This Is What Americans Will Spend Their Whopping $380 In "Low Gas Price Savings" On

December 10, 2014, 1:49 pm

≫ Next: CHIP Works: Will Congress Protect It For Millions of Children?

This Is What Americans Will Spend Their Whopping $380 In Low Gas Price Savings On

For all the talk about the boost to the US economy (if only in consumer spending terms, certainly not as a result of crushing CapEx and energy sector investment), the bottom line is actually not all that exciting: as the WSJ reports, "If prices were stay at their current levels under $3 a gallon, *the average American household could save $380 over the coming year, up from $83 since prices first declined this past summer*, according to research firm ClearView Energy Partners. Regular gasoline fell to $2.64 a gallon in the U.S. on Wednesday, according to auto club AAA, near a five-year low. Gas prices have fallen more than $1 a gallon from their high in June and are down 60 cents from a year ago, the greatest year-over-year savings since 2009. AAA estimates that gasoline prices could fall to $2.50 a gallon by Christmas."

The spin was immediate:

The drop in gas prices has already *raised retailers’ hopes for a stronger shopping season*, since less spending at the pump gives consumers more to spend on everything from restaurant meals to clothing and haircuts.

Great... just ignore the terrible Thanksgiving weekend spending numbers, traditionally the strongest for spending 4-day period of the year, *which this year just happened to be the worst since Lehman. *And yes, plunging gas prices were already clearly demonstrated at gas stations in the weeks and months heading into the end of November.

The spin continues:

“*It’s a fair bet that most of the reduced energy costs are going to show up as added spending by consumers somewhere*,” said James Hamilton, an economics professor at the University of California, San Diego.

Here's the thing, Professor Hamilton is spot on. The only problem is what this added spending will be used on. Sadly, it is neither trinkets, nor gadgets, nor BigMacs, nor even surging cell phone and home internet bills. Unfortunately for the proponents of the "oil crash is unquestionably bullish for America" (as an aside, the falacy of a statement is directly proportional to how "unquestionable" it is), where the bulk of "savings" for those Americans who have to spend on gas (primarily those Americans who commute to work, i.e. the middle class) is... on Obamacare.

Here is confirmation that in a centrally-planned economy, it is the unintended consequences that always prevail in the end:

Example 1:

Iowans are feeling the heat from Obamacare’s rising premiums, especially Wellmark customers with Blue Cross Blue Shield.

As of January 1, 2015, *Blue Cross Blue Shield customers will experience a 14.5 percent increase in premiums, while Wellmark Health plans will see a 11.9 percent increase.*

Example 2:

Hundreds of thousands of consumers nationwide who bought insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act will face a choice this fall: swallow higher premiums to stay in their plan, or save money by switching. That is the picture emerging from proposed 2015 insurance rates in the 10 states that have completed their filings, which stretch from Rhode Island to Washington state.

*In all but one of them, the largest health insurer in the state is proposing to increase premiums between 8.5% and 22.8% for next year, according to a Wall Street Journal review of the filings. *That percentage represents the average rate increases for all individual health plans offered by that carrier

Example 3:

*Aetna has said it is likely to seek rate increases of more than 10% for individual marketplace plans in 2015*, according to a note from Citigroup analyst Carl McDonald. An Aetna spokeswoman said that with health-law fees, generally increasing health-care cost trends and other factors, “that level of increase would not be out of the realm of possibility,” but it was too soon to say what it would request.”

Example 4:

Americans increasingly have to dig into their own pockets to pay for medical care, a shift that is helping to curb the growth in health spending by employers and the government.

The trend is being accelerated by the Affordable Care Act because many private plans sold by the law’s health exchanges come with hefty out-of-pocket costs, which prompt some people to delay or put off seeking care. For the exchanges’ 2015 policies, which went on sale last month, “bronze-level” plans have an average deductible of $5,181 for individuals, up from $5,081 in 2014, according to a November report from HealthPocket, which publishes health insurance market analyses. Bronze plans generally cover 60% of consumers’ medical expenses.

And that ignores the fact that the average deductible for workers who get employer health coverage has shot up 47% to $1,217 from $826, and that one in three Americans said they or a family member delayed medical care because of costs in 2014.

Example 5:

The average individual deductible for what is called a bronze plan on the exchange—the lowest-priced coverage—is $5,081 a year, according to a new report on insurance offerings in 34 of the 36 states that rely on the federally run online marketplace.

*That is 42% higher than the average deductible of $3,589 for an individually purchased plan in 2013 before much of the federal law took effect*, according to HealthPocket Inc., a company that compares health-insurance plans for consumers. A deductible is the annual amount people must spend on health care before their insurer starts making payments.

Example 6:

“Average subsidized premiums are expected to fluctuate between 2014 and 2016, as a result of a growing risk pool and increased participation of the young and healthy. After 2017, average subsidized premiums are expected to increase by 6 to 10 percent annually

Example 7:

In 2014, premiums in the non-group market grew by 24.4% compared to what they would have been without Obamacare. Of equal importance, this careful state-by-state assessment showed that premiums rose in all but 6 states (including Washington DC). It’s worth unpacking this study a bit to understand the ramification of these findings.

*Non-Group Premiums Rose in 45 States Due to Obamacare* ... All of the percentage changes shown in the chart below represent the net change attributable to Obamacare after accounting for all the other factors that would have made premiums go up.

What is disturbing is to see premium increases in excess of 35% in 9 states, including some of the nation’s largest states (Florida and Texas). Remember, these are increases above and beyond normal premium trends. No one can credibly claim that these massive premium increases would have happened anyway since the study was specifically designed to isolate the law’s impacts from all the other factors that have driven up premiums in recent years.

...

In short, *it is harder and harder for champions of Obamacare to ignore the plain truth that this misguided law has increased premiums in the non-group market, a burden borne by millions who have to buy coverage in that market without the benefit of taxpayer subsidies and by the taxpayers who must bankroll subsidies for those who qualify*

And much, much more.

So yeah: that whopping $380 in annual savings for those Americans who spend at the pump (so that excludes millions who do not commute as they don't have jobs and/or travel sporadically) if not used to pay down debt, will be spent all right.

*On Obamacare.*

But fear not, dear Americans: just like you believed the lie that Q1 GDP crashed due to harsh snow in the harsh winter, two utterly unprecedented events in the history of US GDP, so you will believe the lie that a decline in the price of gas will be spent on discretionary items by what little, if anything, is left of America's middle class.

And why not: after all the same people who bet everything on the "stupidity of the American voter" to pass Obamacare in the first place, are merely doing the same thing all over again. Reported by Zero Hedge 14 hours ago.

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CHIP Works: Will Congress Protect It For Millions of Children?

December 10, 2014, 1:52 pm

≫ Next: Stuck Between Rick Scott and a Hard Place: Young and Uninsured Floridians Feel the Squeeze

≪ Previous: This Is What Americans Will Spend Their Whopping $380 In "Low Gas Price Savings" On

In 1991, the bipartisan National Commission on Children called for action on increasing health insurance coverage to our nation's children and pregnant women. As they found:
Good health is essential to children's growth and development and in their future prospects. While most American children are born and remain healthy, far too many are vulnerable to problems that lead to serious illness, disability, and even death. This country has the knowledge and the tools to save children's lives and improve their physical and mental health.
Six years later, bipartisan efforts in both the Senate and House of Representatives led to the passage of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as part of the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997. The bill signed into law by President Bill Clinton on August 5, 1997.

