If you are self-employed and are looking for medical coverage, then buying health insurance in Florida can be a tricky affair. You will not have access to the benefits of group coverage and have to bear all the expenses yourself. For someone doing his own business in the state, buying health insurance Florida is the same as buying individual health plan. Hence it is necessary that the resident is careful about what he is buying.
1. Quote comparison is very important as all the costs will have to be paid by the individual. Hence he should look for a plan that offers him the maximum privileges at the lowest possible price.
2. If the resident does not need regular medical attention, then he can go in for a plan with higher deductible and lower premiums. Such health insurance Florida plans turn out to be quite cheap for those who need insurance only as a safety net.
3. If you have a spouse or a friend helping you out with your business, then you could apply for a ‘group-of-one’ coverage. This will help you get the benefits of a group insurance even though there is technically one person. However, this provision is not applicable in all states and you first need to check from the Florida Department of Insurance to confirm your eligibility.
4. Since it is an individual health plan, you can customize it according to your needs. If you are a healthy person, then you can leave out those medical facilities that you are sure not to use. This will bring down the premium considerably.
5. The last but definitely the most important thing is to check the company and the plan carefully. The plan should offer all that it promises it will, should not exclude any of the medical facilities that you are sure to need and the company should be of good repute and should have the license to sell insurance in Florida.
A self-employed in Florida does not have much option but to go in for individual medical insurance. Individual plans are by nature expensive and therefore a resident should be more careful about what they are purchasing.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Possible exclusions in your Florida health insurance plans
Your health plan may promise to cover all your medical needs, but if you examine closely, you will realize it is more of an exception than a rule. No matter how high a premium you pay or however costly your policy is, there are always exceptions – either in terms of coverage or duration or the finances.
Most health plans in Florida do not cover all healthcare needs. Some of the common exclusions include home care, convenience products, nursing care, elective abortion procedures and reconstructive or aesthetic cosmetic surgery. It is important that a resident goes through the list of exclusions in his plan before he makes a final purchase. It is also possible to reduce the number of exclusions, but then residents have to pay a higher premium for it.
Managed healthcare plans Florida come cheap but they are the ones you need to be the most careful about. There is a prescribed network of healthcare service providers and you have to be careful that the network is in your neighborhood. Also since these plans concentrate on providing on primary and preventive health services, they are not a good option for those who suffer from a particular disease and need regular medical attention.
In an indemnity plan, there are generally no restrictions at all. However, the biggest drawback is that these plans are very costly and inaccessible to most Floridians. Moreover, here one has to pay for the medical bills upfront and get it reimbursed from the insurance company later on. This is not a convenient option for most Florida residents.
In the real world of health insurance, complete coverage usually translates to ‘almost complete coverage.’ Therefore it is important that residents do a comparison study so that they can access a plan that offers the maximum coverage. It is also important that residents read the documents carefully so that there are no rude shocks in store while making claims.
There is no perfect health plan. Residents just have to look for one that perfectly suits their health needs and financial capabilities.
Most health plans in Florida do not cover all healthcare needs. Some of the common exclusions include home care, convenience products, nursing care, elective abortion procedures and reconstructive or aesthetic cosmetic surgery. It is important that a resident goes through the list of exclusions in his plan before he makes a final purchase. It is also possible to reduce the number of exclusions, but then residents have to pay a higher premium for it.
Managed healthcare plans Florida come cheap but they are the ones you need to be the most careful about. There is a prescribed network of healthcare service providers and you have to be careful that the network is in your neighborhood. Also since these plans concentrate on providing on primary and preventive health services, they are not a good option for those who suffer from a particular disease and need regular medical attention.
In an indemnity plan, there are generally no restrictions at all. However, the biggest drawback is that these plans are very costly and inaccessible to most Floridians. Moreover, here one has to pay for the medical bills upfront and get it reimbursed from the insurance company later on. This is not a convenient option for most Florida residents.
In the real world of health insurance, complete coverage usually translates to ‘almost complete coverage.’ Therefore it is important that residents do a comparison study so that they can access a plan that offers the maximum coverage. It is also important that residents read the documents carefully so that there are no rude shocks in store while making claims.
There is no perfect health plan. Residents just have to look for one that perfectly suits their health needs and financial capabilities.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Affordable health insurance in Florida
Below are some points that can be helpful to the consumers in Florida who are looking to buy affordable health insurance:
• If some Floridians lost their group health insurance plan from the employer, they may qualify for COBRA continuation coverage.
• Floridians have the option of a federal tax credit that helps in paying COBRA or state continuation coverage premium up to nine months. However, there is condition that such consumers should have lost group health insurance due to involuntary termination of employment that occurred between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009.
• Cover Florida offers health benefits to Floridians who have been uninsured for 6 months or recently lost health coverage.
• In Florida, uninsured or underinsured children under the age of 19 years and not eligible for Medicaid can get health coverage through the Florida KidCare Program. Moreover, children are allowed to stay in their family health insurance policy as dependents till the age of 26 years. This has been achieved with the implementation of healthcare reforms.
