LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Members of Kentucky Health Cooperative, Inc. who enrolled in one of the issuer's health insurance plans prior to Dec. 23 have been granted an extension to pay their first month's premium. The new deadline for submitting payment has...
Reported by PR Newswire 6 hours ago.
Kentucky Health Cooperative Special Alert
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Winn-Dixie to Cover Initial Prescription Costs for Customers Transitioning to the Public Health Insurance Marketplace
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winn-Dixie pharmacies will fill up to a 30-day supply of most prescriptions at no up-front cost to customers who have enrolled in the Public Health Insurance Marketplace through the end of January.
Reported by Business Wire 6 hours ago.
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HealthCare.gov help available for issues cited by Wisconsin regulator, Feds say
After the state of Wisconsin’s insurance regulator warned consumers of “technical problems that continue to exist” with the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace Web site, a spokeswoman for the federal agency running the site said the issues are being addressed. Ted Nickel, the commissioner for the Wisconsin Office of Commissioner of Insurance, posted a notice Jan. 6 stating that HealthCare.gov still is plagued by “inaccurate health plan information” and problems with the federal…
Reported by bizjournals 6 hours ago.
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BI-LO to Cover Initial Prescription Costs for Customers Transitioning to the Public Health Insurance Marketplace
GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BI-LO pharmacies will fill up to a 30-day supply of most prescriptions at no up-front cost to customers who have enrolled in the Public Health Insurance Marketplace through the end of January.
Reported by Business Wire 6 hours ago.
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Health insurer Oscar nabs $30M to bring practical tech to patients
One only has to look a few months back to the disastrous rollout of HealthCare.gov to get a glimpse at the historically tenuous relationship between health insurance and technology. But Oscar, a new health insurer, aims to buck the trend.Reported by VentureBeat 5 hours ago.
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Obamacare Decisions Roil States
This piece comes to us courtesy of Stateline. Stateline is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news service of the Pew Charitable Trusts that provides daily reporting and analysis on trends in state policy.
On Jan. 1, when millions of Americans obtained health coverage through the Affordable Care Act, states were supposed to be free to focus on getting them care. Instead, state officials are grappling with the ACA’s troubled insurance exchanges and the unexpected cancellation of many people’s policies.
In addition, elected officials in half the states are still trying to decide whether to accept the federal government’s time-limited offer to cover their poorest residents, or to decline Medicaid expansion because they are philosophically opposed to “Obamacare.”
Election-year politics will further complicate the health care debate, as 36 governors and a majority of state lawmakers will be up for re-election in November.
In debating expansion, some Republican-led states are tilting toward a so-called “private option.” Instead of expanding Medicaid, they would use federal Medicaid dollars to help people purchase private insurance on the exchanges. Last year the federal government allowed Arkansas and Iowa to pursue the strategy, while warning that it would not grant permission to every state.
“I’d be really surprised if we see any more straight Medicaid expansions,” said Judith Solomon of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Every one of the remaining states wants to put its own stamp on it.”
See Stateline Infographic: Medicaid Expansion 2014: States to Watch Which states may expand Medicaid in 2014 or 2015?
Pennsylvania and Tennessee—where officials have been talking to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about their own versions of the private option—may be next in line. But conservative lawmakers in those states aren’t necessarily on board with their Republican governors.
Even two Democratic governors are expected to seek federal approval for their own twists on Medicaid expansion. New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan plans to pursue a version of the private option, while in Virginia GOP lawmakers are likely to force Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe to embrace something other than a standard expansion.
-Cost Containment-
Also at issue, but getting far less attention, are the billions in grants and incentive payments the federal government is offering to states that improve the efficiency of Medicaid, which is a joint federal-state program. Out of the $1.8 trillion the ACA is projected to cost over the next decade, $10 billion is dedicated to innovation programs. With the majority of the money already disbursed, states will be racing to meet statutory deadlines for completing their reform projects, some as early as 2015.
The lure of ACA dollars is expected to accelerate states’ efforts to move away from “fee-for-service” systems, which reward providers based on the volume of care they deliver, in favor of financial incentives for providers to improve the health of their patients.
“When the history of Medicaid is written, the innovations the ACA fostered will come to be known as the most significant consequence of the law,” said Vernon K. Smith of Health Management Associates, a consulting firm. Accelerated state reform efforts, Smith said, may start to show tangible quality and cost containment results this year.
Grant programs include state initiatives to reduce health care costs by aligning payments and quality standards among all insurers, including Medicaid, Medicare and private carriers. States also are trying to deliver better and cheaper care to people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, and to provide long-term care to more frail elders and the disabled in their homes, rather than in nursing homes.
States spend about a fourth of their budgets on Medicaid, and it is growing faster than any other expense.
-Expansion Economics-
About 72 million people were insured under Medicaid at some point in 2013, the Congressional Budget Office estimates. Another 9 million would be covered in 2014. Under ACA, 25 states and the District of Columbia agreed to expand Medicaid to adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level ($15,856 for an individual and $32,499 for a family of four).
So far, about a million have signed up through state and federal exchanges, according to a December 2013 report from HHS. States are also automatically enrolling hundreds of thousands who already qualify for other income-based federal and state assistance.
This year, additional states that decide to expand can do so at any time and still receive federal funding for 100 percent of the costs of the newly enrolled. The 100 percent coverage only lasts through 2016, however. After that, the federal share declines each year, tapering to 90 percent in 2020 and beyond.
States and the federal government spent $415 billion on Medicaid in 2012. By 2016, the Urban Institute projects that number will grow to $621 billion, assuming no new states decide to expand. CBO predicts the federal government will spend a total of $710 billion on just the Medicaid expansion in the first 10 years. States will kick in an additional $65 billion.
In fiscal year 2014, which starts in July for most states, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey of Medicaid directors found that the state share of Medicaid spending is expected to increase less in expansion states than in non-expansion states. That’s because the federal government will pick up the full cost of covering some low-income adults and mental health services in states that expand Medicaid.
-GOP Alternatives-
GOP governors in Arizona, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota and Ohio initially rejected Medicaid expansion but later broke ranks with their party and approved it.
“In some Republican-led states,” said Robin Rudowitz, senior analyst at the Kaiser Family Foundation, “supporting local providers, creating jobs and bringing large sums of federal money into the state economy won out over political and ideological objections to the health law.”
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, for example, bypassed the state legislature to get Medicaid expansion approval from a state board in October, arguing it would create a healthier workforce, which would in turn attract new business. **
Republican governors have sought to tinker with the ACA’s envisioned Medicaid expansion in a variety of ways. In addition to the private option, some states want to combine Medicaid expansion with a requirement that covered adults pay a monthly premium of less than $10, plus nominal co-pays for doctor and hospital visits. Michigan and Iowa have won federal approval for that strategy.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is pushing a similar plan that includes both the private option and monthly premiums. Corbett’s proposal, which is under public review at the state level, would also require any adult in expanded Medicaid to work at least 20 hours per week or register with the local employment agency and search for work.
Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Haslam wants to combine the private option and nominal premiums (discounted for healthy behavior) with changes in the way health care providers are paid. “We can no longer sustain the current reimbursement system, which simply rewards providers for doing more rather than for delivering the highest quality services in the most cost-effective manner,” Haslam wrote in Dec. 9 letter to HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius. He also said he will not move forward with expansion until “the implementation failures” of the ACA have been resolved.
-Shifting Priorities?-
Given the poor performance of the federal health insurance marketplace so far, Matt Salo, director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, suggested the Obama administration might be more inclined to approve GOP alternatives.
The administration’s goal is to insure 25 million more Americans by 2021. The CBO estimates about 9 million will purchase private insurance on the exchanges and nearly twice that number will enroll in Medicaid. At the end of 2013, sign-ups for private insurance on the exchange fell well short of the administration’s goals. If that trend continues, Salo said, HHS could approve the private option and other GOP alternatives as a way to boost the overall number of people with health insurance.
The private option also offers another benefit: It would increase the number of relatively healthy people purchasing insurance on the exchange. From the beginning, the administration has cautioned that unless enough young, healthy people purchase policies, the risk pool could be dominated by sicker people who have more incentive to purchase insurance. The result would be a spike in insurance premiums by the end of this year.
Part of Arkansas’ original argument for the private option was that it would prevent such an insurance spike in the small, relatively low-income state. Actuarial studies indicate that about 90 percent of Arkansas’ 233,000 newly eligible Medicaid enrollees are relatively young and healthy. Under the private option, they will purchase insurance on the state’s fledgling exchange. The remaining 10 percent – those with multiple chronic conditions and other infirmities – will enroll in Medicaid.
