currently, while many managed care organizations maintain appropriate focus on quality measures, some managed care plans and pharmacy benefit managers employ aggressive tactics to cut costs, while at the same time shifting blame for consequences of actions such as premium increases and cost-sharing strategies onto other parties in the healthcare industry.
“In Georgia, the cost-control efforts implemented by managed care health plans have created the widespread perception that such plans are more interested in saving money than providing quality health care,” said Dr. Christina Mayville, a neurologist in Macon, GA. “Unlike many other stakeholders in the health care industry, however, there is no overarching standard of conduct for health plans. The Alliance for Patient Access is taking the lead to collect support for a Code of Conduct to empower health plans to voluntarily agree to abide by principled guidelines and specific protocols regarding certain issues that are particularly prone to abuse.”
AfPA’s petition calls for autonomy between doctors and managed care companies, as well as full transparency regarding a patient’s prescribed course of care. This includes any relationships with outside parties that might influence doctors’ decisions. AfPA also calls for upholding business integrity, with fees reflecting acceptable rates and prescribed courses of treatment resulting from medically-based, not fiscally-driven, decisions. Finally, AfPA’s first priority remains patients’ access to quality medical care that ensures their safety and welfare.
“A Code of Conduct for the managed care industry is highly overdue,” said Dr. David Charles, AfPA Chairman. “The petition is a way for us to show managed care companies that we will not stand by as they attempt to interfere with the course of treatment prescribed to patients by their doctors. A Health Insurer Code of Conduct will help protect patients by regulating the practices of managed care companies and holding them accountable to the same standards to which the rest of the healthcare industry already adheres.”
The American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution in November 2008 to adopt a Health Insurer Code of Conduct, which it is currently drafting. The AMA will vote to adopt the code in June.
The AfPA petition for a Health Insurer Code of Conduct can be found at www.insurepatientaccess.org.
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The AMA House of Delegates passed a resolution in November of 2008 to draft and adopt a National Health Insurer Code of Conduct. According to the resolution, the AMA code will set forth clear and concise principles addressing both medical policies and payment issues, as well as create a mechanism to monitor compliance by managed care companies.
Currently, while many managed care organizations maintain appropriate focus on quality measures, some managed care plans and pharmacy benefit managers employ aggressive tactics to cut costs, while at the same time shifting blame for consequences of actions such as premium increases and cost-sharing strategies onto other parties in the healthcare industry.
“In Georgia, the cost-control efforts implemented by managed care health plans have created the widespread perception that such plans are more interested in saving money than providing quality health care,” said Dr. Christina Mayville, a neurologist in Macon, GA. “Unlike many other stakeholders in the health care industry, however, there is no overarching standard of conduct for health plans. The Alliance for Patient Access is taking the lead to collect support for a Code of Conduct to empower health plans to voluntarily agree to abide by principled guidelines and specific protocols regarding certain issues that are particularly prone to abuse.”
AfPA’s petition calls for autonomy between doctors and managed care companies, as well as full transparency regarding a patient’s prescribed course of care. This includes any relationships with outside parties that might influence doctors’ decisions. AfPA also calls for upholding business integrity, with fees reflecting acceptable rates and prescribed courses of treatment resulting from medically-based, not fiscally-driven, decisions. Finally, AfPA’s first priority remains patients’ access to quality medical care that ensures their safety and welfare.
“A Code of Conduct for the managed care industry is highly overdue,” said Dr. David Charles, AfPA Chairman. “The petition is a way for us to show managed care companies that we will not stand by as they attempt to interfere with the course of treatment prescribed to patients by their doctors. A Health Insurer Code of Conduct will help protect patients by regulating the practices of managed care companies and holding them accountable to the same standards to which the rest of the healthcare industry already adheres.”
The American Medical Association (AMA) passed a resolution in November 2008 to adopt a Health Insurer Code of Conduct, which it is currently drafting. The AMA will vote to adopt the code in June.
The AfPA petition for a Health Insurer Code of Conduct can be found at www.insurepatientaccess.org.
