Articles by Yamileth Medina on ArticleSnatch.com

Will Health Insurance Reform Reduce Innovation?

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:20:34 -0400

As a Republican Senator, it is not a surprise that Judd Gregg is against the Obama administration's health insurance reform efforts. However, he has introduced a less-publicized concern into the debate. Like others in his party, he is worried about the bill's impact on the deficit and negative effects on the solvency of Medicare. Gregg also believes that the legislation will result in lower quality of care, but for different reasons than other opponents. One of Gregg's primary concerns with the bill is that it has the potential to stifle innovation. According to him, fewer medical devices and drugs will be developed. Less capital will be invested into the system, because there are fewer opportunities for burgeoning profit. While technological innovations in health care have helped extend our lifespan and are clearly important, not all changes are created equal. Some treatments and screenings have been proven extremely effective. Unfortunately, others have been shown to have relatively little impact on health outcomes--but a far larger impact on the bottom line. There is a difference between the invention of a breakthrough medication, such as penicillin, and minor tweaks in the laboratory in order for pharmaceutical companies to retain their patents. **End Summary** Topics: healthcare reform]]> pharmaceuticals]]> medicine]]> health insurance]]> judd gregg]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: tk-link under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Health Savings Accounts Become Less Attractive After Reform

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:17:57 -0400

Healthcare reform seeks to increase Americans' access to insurance and reliable health care. Eventually, it is also attempting to decrease the cost of medical care--which is currently one-sixth of the nation's GDP and climbing. In that case, why does it put new limitations on health savings accounts? A health savings account (HSA) is usually partnered a high-deductible health insurance plan. Instead of co-payments, patients are responsible for the full cost of doctor visits and prescriptions. This is meant to encourage consumers to shop around for care, therefore lowering claim costs. The benefits to health insurance companies are obvious, but such coverage is also appealing to many consumers. Since fewer claims are generally filed, premiums are less expensive. HSAs and FSAs (flexible spending accounts) are an especially good deal for younger, healthier individuals; they are less likely to use large amounts of care. Moreover, the amounts deposited in the health savings accounts have been exempt from income and other taxes. About eight million consumers have already taken advantage of these health insurance plans. Unfortunately, the health insurance reform legislation cuts some of those benefits to save money. In January, eligible spending will be limited. **End Summary** Topics: healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> health savings account]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: alancleaver_2000 under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality affordable health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

5 Facts About Mental Health Coverage and Health Insurance Reform

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:52:57 -0400

Many mental health advocates are cheering healthcare reform. Although there was a separate bill requiring mental health parity in insurance coverage--meaning that it should be treated equally to physical conditions when it comes to benefits--passed in 2008, this legislation goes farther. Here are five facts about the health insurance reform bill and its impact on the treatment of mental health conditions. With the eventual ban from denying people with pre-existing conditions, those with mental health conditions will have easier access to affordable health insurance. Many times, health insurers refuse to underwrite someone with a diagnosis of depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. That is regardless of how well-controlled the condition may be, and regardless of their physical health. The newly passed bill changes that. Insurers will also no longer be allowed to exclude that particular condition from any coverage they extend. Small businesses with under 50 employees are now subject to the mental health parity laws, while they were not under the previous bill. Their previous exclusion was due to the increased cost of coverage, but Democrats and other supporters of reform believe that the upcoming exchange markets (run by the states) will assist small employers. **End Summary** Topics: health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> mental health parity]]> m]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: ephotography under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Differences Between Massachusetts and National Health Insurance Reform

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:51:58 -0400

Mitt Romney is in a bind: he is running for the 2012 Republican nomination for President, yet was governor of Massachusetts when its own healthcare reform passed. The party faithful are obviously against Obama's health insurance reform strategies, and the GOP is planning to run against Democrats with the strategy of "repeal and replace". How does Romney combat the anger despite his previous involvement? After all, it is commonly acknowledged that the recently passed health insurance reform bill is based on some past Republican proposals. For example, the individual mandate--which requires people to either buy insurance or pay a fine--was initially proposed by Republicans. Now, it is very controversial and sparking lawsuits across the nation that question its constitutionality. On the one hand, it shows just how much the political climate has changed: in 1994, Republicans proposed a mandate with tax credits for low- and middle-income individuals and families as an alternative to the Clintons' attempt at healthcare reform. Obama initially ran against it in early primaries, preferring a government-run public option to the insurance companies. The state of Massachusetts enacted its own health insurance bill in 2006, which is similar in many respects. **End Summary** Topics: mitt romney]]> obama]]> healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> Mas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: rawmustard under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Do Young Adults Feel Betrayed By Obama Over Healthcare Reform?