-Exchanges, Enrollment and Oversight-
Although expansion and state cost-containment reforms are expected to take center stage, the 15 states that are running their own exchanges will be working full-force on improvements and upgrades. In Oregon and Maryland, for example, both governors have promised big improvements to their poorly performing exchanges.
Other states that are now relying on the troubled federal website may also enter the fray. Last year, HHS approved plans from New Mexico and Idaho for new exchanges to be completed this year. Arkansas, Iowa and Illinois, which have federal-state partnership exchanges, have declared an interest in building their own sites as well. Any state interested in building its own exchange has until Oct. 15 to apply for federal funds.
In addition, states will continue the massive effort of upgrading their Medicaid enrollment systems to meet broad new standards under the ACA. Although Medicaid enrollment generally ran more smoothly than private insurance signups on most exchanges, new ACA-compliant Medicaid systems also experienced some technical problems. Reported by Huffington Post 4 hours ago.
On Jan. 1, when millions of Americans obtained health coverage through the Affordable Care Act, states were supposed to be free to focus on getting them care. Instead, state officials are grappling with the ACA’s troubled insurance exchanges and the unexpected cancellation of many people’s policies.
In addition, elected officials in half the states are still trying to decide whether to accept the federal government’s time-limited offer to cover their poorest residents, or to decline Medicaid expansion because they are philosophically opposed to “Obamacare.”
Election-year politics will further complicate the health care debate, as 36 governors and a majority of state lawmakers will be up for re-election in November.
In debating expansion, some Republican-led states are tilting toward a so-called “private option.” Instead of expanding Medicaid, they would use federal Medicaid dollars to help people purchase private insurance on the exchanges. Last year the federal government allowed Arkansas and Iowa to pursue the strategy, while warning that it would not grant permission to every state.
“I’d be really surprised if we see any more straight Medicaid expansions,” said Judith Solomon of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. “Every one of the remaining states wants to put its own stamp on it.”
See Stateline Infographic: Medicaid Expansion 2014: States to Watch Which states may expand Medicaid in 2014 or 2015?
Pennsylvania and Tennessee—where officials have been talking to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) about their own versions of the private option—may be next in line. But conservative lawmakers in those states aren’t necessarily on board with their Republican governors.
Even two Democratic governors are expected to seek federal approval for their own twists on Medicaid expansion. New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan plans to pursue a version of the private option, while in Virginia GOP lawmakers are likely to force Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe to embrace something other than a standard expansion.
-Cost Containment-
Also at issue, but getting far less attention, are the billions in grants and incentive payments the federal government is offering to states that improve the efficiency of Medicaid, which is a joint federal-state program. Out of the $1.8 trillion the ACA is projected to cost over the next decade, $10 billion is dedicated to innovation programs. With the majority of the money already disbursed, states will be racing to meet statutory deadlines for completing their reform projects, some as early as 2015.
The lure of ACA dollars is expected to accelerate states’ efforts to move away from “fee-for-service” systems, which reward providers based on the volume of care they deliver, in favor of financial incentives for providers to improve the health of their patients.
“When the history of Medicaid is written, the innovations the ACA fostered will come to be known as the most significant consequence of the law,” said Vernon K. Smith of Health Management Associates, a consulting firm. Accelerated state reform efforts, Smith said, may start to show tangible quality and cost containment results this year.
Grant programs include state initiatives to reduce health care costs by aligning payments and quality standards among all insurers, including Medicaid, Medicare and private carriers. States also are trying to deliver better and cheaper care to people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, and to provide long-term care to more frail elders and the disabled in their homes, rather than in nursing homes.
States spend about a fourth of their budgets on Medicaid, and it is growing faster than any other expense.
-Expansion Economics-
About 72 million people were insured under Medicaid at some point in 2013, the Congressional Budget Office estimates. Another 9 million would be covered in 2014. Under ACA, 25 states and the District of Columbia agreed to expand Medicaid to adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level ($15,856 for an individual and $32,499 for a family of four).
So far, about a million have signed up through state and federal exchanges, according to a December 2013 report from HHS. States are also automatically enrolling hundreds of thousands who already qualify for other income-based federal and state assistance.
This year, additional states that decide to expand can do so at any time and still receive federal funding for 100 percent of the costs of the newly enrolled. The 100 percent coverage only lasts through 2016, however. After that, the federal share declines each year, tapering to 90 percent in 2020 and beyond.
States and the federal government spent $415 billion on Medicaid in 2012. By 2016, the Urban Institute projects that number will grow to $621 billion, assuming no new states decide to expand. CBO predicts the federal government will spend a total of $710 billion on just the Medicaid expansion in the first 10 years. States will kick in an additional $65 billion.
In fiscal year 2014, which starts in July for most states, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey of Medicaid directors found that the state share of Medicaid spending is expected to increase less in expansion states than in non-expansion states. That’s because the federal government will pick up the full cost of covering some low-income adults and mental health services in states that expand Medicaid.
-GOP Alternatives-
GOP governors in Arizona, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota and Ohio initially rejected Medicaid expansion but later broke ranks with their party and approved it.
“In some Republican-led states,” said Robin Rudowitz, senior analyst at the Kaiser Family Foundation, “supporting local providers, creating jobs and bringing large sums of federal money into the state economy won out over political and ideological objections to the health law.”
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, for example, bypassed the state legislature to get Medicaid expansion approval from a state board in October, arguing it would create a healthier workforce, which would in turn attract new business. **
Republican governors have sought to tinker with the ACA’s envisioned Medicaid expansion in a variety of ways. In addition to the private option, some states want to combine Medicaid expansion with a requirement that covered adults pay a monthly premium of less than $10, plus nominal co-pays for doctor and hospital visits. Michigan and Iowa have won federal approval for that strategy.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett is pushing a similar plan that includes both the private option and monthly premiums. Corbett’s proposal, which is under public review at the state level, would also require any adult in expanded Medicaid to work at least 20 hours per week or register with the local employment agency and search for work.
Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Haslam wants to combine the private option and nominal premiums (discounted for healthy behavior) with changes in the way health care providers are paid. “We can no longer sustain the current reimbursement system, which simply rewards providers for doing more rather than for delivering the highest quality services in the most cost-effective manner,” Haslam wrote in Dec. 9 letter to HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius. He also said he will not move forward with expansion until “the implementation failures” of the ACA have been resolved.
-Shifting Priorities?-
Given the poor performance of the federal health insurance marketplace so far, Matt Salo, director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, suggested the Obama administration might be more inclined to approve GOP alternatives.
The administration’s goal is to insure 25 million more Americans by 2021. The CBO estimates about 9 million will purchase private insurance on the exchanges and nearly twice that number will enroll in Medicaid. At the end of 2013, sign-ups for private insurance on the exchange fell well short of the administration’s goals. If that trend continues, Salo said, HHS could approve the private option and other GOP alternatives as a way to boost the overall number of people with health insurance.
The private option also offers another benefit: It would increase the number of relatively healthy people purchasing insurance on the exchange. From the beginning, the administration has cautioned that unless enough young, healthy people purchase policies, the risk pool could be dominated by sicker people who have more incentive to purchase insurance. The result would be a spike in insurance premiums by the end of this year.
Part of Arkansas’ original argument for the private option was that it would prevent such an insurance spike in the small, relatively low-income state. Actuarial studies indicate that about 90 percent of Arkansas’ 233,000 newly eligible Medicaid enrollees are relatively young and healthy. Under the private option, they will purchase insurance on the state’s fledgling exchange. The remaining 10 percent – those with multiple chronic conditions and other infirmities – will enroll in Medicaid.
-Exchanges, Enrollment and Oversight-
Although expansion and state cost-containment reforms are expected to take center stage, the 15 states that are running their own exchanges will be working full-force on improvements and upgrades. In Oregon and Maryland, for example, both governors have promised big improvements to their poorly performing exchanges.
Other states that are now relying on the troubled federal website may also enter the fray. Last year, HHS approved plans from New Mexico and Idaho for new exchanges to be completed this year. Arkansas, Iowa and Illinois, which have federal-state partnership exchanges, have declared an interest in building their own sites as well. Any state interested in building its own exchange has until Oct. 15 to apply for federal funds.
In addition, states will continue the massive effort of upgrading their Medicaid enrollment systems to meet broad new standards under the ACA. Although Medicaid enrollment generally ran more smoothly than private insurance signups on most exchanges, new ACA-compliant Medicaid systems also experienced some technical problems. Reported by Huffington Post 4 hours ago.
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Obamacare Payment Deadline Is Extended To Late January
By Caroline Humer
NEW YORK, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Some top U.S. health insurers are giving consumers more time to pay their Obamacare premiums, extending the deadline to the end of January for benefits that begin retroactively from Jan. 1.
