Over at the Incidental Economist, Nicholas Bagley asks, "Why are conservatives so happy about the exchange litigation?" My first reaction when I read the post was, what conservatives? He then unpacks the question: What do the challengers hope to accomplish with the exchange litigation? What would be the payoff of invalidating the IRS rule allowing people on federally facilitated exchanges to get tax credits? I don’t mean the ideological payoff—the satisfaction of winning a fight that you believe in. I mean the practical payoff. The exchange litigation isn’t a game: in the unlikely event that it succeeds, millions of middle-class Americans would lose their health insurance and millions more would have to pay a lot more for it. Even if you hate the ACA, how exactly is that a good thing? As it happens, I think about those middle-class Americans a lot, and have actually heard from one who shared his story with me. He's a man in Illinois with serious but manageable health issues, and has racked up some not-insubstantial medical bills. I hope to give him a forum to share his story here. Aside from the poor, people like him have been harmed the most by the federal and state government's counter-productive efforts to make health care more affordable. But that's as may be.
Reported by Forbes.com 20 hours ago.
Who's Treating The Exchange Litigation Like A Game? A Reply To Nicholas Bagley
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Oregon Study Exposes Another ObamaCare Falsehood: Rather Than Reduce Unnecessary ER Use, Medicaid Increases It
[O]ne of the areas where we can potentially see some saving is a lot of those patients are being seen in the emergency room anyway, and if we are increasing prevention, if we are increasing wellness programs, we're reducing the amount of emergency room care... - President Barack Obama, June 25, 2009 [T]hose of us with health insurance are also paying a hidden and growing tax for those without it -- about $1,000 per year that pays for somebody else's emergency room and charitable care...If there are affordable options and people still don't sign up for health insurance, it means we pay for these people's expensive emergency room visits. - President Barack Obama, September 9, 2009 The final bill [will] make sure that people are getting the care they need and the checkups they need and the screenings they need before they get sick -- which will save all of us money and reduce pressures on emergency rooms all across the country. - President Barack Obama, December 15, 2009 You can't get those savings if those people are still going to the emergency room. - President Barack Obama, March 3, 2010 [P]eople are no longer going to the emergency room and they now have good health care, they’re now getting preventive care. - President Barack Obama, September 24, 2013 [W]e’re obviously pleased with developments in Ohio and in states across the country where the decision to expand Medicaid has been made, because...that creates enormous benefits for those states in terms of reducing costs in emergency rooms... - White House spokesman Jay Carney, October 22, 2013 President Obama made a lot of promises in order to sell ObamaCare, and to protect the law from repeal, that have turned out to be false. He promised, "If you already have health insurance, the only thing that will change for you under this plan is the amount of money you will spend on premiums. That will be less." That turned out to be false. He promised, "in 2014, discriminating against anyone with a pre-existing condition will be prohibited." That too has proven false. He promised, "If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. If you like your health-care plan, you will be able to keep your health-care plan. Period. No one will take it away. No matter what." False, false, and false. I could go on.
Reported by Forbes.com 18 hours ago.
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Venio Inc is Pleased to Announce that Ms. Vesna Durkovic (Policy Expert) Achieved the Certified HIPAA Privacy Security Expert (CHPSE) Credential to Meet HIPAA Compliance
Vesna Durkovic, our Senior Medical Policy Advisor, underwent and successfully completed an intensive Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training course. After course completion, Vesna Durkovic successfully passed the qualifying test to become a Certified HIPAA Privacy Security Expert (CHPSE). As a CHPSE, Vesna Durkovic fully understands the HIPAA privacy and security rules as well as new changes to the regulation in light of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act.
Ft. Meade, Maryland (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
Venio Inc announces an increased commitment to provisioning the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the federal law that protects patient health information, for our client base.
By providing in-depth HIPAA training and subsequent certification to employees who play a key role in the technology and healthcare markets, Venio is well-equipped to address the intricacies of HIPAA and HITECH mandated new requirements for sharing protected health information with business associates, for ensuring identity theft protection, for using and disclosing protected health information for marketing purposes, and for reporting breaches of protected health information.