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:13:30 -0400

The majority of young adults voted for Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. In fact, the 18-24 demographic made up the biggest slice of now-President Obama's supporters. Is the controversy over health insurance reform causing them to regret their decision? Healthcare reform was one of the pillars of his campaign platform, but he initially endorsed an approach closer to that proposed by liberal single-payer advocates. A recent nonpartisan analysis by Rand Health has found that the legislation recently passed by Democrats may result in young adults' health insurance being 17% more expensive. Other estimates predict that the increase will be over 50%. The bulk of increased costs will occur after 2014, when the bulk of the bill takes effect. It will prevent people with pre-existing conditions from being denied coverage. Unfortunately, the bill is a Faustian bargain: it includes a mandate for everyone to buy insurance. If they do not, they will be subject to a fine. Young adults are the largest percentage of the uninsured in the United States. Some are without insurance voluntarily, and this group is the thorn in the side of health insurers. **End Summary** Topics: health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> obama]]> young adults]]> in]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: Josef Seibel under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Individual Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Why Do Nurses Support Health Insurance Reform?

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:12:27 -0400

Health insurance reform has obviously inspired strong opinions upon medical professionals. Their livelihood may be at stake. In general, doctors have been split on the issue. Some fear that the increase of insured patients will flood primary care physicians and result in lower quality of care. Others believe that the recently passed legislation will help improve health outcomes, due to greater access to preventative care. On the other hand, more nurses have come out in support of the bill. While some worry about the federal government becoming yet another intermediary in their job, the American Nurses Association expressed its support for healthcare reform legislation prior to its passage. The decision to endorse it was relatively easy for Rebecca M. Patton, the organization's president; it includes more funding for educating advanced practice nurses. Putting aside their own self-interest, it is possible that nurses who support health insurance reform are intimately familiar with inequalities in the current system. Registered nurses are often on the front lines of medicine. Patients tend to see them more often than they do their doctors, and often get to know them better. **End Summary** Topics: nurses]]> health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> uninsured]]> hosp]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: joguldi under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Health Insurance Companies Find Loophole In Children's Coverage

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:20:18 -0400

Due to the sheer length of the healthcare reform bill, it was probably inevitable that there would be a handful of errors sprinkled in. However, this one is pretty significant. It has the potential to affect what has been touted as one of the legislation's immediate impacts: health coverage for children. President Obama has promoted the benefit targeted at children, which is intended to prevent insurers from denying children coverage due to a pre-existing health condition. Such a provision is clearly popular with the public. Eliminating restrictions on pre-existing conditions is favored by the public in general--although they are split on the best way to go about it--but it is even more appealing for children. Unlike adults, who sometimes contribute to their own conditions, kids aren't ill by any fault of their own. While still controversial, the promise of that immediate benefit has caused some people to come around to healthcare reform. Unfortunately, it appears that the legal language may not be strong enough. Health insurance companies have had their lawyers poring over the final legislation, and they believe that it is not clear enough. **End Summary** Topics: healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> children's health insur]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: efleming under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Affordable Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

State Conflicts Over Health Insurance Reform Lawsuits

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:18:45 -0400

Even prior to the passage of healthcare reform legislation by the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress, state officials were threatening to sue over it. Since the bill was enacted, there is even more concern and anger. While many conservatives are calling for repeal, others are planning to use the court system. Several states' attorney generals have already filed suits. Why are these attorney generals suing over health insurance reform? The individual mandate is their most specific concern: it requires people to either buy an insurance policy or pay a fine. Opponents claim that it violates the commerce clause of the constitution, and goes against the principle of states' rights. The primary legal argument against the mandate is that the government cannot regulate the purchase or non-purchase of goods. The mandate differs from many states' requirement that all drivers have auto insurance. People can avoid purchasing the latter through not buying a car, whereas anybody who is alive will be forced to follow the mandate. Most legal scholars believe that the Constitution's supremacy clause will make it so that the federal government's law supersedes those of the states, but that isn't stopping many attorney generals. **End Summary** Topics: obama]]> healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> individual manda]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: woodleywonderworks under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Are Democrats Being Proven Right On Health Insurance Reform?