In contrast to Medicaid, which was designed to generally serve the nation's poorest children and pregnant women, CHIP picks up where a state has designed its Medicaid eligibility level to end. States have great control and flexibility over the design and administration of CHIP. And, over time, states have learned what works, what doesn't, and have modified their programs, in partnership with private health plans, to constantly improve the health coverage to children.

*By Any Measure, CHIP Has Been a National Success Story*

So, seventeen years later, how has CHIP fared?

First and foremost, as a federal-state and public-private health care partnership, CHIP is an American success story that last year provided health coverage to 8.4 million children across the country.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since CHIP was established, the uninsured rate for children has been successfully cut by more than half - from 13.9 percent in 1997 to 6.6 percent in 2012.

And, in a congressionally mandated evaluation of the program by Mathematica Policy Research and the Urban Institute that was released this past August, the authors conclude:
CHIP succeeded in expanding health insurance coverage to the population it is intended to serve, particularly children who would otherwise be uninsured, increasing their access to needed health care, and reducing the financial burdens and stress on families associated with meeting children's health care needs.
Simply put, CHIP works.

Families whose children are covered by CHIP also report that it works well. For example, in a 2014 Satisfaction Survey of Iowa parents whose children were enrolled in "hawk-i" (Iowa's CHIP program), an astounding 93.7 percent expressed satisfaction with the care received and less than 1 percent (or 0.7 percent) expressed dissatisfaction with the care their children received.

One major reason is that CHIP recognizes that children are not little adults and that they have unique developmental needs. Consequently, CHIP is, by definition, dedicated to delivering health care benefits and services that addresses the special health care needs of children. Unlike other health coverage, CHIP provider networks are, by definition, pediatric-centered and quality measures are exclusively focused on child development, outcomes, and child well-being.

As Dr. James Perrin, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, writes:
CHIP is a bipartisan program that works for children. During this time of reform in health systems across the country, CHIP offers what many plans in the private marketplace may not yet provide: benefits specifically designed for children, affordable options for families, and networks of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists who provide critical services and expertise designed to address children's unique needs.
Unfortunately, although CHIP funding is not scheduled to expire until the end of September 2015, there is urgency to extend CHIP funding as soon as possible. States are already putting together their budgets, negotiating contracts with health plans, and those health plans are, in turn, putting together their pediatric provider networks for FY 2016.

*Governors, Advocates, the American People, and the Evidence Support CHIP*

CHIP is administered at the state level and both Democratic and Republican governors fully recognize its great value to the children in their states. In fact, 39 out of 39 governors - a majority of which are Republicans - have written in support of CHIP and have urged Congress to pass legislation to extend CHIP funding as soon as possible. Every single governor highlights the fact that CHIP provides stronger coverage to children than all possible alternatives. As a summary of the governors' letters by leaders of the United States Senate Finance and House Energy and Commerce Committees explains:
Governors reported that CHIP is more affordable to consumers than exchange or employer-sponsored coverage and generally has a richer benefit package. All 34 governors that mentioned the cost of care to consumers indicated that CHIP coverage is more affordable than private coverage, such as that offered on the exchanges or by employers.
This is one of the reasons why over 1,200 organizations, representing every state across the country, have highlighted how vital CHIP is to millions of children and are asking Congress to extend CHIP funding as quickly as possible.

That letter cites an independent study by Wakely Consulting Group, which confirms that - in terms of pediatric benefits, affordability, and pediatric networks - CHIP is far superior coverage to what children would receive if they were moved to coverage through the marketplaces in the Affordable Care Act. Moreover, due to the "family glitch," an estimated 2 million children would not be able to transition from CHIP to the marketplace plans and would lose coverage altogether if CHIP were allowed to expire.

In addition to advocates and our nation's governors, American voters also strongly support extending and renewing CHIP by a wide margin (74-14 percent in a May 2014 poll by American Viewpoint).

And finally, the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), a non-partisan agency created by Congress to make policy recommendations to Congress, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the states on a wide range of issues related to Medicaid and CHIP, also recommends that CHIP be extended.

In testimony before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Anne Schwartz, MACPAC's Executive Director, warns that if CHIP were to expire:
Many of those affected children would become uninsured or face significantly higher cost sharing and potentially different benefits and provider networks in the exchange.
*Failing to Extend CHIP Would Be Nonsensical*

Having heard a near unanimous chorus of approval from the nation's governors, doctors, nurses, hospitals, child advocates, the public, independent outside studies, and its own agencies (MACPAC, the Government Accountability Office, and the Congressional Research Service) that CHIP is successful and works very well for children, one might think Members of Congress would be rushing to embrace the extension of CHIP, particularly since they have a congressional job approval rating that is at just 13-14 percent.

The fact is, for political leaders in both parties, failing to support and protect CHIP would make no sense at all.

For Republicans, CHIP was initially created by a Republican-controlled Congress and the evidence clearly shows that it has been implemented in a successful manner by a number of Republican governors across the country. CHIP is also appealing to Republicans because it is a proven public-private partnership that offers effective coverage to children in working families at the lowest cost and a block grant that gives states great flexibility.

In addition, since CHIP is not Obamacare, CHIP's extension gives Republicans something to be for that is popular with the public and their own governors. And, with many Republicans promising to continue efforts to repeal Obamacare, it makes no sense whatsoever for a Republican-led Congress to put CHIP at risk because the alternative to CHIP would be either to move millions of children with excellent health coverage into Obamacare or have them lose coverage altogether.

And for Democrats, CHIP was created under President Bill Clinton, extended under President Barack Obama in 2009, and has been implemented in a successful manner by Democratic governors across the country. CHIP has, in partnership with Medicaid, cut the uninsured rate by more than half since its inception and has been a popular achievement as to how public policy can work well for children and families.

Moreover, while Democrats can increasingly point to how Obamacare is making progress on cutting the nation's uninsured rate, it would make no sense at all to backtrack on the success CHIP has made in cutting the uninsured rate for children across the country.

Clearly, staring Congress in the face is a pathway of continued success. It is a path that governors, advocates, health care providers, and impartial research have all pointed them toward: stay the course, do the right thing, and extend CHIP.

*Threats to the Health of Children and Future of CHIP*

Unfortunately, there are other forces that are pushing Congress to stall, take perilous alternative paths for kids, or play politics in a manner that threatens CHIP and the health coverage of over 8 million children.

First and foremost, Congress's modus operandi has slowed to a grinding halt in recent years. And, because children do not vote, do not make political contributions, and do not hire lobbyists, they have a difficult getting much needed attention from Congress. The marginal attention that Congress has shown the 1 in 5 children in this country who are living in poverty or the 2.5 million homeless children in America highlights this problem.

Congress also applies much different rules to children's programs than other legislation it considers. In fact, Congress often passes legislation that creates an array of tax breaks and loopholes that are not offset and, therefore, increase the federal deficit. This is a federal debt that we are passed on to the next generation to pay off. And yet when it comes to funding for children, it is then that Congress demands legislation be budget neutral and fully offset.