• A federal tax credit is available to Floridians who lost their health insurance but are receiving benefits from the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program. This credit is known as the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC).
• Floridians, aged 55-65 and are receiving pension benefits from Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), may qualify for the HCTC.
• If some Floridians lost their group health insurance plan from the employer, they may qualify for COBRA continuation coverage.
• Floridians have the option of a federal tax credit that helps in paying COBRA or state continuation coverage premium up to nine months. However, there is condition that such consumers should have lost group health insurance due to involuntary termination of employment that occurred between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009.
• Cover Florida offers health benefits to Floridians who have been uninsured for 6 months or recently lost health coverage.
• In Florida, uninsured or underinsured children under the age of 19 years and not eligible for Medicaid can get health coverage through the Florida KidCare Program. Moreover, children are allowed to stay in their family health insurance policy as dependents till the age of 26 years. This has been achieved with the implementation of healthcare reforms.
• A federal tax credit is available to Floridians who lost their health insurance but are receiving benefits from the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Program. This credit is known as the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC).
• Floridians, aged 55-65 and are receiving pension benefits from Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC), may qualify for the HCTC.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tips to buy low cost health insurance in Florida
To buy low cost health insurance plans in Florida, it is better to understand the terms and conditions beforehand. Below are listed some tips that could help Floridians to buy low cost health insurance plans in:
• Floridians, who are young and healthy, should think to buy health insurance plans even if they think that they don’t need healthcare services. Buying at a young age helps in keeping the premiums low.
• It is important to follow a health life-style. This helps in keeping a check on the premiums. Drinking and smoking habits should be avoided because it could mean a higher premium for the consumers.
• Floridians should really start thinking that exercising daily to keep oneself fit would help. With a healthy status, premiums will not rise.
• Floridians enjoying good health status should think of increasing the amount of deductible in any given health plan. The premium costs are directly proportional to the deductibles. If consumers can afford it, they should go for higher premiums.
• Some of the insurers in Florida will offer discounts if the consumers pay premiums for the whole year instead of paying on monthly basis.
• Floridians, who are young and healthy, should think to buy health insurance plans even if they think that they don’t need healthcare services. Buying at a young age helps in keeping the premiums low.
• It is important to follow a health life-style. This helps in keeping a check on the premiums. Drinking and smoking habits should be avoided because it could mean a higher premium for the consumers.
• Floridians should really start thinking that exercising daily to keep oneself fit would help. With a healthy status, premiums will not rise.
• Floridians enjoying good health status should think of increasing the amount of deductible in any given health plan. The premium costs are directly proportional to the deductibles. If consumers can afford it, they should go for higher premiums.
• Some of the insurers in Florida will offer discounts if the consumers pay premiums for the whole year instead of paying on monthly basis.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Key insurance group meets in Florida to plan reform details
Orlando, Florida is hosting a meeting of insurance commissioners that will decide how much should health insurers should mandatorily spend on providing healthcare facilities as opposed to profits and administrative costs. The federal health reforms want health carriers to spend their financial resources to their consumers and this delegation will work out the details of it.
After deliberating on it for the last seven months, the group will submit its final recommendations to the federal US government. However, there are concerns that the move will prompt insurance companies to desert small scale businesses and other niche groups.
According to the Affordable Care Act, insurers selling large group plans must spend at least 85 cents of every premium dollar on medical care and plans for individuals or small groups must spend 80 cents per dollar.
Gary Claxton, head of the Health Care Marketplace Project, Kaiser Family Foundation commented, “At stake is how much money the industry gets to keep from what they bring in.”
Health carriers, meanwhile, are scurrying up for last minute changes before the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; vote in on the spending details.
Insurance companies are pressing for tax exemptions, a longer phase-in period, and a broader national assessment to see if companies are meeting the rule.
Insurers fear that the new reform laws will not only impact their profits but could also force them to withdraw coverage to certain health plans like small or individual health plans. The Democrats, however, are certain the tighter insurance regulations will curb the health insurance controversial prices and the exponentially rising premium rates.
After deliberating on it for the last seven months, the group will submit its final recommendations to the federal US government. However, there are concerns that the move will prompt insurance companies to desert small scale businesses and other niche groups.
According to the Affordable Care Act, insurers selling large group plans must spend at least 85 cents of every premium dollar on medical care and plans for individuals or small groups must spend 80 cents per dollar.
Gary Claxton, head of the Health Care Marketplace Project, Kaiser Family Foundation commented, “At stake is how much money the industry gets to keep from what they bring in.”
Health carriers, meanwhile, are scurrying up for last minute changes before the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; vote in on the spending details.
Insurance companies are pressing for tax exemptions, a longer phase-in period, and a broader national assessment to see if companies are meeting the rule.