The CHPSE credential denotes that Vesna Durkovic has an in-depth knowledge of the application of the HIPAA privacy rule as it relates to the uses and disclosures of protected health information (PHI). This includes using and disclosing PHI for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations as well as disclosure for public purposes. As a CHPSE, Ms. Durkovic also has an in-depth knowledge of the application of the HIPAA security rule as it relates to the security of PHI. She can identify technical or electronic threats to the healthcare enterprise and explain the technology available to reduce or prevent those threats. She has received advanced training in the topics of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards and is able to develop policies and procedures to describe those safeguards and address larger risk management strategies.
The CHPSE credential signifies that Ms. Durkovic is an expert in overall HIPAA compliance. She is able to evaluate whether policies and procedures are HIPAA-compliant and ensure that Venio is taking every possible step to protect the privacy and security of protected health information.
Venio Inc currently provides the preponderance of contractor support to the Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA’s) Program Management Office (PMO) for the Medical Community of Interest (Med-COI). This PMO leads an enterprise effort being developed in response to national level policies aimed at improving integrated Electronic Health Record information sharing between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Med-COI represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate that consolidated and standardized Information Technology offerings can deliver more effective services to the customer while at the same time reducing costs.
For More Information Contact: Stephanie R Chenault, COO, Venio Inc (571-213-9937) Reported by PRWeb 17 hours ago.
Ft. Meade, Maryland (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
Venio Inc announces an increased commitment to provisioning the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the federal law that protects patient health information, for our client base.
By providing in-depth HIPAA training and subsequent certification to employees who play a key role in the technology and healthcare markets, Venio is well-equipped to address the intricacies of HIPAA and HITECH mandated new requirements for sharing protected health information with business associates, for ensuring identity theft protection, for using and disclosing protected health information for marketing purposes, and for reporting breaches of protected health information.
The CHPSE credential denotes that Vesna Durkovic has an in-depth knowledge of the application of the HIPAA privacy rule as it relates to the uses and disclosures of protected health information (PHI). This includes using and disclosing PHI for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations as well as disclosure for public purposes. As a CHPSE, Ms. Durkovic also has an in-depth knowledge of the application of the HIPAA security rule as it relates to the security of PHI. She can identify technical or electronic threats to the healthcare enterprise and explain the technology available to reduce or prevent those threats. She has received advanced training in the topics of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards and is able to develop policies and procedures to describe those safeguards and address larger risk management strategies.
The CHPSE credential signifies that Ms. Durkovic is an expert in overall HIPAA compliance. She is able to evaluate whether policies and procedures are HIPAA-compliant and ensure that Venio is taking every possible step to protect the privacy and security of protected health information.
Venio Inc currently provides the preponderance of contractor support to the Defense Information Systems Agency’s (DISA’s) Program Management Office (PMO) for the Medical Community of Interest (Med-COI). This PMO leads an enterprise effort being developed in response to national level policies aimed at improving integrated Electronic Health Record information sharing between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Med-COI represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate that consolidated and standardized Information Technology offerings can deliver more effective services to the customer while at the same time reducing costs.
For More Information Contact: Stephanie R Chenault, COO, Venio Inc (571-213-9937) Reported by PRWeb 17 hours ago.
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Anticoagulants Procurement Category Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld
Demand for anticoagulants is expected to rise as the number of adults aged 65 and older and the number of individuals with health insurance rise over the next three years. To help procurement professionals make better buying decisions faster, business intelligence firm IBISWorld has added a report on the procurement of anticoagulants to its growing collection of procurement category market research reports.
Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
The buyer power score for anticoagulants is 3.5 out of 5. The higher the score, the better negotiating conditions for buyers. The score for anticoagulants reflects the low market risk and high availability of options for buyers. Anticoagulants are most commonly used as a medication for elderly adults to resolve symptoms of strokes and heart attacks or as a prophylaxis to prevent these age-related disorders. “Because the population of adults aged 65 and older is expected to increase over the next three years, demand for anticoagulants anticipated to rise,” says IBISWorld procurement analyst Keiko Cadby. Additionally, the number of individuals with health insurance is expected to increase in the coming years due to healthcare reform legislation, further driving up demand. These increases in demand, along with the emergence of new and expensive anticoagulant drugs, are expected to cause the average price of anticoagulant products to increase.
The market share concentration for anticoagulants is low, even though there is a trend of consolidation among companies. “A low market share concentration means buyers have multiple options for where to obtain anticoagulants, increasing buyer power,” says Cadby. Anticoagulant manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors are highly competitive and may be willing to discount their products if a buyer threatens to make the switch to a different supplier. Meanwhile, supplier consolidation helps reduce input costs (e.g. research and development costs), which are high for pharmaceutical manufacturers, and these cost savings may be passed down to the buyer in the form of cheaper prices. Major suppliers include Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Roche and Sanofi.
Buyers can increase their negotiating power by opening up to more anticoagulant options, such as alternative brands or generics. Generic brand anticoagulants are drug products that use the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts, but lack some of the research and development efforts that brand name manufacturers have invested while the drug was patented. Switching costs are affected by the loss of familiarity or quality when converting to a new brand or to a generic. Thus, buyers should make agreements that allow them to switch to other brands or arrange discounts when generics arrive on the market.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s anticoagulants procurement category market research report page.
Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld
Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189
IBISWorld Procurement Report Key Topics
This report is intended to assist buyers of anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are agents used to prevent blood from clotting or prevent existing clots from getting larger in the heart, veins or arteries. They can be used as a medication, a coating on medical equipment or as a rodenticide. A number of anticoagulants are available, including warfarin, dalteparin, enoxaparin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, each of which are sold under various brand names. Suppliers of anticoagulants include manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacies.
Executive Summary
Pricing Environment
Price Fundamentals
Benchmark Price
Pricing Model
Price Drivers
Recent Price Trend
Price Forecast
Product Characteristics
Product Life Cycle
Total Cost of Ownership
Product Specialization
Substitute Goods
Regulation
Quality Control
Supply Chain & Vendors
Supply Chain Dynamics
Supply Chain Risk
Imports
Competitive Environment
Market Share Concentration
Vendor Financial Benchmarks
Switching Costs
Purchasing Process
Buying Basics
Buying Lead Time
Selection Process
Key RFP Elements
Negotiation Questions
Buyer Power Factors
Key Statistics
About IBISWorld Inc.
IBISWorld is one of the world's leading publishers of business intelligence, specializing in Industry research and Procurement research. Since 1971, IBISWorld has provided thoroughly researched, accurate and current business information. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, IBISWorld’s procurement research reports equip clients with the insight necessary to make better purchasing decisions, faster. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld Procurement serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
The buyer power score for anticoagulants is 3.5 out of 5. The higher the score, the better negotiating conditions for buyers. The score for anticoagulants reflects the low market risk and high availability of options for buyers. Anticoagulants are most commonly used as a medication for elderly adults to resolve symptoms of strokes and heart attacks or as a prophylaxis to prevent these age-related disorders. “Because the population of adults aged 65 and older is expected to increase over the next three years, demand for anticoagulants anticipated to rise,” says IBISWorld procurement analyst Keiko Cadby. Additionally, the number of individuals with health insurance is expected to increase in the coming years due to healthcare reform legislation, further driving up demand. These increases in demand, along with the emergence of new and expensive anticoagulant drugs, are expected to cause the average price of anticoagulant products to increase.
The market share concentration for anticoagulants is low, even though there is a trend of consolidation among companies. “A low market share concentration means buyers have multiple options for where to obtain anticoagulants, increasing buyer power,” says Cadby. Anticoagulant manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors are highly competitive and may be willing to discount their products if a buyer threatens to make the switch to a different supplier. Meanwhile, supplier consolidation helps reduce input costs (e.g. research and development costs), which are high for pharmaceutical manufacturers, and these cost savings may be passed down to the buyer in the form of cheaper prices. Major suppliers include Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Roche and Sanofi.