For example, Michael McAuliff reported that the House Ways and Means Committee, during a legislative mark-up earlier this year, objected to passing legislation that "would spend $1 million a year to help keep foster kids out of the sex trade" because the bill was not fully offset but then "voted in favor of $310 billion in tax breaks for businesses" without budget offsets.

Legislation affecting children is also threatened by some in Congress (both members and congressional staff) who like to engage in "hostage taking" of issues, such as CHIP, that are popular with the public. They block action on popular or must pass measures while attempting to extract concessions or action from their colleagues on nominally related and sometimes unpopular pet projects.

Others pay lip-service to the plight of children but don't actually do much for kids. As an example, former Senator Hank Brown and Barry Jackson, former advisor to Speaker John Boehner, recently wrote an Op-Ed for the Denver Post arguing that:
Earlier this month, voters pressed the 'reset' button on their government in Washington. Exit polls showed we were concerned about the economy and whether our kids are going to be better off than we are.
Their reference to concern about the future of children comes from a nationwide exit poll conducted on election day that found nearly half of voters surveyed think that life for their children will be worse than life today and less than one-quarter believe it will be better (48-22 percent).

However, while they are quick to initially mention the interest of the public in children, Brown and Jackson continue with a pretty extensive agenda for Congress to pursue that never mentioned the word "children" again. In fact, their policy agenda has nothing to do with addressing the needs and concerns of children at all. To child advocates, this is a far too familiar situation where politicians and their consultants like to "talk the talk" but so often fail to "walk the walk" when it comes to children.

Another potential challenge for CHIP is that partisans on Capitol Hill sometimes plays politics with children's issues and purposely delay action on them so as to create a crisis whereby they perceive they might gain politically. In a perverse way, they even seem to like losing so that they can criticize the other side for "failing children." Unfortunately, although they may be publicly sympathetic for doing the right thing on behalf of kids and earn kudos from child advocates for that support, the children they are professing to protect cannot afford tactics that result in failure.

Therefore, despite the overwhelming evidence and political support for CHIP, a successful extension of the program is far from a certainty because there are forces within Congress that like to engage in a variety of political games and brinksmanship that could easily stall, sidetrack, or derail CHIP.

*Call on Congress to Extend CHIP*

Fortunately, the American people are increasingly turned off by the political games and increasing partisanship and gridlock in Congress, as is reflected in historically low congressional approval ratings. They are calling for Congress to protect children from harm and to take action, and not just lip-service, in support of our nation's next generation.

And, when it comes to the health of our nation's children, there really is a successful, bipartisan, and wildly popular health care plan that works well for kids. All Congress has to do is to stay the course and do what three-quarters of Americans are calling on them to do: extend CHIP. Reported by Huffington Post 14 hours ago.

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Stuck Between Rick Scott and a Hard Place: Young and Uninsured Floridians Feel the Squeeze

December 10, 2014, 2:33 pm

≫ Next: A tale of two Bible quotes

≪ Previous: CHIP Works: Will Congress Protect It For Millions of Children?

In the middle of the night, Genesis Rodriguez struggles to breathe. The 20-year-old's life-long battle with asthma often wakes her from sleep. As a Miami resident without health insurance, she faces alarming health and financial risks. Unfortunately, Florida's legislature has come between Genesis and her health.

Almost two years have gone by since Governor Rick Scott, an avowed Obamacare opponent, shocked the state by announcing his support for accepting vast federal funds to expand health care access to low-income Floridians. Despite his vocal approval and a related bill passed by the Florida Senate, the Florida House failed to act, leaving billions of dollars languishing in federal coffers--and out of reach of Florida's taxpayers.

Florida is now caught in a crisis of its own creation. The Affordable Care Act sought to make insurance more affordable through two avenues: billions of dollars in federal funding to supplement state Medicaid programs for low-income adults to receive free coverage, and tax credits that function as a discount on plans purchased by middle-income people who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.

Since Florida decided to reject federal funding to close the health coverage gap, low-income adults like Genesis who would have been covered through Medicaid cannot afford health insurance. They don't make enough money to qualify for tax credits intended for middle-income people. In many states, Genesis would face a far better situation. A 21-year-old with an annual income of $12,000 in states that have expanded Medicaid could qualify for tax credits to buy a plan for just $20 a month. If that person makes $11,000 per year or less, he or she should qualify for free coverage. But that's not the case in Florida: nearly one million Floridians fall into this health coverage gap.

Florida's failure to act hits young adults, ages 18 to 34, extremely hard. More than one-third of young Floridians in the health coverage gap are young adults. That's no surprise considering that one in four Floridians aged 18 to 34 live in poverty. Millennials are trapped in a super storm of economic risk--they're facing rapidly rising tuition costs, high rates of unemployment and consequently, and they have a tough time affording medical bills. Given that Millennials end up in the emergency room more than any other age group, except the elderly. This is a major concern, but one that can be alleviated.

Lawmakers can have their free-market cake and eat it, too. The Affordable Care Act allows states to use these federal funds to pay for private health insurance programs to cover some low-income adults (rather than public programs like Medicaid). Lawmakers who oppose public health care programs can, in good conscience, accept federal dollars to pay for private plans. Indeed, that's the route chosen by Arkansas and the model passed by Florida's Senate.

And yet, affordable coverage stays out of reach for Floridians least able to pay for it. During his 2014 campaign, Governor Scott reaffirmed his support for closing the coverage gap, noting that he would sign a bill to accept funding, should one reach his desk. Newly reelected, he should throw his weight behind closing the coverage gap, and build a coalition of conservative and liberal politicians to provide access to affordable health coverage for all Floridians.

Governor Scott must act quickly. Earlier this month, Florida lawmakers returned to the Capitol to take their oath of office and begin preparations for the 2015 legislative session. Already, lawmakers are gearing up for yet another battle over the health coverage gap. With support from leadership, both sides could be spared a lengthy and contentious debate and craft a solution to fit Florida's needs.

For now, young adults like Genesis will try to make ends meet until lawmakers give her a little breathing room. Reported by Huffington Post 14 hours ago.

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A tale of two Bible quotes

December 10, 2014, 2:57 pm

≫ Next: Sen. Vitter gets GOP colleagues to require staffers to buy coverage from Obamacare exchanges

≪ Previous: Stuck Between Rick Scott and a Hard Place: Young and Uninsured Floridians Feel the Squeeze

Barack Obama and Rick Perry both got into the news by quoting the Bible recently. In Obama's case, the quote wasn't even accurate, but of course he gets a total pass. Plumping for his illegal amnesty orders at a campaign stop in Tennessee, the President - who also claims to be a leading authority on the Koran and the authentic tenets of Islam, when it's time to lecture groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS about how their claims of religious inspiration are bogus - declared that Scripture covered immigration policy. "The Good Book says don't throw stones at glass houses, or make sure we're looking at the log in our eye before we are pointing out the mote in other folks' eyes," sayeth the President.