Insurers fear that the new reform laws will not only impact their profits but could also force them to withdraw coverage to certain health plans like small or individual health plans. The Democrats, however, are certain the tighter insurance regulations will curb the health insurance controversial prices and the exponentially rising premium rates.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Florida Accesses Exchange Benefits Before 2014
The state based exchange which will serve as a low-cost alternative to those early retirees between the age of 55 and 65 may be a few years away, but a few companies in Florida have already begun the enjoy the benefits of it.
70 Florida based organizations have qualified for a federal healthcare reform program that will hand out $5 billion to fund coverage for early retiree. The program will end in 2014 when the state based Exchange will come into existence.
The program will increase employer’s and unions’ coverage of retirees who are above 55 but have not turned 65 yet. The funds will reimburse employers for the healthcare costs of the early retirees and their family members.
The firms thathave qualified for the program include the Miami-Dade and Broward school boards; Next-Era Energy, the parent of Florida Power & Light; and the city of Hollywood. However it is expected that most of the funds will be used up large national companies such as the General Motors and General Electrics.
The Washington based Employee Benefit Reserch Institute, however has reservations about the federally sponsored Early Retiree Reinsurance Program. According to the analysis of the Institute, if all eligible retirees take advantage of the program, then the $5 billion funding will run out in the next two years and not last till 2014.
But for the moment the employees of the eligible companies are excited to be able to access affordable insurance through the Reinsurance Program. Scott Clark, risk and benefits officer of Miami-Dade schools, said, “ though we are unsure of what the amount would be for schools, we are just thrilled to be included.”
70 Florida based organizations have qualified for a federal healthcare reform program that will hand out $5 billion to fund coverage for early retiree. The program will end in 2014 when the state based Exchange will come into existence.
The program will increase employer’s and unions’ coverage of retirees who are above 55 but have not turned 65 yet. The funds will reimburse employers for the healthcare costs of the early retirees and their family members.
The firms thathave qualified for the program include the Miami-Dade and Broward school boards; Next-Era Energy, the parent of Florida Power & Light; and the city of Hollywood. However it is expected that most of the funds will be used up large national companies such as the General Motors and General Electrics.
The Washington based Employee Benefit Reserch Institute, however has reservations about the federally sponsored Early Retiree Reinsurance Program. According to the analysis of the Institute, if all eligible retirees take advantage of the program, then the $5 billion funding will run out in the next two years and not last till 2014.
But for the moment the employees of the eligible companies are excited to be able to access affordable insurance through the Reinsurance Program. Scott Clark, risk and benefits officer of Miami-Dade schools, said, “ though we are unsure of what the amount would be for schools, we are just thrilled to be included.”
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Florida’s Immediate Benefits From the Healthcare Reforms
Below are some immediate benefits that the State of Florida will enjoy with the implementation of healthcare reforms:
1. All 3.2 million of Medicare enrollees in Florida will get preventive services, like colorectal cancer screenings, mammograms, and an annual wellness visit without copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles.
2. Florida has $351million federal dollars available starting July 1 to provide coverage for uninsured residents with pre-existing medical conditions. This program will be funded entirely by the Federal government.
3. 290,000 small businesses in Florida may be eligible for the new small business tax credit.
4. Florida, for the first time ever, has the option of Federal Medicaid funding for coverage for all low-income populations, irrespective of age, disability, or family status.
5. Beginning October 1, 2010, 372 Community Health Centers will help nearly double the number of patients seen by the centers over the next five years with increased funding.
It is clear that though the nature of the Affordable Care Act is forced, it has its own advantages and benefits for individual states and for particular groups of the population. Given the figures quoted above, Floridians are surely going to have a very good time by any means.
1. All 3.2 million of Medicare enrollees in Florida will get preventive services, like colorectal cancer screenings, mammograms, and an annual wellness visit without copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles.
2. Florida has $351million federal dollars available starting July 1 to provide coverage for uninsured residents with pre-existing medical conditions. This program will be funded entirely by the Federal government.
3. 290,000 small businesses in Florida may be eligible for the new small business tax credit.
4. Florida, for the first time ever, has the option of Federal Medicaid funding for coverage for all low-income populations, irrespective of age, disability, or family status.
5. Beginning October 1, 2010, 372 Community Health Centers will help nearly double the number of patients seen by the centers over the next five years with increased funding.
It is clear that though the nature of the Affordable Care Act is forced, it has its own advantages and benefits for individual states and for particular groups of the population. Given the figures quoted above, Floridians are surely going to have a very good time by any means.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Florida’s Insurance Commissioner Promises to Protect Agents’ Interests
A press release issued by the Office of Insurance Regulation, Florida, has put to rest the fears of more than 101,500 licensed health insurance agents in the state.
With the Affordability Act coming into force, it was anticipated that insurance agents will be out if job as the focus of the reforms is to ensure that more funding goes to actual healthcare rather than insurance underwriting, administration or big salaries.