The new extension adds to a series of deadline delays by government and the insurance industry to compensate for technical failures and errors plaguing the enrollment process under President Barack Obama's healthcare law.
The Obama administration and insurers have been working to prevent cases where problems in setting up new policies meant a consumer who thought they had insurance would not have benefits when they needed them. Republican opponents of the law have seized on its troubled rollout as a top issue for 2014 congressional elections.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and three more BCBS plans that are part of the privately held Health Care Service Corp. chain have moved the first payment deadline to Jan. 31 from Jan. 10. All of the plans are sold through the federal website HealthCare.gov, which had a Dec. 24 deadline for customers to enroll and be guaranteed coverage by Jan. 1 in 36 states.
Others, including Aetna Inc., said they were still considering this Friday to be the payment deadline.
Technical problems prevented consumer access to HealthCare.gov in the first two months following its launch on Oct. 1. An emergency effort to fix the site allowed hundreds of thousands of people to use it daily by early December, and the Obama administration urged insurers to give consumers leeway to sort through any remaining errors. America's Health Insurance Plans, a top industry trade and lobbying group, recommended a first payment deadline of Jan. 10.
By late December, more than 2 million people nationwide had picked new private insurance plans under Obamacare, but the number included consumers who have yet to pay their first premium and therefore are not truly enrolled.
Insurers say they have been communicating to customers through social media, targeted emails and telephone calls to let them know they need to pay.
"We have been receiving a significant volume of payments and continue to assist members in activating their coverage. But some signed up close to the deadline, so we are extending the payment deadline to give customers extra time to pay their first month's premium," Lauren Perlstein Plungas, a spokeswoman for Health Care Service Corp., said in a statement.
Independence Blue Cross Blue Shield, based in Philadelphia, is also moving its time frame to pay, until Jan. 28, a spokeswoman said. Independence is selling its plans for Pennsylvania on HealthCare.gov.
WellPoint Inc, which operates Blue Cross Blue Shield in 14 states and is known for its Anthem and Empire brands, said that its first payment deadline is now Jan. 15. WellPoint is selling plans on HealthCare.gov and on some of the 14 exchanges run by states. It previously set a Jan. 10 deadline.
The state-run Covered California exchange announced this past weekend that it was moving the payment date for insurance plans to Jan. 15 from a previous deadline of Jan. 6, saying that its extension was aimed at easing the rush by consumers to pay their invoices. Reported by Huffington Post 2 hours ago.
NEW YORK, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Some top U.S. health insurers are giving consumers more time to pay their Obamacare premiums, extending the deadline to the end of January for benefits that begin retroactively from Jan. 1.
The new extension adds to a series of deadline delays by government and the insurance industry to compensate for technical failures and errors plaguing the enrollment process under President Barack Obama's healthcare law.
The Obama administration and insurers have been working to prevent cases where problems in setting up new policies meant a consumer who thought they had insurance would not have benefits when they needed them. Republican opponents of the law have seized on its troubled rollout as a top issue for 2014 congressional elections.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and three more BCBS plans that are part of the privately held Health Care Service Corp. chain have moved the first payment deadline to Jan. 31 from Jan. 10. All of the plans are sold through the federal website HealthCare.gov, which had a Dec. 24 deadline for customers to enroll and be guaranteed coverage by Jan. 1 in 36 states.
Others, including Aetna Inc., said they were still considering this Friday to be the payment deadline.
Technical problems prevented consumer access to HealthCare.gov in the first two months following its launch on Oct. 1. An emergency effort to fix the site allowed hundreds of thousands of people to use it daily by early December, and the Obama administration urged insurers to give consumers leeway to sort through any remaining errors. America's Health Insurance Plans, a top industry trade and lobbying group, recommended a first payment deadline of Jan. 10.
By late December, more than 2 million people nationwide had picked new private insurance plans under Obamacare, but the number included consumers who have yet to pay their first premium and therefore are not truly enrolled.
Insurers say they have been communicating to customers through social media, targeted emails and telephone calls to let them know they need to pay.
"We have been receiving a significant volume of payments and continue to assist members in activating their coverage. But some signed up close to the deadline, so we are extending the payment deadline to give customers extra time to pay their first month's premium," Lauren Perlstein Plungas, a spokeswoman for Health Care Service Corp., said in a statement.
Independence Blue Cross Blue Shield, based in Philadelphia, is also moving its time frame to pay, until Jan. 28, a spokeswoman said. Independence is selling its plans for Pennsylvania on HealthCare.gov.
WellPoint Inc, which operates Blue Cross Blue Shield in 14 states and is known for its Anthem and Empire brands, said that its first payment deadline is now Jan. 15. WellPoint is selling plans on HealthCare.gov and on some of the 14 exchanges run by states. It previously set a Jan. 10 deadline.
The state-run Covered California exchange announced this past weekend that it was moving the payment date for insurance plans to Jan. 15 from a previous deadline of Jan. 6, saying that its extension was aimed at easing the rush by consumers to pay their invoices. Reported by Huffington Post 2 hours ago.
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A Roadblock to Health Care
You know the old adage "As Maine goes, so goes the nation"? Well, under the leadership of my opponent for governor, Gov. Paul LePage, that is no longer the case. Instead of leading Maine, he is making us fall behind.
Last week, on January 1, millions of struggling Americans across the country got the health care coverage they deserved because of Medicaid expansion. But not here in Maine. Because of a purely partisan veto by Gov. LePage last year, tens of thousands of Mainers are being denied the care they deserve.
Now is the time for Maine to join the growing list of states, governed by both Republicans and Democrats, and expand access to Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. We've delayed it for too long.
It's the right moral and economic thing to do.
Nearly 70,000 Mainers -- our neighbors, our friends and our families -- would gain access to care. They are veterans, small business owners, single parents and people working in jobs that are low-wage and do not provide health insurance.
We can come together and make their lives better and help our state's economy to grow.
The numbers are particularly compelling. Maine stands to gain $650 million over 10 years. Medicaid expansion could create about 3,100 jobs and promote more than $350 million in economic activity annually in Maine.
Expansion will also improve worker productivity, promote a more competitive business climate and generate $16 million to $18 million in new state and local revenue every year.
Passing up this funding would be a terrible mistake. For some who are struggling without health care, it's an issue of life and death.
There is no rational explanation for the state's unwillingness to accept these federal dollars. Only blind partisanship and extreme ideology are standing in the way, and it's unconscionable.
Republican governors in states like Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey and New Mexico have already realized this. That's why they have already accepted federal dollars to expand Medicaid in their states and ensure that their constituents can get the care they need when they need it.
Now is the time for Gov. LePage and state Republicans to follow their lead. As Maine's Legislature returns to work, our state has a second chance to do the right thing for Maine people and Maine's economy.
That's why I've started a petition calling on Gov. LePage and the State Legislature to support Medicaid expansion and give thousands of Mainers the coverage they deserve.
If we can apply enough pressure on LePage to change his mind, other states across the country can use our example to make changes in their states, too.
Mainers like Anna Durand and Richard Hold.
Anna is a small business owner in Bar Harbor. She's owned her business for 22 years. Though her children have health care, she and her husband do not. Like so many uninsured Americans, they are one unexpected medical emergency away from losing their home or falling into financial ruin. It doesn't have to be this way. Had Gov. LePage signed the bipartisan Medicaid Expansion bill last year, Anna and her husband would have health care today.
Richard is a fisherman, lobsterman and carpenter from South Portland. Like many Mainers he works two or three part-time jobs to put food on the table and heat their home, without employer-sponsored health coverage, he's just one illness away from bankruptcy -- or even worse. He lost his health care coverage on Dec. 31 because we didn't expand access to Medicaid. Though he tries to stay healthy, years of physically intensive work have left him with chronic injuries and recurring pain. With heath care he can stay on the job, stay healthy and be more productive.
The stories of these Mainers really say it all. These are the people I had in mind as I cast my vote in favor of health insurance reform. I'm hopeful the governor and the Legislature will do the right thing and accept this critical federal funding. Reported by Huffington Post 3 hours ago.
Last week, on January 1, millions of struggling Americans across the country got the health care coverage they deserved because of Medicaid expansion. But not here in Maine. Because of a purely partisan veto by Gov. LePage last year, tens of thousands of Mainers are being denied the care they deserve.
Now is the time for Maine to join the growing list of states, governed by both Republicans and Democrats, and expand access to Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. We've delayed it for too long.
It's the right moral and economic thing to do.
Nearly 70,000 Mainers -- our neighbors, our friends and our families -- would gain access to care. They are veterans, small business owners, single parents and people working in jobs that are low-wage and do not provide health insurance.