Buyers can increase their negotiating power by opening up to more anticoagulant options, such as alternative brands or generics. Generic brand anticoagulants are drug products that use the same active ingredients as their brand name counterparts, but lack some of the research and development efforts that brand name manufacturers have invested while the drug was patented. Switching costs are affected by the loss of familiarity or quality when converting to a new brand or to a generic. Thus, buyers should make agreements that allow them to switch to other brands or arrange discounts when generics arrive on the market.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s anticoagulants procurement category market research report page.
Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld
Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189
IBISWorld Procurement Report Key Topics
This report is intended to assist buyers of anticoagulants. Anticoagulants are agents used to prevent blood from clotting or prevent existing clots from getting larger in the heart, veins or arteries. They can be used as a medication, a coating on medical equipment or as a rodenticide. A number of anticoagulants are available, including warfarin, dalteparin, enoxaparin, dabigatran and rivaroxaban, each of which are sold under various brand names. Suppliers of anticoagulants include manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacies.
Executive Summary
Pricing Environment
Price Fundamentals
Benchmark Price
Pricing Model
Price Drivers
Recent Price Trend
Price Forecast
Product Characteristics
Product Life Cycle
Total Cost of Ownership
Product Specialization
Substitute Goods
Regulation
Quality Control
Supply Chain & Vendors
Supply Chain Dynamics
Supply Chain Risk
Imports
Competitive Environment
Market Share Concentration
Vendor Financial Benchmarks
Switching Costs
Purchasing Process
Buying Basics
Buying Lead Time
Selection Process
Key RFP Elements
Negotiation Questions
Buyer Power Factors
Key Statistics
About IBISWorld Inc.
IBISWorld is one of the world's leading publishers of business intelligence, specializing in Industry research and Procurement research. Since 1971, IBISWorld has provided thoroughly researched, accurate and current business information. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, IBISWorld’s procurement research reports equip clients with the insight necessary to make better purchasing decisions, faster. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld Procurement serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772. Reported by PRWeb 16 hours ago.
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Residents slow to embrace health exchange
MUNCIE - Early signup glitches, sticker shock and a stubborn work ethic are leaving Indiana residents slow to buy health insurance through the federal health exchange.
Reported by Journal Gazette 15 hours ago.
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Good News: There's Still Time to Trim Your Tax Bill
Filed under: Taxes, IRA, Income Tax, Tax Credits, Tax Deductions*Getty Images*
By Shelly K. Schwartz, special to CNBC.com
The 2013 calendar year may be over, but opportunities to lower last year's tax liability are not.
Indeed, while many of the most common tax-planning strategies used to accelerate income or defer deductions -- including tax-loss harvesting, prepaying medical expenses and managing your year-end bonus -- had to be implemented by Dec. 31, others remain ripe for the picking. If you know where to look.
"In a year where tax rates are higher and the 3.8 percent surtax on net investment income will affect higher-income individuals, any deductions you can find will be worth even more," said Bill Dendy, a certified financial planner and president of Elite Financial Management in Dallas.
Effective this filing season, the new top tax rate for individuals making more than $400,000 ($450,000 if you're married filing jointly) is 39.6 percent. Those with modified adjusted gross income of at least $200,000 ($250,000 for married taxpayers) will also be subject to a 0.9 percent Medicare tax and/or the net investment income surtax of 3.8 percent on unearned income.
Dendy's advice to clients? Revisit your tax-planning strategy, and don't leave any deductions on the table.
Taxpayers have between now and April 15 to make prior-year contributions to their traditional and Roth IRAs, along with their Health Savings Account, or HSA.
Contribution limits to your IRA are $5,500 for 2013, but the tax-deduction benefit starts phasing out for married taxpayers filing jointly with an adjusted gross income of more than $181,000 and single filers who earn more than $114,000.