However all those scepticism is a thing of past now. Kevin McCarty, Florida Insurance Commissioner has announced that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has passed a resolution demonstrating NAIC’s commitment to preserve the role and interests of insurance agents. The resolution was co sponsored by McCarty.
"With the passage of federal healthcare reform, the healthcare insurance system has become even more complex. Although it is not considered a 'medical expense,' trained healthcare agents must remain an integral part of the health insurance process by helping businesses and families tailor healthcare insurance plans to meet their individual needs."
In its summer conference in Seattle this week, NAIC decided not to allow agents’ commission to be counted as ‘medical care’ under the guidelines being drafted to implement the federal health reform law.
It has however called on federal policy makers to protect the indispensable role that licensed insurance professionals play in serving consumers.
At present insurance agents get 20% of the customers’ first-year premiums and 5 % a year after that. Almost 90% of the money comes from the individual market.
Though Florida’s Insurance Commissioner is keen on protecting the profession and money of the agents, the loopholes in the laws might create a problem. Florida law is still unclear about whether agents could charge consumers an additional fee, over and above their health insurance premium.
With the Affordability Act coming into force, it was anticipated that insurance agents will be out if job as the focus of the reforms is to ensure that more funding goes to actual healthcare rather than insurance underwriting, administration or big salaries.
However all those scepticism is a thing of past now. Kevin McCarty, Florida Insurance Commissioner has announced that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has passed a resolution demonstrating NAIC’s commitment to preserve the role and interests of insurance agents. The resolution was co sponsored by McCarty.
"With the passage of federal healthcare reform, the healthcare insurance system has become even more complex. Although it is not considered a 'medical expense,' trained healthcare agents must remain an integral part of the health insurance process by helping businesses and families tailor healthcare insurance plans to meet their individual needs."
In its summer conference in Seattle this week, NAIC decided not to allow agents’ commission to be counted as ‘medical care’ under the guidelines being drafted to implement the federal health reform law.
It has however called on federal policy makers to protect the indispensable role that licensed insurance professionals play in serving consumers.
At present insurance agents get 20% of the customers’ first-year premiums and 5 % a year after that. Almost 90% of the money comes from the individual market.
Though Florida’s Insurance Commissioner is keen on protecting the profession and money of the agents, the loopholes in the laws might create a problem. Florida law is still unclear about whether agents could charge consumers an additional fee, over and above their health insurance premium.
Monday, August 16, 2010
What’s Your Age?
You crossed the age of 19 years recently? You had a strange kind of feeling inside you and could not convince yourself that you are out of the boys’ zone? One of things that helped you bring back from the tizzy world was the exclusion from your family health insurance policy, right? You are no longer provided coverage as a dependent, even if you are a student. In fact, is some States, the age of dependent children to be covered was set 18 years.
However, there seems some hope. With the implementation of healthcare reforms, children will be allowed to stay in their family health insurance policy as dependents till the age of 26 years. So, you have your options back and won’t be needed to spend extra money on availing an independent health insurance.
The clause of the healthcare reforms is slated to come into effect from September, 2010; however, some companies are already offering the dependents to come back in the fold. So, it is always better to check with the insurer or ask your parents to ask the insurers if they are offering the facility right now. If not, even then, it is only a month before you could officially join back.
However, there seems some hope. With the implementation of healthcare reforms, children will be allowed to stay in their family health insurance policy as dependents till the age of 26 years. So, you have your options back and won’t be needed to spend extra money on availing an independent health insurance.
The clause of the healthcare reforms is slated to come into effect from September, 2010; however, some companies are already offering the dependents to come back in the fold. So, it is always better to check with the insurer or ask your parents to ask the insurers if they are offering the facility right now. If not, even then, it is only a month before you could officially join back.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Florida sees differences in opposition
Now Florida has jumped into the battle It has joined the long list of states who have filed some form of litigation in order to repel or deny the new federal reform bill to be effective in 2014.
Florida’s Attorney General Bill McCollum said, “If Congress can regulate the failure to have healthcare insurance coverage, it can equally regulate the `failure' to meet any other requirement it chooses to impose,''
The Florida lawsuit has a lot of firepower with 20 state attorney generals working on the case.
However, a group of 34 organizations, led by patient advocacy group FLORIDA CHAIN, have opposed the popular mandate and have urged the state to implement the reforms as soon as possible.
Their logic: Florida could lose out on millions of dollars over the decade if the state continues to ignore the new federal reform laws. In a letter addressed to the Governor Charlie Crist and Attorney General, McCollum, the group has reasoned, “"Because Florida has not moved forward, the federal government has already begun making some implementation decisions on Florida's behalf. Our state has also already turned down new resources made available from ACA implementation, allowing other states to take Florida's share."
The advocacy groups lists out the following priorities in the state to-do list:
• Opportunities to increase Florida's supply of health care professionals.
• Setting up medical homes to better coordinate care for Medicaid recipients.
• Reducing health care costs driven by the practice of defensive medicine.