Actually, the specific advice concerning stones and glass houses is that it's unsafe for the people who are inside such houses to throw stones, it's not from the Bible, and it has absolutely nothing to do with granting amnesty to illegal immigrants. It's just a crude attempt by the President to subvert religious authority to suit his political agenda, something he does quite frequently, often claiming that Jesus Christ was mad for taxes because of all that jazz about rendering unto Ceasar's that which is Ceasar's. The contemporaneous Ceasar had a much more limited idea of what belonged to him than Barack Obama does, and Jesus can hardly be said to share Obama's belief in the State as the only right and proper dispenser of charity, but hey, you can spend all day trying to make sense of the Gospel According to Barack.

In the same appearance, Obama tried subverting the story of Christ's birth in the manger to make a ham-fisted point about amnesty: "If we're serious about the Christmas season, now is the time to reflect on those who are strangers in our midst and remember what it was like to be a stranger." People who cross your national borders illegally are invaders, not "strangers," and as serious Christians indignantly pointed out, Mary and Joseph weren't violating anyone's borders; they were traveling to their home district to pay taxes. Also, all this talk about generosity toward strangers is hard to swallow from someone who's being "generous" with billions of dollars of other peoples' money.

Naturally Obama will be permitted to use and abuse Scripture however he wishes. It's just another prop to him, like science and history. All things are bent to serve the agenda. Liberalism is all about beginning with a conclusion, which always involves increased power and wealth for the Ruling Class, and works backward to find, modify, and invent whatever "evidence" it needs.

Retiring Texas governor Rick Perry, meanwhile, invoked the Bible while discussing income inequality and economic mobility with the Washington Post:

Last week, Perry studied income inequality and economic mobility with experts Scott Winship, Erin Currier and Aparna Mathur. In the Post interview, he was asked about the growing gap between rich and poor in Texas, which has had strong job growth over the past decade but also has lagged in services for the underprivileged.

“Biblically, the poor are always going to be with us in some form or fashion,” he said. He cited statistics showing that since he took office in 2000, wages have increased among all four income quartiles. He said a young man who dropped out of high school in South Texas could make more than $100,000 a year as a truck driver.

Perry acknowledged that the richest Texans have experienced the greatest amount of earnings growth, but dismissed the notion that income inequality is a problem in the state, saying, “We don’t grapple with that here.”

This did not sit well with Luke Brinker at Salon, who decided to ignore all that narrative-clouding stuff about income increasing across all quartiles and zero in on Perry's supposedly callous use of the Bible to blow off poverty concerns:

Texas may have the country’s highest rate of people who lack health insurance and rank in the top 10 states with the highest poverty levels, but Gov. Rick Perry can’t be bothered. In an interview with the Washington Post published today, Perry suggested that the Bible proves that poverty is “always going to be with us.”

A high rate of people who lack health insurance, you say? You know what else Texas has a high rate of? The people Barack Obama was just mangling Scripture to defend servicing. "Non-citizens make up about one-quarter of Texas' uninsured population, according to the Center for Public Policy Priorities' Texas Health Care Primer," the Washington Post observed as Perry was entering the 2012 presidential campaign, citing this as one of four major reasons for the high rate of uninsured people in his state - the other three being jobs that don't offer insurance, a limited Medicaid program, and unregulated insurance rates, which supposedly made coverage expensive for "those who are older or have a pre-existing health condition." Since ObamaCare is supposed to "fix" those other three factors, the large illegal-immigrant population would loom even larger as a reason for having a high rate of uninsured people. (Remember, Obama swore that his health-care scheme wouldn't cover illegal immigrants, and Rep. Joe Wilson was pilloried by the Left for daring to call him a liar!) You don't suppose a large number of illegal aliens might have something to do with "income inequality" too, do you?

The strangest thing about this response to Perry's (accurate) quotation of the Bible about the constant presence of poverty is that liberal dogma asserts exactly the same thing. We just observed the big golden anniversary of the War on Poverty, and when critics proclaimed it a failure because poverty rates are as high as ever, defenders of the welfare state said that doesn't matter, because "success" means that poverty is less unpleasant than it used to be - in fact, with generous enough welfare benefits, the life of technically impoverished people is nearly indistinguishable from the life of the hard-working lower middle class, and that's supposed to be a good thing. (It is considered very rude to point out that making poverty so comfortable kills incentives for joining that hard-working lower middle class, and can make it frankly illogical to give up government benefits to accept employment.)

Of course, those who launched the War on Poverty explicitly sold it to a 1960s electorate much less comfortable with lifetime government dependency as a brilliant plan to reduce poverty rates, not make poverty more comfortable; it's an abject failure by the standards of its authors, but since liberals aren't even held accountable for campaign promises they made last year, it doesn't do much good to recall what they claimed fifty years ago. Even the most dedicated poverty-fighter would likely agree with Perry, and the Bible, that it's always going to be with us to some degree; the best approach is to create a vibrant economy brimming with employment and opportunity, which can afford a carefully-monitored temporary safety net for the most unfortunate among us.

That's not the kind of future income-inequality obsessives have in mind. They're more about cutting down the unacceptably successful, confiscating wealth to enrich and empower themselves, and using whatever remains to toss the poor a few bones. It's all part of the religion of the State, which is fond of appropriating the trappings of other faiths to conceal itself, and boasts a notoriously thin-skinned, arrogant clergy. Reported by Breitbart 13 hours ago.

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Sen. Vitter gets GOP colleagues to require staffers to buy coverage from Obamacare exchanges

December 10, 2014, 4:16 pm

≫ Next: Does my employer have to offer health coverage?

≪ Previous: A tale of two Bible quotes

WASHINGTON -- Sen. David Vitter, R-La., got his Senate Republican colleagues to vote yes Wednesday on his proposed rule that declares Senate staffers should sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's Washington D.C. marketplace. The 2010 health law included... Reported by nola.com 12 hours ago.

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Does my employer have to offer health coverage?

December 10, 2014, 7:06 pm

≫ Next: Covered California reports robust health insurance enrollments

≪ Previous: Sen. Vitter gets GOP colleagues to require staffers to buy coverage from Obamacare exchanges

*Does my employer have to offer health coverage?*

The health reform law’s so-called “employer mandate” requiring some companies to offer health coverage was supposed to start this year, but the President Obama administration pushed it back while it figured out how to implement it. But as of Jan. 1, 2015, the mandate goes mostly into effect.

*Which employers are covered by the mandate?*

Any that have more than 100 full-time employees. This includes not only regular businesses, but also nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies—basically anyplace where a person can work.

The health reform law says that the mandate applies to employers with 50 or more full-time employees, but the administration is giving employers with between 50 and 100 employees another year to get their act together.

*Who is considered a full-time worker?*

Anyone who works 30 hours a week or more. There are special rules for people with irregular or seasonal hours, which we’ll talk about in a later post.

*How does the mandate work?*

The mandate actually comes in two parts, which together hopefully will guarantee that employees have access to semi-decent health insurance.

*Part 1: *Employers are given a choice. They can either offer their employees health insurance or pay the government a $2,000 “shared responsibility” fee for every full-time employee beyond the first 30. To comply with this rule, insurance can be pretty minimal. The only thing it absolutely has to cover is preventive care with no out-of-pocket costs for the employee. It doesn’t even have to cover sick care, such as doctor visits or hospitalization.