We can come together and make their lives better and help our state's economy to grow.
The numbers are particularly compelling. Maine stands to gain $650 million over 10 years. Medicaid expansion could create about 3,100 jobs and promote more than $350 million in economic activity annually in Maine.
Expansion will also improve worker productivity, promote a more competitive business climate and generate $16 million to $18 million in new state and local revenue every year.
Passing up this funding would be a terrible mistake. For some who are struggling without health care, it's an issue of life and death.
There is no rational explanation for the state's unwillingness to accept these federal dollars. Only blind partisanship and extreme ideology are standing in the way, and it's unconscionable.
Republican governors in states like Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey and New Mexico have already realized this. That's why they have already accepted federal dollars to expand Medicaid in their states and ensure that their constituents can get the care they need when they need it.
Now is the time for Gov. LePage and state Republicans to follow their lead. As Maine's Legislature returns to work, our state has a second chance to do the right thing for Maine people and Maine's economy.
That's why I've started a petition calling on Gov. LePage and the State Legislature to support Medicaid expansion and give thousands of Mainers the coverage they deserve.
If we can apply enough pressure on LePage to change his mind, other states across the country can use our example to make changes in their states, too.
Mainers like Anna Durand and Richard Hold.
Anna is a small business owner in Bar Harbor. She's owned her business for 22 years. Though her children have health care, she and her husband do not. Like so many uninsured Americans, they are one unexpected medical emergency away from losing their home or falling into financial ruin. It doesn't have to be this way. Had Gov. LePage signed the bipartisan Medicaid Expansion bill last year, Anna and her husband would have health care today.
Richard is a fisherman, lobsterman and carpenter from South Portland. Like many Mainers he works two or three part-time jobs to put food on the table and heat their home, without employer-sponsored health coverage, he's just one illness away from bankruptcy -- or even worse. He lost his health care coverage on Dec. 31 because we didn't expand access to Medicaid. Though he tries to stay healthy, years of physically intensive work have left him with chronic injuries and recurring pain. With heath care he can stay on the job, stay healthy and be more productive.
The stories of these Mainers really say it all. These are the people I had in mind as I cast my vote in favor of health insurance reform. I'm hopeful the governor and the Legislature will do the right thing and accept this critical federal funding. Reported by Huffington Post 3 hours ago.
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California’s Private Health Insurance Exchange Makes “Tiered Choice” Available to Small Businesses
ORANGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--California’s Private Health Insurance Exchange Makes “Tiered Choice” Available to Small Businesses
Reported by Business Wire 3 hours ago.
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The Affordable Care Act Explained
Patch Attleboro-Seekonk, MA --Who:State Rep Paul Heroux is hosting Health Care For All for a presentation on Health Insurance Options available through the Affordable Care Act. What:Health Care For All will explai Reported by Patch 51 minutes ago.
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Harry Reid Overstates Reduction In Uninsured
The Following post first appeared on FactCheck.org.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid incorrectly claimed that 9 million Americans “have health care that didn’t have it before” because of the Affordable Care Act. That figure includes an unknown number who previously had insurance but switched to a policy sold through the exchanges, plus an unknown number of Medicaid recipients who renewed their coverage.
Reid made the statement on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Jan. 5, saying:
*Reid, Jan. 5:* [R]ight now, as we speak, there are 9 million Americans … who have health care that didn’t have it before. We have, as you know, we have 3 million Medicare [Medicaid]. We have 3 million on their policies because they haven’t reached, they haven’t reached age 26. And we’ll have more than 2 million. They’re coming.
The 9 million figure includes three categories of Americans: 2.1 million who have selected plans on the federal or state insurance marketplaces, or exchanges; 3.9 million who were determined to be eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (higher than the 3 million figure Reid used); and an estimated 3.1 million young adults under the age of 26 who were able to join their parents’ policies as a result of the ACA.
But it’s wrong to assume, as Reid does, that all of those people were previously uninsured.
Let’s start with those who were uninsured. Some may consider the inclusion of the 3.1 million young adults an attempt to puff up the numbers after a slow, glitch-filled and, by any standard, unsuccessful launch of the exchanges last fall. After all, this provision of the law was implemented in September 2010. But this is the one estimate that’s made up exclusively of those gaining insurance. The estimate comes from the Department of Health and Human Services, which said in a June 2012 press release that the figure was based on the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, which found an increase in the percentage of young adults (age 19 to 25) with insurance between September 2010 and December 2011. (Some among this estimate may well have gained coverage in another manner — other than being added to their parents’ plans — but the number does represent an increase in the insured in an age group directly affected by the law at the time.)
It’s the other two categories that include folks who did have health coverage before, contrary to Reid’s remarks.
The 2.1 million people who selected exchange plans include some who had insurance but switched to these marketplace plans, such as those whose insurers canceled specific plans or even pulled out of the individual insurance market altogether. And, as Washington Post Fact Checker Glenn Kessler pointed out, it even includes Reid, who, like other previously insured members of Congress are required to get their coverage through the exchanges, rather than the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, as they did before.
Then there’s the Medicaid estimate. Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, announced on Dec. 31 that 3.9 million “learned they’re eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in October and November.” She noted: “These numbers include new eligibility determinations and some Medicaid and CHIP renewals.”
So, some portion of that 3.9 million — a figure that comes from state reports — includes Americans who already had Medicaid or CHIP and are simply renewing, and it could include those who had insurance through another source and are now eligible for Medicaid. CMS doesn’t have such a breakdown on these Medicaid-eligible folks. The figure also includes those who were previously eligible for Medicaid (before the ACA) and are now signing up. Some of those previously eligible folks may not have been influenced by the law; others may have been prompted to seek coverage because of the individual mandate, or because they’ve heard so much about the health care law.
One last note: Americans buying their own insurance don’t have to go through the exchanges; they can buy directly from an insurance carrier. It’s possible some of the previously uninsured have done so, but we know of no estimate for that.
What we do know is that it’s incorrect to say, as Reid did, that the 9 million figure represents “Americans who have health care that didn’t have it before.”
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that in 2014, due to the Affordable Care Act, the number of uninsured would decline by 14 million, with 7 million joining the exchanges, 9 million gaining Medicaid and CHIP, and 2 million fewer Americans getting coverage through the individual market. It remains to be seen how closely reality will track with those estimates.
– Lori Robertson Reported by Huffington Post 32 minutes ago.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid incorrectly claimed that 9 million Americans “have health care that didn’t have it before” because of the Affordable Care Act. That figure includes an unknown number who previously had insurance but switched to a policy sold through the exchanges, plus an unknown number of Medicaid recipients who renewed their coverage.
Reid made the statement on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Jan. 5, saying:
*Reid, Jan. 5:* [R]ight now, as we speak, there are 9 million Americans … who have health care that didn’t have it before. We have, as you know, we have 3 million Medicare [Medicaid]. We have 3 million on their policies because they haven’t reached, they haven’t reached age 26. And we’ll have more than 2 million. They’re coming.
The 9 million figure includes three categories of Americans: 2.1 million who have selected plans on the federal or state insurance marketplaces, or exchanges; 3.9 million who were determined to be eligible for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (higher than the 3 million figure Reid used); and an estimated 3.1 million young adults under the age of 26 who were able to join their parents’ policies as a result of the ACA.
But it’s wrong to assume, as Reid does, that all of those people were previously uninsured.
Let’s start with those who were uninsured. Some may consider the inclusion of the 3.1 million young adults an attempt to puff up the numbers after a slow, glitch-filled and, by any standard, unsuccessful launch of the exchanges last fall. After all, this provision of the law was implemented in September 2010. But this is the one estimate that’s made up exclusively of those gaining insurance. The estimate comes from the Department of Health and Human Services, which said in a June 2012 press release that the figure was based on the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, which found an increase in the percentage of young adults (age 19 to 25) with insurance between September 2010 and December 2011. (Some among this estimate may well have gained coverage in another manner — other than being added to their parents’ plans — but the number does represent an increase in the insured in an age group directly affected by the law at the time.)
It’s the other two categories that include folks who did have health coverage before, contrary to Reid’s remarks.
The 2.1 million people who selected exchange plans include some who had insurance but switched to these marketplace plans, such as those whose insurers canceled specific plans or even pulled out of the individual insurance market altogether. And, as Washington Post Fact Checker Glenn Kessler pointed out, it even includes Reid, who, like other previously insured members of Congress are required to get their coverage through the exchanges, rather than the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, as they did before.
Then there’s the Medicaid estimate. Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, announced on Dec. 31 that 3.9 million “learned they’re eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in October and November.” She noted: “These numbers include new eligibility determinations and some Medicaid and CHIP renewals.”