• Helping residents get health coverage
However, at the moment, Florida is keener on repelling the federal Act than working in the priorities of the reform bill.
Florida’s Attorney General Bill McCollum said, “If Congress can regulate the failure to have healthcare insurance coverage, it can equally regulate the `failure' to meet any other requirement it chooses to impose,''
The Florida lawsuit has a lot of firepower with 20 state attorney generals working on the case.
However, a group of 34 organizations, led by patient advocacy group FLORIDA CHAIN, have opposed the popular mandate and have urged the state to implement the reforms as soon as possible.
Their logic: Florida could lose out on millions of dollars over the decade if the state continues to ignore the new federal reform laws. In a letter addressed to the Governor Charlie Crist and Attorney General, McCollum, the group has reasoned, “"Because Florida has not moved forward, the federal government has already begun making some implementation decisions on Florida's behalf. Our state has also already turned down new resources made available from ACA implementation, allowing other states to take Florida's share."
The advocacy groups lists out the following priorities in the state to-do list:
• Opportunities to increase Florida's supply of health care professionals.
• Setting up medical homes to better coordinate care for Medicaid recipients.
• Reducing health care costs driven by the practice of defensive medicine.
• Helping residents get health coverage
However, at the moment, Florida is keener on repelling the federal Act than working in the priorities of the reform bill.
Monday, August 2, 2010
BlueCross to Issue Child Plans Once Again
The Affordability Act had brought good news to children with pre-exiting medical condition. They could now no longer be denied coverage due to their health condition. But what if there were no child-alone policies? This is the alternative that Blue Cross devised in response to the new reforms.
Amid fears that parents will wait to get coverage until their children got sick, the company had stopped issuing child-alone individual plans. There were concerns that the healthcare reforms barring them from discriminating against sick children will encourage parents to postpone getting coverage till they actually need it .
But Blue Cross Blue Shield has now decided to resume the sale of new policies after the White House issued new regulatory guidance on Tuesday. The Obama administration declared that it will establish an annual enrolment period for Child Only policies to ensure that children have access to comprehensive care all through the year. The new guidelines also clarify that plans are free to set up specific enrolment periods if allowed by Florida state laws. The new rules will be applicable from September 23.
The announcement has come as a relief to Blue Cross and has put all its concerns to rest. This was confirmed by Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director, and Office of Health Reform. She said, “We were concerned when last week, some indicated that insurance companies would choose to stop offering policies for children rather than cover kids with pre-existing conditions.”
The Administration has released new guidance to health insurance plans. The insurance companies have the liberty to establish an open enrolment period for children with existing medical conditions. However there will be regulations if insurance companies unfairly limit access to children who need it the most.
Amid fears that parents will wait to get coverage until their children got sick, the company had stopped issuing child-alone individual plans. There were concerns that the healthcare reforms barring them from discriminating against sick children will encourage parents to postpone getting coverage till they actually need it .
But Blue Cross Blue Shield has now decided to resume the sale of new policies after the White House issued new regulatory guidance on Tuesday. The Obama administration declared that it will establish an annual enrolment period for Child Only policies to ensure that children have access to comprehensive care all through the year. The new guidelines also clarify that plans are free to set up specific enrolment periods if allowed by Florida state laws. The new rules will be applicable from September 23.
The announcement has come as a relief to Blue Cross and has put all its concerns to rest. This was confirmed by Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director, and Office of Health Reform. She said, “We were concerned when last week, some indicated that insurance companies would choose to stop offering policies for children rather than cover kids with pre-existing conditions.”
The Administration has released new guidance to health insurance plans. The insurance companies have the liberty to establish an open enrolment period for children with existing medical conditions. However there will be regulations if insurance companies unfairly limit access to children who need it the most.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Florida has a Strong Feel About Healthcare Laws
The debate is not over. The healthcare laws are still questioned. Though it stands questionable that whether a state can block enforcement of a federal law, but it does not stop anybody from creating opposition. This is where republicans Bill McCollum and Rick Scott have started their campaign against the healthcare reforms.
McCollum, currently Florida's attorney general, is heading a multi-state legal challenge—the petition claims that the law declared is unconstitutional. Whereas, Scott, a former hospital executive who lives in Naples, spent more than $5 million of his own money fighting the legislation in Congress.
It is clear that the law will have a significant influence on any decisions made on health care by Florida's next governor. The impact will be considerable for Medicaid. The requirements of healthcare reforms about the Medicaid ask for coverage for anyone earning less than 133 percent of the federal poverty line. In Florida, the coverage is quite lower compared to this. Of course, it will be a major challenge for Florida to tackle this demand.
However, the law has still not been implemented and there are lots of possibilities that consumers can think about. The fingers are crossed and the result is eagerly awaited.
McCollum, currently Florida's attorney general, is heading a multi-state legal challenge—the petition claims that the law declared is unconstitutional. Whereas, Scott, a former hospital executive who lives in Naples, spent more than $5 million of his own money fighting the legislation in Congress.