*Part 2:* This is the part that will prevent most employers from offering such bare-bones coverage. It says that if they don’t offer employees a plan with “minimum value” that’s “affordable,” the employees have the option of turning it down and buying coverage on their state Health Insurance Marketplace. And if they qualify for a tax credit subsidy on the marketplace (which many if not most likely will), their employer will have to pay the government $3,000 for every employee who gets the subsidy.

*What counts as a “minimum value” and “affordable” plan?*

It’s “minimum value” if it covers at least 60 percent of the average member’s health care costs. And it’s “affordable” if the employee doesn’t have to pay more than 9.56 percent of his or her household income for solo coverage. Here’s more information on how to figure out if your employer plan meets these standards.

*Does the plan have to cover spouses and kids?*

Employers who offer health coverage have to make it available to children up to the age of 26. But they don’t have to offer coverage for spouses.

*Will my employer be penalized if I don’t take the coverage?*

No. It's enough for them to offer it. There are plenty of reasons why employees don’t accept their workplace health plan. They might have coverage from some other source, like a spouse’s plan. Or they just might decide they don’t want health insurance (bad decision, in our opinion).

One thing you probably can't do, though, is turn it down and go to the Marketplace and buy a plan with a subsidy. That is because if your plan is "minimum value" and "affordable," you can't get a tax credit on the Marketplace no matter what your income is.

*What if my household income is so low that we qualify for Medicaid and/or CHIP?*

In that case, you can turn down your employer plan and enroll in these free or very low-cost government-sponsored health programs. Your employer won't be penalized if you do.*What’s to stop employers from dropping health coverage and just paying the $2,000?*

Nothing. But remember, the vast majority of large employers have been offering health coverage all along even though there was no law saying they had to. A recent survey by Mercer, a big benefits consulting firm, found that only 4 percent of companies with 500 or more employees expected to drop their health plans within the next five years.

*Does this mean smaller employers can’t offer health coverage?*

Not at all! But smaller employers won’t be penalized financially if they don’t.

-- Nancy Metcalf*See our complete health insurance information. To find out how to apply for, select, and use health insurance, including Medicare, visit our main health insurance page.*

*Submit a question to Consumer Reports' health insurance expert. Be sure to include the state you live in so we can provide a more-detailed answer.*

*Use our free app to explore your health insurance options*

Not sure where to begin with getting health insurance? Our free interactive tool, Health Law Helper, will point you in the right direction.

*Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.*

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Update your feed preferences Reported by Consumer Reports 9 hours ago.

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Covered California reports robust health insurance enrollments

December 10, 2014, 4:43 pm

≫ Next: Chariot Health Joins Enroll America for Mass ACA Enrollment Drive at the Winter Health and Resources Fair at the Gallery

≪ Previous: Does my employer have to offer health coverage?

SACRAMENTO --- For the second year in a row, California is posting robust initial numbers of legal residents signing up for health insurance under the nation's new health care law, according to figures released Wednesday. Reported by San Jose Mercury News 11 hours ago.

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Chariot Health Joins Enroll America for Mass ACA Enrollment Drive at the Winter Health and Resources Fair at the Gallery

December 11, 2014, 2:19 am

≫ Next: Pacific Prime Hong Kong Identifies Decreasing Trends in International Health Insurance Benefits for Employees

≪ Previous: Covered California reports robust health insurance enrollments

Just Days Before the December 15th Deadline to Enroll for Affordable Care Act Coverage Starting on January 1st, Enroll America and Chariot Health are Sponsoring a Winter Health Resources Fair at the Gallery.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) December 11, 2014

With holiday shopping in full swing and only two sign-up days left before the December 15th ACA enrollment deadline, Enroll America and Chariot Health are sponsoring a mass ACA Enrollment Drive and Winter Health and Resources Fair at the Gallery from 11am to 7pm on Saturday December 13th.

At the event, Philadelphians will have the opportunity to sit down with a free, in-person ACA enrollment assister as well as meet with counselors who are providing the following services: financial counseling and planning, LIHEAP (Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program), flu shots, STD and HIV screenings, mental health evaluations, screenings and appointments for City services and programs.

Potential enrollees are asked to bring:· Social security number or document number for each person in your household
· Date of birth of each person in your household
· Employer and income info for each person (paystubs, W-2 forms, or wage & tax statements).

“Chariot Health is thrilled to partner with Enroll America. We're right at the deadline of December 15th for Philadelphians to sign up for coverage that starts January 1st. This is a great opportunity to sit down with a free in-person enrollment assister to understand health coverage options and to sign up,” stated John Henry, Chairman and CEO of Chariot Companies.”

The all-day event will take place Saturday December 13th from 11am to 7pm at The Gallery, 11th and Market, in the Rotunda on the Lower level, Jefferson/Market East Station - enter next to Hard Rock Café then go downstairs. Stationed on site to serve Philadelphians are Enroll America, Chariot Companies, Cognosante, United Bank of Philadelphia, PECO, CLARIFI, Dress for Success and the City of Philadelphia. You can RSVP to the event by emailing jcusick(at)enrollamerica(dot)org or by calling 267-514-5272.

About Chariot Health
Chariot Health provides high quality star-rated medical insurance, Medicare and other products in 20 states across the U.S. Chariot Health offers a community benefit component in which 20 percent of net profits directly assist low-wealth seniors and children.

Visit http://www.chariothealthcare.com for more information.

About Get Covered America and Enroll America
Get Covered America is a national campaign of Enroll America that is focused on educating consumers about the benefits of health coverage and the new health insurance available under the Affordable Care Act. With operations in 11 states (AZ, FL, GA, IL, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, and TX), our grassroots team is powered by passionate staff and volunteers with one motivating goal: to give Americans the information they need to choose an affordable health insurance plan that’s right for them and their families.

Enroll America is the nation's leading health care enrollment coalition, bringing together community and health organizations, businesses and others to inform consumers about the new health coverage options and how to enroll in them. It is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

For more information on Enroll America and its efforts, visit EnrollAmerica.org.

Go to http://www.GetCoveredAmerica.org to understand how the new health care law will affect you and your family. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

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Pacific Prime Hong Kong Identifies Decreasing Trends in International Health Insurance Benefits for Employees

December 11, 2014, 3:08 am

≫ Next: Health Connector reports just 1,416 sign ups as re-enrollment deadline approaches

≪ Previous: Chariot Health Joins Enroll America for Mass ACA Enrollment Drive at the Winter Health and Resources Fair at the Gallery

Pacific Prime has seen Financial Service firms scaling back health insurance employee benefits in the past 24 months.

(PRWEB) December 11, 2014

Hong Kong’s leading international private health insurance broker Pacific Prime has seen financial service firms scaling back health insurance employee benefits in the past 24 months.

International health insurance benefits for years were considered an essential draw to attract and retain employees in the financial service in Hong Kong, who were offered comprehensive benefits in a city with expensive medical facilities. Pacific Prime has seen over the past few years that this has become less evident as investment banks, hedge funds and private equity houses have begun scaling back international health benefits offered to staff.

Although not every firm has chosen to reduce benefits for their employees, it appears the larger investment banks have tended to do so. Smaller companies seem to have more flexibility with regards to retaining talent by providing rich health insurance plans, yet overall the industry has still seen reduced offers of medical benefits since 2009.