So, some portion of that 3.9 million — a figure that comes from state reports — includes Americans who already had Medicaid or CHIP and are simply renewing, and it could include those who had insurance through another source and are now eligible for Medicaid. CMS doesn’t have such a breakdown on these Medicaid-eligible folks. The figure also includes those who were previously eligible for Medicaid (before the ACA) and are now signing up. Some of those previously eligible folks may not have been influenced by the law; others may have been prompted to seek coverage because of the individual mandate, or because they’ve heard so much about the health care law.
One last note: Americans buying their own insurance don’t have to go through the exchanges; they can buy directly from an insurance carrier. It’s possible some of the previously uninsured have done so, but we know of no estimate for that.
What we do know is that it’s incorrect to say, as Reid did, that the 9 million figure represents “Americans who have health care that didn’t have it before.”
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that in 2014, due to the Affordable Care Act, the number of uninsured would decline by 14 million, with 7 million joining the exchanges, 9 million gaining Medicaid and CHIP, and 2 million fewer Americans getting coverage through the individual market. It remains to be seen how closely reality will track with those estimates.
– Lori Robertson Reported by Huffington Post 32 minutes ago.
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Restaurant Owner Selling Business to Save Employee's Life (Video)
Restaurant Owner Selling Business to Save Employee's Life (Video)Business
Companies
Health
Brittany Mathis
Many employers in the US are cutting back their number of workers because they don't want to pay for their health insurance coverage.
However, restaurant owner Michael De Beye is actually trying to sell his business in order to save an employee, Brittany Mathis, who has a brain tumor, but no health insurance coverage, notes RawStory.com (video below).
Mathis can't even afford to find out if her tumor is benign or malignant, which could mean life or death.
Unfortunately, Texas Governor Rick Perry (R) refused to expand Medicaid for low-income residents under Obamacare, which would instantly cover about 1 million Texans, notes TalkingPointsMemo.com.
Gov. Perry claimed last year that expanding Medicaid for uninsured Texans was "like putting 1,000 more people on the Titanic," noted The New York Times.
But Governor Perry is nowhere to be found when real people face a health care crisis in their life.
"I went to the hospital and found out it was my blood clotting," Mathis told KHOU. "So, they wanted to keep me and do CAT scans and MRIs and the next day they came in and told me I had a tumor."
Brittany and her mom both work for De Beyer's Kaiserhof Restaurant in Montgomery, Texas.
"I just can't be standing by and doing nothing," stated De Beyer. "I have to try something because it's not right. Here's a family, they really work hard they have a lot of stuff against them in the past and they are not holding their hand open they didn't even ask anybody for help."
De Beyer believes his restaurant may be worth as much as $2 million.
"I really think it’s an amazing blessing and can't thank him enough and his family," added Mathis. "Never thought that anybody would do that and he did and it makes me feel really good."
Sources: RawStory.com, TalkingPointsMemo.com, The New York Times, KHOU
1 Reported by Opposing Views 21 hours ago.
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Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude Decries 'Old Style' Obamacare Insurance Website
Francis Maude has risked tweaking the nose of the American administration by bemoaning the antiquated approach to IT employed by the White House in its disastrous launch of the Obamacare website.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Cabinet Office minister said that the American government should have learned from the British approach to providing online access to public services, and in particular the success of the UK government's digital programme, including the gov.uk site.*Francis Maude has slammed the Obamacare health insurance website*Maude also decried Washington's IT services as "some distance behind" it's UK-based counterpart, adding that America was once a global leader in digital, a position it has relinquished to other nations.
Noting the success of the gov.uk site, a portal that brings the government billions in revenue from countries such as New Zealand that have paid for the source code, Maude said: "When the Obamacare web presence had a less than auspicious launch a few months ago there was a lot of commentary in the US press about 'why did they do it the old way, why didn't they do it the UK way?'.
"The British seem to be getting this right now with the Government Digital Service (GDS), they could have learned'. The US press said it in a way that must have been extremely irritating for the US administration but very flattering for us."
From its launch, the Obamacare website was beset with problems from an inability to cope with traffic to poor load times to questions over the reliability of data being transferred to the insurance companies.
In recent months, continual updates to the site have slowly ironed out many of the difficulties that plagued the early system and although the user experience remains far from optimal more than 1 million people have signed up to the exchanges via the government's rehabilitated website.
*The poor roll-out of the website caused considerable embarrassment to the Obama administration*On the Obamacare project, Maude continued: "It was an old-style, 'get a big company, give them a specification, tell them to go away and build it, come back, they launch it,' and it doesn't work."
The minister added that his department had not been consulted by the Obama administration but suggested that "probably should" get in touch due to the global interest in the British government's IT roll-out.
More from the Press Association:
Maude described UK plans to allow people to use their bank's system to prove their identity on websites providing government services. Clicking on an icon would allow them to complete the check required by their bank, mobile phone company, or other service provider. The approach would cut the number of passwords people need to remember, and avoid the need for a central government system to establish identities.
"This is something that is a problem for countries that do not have an ID card system and a national ID database," he said. "So it is an issue for countries like ourselves and the UK. The US is going down the same path as we are, but they are some distance behind." Reported by Huffington Post 20 hours ago.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Cabinet Office minister said that the American government should have learned from the British approach to providing online access to public services, and in particular the success of the UK government's digital programme, including the gov.uk site.*Francis Maude has slammed the Obamacare health insurance website*Maude also decried Washington's IT services as "some distance behind" it's UK-based counterpart, adding that America was once a global leader in digital, a position it has relinquished to other nations.
Noting the success of the gov.uk site, a portal that brings the government billions in revenue from countries such as New Zealand that have paid for the source code, Maude said: "When the Obamacare web presence had a less than auspicious launch a few months ago there was a lot of commentary in the US press about 'why did they do it the old way, why didn't they do it the UK way?'.
"The British seem to be getting this right now with the Government Digital Service (GDS), they could have learned'. The US press said it in a way that must have been extremely irritating for the US administration but very flattering for us."
From its launch, the Obamacare website was beset with problems from an inability to cope with traffic to poor load times to questions over the reliability of data being transferred to the insurance companies.
In recent months, continual updates to the site have slowly ironed out many of the difficulties that plagued the early system and although the user experience remains far from optimal more than 1 million people have signed up to the exchanges via the government's rehabilitated website.
*The poor roll-out of the website caused considerable embarrassment to the Obama administration*On the Obamacare project, Maude continued: "It was an old-style, 'get a big company, give them a specification, tell them to go away and build it, come back, they launch it,' and it doesn't work."
The minister added that his department had not been consulted by the Obama administration but suggested that "probably should" get in touch due to the global interest in the British government's IT roll-out.
More from the Press Association:
Maude described UK plans to allow people to use their bank's system to prove their identity on websites providing government services. Clicking on an icon would allow them to complete the check required by their bank, mobile phone company, or other service provider. The approach would cut the number of passwords people need to remember, and avoid the need for a central government system to establish identities.
"This is something that is a problem for countries that do not have an ID card system and a national ID database," he said. "So it is an issue for countries like ourselves and the UK. The US is going down the same path as we are, but they are some distance behind." Reported by Huffington Post 20 hours ago.
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Healthcare Law Specialist James Purcell Teams Up With Mediation.com to Establish Online Presence
James Purcell joins other mediation professionals offering a variety of mediation services through Mediation.com.
Hyannis, MA (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
Specializing in alternative dispute resolution, with a focus on the healthcare industry, James Purcell has announced his membership in one of the leading mediation networks in the country, Mediation.com. Jim’s primary goal for this career move is to help more people who are looking for someone who understands the more complex issues in the industry and to help them find solutions that suit the interests of all parties involved in the dispute.
Jim explains, “… the vast majority of all healthcare-related suits result in eventual settlement terms that are depressingly similar to those that could have been mediated or facilitated much earlier. Major litigation with ongoing business partners, which participants in the healthcare system usually are, is debilitating, distracting, and the very antithesis of good business.”
Prior to working as an alternative dispute resolution professional, Jim was the CEO of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI). His work included being the “closer” when his company reached impasse with larger hospitals or physician groups in contract negotiations or disputes, and understanding the myriad relationships and balances between payors and providers. Much of this had to do with the very fine balance of fair reimbursement, keeping the cost of health insurance as low as practicable and competitive issues. Prior to being with BCBSRI, he was a litigator specializing in commercial disputes and healthcare, and represented clients in ADR settings. This background makes him uniquely qualified to assist people facing serious disputes related to healthcare and reimbursement. His experience also includes negotiating contracts with hospitals, laboratories, physicians, pharmaceutical companies, and imaging companies.