Likewise, taxpayers who made less than the $3,250 maximum contribution to their HSA last year may still make prior-year contributions until April 15. HSAs, which must be paired with a high-deductible health insurance plan, are medical savings accounts that are funded with pretax dollars. The earnings become tax-free if used for qualified medical expenses, and any unused money in the account can be used to cover out-of-pocket health care costs in retirement.
*Maximize IRA Contributions*
Small-business owners and the self-employed have one other tool at their disposal: the SEP-IRA, which can also be funded for the prior year through April 15.
Contribution limits for SEP IRAs in 2013 are the lesser of 25 percent of your total compensation, or $51,000, according to the IRS, but the degree to which those contributions are deductible depends on IRS income tables and a worksheet.
It's worth noting that self-employed individuals who obtain an extension for filing their return can actually delay their SEP contribution further still,
giving them until the end of the extension period -- Oct. 15 -- to actually deposit the money, said Christopher Olsen, a certified financial planner with Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services (AMP) in Lodi, Calif.
"Effectively, you have through Oct. 15 of this year to fund your SEP for 2013," he said. "It's a lot more flexible than a regular IRA or a Roth because it gives individuals who know they have some big check coming in later this year the chance to make a backward contribution."
Just remember that an extension to file does not mean you can delay the payment of any income tax you may owe. It merely waives the penalty for late filing, which is 5 percent of your unpaid tax bill every month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25 percent. You'll still owe a 0.5 percent penalty if you file on time but pay late.
*Take Advantage of New Home-Office Deductions*
If you use part of your home for business, you may also be able to take advantage of the new, simplified calculation for claiming a home-office deduction in tax year 2013, said Dendy.
In years past, you had to measure the actual expense of your home office, including mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs and depreciation, but the new, simplified option allows you to take a standard deduction of $5 per square foot of the portion of your home used for work.
"It's a lot easier, because you don't have to keep all those records," Dendy pointed out. "Most people didn't even want to claim their home office, because they viewed it as an audit trigger, but those who can take that deduction should make sure they do it this year."
*Troll for Tax Credits*
Taxpayers should also troll for miscellaneous tax credits that can not only reduce the amount of federal tax they owe but potentially even result in a refund.
"Look back over your receipts to see if you bought anything that would apply for an energy-efficient tax credit," said Dendy, noting credits are far more valuable than write-offs, as they reduce your taxes dollar for dollar.
The government provides a list of Energy Star appliances that are eligible for a tax credit, along with a list of the hybrid or electric vehicles that qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500.
If you or your kids are in college, you may also be able to offset some of the expense by claiming either the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit, but not both.
The AOTC allows taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income of less than $180,000 a credit of up to $2,500 for education expenses paid for each student, while the LLC provides a credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for any eligible student, including yourself, your spouse or a dependent for whom you claim an exemption on your tax return.
*Stay Organized*
Staying organized as you prepare your 2013 taxes can also save you money, not only because it helps identify deductions but also because it will ensure you file an accurate return, said Greg Hammond, a certified financial planner with Kelly Financial Group in Wethersfield, Conn.
"Taking steps now to organize your financial and tax records can make the tax process easier," he noted. "Over the next few weeks, take a look at your credit card bills and bank statements to spot possible charitable contributions that you made throughout the year that can easily be overlooked."
Keep your W-2s and 1099s in a central location, too, so they don't have a chance to walk away, which could force you to file an incomplete or late return.
"I see that occasionally with my own clients who misplace a 1099 for an investment account, and transactions that occurred in that account don't get reported," said Hammond. "They get a surprise in a few years when the IRS catches up with them."
There's much you can do between now and April 15 to lower your 2013 tax bill. By taking advantage of prior-year contributions and claiming all credits and deductions for which you are eligible, you can cut your taxable income down considerably and potentially keep more of your hard-earned money.