Instead of completely removing health cover on employee benefits, some have opted to first remove supplemental benefits like Maternity Insurance or Dental cover. Downsizes such as this can save between 20 to 35% on the total cost of a plan. Less fortunate employees are seeing limitations and caps on Outpatient and Inpatient benefits, new deductibles and excesses and fewer choices on room types in hospitals.

Many employees that still desire full health cover are now given the option of a ‘Top Up’ plan, which allows an employee and their family to select additional coverage at an added personal cost. In most cases the Top Up plan is offered by an alternate insurer, as core plans tend to be sourced from domestic insurers while additional benefits are provided through an international insurer.

Employees in the past would opt to return home to health insurance systems where they could be treated to a degree. Today however, employees who are permanently staying abroad are largely concerned with cover for pre-existing medical conditions. The flexibility of some Top Up plans means that the employees’ cover can be transferred if they leave their company, without a break in the pre-existing medical conditions cover.

According to the report by Pacific Prime, the biggest challenge in arranging these plans revolves around pre-existing medical conditions and how they are managed. There is a risk of anti selection, where an employee chooses an upgrade to full coverage only when becoming seriously ill, “If the risk of this type of anti selection is not managed, then the loss ratio of the group will spiral out of control.” - according to Pacific Prime Hong Kong. The danger arises when employees can no longer join in the plan because of now even higher costs, and the structure would collapse without new joiners, leaving the critically ill the only ones on the plan. Pacific Prime have offered several ways to avoid anti-selection: underwriting on entry, control of entry and exit dates, one time only options to join the Top Up.

The international broker has predicted the downsizing of company international health insurance benefits to continue into the future, while expecting the growth of Top Up plans as a feature for employee benefits across all industry sectors. Reported by PRWeb 1 hour ago.

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Health Connector reports just 1,416 sign ups as re-enrollment deadline approaches

December 11, 2014, 3:58 am

≫ Next: Robust Economy affecting demand for International Medical Insurance in the UAE, according to UAE Medical Insurance

≪ Previous: Pacific Prime Hong Kong Identifies Decreasing Trends in International Health Insurance Benefits for Employees

The Health Connector website may be working well to let people browse for health insurance, but not enough people are buying, according to state data released this week. The commonwealth's latest update for Dec. 1 reported that only 1,416 people had selected and purchased health insurance through the Health Connector out of approximately 83,000 people who had registered for health insurance through the Connector website during the current open-enrollment period. Approximately 400,000 people are… Reported by bizjournals 9 minutes ago.

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Robust Economy affecting demand for International Medical Insurance in the UAE, according to UAE Medical Insurance

December 11, 2014, 4:04 am

≫ Next: Pacific Prime Analyses Bupa’s Change to Maternity Insurance in Singapore

≪ Previous: Health Connector reports just 1,416 sign ups as re-enrollment deadline approaches

UMI reports a demand for International Medical Insurance in UAE due to the robust economy in the region

Dubai (PRWEB) December 11, 2014

UAE Medical Insurance have released an article identifying a number of factors that are contributing to an increased demand amongst residents for international medical insurance in the UAE. The report states that the premium written for Medical Insurance at least doubled between 2008 and 2013, and that premiums in 2013 increased by 50% when compared to 2012.

One major factor of the demand the article points to is the new policy in the area, namely the introduction of mandatory health insurance for employees in the UAE. Dubai companies with over 1,000 employees are now required to implement compulsory insurance as of October 2014. This reform has reportedly had a heavy impact on medical insurance total written premiums, and since 2008 private insurance for residents through basic or enhanced medical insurance plans have grown more than 40%, from 2.3 million to 3.3 million in 2013. The deadline of October 2014 affected 700,000 workers, and due to the implementation of the policy about 30% of the population who were uninsured now have medical insurance secured. As of January 2015 insurance companies will be offering compliant plans tailored for residents in Dubai, and all residents will need a transfer to a compliant plan by the end of the year.

There are a number of other components also attributed to the increased demand; the population in Dubai has seen an increase of about 6% since the end of 2013, driving demand for healthcare services and subsequently the rates of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity have seen a rise. A growing population also requires more hospital beds, and as private medical insurance increases in demand investment opportunities in the healthcare sector also increase. A stable economy in Dubai is another major contributor, with 2013 showing Dubai’s GDP at a growth rate of 4.8%.

Even though Dubai leads the way in development of the healthcare sector in the UAE, and the city holds the highest ratio of hospital beds available in region, there is still need for more beds and improved facilities. Since the healthcare sector has begun expanding, the government have initiated plans to facilitate the growth through the Dubai Health Authority, who have started promoting packages for medical tourism, another indicator of an economy that is looking to support more international medical insurance. Reported by PRWeb 3 minutes ago.

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Pacific Prime Analyses Bupa’s Change to Maternity Insurance in Singapore

December 11, 2014, 4:04 am

≫ Next: NY Technology Startup Launches Online Shopping Product for Healthcare Industry

≪ Previous: Robust Economy affecting demand for International Medical Insurance in the UAE, according to UAE Medical Insurance

Pacific Prime looks into the changes that Bupa have made for their maternity waiting periods in Singapore

(PRWEB) December 11, 2014

Bupa Global made a major policy change to their maternity insurance in Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2014. Within Bupa’s main international health insurance product ‘Bupa WHO’, the waiting period applicable for any new Bupa policies has changed from 10 months to 24 months.

Waiting periods, or moratoriums are the amount of time that must pass between taking out an insurance plan and claiming on that insurance. Client’s must wait before any maternity-related treatments can be covered, and these depending on the insurer usually range between between 10 to 24 months. This new policy from Bupa means that any and all maternity-related treatments for their customers can only be considered for coverage if they happen at least 24 months after the plan has started.

In terms of the benefits offered, there are no significant changes made. The plan is reportedly still predicted to remain comprehensive and include coverage for: child delivery in hospital, complications inclusive of medically-necessary C-sections and new-born care benefits.

Bupa has verified that the change in policy only affects new plans, and will have no bearing on existing customers who purchased their policies before October 1st 2014. Pacific Prime have stated that this extended moratorium will also not apply to ‘Lifeline’ plans, and if a member of an existing Bupa plan adds a spouse to their current policy the moratorium on maternity benefits will remain at the previous 10 months, Corporate insurance plans are also to remain the same.

The change to Bupa policies is thought to be a consequence of the rising costs for child delivery across the globe, particularly in Singapore and Asia, and it is expected that other insurers will likely follow suit and initiate similar measures in the future. Reported by PRWeb 3 minutes ago.

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NY Technology Startup Launches Online Shopping Product for Healthcare Industry

December 11, 2014, 4:04 am

≫ Next: MNsure readies for rush Web traffic ahead of Monday deadline

≪ Previous: Pacific Prime Analyses Bupa’s Change to Maternity Insurance in Singapore

Zipari Square Provides a Consumer Friendly Experience for Selling Health, Dental, Vision and Other Benefits

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 11, 2014

Zipari, Inc., a New York startup focused on building technology products for the health insurance industry, announced the release of its online shopping solution, Square, which enables health insurance companies to provide a quick and easy shopping experience for its customers. With Square, health plans can provide a private exchange shopping experience, allowing consumers to purchase and enroll in benefits such as health, dental and vision insurance directly on the insurer’s website.