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:00:20 -0400

As the Obama administration and congressional Democrats managed to pass health insurance reform after a year of hard work, new statistics are emphasizing why they believe their actions were necessary. Moreover, there are also indications that the American people are coming around to their point of view. Last year, before healthcare reform had passed, total health care spending increased by nearly five percent. Keep in mind that 2009 was a year where there was virtually no general inflation whatsoever, due to the recession. In the past, health insurance companies have blamed inflation for rapidly increasing rates, but that is no longer the case. Employers, whom Democrats believe their legislation will help, were especially hard hit. According to the Thomson Reuters report, their costs increased by 7.3% in 2009. Although the U.S. economy is officially no longer in a recession, figures such as those indicate that it may be a painful, jobless recovery. Obama has said that assisting businesses, especially small ones, with the unique burden of providing affordable health insurance to their employees, is essential for jump starting job creation. The bill does so through tax credits. **End Summary** Topics: obama]]> healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> small business]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Health Insurance Reform: Good Or Bad For Business?

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:59:14 -0400

With the recent passage of health insurance reform, businesses big and small are still weighing its impact. The legislation is intended to increase access and reduce the cost of insurance. It is set to impact one-sixth of the American economy, but what will be its actual impact? The health care industry itself is likely to suffer. One of the main targets of those looking to cut health expenses is the layer of administration and bureaucracy within health insurance companies. Indeed, the healthcare reform bill requires insurers to keep their medical loss ratio (MLR) above a certain level. That means that 85% or more of premiums must be spent on providing health care, as opposed to administrative costs or profits. While this has the potential to reduce costs for individuals and other industries, employees in the health care industry will suffer. Simplification of medical billing processes means that many specialists will either lose their jobs or see their pay decreased. In an economy barely crawling out of a recession, the potential loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs is a negative. **End Summary** Topics: health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> group health insurance]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: loop_oh under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Healthcare Reform Makes Tanning Salons More Expensive

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:10:32 -0400

The cast of MTV's Jersey Shore is probably devastated by this news: healthcare reform legislation has increased the cost of indoor tanning. The bill, recently passed by the House and making its way through the Senate, includes several innovative taxes in order to raise money to cover the cost. Reduction of the national deficit is one of the primary concerns of both parties. As opposed to the increased tax rates for wealthy individuals and couples or the cuts to the Medicare Advantage program, the tanning salon tax is relatively uncontroversial. It entered the bill with little debate; even Republicans, who tend to be anti-tax, have mostly ignored it. What does the provision do, specifically? It adds a 10 percent tax to indoor tanning services purchased after January 1st. It targets the use of tanning beds that use ultraviolet rays with wavelengths between 200 and 400 nanometers. While popular, these levels of light--often stronger than sunlight--are associated with melanoma and other skin cancer. Cancer treatment is expensive, often including chemotherapy and radiation. Since a person's health insurance will end up paying for much of his or her treatment, it is understandable that they want that largely preventable cost to be reduced. **End Summary** Topics: tanning salon]]> healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> taxes]]> t]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: whatshername under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Health Insurance Reform Increases Need For Primary Care Doctors

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:09:21 -0400

With healthcare reform one step closer to becoming the law of the land, millions of uninsured people will find themselves better able to afford health care. Typically, the uninsured tend to visit doctors for preventative care far less often. While a person with health insurance can often go see a doctor for a nominal co-payment amount ranging from $15 to $50, a person without insurance would have to pay their full hourly rate. Depending on the physician, that charge can be over $100 an hour. Many of the uninsured are unable to afford the cost of a monthly insurance premium, so they would probably not have that money available. An option for them has been to visit an urgent care clinic located in a drug store or other location. Although such clinics are mostly staffed by doctors and can help with minor illnesses, they are unable to build relationships with patients. A solid doctor-patient relationship is essential for good health and managing chronic conditions. With the lack of that continued support, many uninsured people visit the emergency room for non-emergency conditions. They are more expensive to treat at that stage, since their illnesses have worsened. **End Summary** Topics: doctors]]> health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> primary care]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: dmason under CC 3.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

After Health Insurance Reform, What's Next for Obama?