It is clear that the law will have a significant influence on any decisions made on health care by Florida's next governor. The impact will be considerable for Medicaid. The requirements of healthcare reforms about the Medicaid ask for coverage for anyone earning less than 133 percent of the federal poverty line. In Florida, the coverage is quite lower compared to this. Of course, it will be a major challenge for Florida to tackle this demand.
However, the law has still not been implemented and there are lots of possibilities that consumers can think about. The fingers are crossed and the result is eagerly awaited.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Companies Ordered not to sell Health Insurance
Seven companies and five individuals have been ordered to stop selling unauthorized health insurance products in Florida by Florida’s insurance commissioner. In February, Kevin McCarty issued an order that companies engaged in unauthorized selling should stop selling health insurance products.
It is not new to hear about frauds in health insurance market. There are lot of unscrupulous companies and individuals who pose to be authorized by the Insurance department and make money. This is where the experts always stress that before buying health insurance, make sure that the selling company is authorized.
According to online news, some consumers in Florida complained that the policies issued were not for major medical insurance coverage, as represented, but for unauthorized limited benefit plans. Of course a regular trick for frauds!
After the investigations, complaints were found true and therefore the orders followed. Those involved in this unauthorized selling could face thousands of dollars in fines if they violate the order.
The companies are identified as:
* Beema-Pakistan Co. Ltd.
* Serve America Assurance Ltd.
* Real Benefits Association
* Affinity Group Benefits Association
* American Trade Association
* Smart Data Solutions LLC
* SDS Management Group
It is not new to hear about frauds in health insurance market. There are lot of unscrupulous companies and individuals who pose to be authorized by the Insurance department and make money. This is where the experts always stress that before buying health insurance, make sure that the selling company is authorized.
According to online news, some consumers in Florida complained that the policies issued were not for major medical insurance coverage, as represented, but for unauthorized limited benefit plans. Of course a regular trick for frauds!
After the investigations, complaints were found true and therefore the orders followed. Those involved in this unauthorized selling could face thousands of dollars in fines if they violate the order.
The companies are identified as:
* Beema-Pakistan Co. Ltd.
* Serve America Assurance Ltd.
* Real Benefits Association
* Affinity Group Benefits Association
* American Trade Association
* Smart Data Solutions LLC
* SDS Management Group
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
1 million Florida children are without health insurance
Another stat is out—uninsured children flood Florida!
Lawton Chiles said that he would voice for those who traditionally have been cut out of the democratic process.
"I'm here to speak for 1 million Floridians who today are out of work, for almost 1 million children who have no health insurance in this state and for millions of Florida citizens like me, who believe that Florida can and must do better by its families and by its communities," Chiles said.
The main point of our discussion is 1 million children without insurance. Now, if this is to be taken as true, what about the Florida KidCare program, which provides free or subsidized health insurance for children under the age of 19. Given the healthcare reforms gearing to offer health insurance to every citizen, this is a real good figure to take care about.
If you go by reports, there is lot of closeness with the figure though it could be a bit more than the actual one. So, the statement made by Lawton Chiles comes closer to the reality.
Do you, as a Floridian, think that this could be a real point for voting Chiles in? Share your thoughts with us.
Lawton Chiles said that he would voice for those who traditionally have been cut out of the democratic process.
"I'm here to speak for 1 million Floridians who today are out of work, for almost 1 million children who have no health insurance in this state and for millions of Florida citizens like me, who believe that Florida can and must do better by its families and by its communities," Chiles said.
The main point of our discussion is 1 million children without insurance. Now, if this is to be taken as true, what about the Florida KidCare program, which provides free or subsidized health insurance for children under the age of 19. Given the healthcare reforms gearing to offer health insurance to every citizen, this is a real good figure to take care about.
If you go by reports, there is lot of closeness with the figure though it could be a bit more than the actual one. So, the statement made by Lawton Chiles comes closer to the reality.
Do you, as a Floridian, think that this could be a real point for voting Chiles in? Share your thoughts with us.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Florida Health-Care Reform lawsuit Got Some Fighting Chance
In what could turn out to be quite an interesting turn, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum's lawsuit against the federal health-care reform law may be viewed favorably by the Pensacola-based U.S. Northern District Court of Florida. The new is quote note-worthy because prima-facie, the arguments of the lawsuits were deemed week.
The speculations are that the U.S. Supreme Court may be inclined to side with McCollum, given that the lawsuit reaches that far.
In March, the lawsuit was filed by McCollum and 19 Republican and one Democratic state attorney general—the argument stated that the new law infringes on people's rights by forcing them to buy health insurance or else face a tax penalty.
If the judges base their decisions on their political ideologies instead of recent legal precedent, there are higher chances that the reform law may be overturned, which of course may have further percussions.
Right from the start, the debate around the federal healthcare law has been going from one end to another. There are several parties in favour of it while others vehemently objecting its very foundation. We will be keeping you updated and notified as the news keep coming and what else happens in the health insurance industry. Till then, keep tuned...