Jim was involved in virtually every significant committee, commission or dispute, involving healthcare in RI from 2000-2011. Until January 1, 2012, he was the Chair of the Board of the Rhode Island Quality Institute (RIQI), a nationally recognized quality of care organization and the state designated Regional Health Information Organization. He is currently a Board member of HopeHealth, Inc., the southeastern New England-wide non-profit organization that is leading the effort of integrating hospice, palliative, and home care into ACOs and health insurer models.
After graduating from Cornell University and serving in the US Army with Vietnam “experience,” Jim attended Boston University Law School where he was ranked second in his class and served as editor of the Law Review. He is admitted to practice in Maine, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.
Hyannis, MA (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
Specializing in alternative dispute resolution, with a focus on the healthcare industry, James Purcell has announced his membership in one of the leading mediation networks in the country, Mediation.com. Jim’s primary goal for this career move is to help more people who are looking for someone who understands the more complex issues in the industry and to help them find solutions that suit the interests of all parties involved in the dispute.
Jim explains, “… the vast majority of all healthcare-related suits result in eventual settlement terms that are depressingly similar to those that could have been mediated or facilitated much earlier. Major litigation with ongoing business partners, which participants in the healthcare system usually are, is debilitating, distracting, and the very antithesis of good business.”
Prior to working as an alternative dispute resolution professional, Jim was the CEO of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI). His work included being the “closer” when his company reached impasse with larger hospitals or physician groups in contract negotiations or disputes, and understanding the myriad relationships and balances between payors and providers. Much of this had to do with the very fine balance of fair reimbursement, keeping the cost of health insurance as low as practicable and competitive issues. Prior to being with BCBSRI, he was a litigator specializing in commercial disputes and healthcare, and represented clients in ADR settings. This background makes him uniquely qualified to assist people facing serious disputes related to healthcare and reimbursement. His experience also includes negotiating contracts with hospitals, laboratories, physicians, pharmaceutical companies, and imaging companies.
Jim was involved in virtually every significant committee, commission or dispute, involving healthcare in RI from 2000-2011. Until January 1, 2012, he was the Chair of the Board of the Rhode Island Quality Institute (RIQI), a nationally recognized quality of care organization and the state designated Regional Health Information Organization. He is currently a Board member of HopeHealth, Inc., the southeastern New England-wide non-profit organization that is leading the effort of integrating hospice, palliative, and home care into ACOs and health insurer models.
After graduating from Cornell University and serving in the US Army with Vietnam “experience,” Jim attended Boston University Law School where he was ranked second in his class and served as editor of the Law Review. He is admitted to practice in Maine, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.
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Major Insurer Implements Infolinx WEB™ to Track Policy Files
Infolinx WEB™ to manage records within client’s own warehouse as well as those stored offsite within Iron Mountain
Kensington, MD (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
Infolinx System Solutions™, a leading provider of enterprise physical records management software, announced the investment in Infolinx WEB version 3.3 by a major insurance company. The firm operates in the life and health insurance sector serving millions of Americans. While managing the entire life-cycle of hundreds of thousands of boxes, the solution is integrated with Iron Mountain’s IMConnect interface and will also be architected for potential future integration with the client’s IBM P8 platform.
Complying with federal and state laws, as well as industry accreditation standards, the implementation of Infolinx WEB physical records management software will play a crucial role in the maintenance of institutional integrity by ensuring information accessibility and privacy for our client. Features of the Infolinx solution include an intuitive interface, complete audit trail, robust security model, and records retention and disposition support, all built on a contemporary, thin-client technology platform.
Now integrated with ECM products like Microsoft SharePoint and Laserfiche, as well as warehouse storage providers using Iron Mountain’s IMConnect or O’Neil’s oneilBridge, the Infolinx WEB 3.3 application provides a contemporary technology platform, a completely redesigned, browser agnostic application interface, expanded records request capability, improved reporting functionality, and extended security model. These, and other sophisticated features continue to assist our clients as they fulfill their regulatory obligations to manage sensitive information appropriately.
About Infolinx®
Infolinx System Solutions is a leading provider of DoD5015.2-certified enterprise physical records management software. Full life cycle records management for archives, records centers and file rooms includes integrated Enterprise Content Management, third-party warehouse integration, robust searching, online requesting, complete audit history, location reconciliation, supply item ordering, retention schedule and legal holds management, integrated RFID technology, space management with charge-back functionality, extensive reporting capability, advanced security configuration, workflow email notifications, and legacy data sharing. Available as an on-premises or cloud-based solution, Infolinx maintains clients within all major business segments and the public sector. Infolinx System Solutions Demo Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.
Kensington, MD (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
Infolinx System Solutions™, a leading provider of enterprise physical records management software, announced the investment in Infolinx WEB version 3.3 by a major insurance company. The firm operates in the life and health insurance sector serving millions of Americans. While managing the entire life-cycle of hundreds of thousands of boxes, the solution is integrated with Iron Mountain’s IMConnect interface and will also be architected for potential future integration with the client’s IBM P8 platform.
Complying with federal and state laws, as well as industry accreditation standards, the implementation of Infolinx WEB physical records management software will play a crucial role in the maintenance of institutional integrity by ensuring information accessibility and privacy for our client. Features of the Infolinx solution include an intuitive interface, complete audit trail, robust security model, and records retention and disposition support, all built on a contemporary, thin-client technology platform.
Now integrated with ECM products like Microsoft SharePoint and Laserfiche, as well as warehouse storage providers using Iron Mountain’s IMConnect or O’Neil’s oneilBridge, the Infolinx WEB 3.3 application provides a contemporary technology platform, a completely redesigned, browser agnostic application interface, expanded records request capability, improved reporting functionality, and extended security model. These, and other sophisticated features continue to assist our clients as they fulfill their regulatory obligations to manage sensitive information appropriately.
About Infolinx®
Infolinx System Solutions is a leading provider of DoD5015.2-certified enterprise physical records management software. Full life cycle records management for archives, records centers and file rooms includes integrated Enterprise Content Management, third-party warehouse integration, robust searching, online requesting, complete audit history, location reconciliation, supply item ordering, retention schedule and legal holds management, integrated RFID technology, space management with charge-back functionality, extensive reporting capability, advanced security configuration, workflow email notifications, and legacy data sharing. Available as an on-premises or cloud-based solution, Infolinx maintains clients within all major business segments and the public sector. Infolinx System Solutions Demo Reported by PRWeb 15 hours ago.
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Zane Benefits Publishes New Information on Small Businesses Giving Raises For Health Insurance
Employers and Employees Save Money By Using Section 105 Defined Contribution Allowances
Park City, Utah (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
Today, Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, published new information on small businesses giving raises for health insurance.
According to Zane Benefits’ website, many small businesses who do not offer health benefits consider giving employees a raise or salary bonus to help them pay for their individual health insurance. That’s because small businesses wants to offer health benefits to take care of employees and to help with recruiting and retention, but they cannot afford group health insurance, they cannot meet minimum participation requirements of a group health insurance plan, and/or they do not know about small businesses health insurance alternatives such as Section 105 defined contribution allowances.
According to Zane Benefits’ website, providing raises or salary bonuses to employees may seem cheaper and simpler than reimbursing health insurance premiums through Section 105 defined contribution allowances. But, there is one major consideration favoring Section 105 defined contribution allowances for small businesses: tax savings.
By offering Section 105 defined contribution allowances instead of giving raises to employees for health insurance, both the small business and employees save money.
Click here to read the full article.
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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 10 hours ago.
Park City, Utah (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
Today, Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, published new information on small businesses giving raises for health insurance.
According to Zane Benefits’ website, many small businesses who do not offer health benefits consider giving employees a raise or salary bonus to help them pay for their individual health insurance. That’s because small businesses wants to offer health benefits to take care of employees and to help with recruiting and retention, but they cannot afford group health insurance, they cannot meet minimum participation requirements of a group health insurance plan, and/or they do not know about small businesses health insurance alternatives such as Section 105 defined contribution allowances.
According to Zane Benefits’ website, providing raises or salary bonuses to employees may seem cheaper and simpler than reimbursing health insurance premiums through Section 105 defined contribution allowances. But, there is one major consideration favoring Section 105 defined contribution allowances for small businesses: tax savings.
By offering Section 105 defined contribution allowances instead of giving raises to employees for health insurance, both the small business and employees save money.
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 10 hours ago.
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IPA Family Proudly Announces Its “New Year, New Career” Growth Campaign
Changing health insurance landscape creates opportunity for adding additional agent advisors and territory leaders.