-----
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Friday, March 13, 2009
The Amputee Coalition of America and Nearly 200 Amputees and Patient Advocates Go to Washington
(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Tuesday, March 10, the Amputee Coalition of America had nearly 200 amputees and patient advocates from 34 states in Washington, D.C., to urge members of Congress to support fair insurance coverage for artificial arms and legs. Their message was simple: Arms and legs are not a luxury!
These citizen lobbyists made this trip to tell lawmakers that they need their own “bailout.” Many of them have nightmarish stories of fighting with insurance companies to try to get the prosthetic devices they need to work and live.
“Insurance companies are unrealistically limiting reimbursement of prosthetic arms and legs or summarily electing not to cover them at all,” said Kendra Calhoun, Amputee Coalition president and CEO. “We intend to turn this tide, and this event is a great example of the grassroots support we have from across the country. Arms and legs are not luxury items. Mobility is a serious issue for amputees who want to keep their jobs, take care of their families, and live healthy, active lives.”
Jeffrey Cain, MD, is a bilateral lower-limb amputee and a member of the Amputee Coalition’s Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. Cain is an excellent example of how prosthetic devices can help amputees function in their daily lives and contribute to society rather than become dependent on it.
“Being able to have prosthetic devices means that I can take care of my patients and teach medical students,” said Dr. Cain.
Unfortunately, working people with employer-provided health insurance plans are often the ones with the biggest problems, Dr. Cain noted. “Because employer-provided insurance plans are increasingly introducing unreasonable limits and caps, if you have a job in America – if you are a hardworking member of society – you can’t afford a leg to stand on. It’s gotten that bad.”
In fact, some insurance companies are providing coverage for only one prosthesis per lifetime or eliminating coverage completely.
“Even for older adults, it is absurd to expect them to use only one prosthesis in their lifetime,” Calhoun said. “No one would expect a person to wear a single pair of shoes their entire life, and prosthetic devices should be no different.”
These types of insurance company practices pose especially grave challenges for families of children with limb loss.
Rick Castro, of Connecticut, took two of his children to the event because he wanted to try to get better prosthetic coverage for all families, including his own. Castro’s 4-year-old daughter Jennifer was born missing part of her arm below the elbow, and Castro is well aware that, as she grows, she’ll need several highly expensive prosthetic devices.
“When people find out that their insurance company doesn’t provide fair coverage for prosthetic devices, what do they do?” asked Dr. Cain. “They mortgage their homes, raid their children’s college fund, go into debt, turn to government programs for assistance, or are forced to have bake sales to try to pay for these medically necessary and often very expensive devices. That’s pretty sad, especially when they’ve paid their insurance premiums for years for this very purpose.”
David Ross, of New York City, lost part of his right hand and his right leg above the knee after he was mugged and thrown in front of a subway in 1997. He’s seen what happens when amputees have to settle for devices that are not really what they need because of the limitations in their insurance policies, and that’s what brought him to Capitol Hill.
“It’s so unfair that prosthetics are not covered by health insurance plans to the same degree that other conditions are,” Ross said. “It’s a shame that a lot of my fellow amputees who have already had to get over a traumatic accident or being born without a limb have to fight for something that should already be included in their insurance policy.”
Robert D. Doty, Jr., MD, who lost his left arm as a result of a car falling on him, has had problems with his insurance company not understanding – or not acknowledging – his prosthetic needs.
“My carrier did not want to cover a body-powered prosthesis after covering a myoelectric prosthesis,” Doty said. “The company said that one prosthesis is as good as another and that they can do the same thing, which is not true. I can’t do anything around water, liquids, chemicals or heavy machinery or do any heaving lifting with my myoelectric prosthesis without damaging it. It’s great for doing fine, precise work, but if I’m going to be doing heavy lifting or working around water or liquids, a body-powered prosthesis is better. I really need both.”