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-*More from CNBC*-
· 7 Tech Tools to Make Tax Prep Less Frustrating
· Wait! Don't Make These Common (and Costly) Tax Mistakes
· How to Keep IRS Auditors at Bay
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Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments Reported by DailyFinance 14 hours ago.
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IPA Seeks Health Insurance Sales Representatives, Announces Leadership Opportunities in Georgia & Tennessee Based Centers of Excellence
IPA Family, LLC is currently looking to fill sales representative roles. Leadership opportunities and the ability to participate in wealth accumulation plan available to qualified candidates.
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
Due to record-breaking growth, IPA Family, LLC (IPA), an American Independence Corp. company and member of The IHC Group, is pleased to announce new business opportunities in Georgia and Tennessee. The company seeks sales representatives to help fulfill increasing demand. Additionally, leadership roles are now available at IPA’s Atlanta and Kennesaw based Center of Excellence Offices serving locations in Georgia, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. IPA’s offices in Georgia expand across the great state, and markets include the cities of Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Columbus, Cumming, Macon, Kennesaw, Marietta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Savannah and many surrounding areas. IPA’s offices in Tennessee include the cities of Nashville, Brentwood, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Jackson, and surrounding areas. IPA also expressed the need for leadership opportunities located in several of these areas.
Qualified candidates will possess the following attributes: an ability to make decisions and solve problems, active listening skills, critical thinking skills, sales experience, strong time-management skills and, most importantly, a proclivity to operate with the highest ethical standards. Selected candidates will be provided with a complete and comprehensive program that promotes their personal and professional success. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
➢ Compensation programs
➢ Residual income and monthly bonus
➢ Lifetime vesting schedules
➢ Wealth accumulation plan
➢ Free qualified sales leads and lead-management systems
➢ Ongoing training and business education using state-of-the art technologies
➢ Many other performance-based programs and incentives
To be considered for one of the select positions and participate in a professional and confidential interview process, you may submit your resume to IPA Family, LLC through their website contact page.
Due to a culture of continuous growth and market expansions, IPA is currently accepting inquiries for existing and new markets. For more information about IPA Family and the companies it represents, visit http://www.ipafamily.com or call 800-772-8667 and indicate you saw our press release.
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,” provides 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 American Independence Corp.
AMIC, through Independence American Insurance Company and its other subsidiaries, offers pet insurance, non-subscriber occupational accident, international coverages, small-group major medical and short-term medical. AMIC provides to the individual and self-employed markets health insurance and related products, which are distributed through its subsidiaries IPA Family, LLC, healthinsurance.org, LLC, IPA Direct, Inc. and IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc. AMIC markets medical stop-loss through its marketing and administrative company IHC Risk Solutions, LLC.
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 (NYSE:IHC), American Independence Corp. (NASDAQ: AMIC), 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.
We encourage you to visit us on the following social media sites:
Facebook: Simply search IPA Family
YouTube: TheIPAFamily
Twitter: Subscribe to us @IPA_Family Reported by PRWeb 13 hours ago.
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
Due to record-breaking growth, IPA Family, LLC (IPA), an American Independence Corp. company and member of The IHC Group, is pleased to announce new business opportunities in Georgia and Tennessee. The company seeks sales representatives to help fulfill increasing demand. Additionally, leadership roles are now available at IPA’s Atlanta and Kennesaw based Center of Excellence Offices serving locations in Georgia, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. IPA’s offices in Georgia expand across the great state, and markets include the cities of Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Columbus, Cumming, Macon, Kennesaw, Marietta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, Savannah and many surrounding areas. IPA’s offices in Tennessee include the cities of Nashville, Brentwood, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, Jackson, and surrounding areas. IPA also expressed the need for leadership opportunities located in several of these areas.
Qualified candidates will possess the following attributes: an ability to make decisions and solve problems, active listening skills, critical thinking skills, sales experience, strong time-management skills and, most importantly, a proclivity to operate with the highest ethical standards. Selected candidates will be provided with a complete and comprehensive program that promotes their personal and professional success. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
➢ Compensation programs
➢ Residual income and monthly bonus
➢ Lifetime vesting schedules
➢ Wealth accumulation plan
➢ Free qualified sales leads and lead-management systems
➢ Ongoing training and business education using state-of-the art technologies
➢ Many other performance-based programs and incentives
To be considered for one of the select positions and participate in a professional and confidential interview process, you may submit your resume to IPA Family, LLC through their website contact page.