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
IPA Family, a member company of The IHC Group, is ringing in 2014 with its “New Year, New Career” campaign. This growth initiative continues IPA Family’s recruitment of entrepreneurial advisors and territory leaders nationwide. The organization experienced an extremely successful 2013 in significant areas of its business operations, ranging from the development of innovative product offerings to new market expansions. As a result, IPA Family added several health advisors to its teams across the United States and engaged in strategic industry partnerships to serve more Americans with affordable insurance solutions, among other exciting outcomes.
Of this ongoing success and expansion, IPA Family President and Chief Operating Officer, David Keeler, said, “Today’s marketplace makes me recall a saying I heard many years ago, ‘A prescription without proper diagnosis is malpractice in any profession.’ With collaborative vision, our collective teams have been able to diagnose new solutions for the market. We have been able to position ourselves tremendously well to serve our sales force advisors and marketplace consumers by offering an array of solutions and insurance options to fit their benefit needs and budget requirements.”
As a result of changes to the health insurance industry, IPA Family spent much of 2013 expanding its portfolio. Solutions were added that not only comply with the evolving marketplace, but also provide options that consumers require. IPA Family products include, but are not limited to, the following:· Affordable Care Act group major medical insurance solutions offered off the health insurance exchanges
· Hospital indemnity that provides flexible coverages with zero-deductible and maternity options
· Short-term medical health insurance
· Critical illness
· Term life insurance with Living Benefits
· Affordable whole life insurance
· Dental, prescription drug discount networks, and more
“As a member of The IHC Group, IPA Family is very fortunate to represent three carriers that are group rated A- excellent by the A. M. Best Company rating authority,” Keeler said. “Personally, and I know many others share this view, whether it is a consumer considering one of our insurance solutions or it is an agent advisor/leader that offers them, there is a confidence in knowing IPA Family is part of a highly rated and reputable organization. When considering a solution from IPA Family or a potential career opportunity representing it, I would put that at the top of my list of considerations.”
With its focus on growth and the launch of “New Year, New Career,” IPA Family is currently accepting resumes for career positions ranging from agent advisors to top-level territory leaders. To learn more, please visit us at http://www.ipafamily.com or submit your resume to dkeeler(at)ipa-hq(dot)com to schedule an informative and confidential interview.
About IPA Family, LLC (IPA)
IPA Family, LLC is a national marketing organization that distributes major medical insurance plans and other health insurance plans and consumer benefit association membership programs across the nation. IPA’s trained professional sales associates, referred to as the “IPA Family,” provide information and a product portfolio that can meet the needs of most small business owners and self-employed individuals and families. Headquartered in Tampa, Fl., IPA is accredited and has an excellent reputation with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and is a member company of The IHC Group.
About The IHC Group
The IHC Group is an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. Members of The IHC Group include Independence Holding Company, American Independence Corp., Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York, Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. and Independence American Insurance Company. Each insurance carrier in The IHC Group has a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company, Inc., a widely recognized rating agency that rates insurance companies on their relative financial strength and ability to meet policyholder obligations. (An A++ rating from A.M. Best is its highest rating.) Collectively, the companies in The IHC Group provide insurance coverage to more than one million individuals and groups. For more information about The IHC Group, visit http://www.ihcgroup.com. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) January 09, 2014
IPA Family, a member company of The IHC Group, is ringing in 2014 with its “New Year, New Career” campaign. This growth initiative continues IPA Family’s recruitment of entrepreneurial advisors and territory leaders nationwide. The organization experienced an extremely successful 2013 in significant areas of its business operations, ranging from the development of innovative product offerings to new market expansions. As a result, IPA Family added several health advisors to its teams across the United States and engaged in strategic industry partnerships to serve more Americans with affordable insurance solutions, among other exciting outcomes.
Of this ongoing success and expansion, IPA Family President and Chief Operating Officer, David Keeler, said, “Today’s marketplace makes me recall a saying I heard many years ago, ‘A prescription without proper diagnosis is malpractice in any profession.’ With collaborative vision, our collective teams have been able to diagnose new solutions for the market. We have been able to position ourselves tremendously well to serve our sales force advisors and marketplace consumers by offering an array of solutions and insurance options to fit their benefit needs and budget requirements.”
As a result of changes to the health insurance industry, IPA Family spent much of 2013 expanding its portfolio. Solutions were added that not only comply with the evolving marketplace, but also provide options that consumers require. IPA Family products include, but are not limited to, the following:· Affordable Care Act group major medical insurance solutions offered off the health insurance exchanges
· Hospital indemnity that provides flexible coverages with zero-deductible and maternity options
· Short-term medical health insurance
· Critical illness
· Term life insurance with Living Benefits
· Affordable whole life insurance
· Dental, prescription drug discount networks, and more
“As a member of The IHC Group, IPA Family is very fortunate to represent three carriers that are group rated A- excellent by the A. M. Best Company rating authority,” Keeler said. “Personally, and I know many others share this view, whether it is a consumer considering one of our insurance solutions or it is an agent advisor/leader that offers them, there is a confidence in knowing IPA Family is part of a highly rated and reputable organization. When considering a solution from IPA Family or a potential career opportunity representing it, I would put that at the top of my list of considerations.”
With its focus on growth and the launch of “New Year, New Career,” IPA Family is currently accepting resumes for career positions ranging from agent advisors to top-level territory leaders. To learn more, please visit us at http://www.ipafamily.com or submit your resume to dkeeler(at)ipa-hq(dot)com to schedule an informative and confidential interview.
About IPA Family, LLC (IPA)
IPA Family, LLC is a national marketing organization that distributes major medical insurance plans and other health insurance plans and consumer benefit association membership programs across the nation. IPA’s trained professional sales associates, referred to as the “IPA Family,” provide information and a product portfolio that can meet the needs of most small business owners and self-employed individuals and families. Headquartered in Tampa, Fl., IPA is accredited and has an excellent reputation with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and is a member company of The IHC Group.
About The IHC Group
The IHC Group is an organization of insurance carriers and marketing and administrative affiliates that has been providing life, health, disability, medical stop-loss and specialty insurance solutions to groups and individuals for over 30 years. Members of The IHC Group include Independence Holding Company, American Independence Corp., Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York, Madison National Life Insurance Company, Inc. and Independence American Insurance Company. Each insurance carrier in The IHC Group has a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company, Inc., a widely recognized rating agency that rates insurance companies on their relative financial strength and ability to meet policyholder obligations. (An A++ rating from A.M. Best is its highest rating.) Collectively, the companies in The IHC Group provide insurance coverage to more than one million individuals and groups. For more information about The IHC Group, visit http://www.ihcgroup.com. Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.
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Insurer extends payment deadline
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has extended until Jan. 30 its deadline for customers who bought health insurance through the insurance exchanges to pay for those policies for coverage beginning Jan. 1. The new deadline also applies to Blue Cross customers who have purchased policies directly from Blue Cross or through brokers. “Health Care Service Corporation/Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is committed to helping consumers understand and enroll in coverage on and off the new…
Reported by bizjournals 10 hours ago.
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Obamacare To Cover Breast Cancer Prevention Drugs
WASHINGTON -- Certain medications that are intended to prevent breast cancer will be fully covered under Obamacare, in new guidance set to be issued by the Department of Health and Human Services Thursday morning.
Women at increased risk of breast cancer can receive so-called chemoprevention drugs, including tamoxifen and raloxifene, without a co-pay or other out-of-pocket expense.
Under Obamacare, most health insurance companies and employer plans must offer certain preventive services at no cost to patients.
The new coverage comes after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended in September that women at risk of breast cancer take drugs such as tamoxifen and raloxifene. The panel said it found "adequate evidence" that treatment with one of those drugs "can significantly reduce the relative risk (RR) for invasive ER-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at increased risk for breast cancer."
The Preventive Task Force is composed of independent, volunteer physicians and academics selected by HHS. The group makes recommendations to physicians on which preventive services to offer to patients, giving treatments letter grades.
Items or services rated A or B by the Preventive Task Force must be covered under Obamacare without co-pay or deductible by non-grandfathered plans.
"A preventive service is something that is intended to keep something bad from happening," Virginia Moyer, chair of the Preventive Task Force, said in an October interview with PBS NewsHour. "What we do as a task force is we carefully evaluate the science. The science that tells us whether a preventive service is going to benefit people."
Explaining Thursday's clarification, an HHS official told The Huffington Post, "What this means is HHS is making sure people know that because of this recent Task Force recommendation, there is now an additional option available for free for women who are at an increased risk of breast cancer."
Women older than 40 can also receive free breast cancer mammography screenings every one to two years under Obamacare. Genetic counseling and chemoprevention counseling for women at higher risk for breast cancer are covered as well.