The speculations are that the U.S. Supreme Court may be inclined to side with McCollum, given that the lawsuit reaches that far.
In March, the lawsuit was filed by McCollum and 19 Republican and one Democratic state attorney general—the argument stated that the new law infringes on people's rights by forcing them to buy health insurance or else face a tax penalty.
If the judges base their decisions on their political ideologies instead of recent legal precedent, there are higher chances that the reform law may be overturned, which of course may have further percussions.
Right from the start, the debate around the federal healthcare law has been going from one end to another. There are several parties in favour of it while others vehemently objecting its very foundation. We will be keeping you updated and notified as the news keep coming and what else happens in the health insurance industry. Till then, keep tuned...
Sunday, May 30, 2010
NRA teams up with UnitedHealth
Health insurance and restaurant workers—anyone game? Yes, it is one of the areas where insurance companies and the restaurant authorities are working. In a new development, the National Restaurant Association and insurance giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. are teaming up. The collaboration would help to make coverage more accessible to millions of restaurant workers without health benefits. This is clearly a more concrete step than the healthcare reforms that are to be implemented within the coming four years.
It is clear that this initiative, though small, could mean a new venture of great importance—it marks one of the largest private-sector efforts to expand health insurance coverage when everybody else is focussing on the government led ventures of healthcare reforms.
The initiative would mean that around 4 million to 6 million restaurant employees without health benefits would be provided health coverage. This means around 10 percent of the nation's current population of uninsured people!
The main difference between this initiative and the healthcare reforms is that there is no obligation on the company to provide health coverage—it still holds the right to refuse health cover in case of an pre-existing condition, which again would be challenged in 2014.
It is clear that this initiative, though small, could mean a new venture of great importance—it marks one of the largest private-sector efforts to expand health insurance coverage when everybody else is focussing on the government led ventures of healthcare reforms.
The initiative would mean that around 4 million to 6 million restaurant employees without health benefits would be provided health coverage. This means around 10 percent of the nation's current population of uninsured people!
The main difference between this initiative and the healthcare reforms is that there is no obligation on the company to provide health coverage—it still holds the right to refuse health cover in case of an pre-existing condition, which again would be challenged in 2014.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Health Cost Hike Post-Reform
Healthcare reform has faced mixed responses from various states, counties, organizations, bodies and lobbies. The recent one is from the market, where health costs are expected to get higher after the reforms are implemented.
Online articles are mentioning that a lot of employers expect to see a slight increase in costs as they work to implement U.S. healthcare reforms for 2011. However, there are many employers who are still figuring out how the reforms will be implemented—clearly, they are not clear how it will impact their businesses.
Extending the health insurance to part-time workers is another area where employers are bit concerned. It is clear that there is lot of pressure on companies to implement the reforms outlined in the bill, and many of them are still struggling to measure the changes.
It is clear that as the passing of bill has undergone a lot of mixed response replete with confusion, the implementation part will also have its share where people will fall non-compliant just because they do not understand what to do and how to implement.
Online articles are mentioning that a lot of employers expect to see a slight increase in costs as they work to implement U.S. healthcare reforms for 2011. However, there are many employers who are still figuring out how the reforms will be implemented—clearly, they are not clear how it will impact their businesses.
Extending the health insurance to part-time workers is another area where employers are bit concerned. It is clear that there is lot of pressure on companies to implement the reforms outlined in the bill, and many of them are still struggling to measure the changes.
It is clear that as the passing of bill has undergone a lot of mixed response replete with confusion, the implementation part will also have its share where people will fall non-compliant just because they do not understand what to do and how to implement.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Small business lobby joins challenge to health law
After a lot of opposition from various states and bodies, the healthcare reform has found another one standing against it—the most influential small business lobby of the nation, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), is joining a court challenge to President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. The argument put forth is that Americans cannot be required to obtain insurance coverage under the Constitution. Though at the same time, the administration argues that the coverage requirements rest on a solid constitutional foundation—the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.
20 state attorneys general and governors have filed a federal lawsuit against the healthcare reform bill. The National Federation of Independent Business will join this lawsuit. It is clear that NFIB's involvement would ensure that constitutional arguments for overturning the health care law will be extensively aired in the fall campaigns. Given the number of members that NFIB boosts, 350,000 members to be precise, there is going to be significant impact of such a group of local activists.
There are whole lot of activities going on against or pro to the healthcare reform bill. All this is making it interesting and intriguing. As residents of the US, do you feel concerned or involved enough so as to take a peep into?
20 state attorneys general and governors have filed a federal lawsuit against the healthcare reform bill. The National Federation of Independent Business will join this lawsuit. It is clear that NFIB's involvement would ensure that constitutional arguments for overturning the health care law will be extensively aired in the fall campaigns. Given the number of members that NFIB boosts, 350,000 members to be precise, there is going to be significant impact of such a group of local activists.