As these nearly 200 citizen lobbyists hustled from office to office, they made it clear that they want change. In a single day, they made more than 60 Senate visits and more than 100 House visits. In addition, 26 organizations, including disability rights groups and O&P [orthotic and prosthetic] professional organizations, have now signed on with the Amputee Coalition of America to help move this legislation forward.
“We are thrilled with the results of the day,” said Morgan Sheets, the Amputee Coalition’s national advocacy director. “We are already hearing from House and Senate members who are interested in co-sponsoring our bills and supporting our efforts for fair coverage of artificial arms and legs. The turnout exceeded our expectations, and the great enthusiasm of the participants has certainly encouraged us to continue this important fight for fairness.”
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These citizen lobbyists made this trip to tell lawmakers that they need their own “bailout.” Many of them have nightmarish stories of fighting with insurance companies to try to get the prosthetic devices they need to work and live.
“Insurance companies are unrealistically limiting reimbursement of prosthetic arms and legs or summarily electing not to cover them at all,” said Kendra Calhoun, Amputee Coalition president and CEO. “We intend to turn this tide, and this event is a great example of the grassroots support we have from across the country. Arms and legs are not luxury items. Mobility is a serious issue for amputees who want to keep their jobs, take care of their families, and live healthy, active lives.”
Jeffrey Cain, MD, is a bilateral lower-limb amputee and a member of the Amputee Coalition’s Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Committee. Dr. Cain is an excellent example of how prosthetic devices can help amputees function in their daily lives and contribute to society rather than become dependent on it.
“Being able to have prosthetic devices means that I can take care of my patients and teach medical students,” said Dr. Cain.
Unfortunately, working people with employer-provided health insurance plans are often the ones with the biggest problems, Dr. Cain noted. “Because employer-provided insurance plans are increasingly introducing unreasonable limits and caps, if you have a job in America – if you are a hardworking member of society – you can’t afford a leg to stand on. It’s gotten that bad.”
In fact, some insurance companies are providing coverage for only one prosthesis per lifetime or eliminating coverage completely.
“Even for older adults, it is absurd to expect them to use only one prosthesis in their lifetime,” Calhoun said. “No one would expect a person to wear a single pair of shoes their entire life, and prosthetic devices should be no different.”
These types of insurance company practices pose especially grave challenges for families of children with limb loss.
Rick Castro, of Connecticut, took two of his children to the event because he wanted to try to get better prosthetic coverage for all families, including his own. Castro’s 4-year-old daughter Jennifer was born missing part of her arm below the elbow, and Castro is well aware that, as she grows, she’ll need several highly expensive prosthetic devices.
“When people find out that their insurance company doesn’t provide fair coverage for prosthetic devices, what do they do?” asked Dr. Cain. “They mortgage their homes, raid their children’s college fund, go into debt, turn to government programs for assistance, or are forced to have bake sales to try to pay for these medically necessary and often very expensive devices. That’s pretty sad, especially when they’ve paid their insurance premiums for years for this very purpose.”
David Ross, of New York City, lost part of his right hand and his right leg above the knee after he was mugged and thrown in front of a subway in 1997. He’s seen what happens when amputees have to settle for devices that are not really what they need because of the limitations in their insurance policies, and that’s what brought him to Capitol Hill.
“It’s so unfair that prosthetics are not covered by health insurance plans to the same degree that other conditions are,” Ross said. “It’s a shame that a lot of my fellow amputees who have already had to get over a traumatic accident or being born without a limb have to fight for something that should already be included in their insurance policy.”
Robert D. Doty, Jr., MD, who lost his left arm as a result of a car falling on him, has had problems with his insurance company not understanding – or not acknowledging – his prosthetic needs.
“My carrier did not want to cover a body-powered prosthesis after covering a myoelectric prosthesis,” Doty said. “The company said that one prosthesis is as good as another and that they can do the same thing, which is not true. I can’t do anything around water, liquids, chemicals or heavy machinery or do any heaving lifting with my myoelectric prosthesis without damaging it. It’s great for doing fine, precise work, but if I’m going to be doing heavy lifting or working around water or liquids, a body-powered prosthesis is better. I really need both.”