“Square is a consumer friendly shopping solution in an industry often misunderstood by consumers,” said Mark Nathan, CEO of Zipari. “Our Square product guides the customer through selecting benefits and completing the enrollment process with a minimum number of clicks.”

Zipari’s Square adds important new features to the previous Zipari shopping solution, and now has the capability to be rapidly configured and deployed for new health plans. Square also offers analytics to help health plans better meet consumer demands and be responsive to their needs.

HEALTH REPUBLIC OF NEW JERSEY USES ZIPARI'S SQUARE
Health Republic Insurance of New Jersey, the Garden State’s only non-profit, healthcare CO-OP, was the first company to use Zipari’s Square, and the product has enabled customers to easily navigate the process of enrolling in health insurance during the busy 2015 Open Enrollment period.

“The Square product has a streamlined look and feel, and is highly customizable, allowing us to maintain the Health Republic Insurance of New Jersey brand,” said Greg Muller, chief information officer at HRINJ. “Our customers are having an excellent user experience shopping for both health and vision insurance and, as an added bonus, it easily integrates with our third- party vendor systems.”

The Square product is available immediately, and can be configured quickly to provide health plans with the best possible shopping experience for consumers to purchase multiple benefit types, such as health, vision and dental. Benefits can be managed via an inventory manager system, and content can be easily branded and modified to ensure brand consistency. Zipari’s consumer modeling tool recommends sales and operational actions to provide optimal shopping performance. For more information about the Square product, visit http://www.zipari.com

ABOUT HEALTH REPUBLIC OF NEW JERSEY
Based in Newark, NJ, Health Republic Insurance of New Jersey is a non-profit, Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) that provides cost-effective and comprehensive healthcare coverage to individuals and small employer groups in New Jersey. HRINJ is a mission-and health-based organization built to serve the best interests of its members. With no private shareholders, surplus revenues go towards ensuring individuals and small businesses served get the healthcare they need while always providing ample or increased services, and reducing premiums when possible.

HRINJ is one of 23 CO-OPs in the U.S. that resulted from the Affordable Care Act when it became law. The company provides a voice for individuals and businesses who want to take part in their health and the healthcare process. The majority of its board of directors will be members of the plan, offering opportunities for input about the best way for HRINJ to deliver healthcare and attain optimal outcomes for members.

ABOUT ZIPARI
Based in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Zipari Inc. is a startup focused on building technology products designed to simplify and improve the interactions between health plans and their customers. Zipari’s online solutions include shopping, member portal, provider lookup and marketing websites. Zipari’s infrastructure provides connectivity to TPAs for billing, enrollments and claims. All of Zipari’s products include analytics to optimize consumer experience and improve customer satisfaction. For more information, please visit http://www.zipari.com. Reported by PRWeb 3 minutes ago.

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MNsure readies for rush Web traffic ahead of Monday deadline

December 11, 2014, 9:59 am

≫ Next: New Jersey Hispanic Leader and Jersey City Officials Join Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to Promote Latinos’ Access to Health Insurance

≪ Previous: NY Technology Startup Launches Online Shopping Product for Healthcare Industry

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- State officials are reminding Minnesotans to sign up through the state's health insurance exchange by Dec. 15 to ensure they're covered at the start of the New Year. Reported by TwinCities.com 1 day ago.

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New Jersey Hispanic Leader and Jersey City Officials Join Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to Promote Latinos’ Access to Health Insurance

December 11, 2014, 1:16 pm

≫ Next: Health Law Helper takes the confusion out of open enrollment

≪ Previous: MNsure readies for rush Web traffic ahead of Monday deadline

Horizon BCBSNJ today joined with the Chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to urge Latinos to obtain coverage during the 2015 enrollment period

Jersey City, NJ (PRWEB) December 11, 2014

With national studies showing one in four Hispanic residents still lacking health insurance, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) today joined with the Chairman of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to urge Latinos to obtain coverage during the 2015 enrollment period, and raise awareness to bilingual resources available through Horizon BCBSNJ.

“Latinos face unique obstacles to obtaining health coverage due to not only the complexity of insurance itself, but to the language barriers many must overcome as insurance consumers,” said Carlos Medina, Chairman of the New Jersey Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “To its credit, Horizon has helped to bridge the language and cultural gaps in many ways, such as bringing bilingual agents to locations in New Jersey’s Hispanic communities.”

Medina today toured one of four Horizon BCBSNJ mall locations – Newport Center Mall in Jersey City -- where bilingual agents are available to assist Hispanics with their health insurance questions and needs. The other mall locations include Jersey Gardens (Elizabeth), Willowbrook Mall (Wayne) and Woodbridge Center. Medina was joined in the Newport Mall visit by Joseph Albano, Vice President of Consumer and Dental Markets for Horizon BCBSNJ, and Jersey City officials.

"As we work to develop a healthier Jersey City, we know providing health care coverage for all residents is critical, especially our traditionally underserved non-English speaking residents," said Mayor Steven Fulop. "We are pleased that Horizon has selected the Newport location, as it is close to a Hispanic service provider and will benefit generations of Spanish-speaking families."

Albano added that the mall locations are a part of a larger effort to improve the health literacy of and assist Hispanic residents with health insurance.

"Through our Spanish language website, Horizon Azul, Spanish-speaking phone agents, and bilingual representatives who work throughout New Jersey’s communities, Horizon is committed to helping Latino consumers with their health insurance needs,” he said.

Albano also noted that consumers seeking to obtain coverage through the Federal Marketplace with an effective date of January 1, 2015, must purchase their plan by December 15.

To accommodate these consumers, all mall locations will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 12 midnight from Friday, December 12 through Monday December 15 as part of the company’s Insure-a-Thon enrollment push. For everyone else shopping for coverage during the open enrollment period, the deadline is February 15, 2015.

###

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health service corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that reward the quality, not quantity, of care patients receive. Learn more at http://www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving more than 3.7 million members. Reported by PRWeb 22 hours ago.

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Health Law Helper takes the confusion out of open enrollment

December 11, 2014, 2:03 pm

≫ Next: A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Lincoln National Corporation and Its Key Subsidiaries

≪ Previous: New Jersey Hispanic Leader and Jersey City Officials Join Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to Promote Latinos’ Access to Health Insurance

*Health Law Helper takes the confusion out of open enrollment*

Open enrollment for health insurance coverage is underway, and Consumer Reports' free Health Law Helper will help you navigate your health care options.

The tool, fully updated for this open-enrollment period, offers personalized guidance to help you better understand how you might be affected by the Affordable Care Act. (A Spanish-language version is at www.AseguraTuSalud.org.)

Health Law Helper is designed for you to get information quickly and easily, understand any new options that may be available to you and your family, and provide direction on how and when to take action. It takes complex insurance data and breaks it down into practical, useful information, and it’s set up to address a wide variety of individual situations and circumstances.

Launched in September 2013, Health Law Helper has been updated to connect you with important information about tax credits under the health law and how to qualify. Last year, 80 percent of people who signed up for coverage under the new law also qualified for tax-credit discounts.