There are whole lot of activities going on against or pro to the healthcare reform bill. All this is making it interesting and intriguing. As residents of the US, do you feel concerned or involved enough so as to take a peep into?
Monday, May 3, 2010
Quality of medical care and costs involved
It seems that the costs associated with medical care are going to increase in the future. A new report issued by the Department of Health and Human Services projects the cost of health care will increase by $511 billion over the next 10 years. So, even if Obama administration’s goal of providing coverage for up to 34 million Americans is achieved, the overhaul could fall short of controlling costs.
It order to make sure that health insurance is extended to the uninsured Americans and also the costs are curbed, quality of the medical care needs to be improved. It is important to note here that quality-wise, we stand on the 37th rank. A lot of medical care in unnecessary, which often results in mounting the costs involved in this industry.
Reward for quality should be a clause in the reimbursement. Preventive care should be focussed more in order to lower the need of curative care, which often involves higher costs.
It goes without saying that quality always pays and when it comes to health, there is no substitute to it. What other plans you could think in improving the quality of healthcare in order to reduce costs?
It order to make sure that health insurance is extended to the uninsured Americans and also the costs are curbed, quality of the medical care needs to be improved. It is important to note here that quality-wise, we stand on the 37th rank. A lot of medical care in unnecessary, which often results in mounting the costs involved in this industry.
Reward for quality should be a clause in the reimbursement. Preventive care should be focussed more in order to lower the need of curative care, which often involves higher costs.
It goes without saying that quality always pays and when it comes to health, there is no substitute to it. What other plans you could think in improving the quality of healthcare in order to reduce costs?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Florida health insurance quotes
Do you know that insurance premiums can’t vary from one company to another in Florida State? This is one good reason why you should not pay too much attention if some company tries to lure you by offering cheap premium as compared to some other company. There could be trap. Pay attention to make sure that when you compare health insurance plans from different companies, you are not simply focusing on the premium—it should be similar for all the companies.
This actually helps in reverse checking. If you are comparing health insurance plans from different companies and getting different premium amounts, the plans are not same—you might be missing something is a plan that has a lower premium. Being a resident of Florida but residing in any city, you should be aware about the fact that Florida State mandates the insurance companies to have same premium for same insurance plan.
This actually helps in reverse checking. If you are comparing health insurance plans from different companies and getting different premium amounts, the plans are not same—you might be missing something is a plan that has a lower premium. Being a resident of Florida but residing in any city, you should be aware about the fact that Florida State mandates the insurance companies to have same premium for same insurance plan.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Do we have doctors?
Health insurance is really a matter of concern for the whole of the US—administrators, officials, professionals and residents. When a consumer talks about medical insurance, the basic requirement starts from primary care that could be extended with minimum premium costs. However, primary care physicians are already on shorter side. So, what would be the fate of additional consumers who would be brought in the arrays of healthcare reforms?
Reading some articles on internet, I came across a figure that quoted the need of around 40,000 primary care doctors in the next decade. Once again, it is very interesting to know that only 30% of US doctors practice primary care. Now, what if we have that healthcare bill passed and millions of uninsured people looking forward to primary healthcare? Where will be the resources to handle this upsurge of demand?
Any health insurance policy starts with minimal basic cover that can be offered to the consumers. Low income families, students, and individuals like to avail primary care cover if they do not have high medical treatment needs or any pre-existing medical condition. It is clear that the pressure will increase on primary healthcare system. When the health bill was proposed, a lot of states and organizations came forward to rebuke it. They had their own reasons and some of them were common. But guess: if the healthcare bill is implemented, how would the primary care system handle this demand?
In my opinion, healthcare bill should not be simply reviewed from sides that are “yes or no”, but from a side containing “what if” also. This would mean that even if healthcare bill comes into effect, what else would be required just to implement it in its optimal form; otherwise, having a system and not being fit for it is not a state in which United States of America would like to be in.
Reading some articles on internet, I came across a figure that quoted the need of around 40,000 primary care doctors in the next decade. Once again, it is very interesting to know that only 30% of US doctors practice primary care. Now, what if we have that healthcare bill passed and millions of uninsured people looking forward to primary healthcare? Where will be the resources to handle this upsurge of demand?
Any health insurance policy starts with minimal basic cover that can be offered to the consumers. Low income families, students, and individuals like to avail primary care cover if they do not have high medical treatment needs or any pre-existing medical condition. It is clear that the pressure will increase on primary healthcare system. When the health bill was proposed, a lot of states and organizations came forward to rebuke it. They had their own reasons and some of them were common. But guess: if the healthcare bill is implemented, how would the primary care system handle this demand?
In my opinion, healthcare bill should not be simply reviewed from sides that are “yes or no”, but from a side containing “what if” also. This would mean that even if healthcare bill comes into effect, what else would be required just to implement it in its optimal form; otherwise, having a system and not being fit for it is not a state in which United States of America would like to be in.
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