As these nearly 200 citizen lobbyists hustled from office to office, they made it clear that they want change. In a single day, they made more than 60 Senate visits and more than 100 House visits. In addition, 26 organizations, including disability rights groups and O&P [orthotic and prosthetic] professional organizations, have now signed on with the Amputee Coalition of America to help move this legislation forward.
“We are thrilled with the results of the day,” said Morgan Sheets, the Amputee Coalition’s national advocacy director. “We are already hearing from House and Senate members who are interested in co-sponsoring our bills and supporting our efforts for fair coverage of artificial arms and legs. The turnout exceeded our expectations, and the great enthusiasm of the participants has certainly encouraged us to continue this important fight for fairness.”
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Saturday, March 07, 2009
Panel Discussion to Address Impacts of Today's Economy on Retirement
Behind The Headlines: Making the Most of Your Retirement targeted to 70 + age group
WHO: Discussion members include Donna Barwick, J.D., Senior Director of Wealth Management for The Bank of New York Mellon; Henry Bowden, founder of The Bowden Law Firm; John J. Geraghty, Executive Vice-President of SunTrust Bank; Jim Hansberger, Managing Director, The Hansberger Group; and Michael A. Mohr, Managing Director of The Bank of New York Mellon in Atlanta. Emory Schwall, an Atlanta attorney, Certified Estate Planner and Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia representing the Insurance Commission, will moderate the discussion.
WHAT: Just how has the change in economy affected retirement? What’s it going to take to retire with security, manage long-term health care, and protect one's estate? Where are the financial risks? A panel of financial experts will discuss these questions and more at the discussion, “Behind the Headlines: Making the Most of Your Retirement.” The discussion will address estate planning, asset allocation, health care management, living wills, retirement strategies and other topics of interest to the 70+ age group.
WHEN: Monday, March 16, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Woodruff Auditorium of the Atlanta History Center
WHY: The panel discussion is in response to recent news stories about the economy, much of which is aimed at baby boomers and their challenges, but little directly relating to people already enjoying retirement. The event is one in a three-part series hosted by Peachtree Hills Place, a residential community offering a continuum of care in Buckhead for people ages 55 and older, that will discuss the issues directly affecting this demographic.
Please Note: The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call Peachtree Hills Place at 404-467-4900
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WHO: Discussion members include Donna Barwick, J.D., Senior Director of Wealth Management for The Bank of New York Mellon; Henry Bowden, founder of The Bowden Law Firm; John J. Geraghty, Executive Vice-President of SunTrust Bank; Jim Hansberger, Managing Director, The Hansberger Group; and Michael A. Mohr, Managing Director of The Bank of New York Mellon in Atlanta. Emory Schwall, an Atlanta attorney, Certified Estate Planner and Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia representing the Insurance Commission, will moderate the discussion.
WHAT: Just how has the change in economy affected retirement? What’s it going to take to retire with security, manage long-term health care, and protect one's estate? Where are the financial risks? A panel of financial experts will discuss these questions and more at the discussion, “Behind the Headlines: Making the Most of Your Retirement.” The discussion will address estate planning, asset allocation, health care management, living wills, retirement strategies and other topics of interest to the 70+ age group.
WHEN: Monday, March 16, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Woodruff Auditorium of the Atlanta History Center
WHY: The panel discussion is in response to recent news stories about the economy, much of which is aimed at baby boomers and their challenges, but little directly relating to people already enjoying retirement. The event is one in a three-part series hosted by Peachtree Hills Place, a residential community offering a continuum of care in Buckhead for people ages 55 and older, that will discuss the issues directly affecting this demographic.
Please Note: The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call Peachtree Hills Place at 404-467-4900
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Monday, March 02, 2009
Government To Help Pay Health Insurance For Out Of Work Americans
(SPM Wire) Americans who lost their jobs or will lose their jobs anytime between September 1, 2008 and the end of 2009 are about to find it easier to afford health care insurance.