You can also get personalized advice on the best options for insurance coverage and whether you need to make any changes during the open-enrollment season. Plus, you can learn about penalties and tax requirements under the new law and get tips on picking a health plan.

The site allows you to get advice from Consumer Reports' experts about what to do if a plan is being canceled. You can also submit your coverage questions and stories to us.

To learn more about how to make sure you have the coverage you need, visit HealthLawHelper.org.

*Remember, open enrollment ends on Feb. 15, 2015. And if you want a new plan to start January 1, the deadline is Dec. 15. Even if you like the plan have through the health care exchanges, go online and double-check to make sure it covers what you need.*

*This feature is part of a regular series by Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumer Reports. The nonprofit organization advocates for product safety, financial reform, safer food, health reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.*

*Read other installments of our Policy & Action feature.*

*Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.*

*Subscribe now!*
Subscribe to *ConsumerReports.org* for expert Ratings, buying advice and reliability on hundreds of products.
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    Reported by Consumer Reports 21 hours ago.

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A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Lincoln National Corporation and Its Key Subsidiaries

December 11, 2014, 11:14 am

≫ Next: The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Teams with CareSource to Expand Coverage to Small Business Owners

≪ Previous: Health Law Helper takes the confusion out of open enrollment

A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Lincoln National Corporation and Its Key Subsidiaries

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa-” of The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company (LNL) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York (LLANY) (Syracuse, NY), which are viewed as the key life/health insurance subsidiaries of Lincoln National Corporation (LNC) (headquartered in Radnor, PA) [NYSE:LNC] and are marketed as the Lincoln Financial Group Reported by Business Wire 1 day ago.

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The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Teams with CareSource to Expand Coverage to Small Business Owners

December 11, 2014, 11:32 am

≫ Next: How is Michigan's new Healthy Michigan Plan working? New five-year U-M study will find out

≪ Previous: A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Lincoln National Corporation and Its Key Subsidiaries

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the state’s leading business advocate, has teamed with CareSource, one of Ohio’s largest nonprofit health plans, to offer the small business community health insurance.

Dayton, Ohio (PRWEB) December 11, 2014

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the state’s leading business advocate, has teamed with CareSource, one of Ohio’s largest nonprofit health plans, to offer the small business community health insurance for individual employees who do not have coverage, and are eligible through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Employees can shop for this coverage through the Ohio Chamber Benefits Marketplace at http://www.ohiochamberbenefits.com.

Approximately 60 percent of small businesses with 50 or fewer workers did not offer health benefits to employees whereas 97 percent of businesses with more than 100 workers provided health benefits.*

According to a 2007 Milken Institute study, “An Unhealthy America The Economic Burden of Chronic Disease,” estimated that lost productivity from seven chronic diseases amounted to $1.1 trillion in 2003 and will reach $3.4 trillion in 2023 if nothing changes.** Many small businesses bear their share of that burden.

The Ohio Chamber, representing more than 8,000 employers, has developed a plan through the Ohio Chamber Benefit Marketplace to help Ohio employers access health care as a way of increasing productivity for employees. The plan focuses on understanding how the Health Insurance Marketplace works, tax credit subsidies, and penalties for not providing insurance.

The Ohio Chamber Benefit Marketplace can be accessed at http://www.ohiochamberbenefits.com. For individual policies select the “Individual” icon; for business coverage select the icon based on number of employees.

“Small-business owners and their employees are an important part of the state’s workforce. By helping small businesses, we help employees and their families realize better health, reduce future costs, and enhance economic competitiveness. At CareSource, we have a 25-year history of helping uninsured populations and we welcome this outreach opportunity,” said Pam Morris President and CEO of CareSource.

“We understand that the cost of health insurance can cripple a company – small or large – which is why we established the Ohio Chamber Benefits Marketplace,” said Andrew E. Doehrel, president & CEO of the Ohio Chamber. “Our marketplace is not only easy to use, but with the addition of CareSource, we now offer a wide-range of products for both individuals and employers.”

Ohio companies can learn more about the CareSource collaboration by visiting the Ohio Chamber Health Care Marketplace at http://www.ohiochamberbenefits.com.

Since 1893, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce has been a champion for Ohio business. With over 8,000 members in Ohio and across the country, we support free enterprise so that our state enjoys economic growth and prosperity for all.

CareSource, a nonprofit health plan is celebrating 25 years as one of the nation’s largest Managed Medicaid Plans. Headquartered in Dayton, CareSource serves more than 1.3 million consumers in Ohio and Kentucky. CareSource is living its mission to make a difference in our members’ lives by improving their health and well-being. CareSource understands the challenges consumers face navigating the health system and works to put health care in reach for those it serves.

Open enrollment through the Health Insurance Marketplace continues through Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015

*Kaiser Family Foundation – Explaining Health Reform: How will the Affordable Care Act affect Small Business and their Employees – 2012

**Dec 06, 2009 - BUSINESS, HEALTH, PUBLIC POLICY Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.

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How is Michigan's new Healthy Michigan Plan working? New five-year U-M study will find out

December 11, 2014, 12:20 pm

≫ Next: Zane Benefits, Inc. Announces New eBook: The Small Business Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement

≪ Previous: The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Teams with CareSource to Expand Coverage to Small Business Owners

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since its launch in April, 481,863 Michiganders have signed up for a new Medicaid health insurance option offered by the state, called the Healthy Michigan Plan. Now, University of Michigan researchers will study how well the new... Reported by PR Newswire 23 hours ago.

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Zane Benefits, Inc. Announces New eBook: The Small Business Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement

December 11, 2014, 12:37 pm

≫ Next: HUFFPOST HILL - Hail, Hail, Mighty Cromnibus

≪ Previous: How is Michigan's new Healthy Michigan Plan working? New five-year U-M study will find out

New eBook Helps Small Businesses Switch to Individual Health Insurance

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) December 11, 2014

Today Zane Benefits, the leader in individual health insurance reimbursement for small businesses, announced their new eBook, "The Small Business Guide to Individual Health Insurance Reimbursement".

According to Zane Benefits, small businesses often struggle to compete with larger businesses, and larger budgets, for top talent. As such, many small businesses look to health benefits to help attract and retain key employees.

Of the nearly 6.1 million small businesses in the U.S. with fewer than 200 employees, only 54 percent offer traditional health insurance to employees. That leaves over 2.7 million small businesses nationwide that do not offer health insurance to employees.

But these statistics don’t mean that small businesses aren’t interested in offering health benefits. Small businesses need the same quality of coverage to attract and retain employees, but with affordable and controllable costs.

The new eBook outlines how small businesses can save 20 to 60 percent on healthcare costs by reimbursing employees for individual health insurance.

Click here to read the full article.

--

About Zane Benefits
Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, was founded in 2006 to revolutionize the way employers provide employee health benefits in America. We empower employees to take control over their own healthcare, while helping employers recruit and retain the best talent. Our online solutions allow small and medium-sized businesses to successfully transition to a health benefits program that creates happier employees, reduces costs and frees up more time to serve their customers. For more information about ZaneHealth, visit http://www.zanebenefits.com. Reported by PRWeb 23 hours ago.

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