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:48:49 -0400

As Vice President Joe Biden has said, the passage of healthcare reform is a "big [expletive] deal." Its actual impact on the health insurance system in America is huge. Moreover, it will have far-reaching impact on other aspects of the Obama administration's agenda, which have been largely stalled due to this issue. To the joy of supporters and the dismay of detractors, Democrats will most likely move on to tackle those problems. Many Republicans and others, while opposing the content of the actual health insurance reform legislation themselves, were also worried that victory on this issue will spell change in other areas. Their concerns may have been well founded: political analysts speculate that legislation surrounding reduction of greenhouse gases through cap-and-trade, immigration reform, income inequality, and other Democratic prorities will soon be introduced. How successful will this strategy be? Clearly, Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid feel as if they have the wind at their backs. In some respects, it is a political triumph to get anything so major to pass Congress. Despite that, the President has spent a massive percentage of his political capital on affordable health insurance reform. **End Summary** Topics: obama]]> democrats]]> health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> clima]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality affordable health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Top 5 Immediate Impacts of Health Insurance Reform For Uninsured Adults

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:47:57 -0400

The uninsured stand to see the most potential benefits from the healthcare reform bill recently passed by the House of Representatives and signed for President Obama. Even with many major pieces of the legislation only set to take effect several years from now, several provisions will be active in as little as six months. These are the top five aspects of health insurance reform set to affect uninsured adults very soon: A nationwide high-risk pool for health insurance plans will be established within 90 days, with $5 million worth in subsidies. Uninsured people with pre-existing conditions will have access to lower rates due to the largest pool of consumers. This is a temporary stopgap, until the subsidized insurance exchange market is launched in 2014. Community health centers will receive funding. They charge for health care on a sliding scale, meaning that people can pay what they afford. Such centers offer urgent care and other services for a lower price, leaving people in better health--which makes health insurance more affordable. Many uninsured individuals are employed by small businesses unable to provide health benefits. **End Summary** Topics: Health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> obama]]> pre-existing con]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on health insurance plans and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality affordable health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Will The Public Warm Up To Health Insurance Reform?

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:47:00 -0400

Last night, landmark healthcare reform passed the House of Representatives. As with any comprehensive political action, it is not without controversy. However, it is unprecedented for major legislation to pass with the majority of the public against it. In a strange twist of fate, President Obama is going on the road to sell reform after it has already been passed. Although Congress, not the public, was directly responsible for the vote, Obama's rallies are intended to shore up support for Democrats in danger of losing their seats. If he can sufficiently convince Americans that they will benefit from the bill, it could mitigate the Democratic party's losses in November's mid-term elections. Meanwhile, progressive groups have formed a coalition that will spend millions of dollars on media advertising and events to highlight the positive impact of the legislation intended to result in more affordable health insurance, some of which won't take effect for several years. The liberals, including labor unions and other constituencies, will supplement the government's efforts in that regard. The federal government is using the Internet and social media to state their case, including the official website HealthReform.gov. **End Summary** Topics: democrats]]> republicans]]> healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

What Will Healthcare Reform Change For Young Adults?

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:46:05 -0400

With the recent passage of healthcare reform legislation in the House of Representatives, Democrats have succeeded in changing one-sixth of the economy. It will have far-reaching impact on the health insurance used by millions of Americans each day. Young adults will be affected greatly, both now and in the future. One of the provisions that takes effect immediately is the extension of family health insurance benefits. Perhaps befitting the trend of more 20-somethings moving back home, they will also be allowed to remain on their parents' policy for a longer period of time. Adult children can now stay on a parent's policy until the age of 26. Before, most plans only tended to let them remain on the plan as a dependent either until the age of 25 or college graduation. What does that mean for young adults? On a per-person basis, health insurance plans are less expensive for a family than an individual. In addition, the health insurance rates for employer-based insurance (which the majority of parents have) are cheaper. That is because the health insurer can spread the risk and cost of coverage among a larger group of people. **End Summary** Topics: healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> young adults]]> individua]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality individual health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Health Insurance Struggles For The HIV-Positive

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:45:02 -0400

Contracting HIV can be a devastating event. While treatments have improved considerably over the past several decades, HIV-positive individuals still have shorter lifespans than those without the virus. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus attacks a person's immune system, making them more susceptible to to other diseases. In fact, related conditions are responsible for more deaths than AIDS, the disease it can develop into. Since they are susceptible to many health conditions, such as pneumonia, that would leave a healthy person unscathed (even a common cold can be serious), people with HIV/AIDS will require more healthcare spending. The expensive prescription cocktails required to slow the virus' transformation into AIDS is usually not available in generic forms. Finding health insurance can be a Herculean task, especially in the current American system. Most health insurance companies will reject such a patient, because they will lose money from their policy. In ideal circumstances, everybody would fully protect themselves from HIV: avoiding unprotected sex and intravenous drug use are two risk factors. However, some people have either made bad choices or been deceived. Unfortunately, they have relatively few options. **End Summary** Topics: health insurance]]> hiv]]> aids]]> health insurance plans]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

