by Admin. | Aug 7, 2009 | COBRA, Dependent Coverage, family health insurance, group health insurance, individual health insurance, latest health insurance news, NY News
As expected, Governor David Paterson has signed 3 of his healthcare reform proposals into law, to wit:
S.5471 (Breslin) / A.8400 (Peoples) – extends state mini-COBRA from 18 to 36 months. Effective date is July 1, 2009 and shall apply to all policies and contracts of insurance issued, renewed, modified, altered or amended on or after such date.
S.6030 (Breslin) / A.9038 (Morelle) – allows for dependent care coverage of children up to 29 years of age. Effective date is September 1, 2009 and shall apply to all policies and contracts of insurance issued, renewed, modified, altered or amended on or after such date.
S.5472-A (Breslin) / A.8402-A (Morelle) – HMO reform act. Various effective dates depending upon the specific provision of the bill.
Here’s a link to the Governor’s Press Release announcing the same:
Article in Newsday – “New state law eases medical coverage for 20-somethings”
by Admin. | Jul 21, 2009 | group health insurance, Health Net, latest health insurance news, United Healthcare
More mergers and less options yet we focus on telecommunications company antitrust.
See Article
UnitedHealthcare signed a definitive agreement to acquire Health Net of the Northeast’s licensed subsidiaries and obtain rights to renew membership in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. UnitedHealthcare broadens choice and access to quality care with one of the largest local and national networks, robust clinical programs and a full range of affordable products.
by Admin. | Mar 9, 2009 | latest health insurance news
Millennium Medical Solutions in the News: We were quoted in last issue’s CNN/MONEY article on “Health Care: The hidden business killer”.
Health care, in general, is the 2nd or 3rd largest cost of doing business and clients have been taking numerous steps to rein in costs. It is in these financially challenging times that we are troubled by the wisdom of possibly passing a NYS sales tax surcharge of 3%. The following recent print and audio interview with President of Empire Blue Cross, Mark Wager, was discussed at last Monday’s legislative budget hearings on health care and Medicaid.
Health care heavyweights from all across the state met before legislators today to warn them what will happen to their industry if cuts are made. The governor’s proposed budget slashes nearly $2.5 billion from health care alone. Randy Simons breaks down what this means for your coverage and also for the treatment that you receive.
by Admin. | Sep 2, 2008 | family health insurance, group health insurance, individual health insurance, latest health insurance news
JD Power and Associates Ranks U.S. Health Insurance Companies
. Tags: Arizona, Benefits, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Coverage, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, Health Insurance Companies, Health Insurance Study, Health Plans, Humana of Ohio, Humana of Texas, Insurance Study, JD Power and Associates, Kaiser Health Plan of California, Kaiser Health Plan of Colorado, National Health Insurance Plans, Utah, Wellmark BlueCross BlueShield of Iowa.
Always an advocate for business and consumers alike, JD Power and Associates has administered an insurance study for the last two years. The study measures member satisfaction among 107 health plans in 17 regions across the United States. They focus on seven key areas: coverage and benefits; choice of doctors; hospitals and pharmacies; information and communication; approval processes; claims processing; insurance statements; and customer service.
The 2008 National Health Insurance Plan Study included responses from over 37,000 members of large commercial health plans. To be included in the study, plans had to contain at least 250,000 members across all commercial products, excluding Medicare and Medicaid. They were ranked on 1,000-point scale.
And the winners are…
* Arizona and Utah region: BlueCross BlueShield of Arizona, 763 points
* California Region: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of California, 755 points
* Colorado Region: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado, 748 points
* East South Central Region: BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, 759 points
* Florida Region: BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, 751 points
* Heartland Region: Wellmark BlueCross BlueShield of Iowa, 742 points
* Illinois and Indiana Region: BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, 729 points
* Michigan Region: Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, 772 points
* Minnesota and Wisconsin Region: HealthPartners, 768 points
* New England Region: Anthem BlueCross BlueShield of Connecticut, 772 points
* New York and New Jersey Region: United Healthcare (New Jersey/New York), 749 points
* Northwest Region: Group Health Cooperative, 778 points
* Ohio Region: Humana of Ohio, 748 points
* Pennsylvania and Delaware Region: Highmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, 784 points (** Highest score across all regions**)
* South Atlantic Region: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, 746 points
* Texas Region: Humana of Texas, 753 points
* Virginia and Maryland Region: CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, 740 points
For more information on the JD Power and Associates Health Insurance Study, view their Press Release.