The federal government has announced it temporarily will pay for 65 percent of the cost of health insurance for laid-off workers who lost their jobs during this period.
This provision was signed into law as part of the recent economic stimulus plan and will provide people with up to nine months of partial payments for their health care premiums. The money is available to those whose yearly adjusted gross income doesn't exceed $125,000 or $250,000 for those who file their taxes jointly.
The payments will be made through what is known as COBRA, a federal regulation that allows employees to keep their company health insurance for up to 18 months after they leave their jobs. Now, the government will help subsidize 65 percent of ex-employee COBRA premium payments if they lost their jobs during the qualifying period.
And workers who had turned down COBRA benefits can reapply and receive the subsidy if their layoffs occurred since September 1, 2008.
The new stimulus plan covers premium payments for coverage periods beginning after February 17 - the date the plan was signed into law - and is not retroactive for coverage prior to this date.
Don't wait too long to apply for the new government subsidy, as there is a window during which you are eligible, depending on when you lost your job.
There is some fine print, however, as many Americans who have been recently terminated worked for companies with fewer than 20 employees. These small businesses generally aren't eligible for COBRA, since it only applies to businesses employing more than 20 individuals. Speak with your employer if you have any questions.
For more information about COBRA, which itself became law in 1985, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Web site at www.dol.gov.
-----
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Fayette Front Page
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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The federal government has announced it temporarily will pay for 65 percent of the cost of health insurance for laid-off workers who lost their jobs during this period.
This provision was signed into law as part of the recent economic stimulus plan and will provide people with up to nine months of partial payments for their health care premiums. The money is available to those whose yearly adjusted gross income doesn't exceed $125,000 or $250,000 for those who file their taxes jointly.
The payments will be made through what is known as COBRA, a federal regulation that allows employees to keep their company health insurance for up to 18 months after they leave their jobs. Now, the government will help subsidize 65 percent of ex-employee COBRA premium payments if they lost their jobs during the qualifying period.
And workers who had turned down COBRA benefits can reapply and receive the subsidy if their layoffs occurred since September 1, 2008.
The new stimulus plan covers premium payments for coverage periods beginning after February 17 - the date the plan was signed into law - and is not retroactive for coverage prior to this date.
Don't wait too long to apply for the new government subsidy, as there is a window during which you are eligible, depending on when you lost your job.
There is some fine print, however, as many Americans who have been recently terminated worked for companies with fewer than 20 employees. These small businesses generally aren't eligible for COBRA, since it only applies to businesses employing more than 20 individuals. Speak with your employer if you have any questions.
For more information about COBRA, which itself became law in 1985, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Web site at www.dol.gov.
-----
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Monday, February 02, 2009
Oxendine Warns of Consequences of Proposed Health Insurance Tax
Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine testified to legislators during his agency’s appropriations hearings that increasing the tax on health insurers and hospitals would lead to higher health insurance rates, more uninsured and could add to the financial hardships facing small hospitals already strapped for cash.
“I felt an obligation to inform the members of the House and Senate subcommittees that the proposal is more than just a 1.6 percent tax on health insurers and hospitals,” Oxendine said. “If passed, this measure will increase the cost of health insurance, and could force more Georgians into the ranks of the uninsured. In addition, the financial problems that hospitals are already facing will only be compounded.”
Oxendine’s remarks were in response to the Department of Community Health’s proposal to raise $317 million in revenue for fiscal year 2010 by imposing a new tax on health insurers and hospitals.
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“I felt an obligation to inform the members of the House and Senate subcommittees that the proposal is more than just a 1.6 percent tax on health insurers and hospitals,” Oxendine said. “If passed, this measure will increase the cost of health insurance, and could force more Georgians into the ranks of the uninsured. In addition, the financial problems that hospitals are already facing will only be compounded.”
Oxendine’s remarks were in response to the Department of Community Health’s proposal to raise $317 million in revenue for fiscal year 2010 by imposing a new tax on health insurers and hospitals.
---
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