FAQ: Dennis Kucinich and Healthcare Reform

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:43:19 -0400

One of the current hot topics in politics is the about-face of Rep. Dennis Kucinich on the issue of healthcare reform. With Democrats down to the wire on their legislation, they need the support of as many members of the House of Representatives as possible. The entire Republican delegation is steadfastly opposed, and many Democrats in swing districts are worried about their prospects for re-election. Here are answers to some common questions about Kucinich and health insurance reform: Who is Dennis Kucinich? He is a Democratic representative from Ohio. Kucinich has ran for President several times, including in 2008. However, his attempts have not been very successful. His left-of-center views have not generally connected with the American public in most instances, although some analysts also believe that his unconventional appearance has played a factor in his failure to reach higher office. Why did Kucinich initially oppose healthcare reform? As a liberal, he would be expected to support the Obama administration's attempts at expanding access to affordable health insurance to millions of uninsured Americans. **End Summary** Topics: healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> house of representatives]]> dennis kucinich]]> obama]]> democrats]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance plans right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Benefits for Self Employed Under Healthcare Reform

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:40:48 -0400

There is significant controversy surrounding the issue of healthcare reform. Much of it centers around the political process and its implications. Having lost their filibuster-proof Senate majority, Democrats are looking to pass the bill through a convoluted and little-known legislative process known as reconciliation. It allows them to fix budget-related provisions to the House of Representatives' liking, without requiring a single Republican vote. The minority party is understandably dismayed at the partisanship, and are warning Democrats of the negative impact it will have on their re-election prospects this fall. Due to all of this political wrangling, the actual substance of the bill has fallen by the wayside. A growing demographic that may benefit from affordable health insurance reform is the self-employed. Whether by choice or circumstance, millions of Americans are now working for themselves and freelancing. Self employment offers far more freedom and flexibility than working for a company. The downside is that it does not come with benefits. Therefore, self employed individuals are usually responsible for buying their own health insurance. **End Summary** Topics: healthcare reform]]> health insurance]]> self employed]]> self-emp]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality individual health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Affordable Health Insurance Struggles For Employees Without Reform?

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:02:48 -0500

For months, healthcare reform was considered an inevitability. The Republicans regaining their ability to filibuster legislation in Congress has changed all that. Now, Democrats and others must consider what will happen if their bills are removed from life support. The House of Representatives and Senate have both passed bills that sought expand access to affordable health insurance to millions of uninsured Americans. However, the House considers the Senate's version unacceptable, and the arcane budget reconciliation process--which would allow senators to pass a modified bill with just 51 votes--is too politically untenable. Understandably, the public is skeptical of the Obama administration's far-reaching proposals. Full-fledged healthcare reform is especially daunting when people are facing so many other changes, including unemployment. Republicans have just begun to offer their alternative policies, but they are likely to reach a similar standstill. Democrats want the current bills to be a starting point for negotiations, not trusting that the minority party is serious about providing affordable health insurance; meanwhile, Republicans are angry that the Capitol Hill majority appears to be ignoring them. Even with more people out of work, the majority of Americans still receive health insurance through their employers. **End Summary** Topics: affordable health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> employer spo]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: DeaPeaJay under CC 2.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find affordable health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Unions Back Out of Affordable Health Insurance Reform Tax

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:46:16 -0500

Labor unions have been some of the strongest supporters of healthcare reform. Organized labor played a key role in Barack Obama's presidential campaign and has moved with him on one of his administration's top domestic policy priorities. During earlier stages of negotiation, officials even agreed to a controversial excise tax on high-cost health insurance plans. Many union members enjoy such plans, which are more comprehensive from most standard plans. Their benefits are typically more generous than those available to people with individual health insurance, or non-union workers with employer-sponsored health insurance. About one-in-ten Americans is a member of a union, the majority of whom work in the public sector. As union membership has declined, the population of the uninsured has grown. The recession and its accompanying layoffs has made the situation even worse. The Obama administration seeks to provide access to affordable health insurance to tens of millions of people who lack it, but that will obviously be costly. Increased deficit spending, as well as increased income taxes on those making over $250,000 annually and cuts to Medicare, has been proposed to cover the expense. However, all of those options are politically unpopular and insufficient. **End Summary** Topics: affordable health insurance]]> labor unions]]> healthcare reform]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: allaboutgeorge under CC 2.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find affordable health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Recession Causes Higher Individual Health Insurance Rates in More States