Since the passage of Obamacare, USPSTF has also recommended services like screenings for HIV, counseling for obesity and vision screenings for children.
Below is the clarifying language HHS released:
*On September 24, 2013, the USPSTF issued new recommendations with respect to breast cancer. What changes must plans make to comply with the new recommendations?*
The USPSTF recently revised its “B” recommendation regarding medications for risk reduction of primary breast cancer in women. The September 2013 recommendation now says:
The USPSTF recommends that clinicians engage in shared, informed decisionmaking with women who are at increased risk for breast cancer about medications to reduce their risk. For women who are at increased risk for breast cancer and at low risk for adverse medication effects, clinicians should offer to prescribe risk-reducing medications, such as tamoxifen or raloxifene.
Accordingly, for plan or policy years beginning one year after the date the recommendation or guideline is issued (in this case, plan or policy years beginning on or after September 24, 2014), non-grandfathered group health plans and non-grandfathered health insurance coverage offered in the individual or group market will be required to cover such medications for applicable women without cost sharing subject to reasonable medical management. Reported by Huffington Post 9 hours ago.
Women at increased risk of breast cancer can receive so-called chemoprevention drugs, including tamoxifen and raloxifene, without a co-pay or other out-of-pocket expense.
Under Obamacare, most health insurance companies and employer plans must offer certain preventive services at no cost to patients.
The new coverage comes after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended in September that women at risk of breast cancer take drugs such as tamoxifen and raloxifene. The panel said it found "adequate evidence" that treatment with one of those drugs "can significantly reduce the relative risk (RR) for invasive ER-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women who are at increased risk for breast cancer."
The Preventive Task Force is composed of independent, volunteer physicians and academics selected by HHS. The group makes recommendations to physicians on which preventive services to offer to patients, giving treatments letter grades.
Items or services rated A or B by the Preventive Task Force must be covered under Obamacare without co-pay or deductible by non-grandfathered plans.
"A preventive service is something that is intended to keep something bad from happening," Virginia Moyer, chair of the Preventive Task Force, said in an October interview with PBS NewsHour. "What we do as a task force is we carefully evaluate the science. The science that tells us whether a preventive service is going to benefit people."
Explaining Thursday's clarification, an HHS official told The Huffington Post, "What this means is HHS is making sure people know that because of this recent Task Force recommendation, there is now an additional option available for free for women who are at an increased risk of breast cancer."
Women older than 40 can also receive free breast cancer mammography screenings every one to two years under Obamacare. Genetic counseling and chemoprevention counseling for women at higher risk for breast cancer are covered as well.
Since the passage of Obamacare, USPSTF has also recommended services like screenings for HIV, counseling for obesity and vision screenings for children.
Below is the clarifying language HHS released:
*On September 24, 2013, the USPSTF issued new recommendations with respect to breast cancer. What changes must plans make to comply with the new recommendations?*
The USPSTF recently revised its “B” recommendation regarding medications for risk reduction of primary breast cancer in women. The September 2013 recommendation now says:
The USPSTF recommends that clinicians engage in shared, informed decisionmaking with women who are at increased risk for breast cancer about medications to reduce their risk. For women who are at increased risk for breast cancer and at low risk for adverse medication effects, clinicians should offer to prescribe risk-reducing medications, such as tamoxifen or raloxifene.
Accordingly, for plan or policy years beginning one year after the date the recommendation or guideline is issued (in this case, plan or policy years beginning on or after September 24, 2014), non-grandfathered group health plans and non-grandfathered health insurance coverage offered in the individual or group market will be required to cover such medications for applicable women without cost sharing subject to reasonable medical management. Reported by Huffington Post 9 hours ago.
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Multi-lingual Insurance Agency Makes Personalized Services Their Mainstay
With staff fluent in English, Spanish and French, the Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency aims to address the needs of both English and non-English speaking clients.Jeff Lecoeuche, a leading Farmers Insurance agent in California, provides insurance coverage to small businesses and families in Santa Rosa and the greater Sonoma County area. Through his agency that he founded in 1997, Lecoeuche embraces the principles that earned him the prestige of being in the top 10% Farmers Insurance agents in the United States.
"I want to help ensure that my clients have all of the tools they need to feel safe and secure in their lives," said Lecoeuche, whose industry experience spans a vast range of insurance services, including home insurance, health insurance and business insurance. "My team is dedicated to serving and protecting the community, and believes that each family and business deserves the best service possible," he added.
As a French immigrant, Lecoeuche has a unique ability to understand the needs of his fellow immigrant small business owners, including Sonoma County and Santa Rosa business insurance. Farmers Insurance, one of the major carriers handled by Lecoeuche, has been representing clients in the United States since 1929.
The Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency is backed by highly capable personnel who are collectively fluent speakers of English, Spanish and French languages. The office's multi-lingual skills distinguishes them from many local competitors, and enables the company to offer personalized service to a wider audience.
Servicing clients by getting to know them
Lecoeuche believes that getting to know clients is essential to providing them with the right coverage to help them secure their income, lifestyle and belongings. During an initial appointment with Lecoeuche, clients typically meet with him for up to 1-2 hours so he can learn more about the needs of these individuals, their businesses, their lifestyles, and any other information that could impact the type of insurance that would be appropriate for them.
Clients are also introduced to the rest of the Lecoeuche insurance staff, each of whom specializes in a different area of insurance services and coverage. The Lecoeuche staff works hard to ensure that there is always someone available to speak to clients during business hours so there is as little wait time as possible. The staff firmly believes that personal service is an essential part of insurance services that should never be sacrificed for the sake of taking on more clients. Those uncomfortable securing insurance online or through impersonal means often find working with the Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency a preferable alternative.
Lecoeuche is known for offering competitive rates. The insurance companies they carry also provides a variety of discounts--- such as those for retirees, different professions, owning a hybrid vehicle, earning good grades in school or investing in multiple policies. Those believing they may be eligible for a discount on their coverage can work with Lecoeuche to minimize their insurance premiums. Jeff believes that all insurance policies should be as affordable as possible to ensure everyone has the opportunity to remain insured.
To learn more about the Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency team or the services they have to offer, please visit http://lecoeuche.com for information.
Company Contact Information
Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency
Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency 726 Mendocino Ave Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 526-5222
News and Press Release Distribution From I-Newswire.com Reported by i-Newswire.com 7 hours ago.
"I want to help ensure that my clients have all of the tools they need to feel safe and secure in their lives," said Lecoeuche, whose industry experience spans a vast range of insurance services, including home insurance, health insurance and business insurance. "My team is dedicated to serving and protecting the community, and believes that each family and business deserves the best service possible," he added.
As a French immigrant, Lecoeuche has a unique ability to understand the needs of his fellow immigrant small business owners, including Sonoma County and Santa Rosa business insurance. Farmers Insurance, one of the major carriers handled by Lecoeuche, has been representing clients in the United States since 1929.
The Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency is backed by highly capable personnel who are collectively fluent speakers of English, Spanish and French languages. The office's multi-lingual skills distinguishes them from many local competitors, and enables the company to offer personalized service to a wider audience.
Servicing clients by getting to know them
Lecoeuche believes that getting to know clients is essential to providing them with the right coverage to help them secure their income, lifestyle and belongings. During an initial appointment with Lecoeuche, clients typically meet with him for up to 1-2 hours so he can learn more about the needs of these individuals, their businesses, their lifestyles, and any other information that could impact the type of insurance that would be appropriate for them.
Clients are also introduced to the rest of the Lecoeuche insurance staff, each of whom specializes in a different area of insurance services and coverage. The Lecoeuche staff works hard to ensure that there is always someone available to speak to clients during business hours so there is as little wait time as possible. The staff firmly believes that personal service is an essential part of insurance services that should never be sacrificed for the sake of taking on more clients. Those uncomfortable securing insurance online or through impersonal means often find working with the Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency a preferable alternative.
Lecoeuche is known for offering competitive rates. The insurance companies they carry also provides a variety of discounts--- such as those for retirees, different professions, owning a hybrid vehicle, earning good grades in school or investing in multiple policies. Those believing they may be eligible for a discount on their coverage can work with Lecoeuche to minimize their insurance premiums. Jeff believes that all insurance policies should be as affordable as possible to ensure everyone has the opportunity to remain insured.
To learn more about the Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency team or the services they have to offer, please visit http://lecoeuche.com for information.
Company Contact Information
Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency
Jeff Lecoeuche Insurance Agency 726 Mendocino Ave Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(707) 526-5222
News and Press Release Distribution From I-Newswire.com Reported by i-Newswire.com 7 hours ago.
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