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:13:14 -0500

Recently, Anthem Blue Cross--the largest provider of health insurance in California--proposed a significant increase in the price of its individual health insurance policies. The price hike of over 30% was set to take effect several months from now, and drew criticism from the Obama administration. Under current law, health insurance companies are regulated by the states. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius only had the authority to write a stern public letter criticizing Anthem. In an attempt to resuscitate healthcare reform, Democrats pointed to the WellPoint subsidiary's actions as a harbinger of what would happen in the health insurance market if their bill fails and the status quo remains. It remains to be seen whether that tactic will revive support for health insurance reform, but there are indications that individual health insurance plans in several other states are looking to follow suit. In Maine, Anthem Blue Cross health insurance wants to increase its rates by nearly one-fourth; that's on top of last year's jump of one-third. Meanwhile, health insurance companies in Oregon have had their requests for 15% rate increases for individual health insurance approved. They, too, had also previously increased prices the year prior. **End Summary** Topics: individual health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> anthem blue]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on individual health insurance and healthcare reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

Obesity Makes Individual Health Insurance Harder To Find

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:10:30 -0500

First Lady Michelle Obama has begun her fight against childhood obesity. In a nation where nearly one-third of Americans are overweight and another one-third are obese, it is important to nip the obesity epidemic in the bud. After all, it is easier to prevent weight gain in the first place than to lose the weight. Obesity can result in serious health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For this reason, it can also impact your experience buying health insurance. If you have group health insurance through your employer, you will most likely get coverage regardless of your weight. However, if you must buy individual health insurance, being overweight or obese can affect your eligibility for health insurance and the health insurance premiums you are charged. When you buy a health insurance policy, most health insurance companies ask you for your height and weight. Those statistics allow them to calculate the body mass index (BMI) of a prospective customer. A BMI higher that 25 indicates that a person is overweight, whereas a BMI over 30 means that he or she is obese. (Calculate yours with this free BMI calculator. **End Summary** Topics: individual health insurance]]> obesity]]> weight loss]]> obese]]> ov]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: Alan Cleaver under CC 2.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on individual health insurance and healthcare reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

A World Without Healthcare Reform: Rising Health Insurance Rates?

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:06:45 -0500

Supporters of healthcare reform are pushing for action to take place as soon as possible. Despite its political risk and an increasingly skeptical public, President Barack Obama has continued to say that he won't give up on passing comprehensive medical insurance reform legislation. Although millions of Americans are uninsured--a number that job losses may increase--over 70% still have health insurance. The downsides of healthcare reform, including tax increases and further addition to the deficit, are more relevant to them right now. However, the Obama administration is warning that an event regarding health insurance in California may be the nation's future if the status quo remains the same. Recently, Anthem Blue Cross health insurance proposed a health insurance rate increase of up to 39%, beginning March 1st. Over 800,000 customers might be affected, and many of those customers vote. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has demanded a detailed explanation for the rise in medical insurance premiums. The state's insurance regulator, Steven Poizner, has also expressed his dismay. Although California does not require state approval for health insurance rates to increase, he has requested an inquiry from his department. **End Summary** Topics: health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> anthem blue cross]]> cali]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on Health Insurance and Healthcare Reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality medical insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.

What Will Drug Companies Do Without Medical Insurance Reform?

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 15:41:48 -0500

Major drug companies are probably reminiscing about the days when Democratic-led healthcare reform appeared inevitable. They didn't escape that legislation scot-free; it forced pharmaceutical firms to pay $8 billion worth of fees and discounts to health insurance consumers on their products. That agreement was set to decrease their revenues, at least in the short term. However, it promised to bring up to 30 million new medical insurance consumers into the fold, while offering drug companies virtual immunity from some regulatory issues. All they had to do was publicly pledge their support through television advertising. Now, the Pfizers and Merecks of the world are worried. Last month's special election in Massachusetts upended the industry's plans. Democrats lost their super-majority in the Senate, preventing them from pushing through the healthcare reform legislation previously negotiated. Public anger over back-room horse trading among industries and politicians has contributed to opposition, and the agreement struck with the drug companies last year is a perfect example of it. While the prescription drug industry offered some concessions, it also received some sweetheart deals from the government. **End Summary** Topics: health insurance]]> healthcare reform]]> big pharma]]> drug compan]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> (Image: striatic under CC 2.0) Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on individual health insurance and healthcare reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality medical insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.