Due to a culture of continuous growth and market expansions, IPA is currently accepting inquiries for existing and new markets. For more information about IPA Family and the companies it represents, visit http://www.ipafamily.com or call 800-772-8667 and indicate you saw our press release.
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,” provides 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 American Independence Corp.
AMIC, through Independence American Insurance Company and its other subsidiaries, offers pet insurance, non-subscriber occupational accident, international coverages, small-group major medical and short-term medical. AMIC provides to the individual and self-employed markets health insurance and related products, which are distributed through its subsidiaries IPA Family, LLC, healthinsurance.org, LLC, IPA Direct, Inc. and IHC Specialty Benefits, Inc. AMIC markets medical stop-loss through its marketing and administrative company IHC Risk Solutions, LLC.
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 (NYSE:IHC), American Independence Corp. (NASDAQ: AMIC), 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.
We encourage you to visit us on the following social media sites:
Facebook: Simply search IPA Family
YouTube: TheIPAFamily
Twitter: Subscribe to us @IPA_Family Reported by PRWeb 13 hours ago.
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Why Are Costs For Generic Medications Soaring?
The pervasive use of generic over brand-name medications was anticipated to be a money-saver, but recently prices are soaring, even up 6,000 percent for some common drugs that were once fairly low-cost.As National Journal reports, pharmacists are perplexed about the huge price hikes in many drugs and are asking Congress to hold a hearing to look into the matter.
Generic drugs such as Pravastatin, which treats high cholesterol, and the antibiotic Doxycycline spiked upwards of 1,000 percent in 2013, according to a survey by the National Community Pharmacists Association.
According to the survey, 77 percent of pharmacists said they experienced 26 or more instances of a large increase in the acquisition price of a generic drug within the last six months of 2013.
The survey found an additional 84 percent of pharmacists said price fluctuations prevented them from providing care and remaining in business due to the fact that filling prescriptions resulted in losses when some patients refused their prescriptions because of costs.
In addition, the National Journal report indicates that health care and pharmaceutical consulting firm Pembroke Consulting found that within the last year more than a dozen drugs increased ten times their standard rate.
Some pharmacists and physicians are pointing a finger of blame at drug companies for the price hikes.
For example, Dr. David Belk wrote in his blog in December that he observed price hikes in single doses of medication, where one dosage of a medication was very expensive, but other dosages of the same drug were more reasonable.
At Costco, for example, at one given time the generic high blood pressure medication Irbesartan was nearly $300 for a 90-day supply of the 150 mg tablet, yet the cost of the same supply of the 300 mg tablet was only $30.
“If you ask the pharmaceutical company, they’ll say, ‘Oh, we had a shortage,’ which makes no sense because they were making other milligrams,” Belk wrote. “By the time the pharmacy has figured out the price spiked, it’s dropped back down again.”
However, Dan Mendelson, CEO of consulting firm Avalere health, says prices of generic drugs have gone up because demand for them has risen.
“This is an unregulated market in the sense that no one is telling them what to charge,” Mendelson said. “You’re going to see them cozy up to the price of the brand name product for competition reasons.”
Mendelson objects to getting Congress involved in the price hikes because it suggests lawmakers should step into the market and impose price controls.
“I think people will continue to use these generic products because they’re cost effective and needed when prescribed,” Mendelson said. “There’s no question in my mind demand is going to go up because of the Affordable Care Act [ObamaCare], and these markets respond to demand.”
Since ObamaCare requires all health insurance plans in the exchanges to cover prescription drugs, the new health reform law may increase demand for drugs, causing prices for generic medications to rise even higher in the future.
Writing at The Motley Fool, Todd Campbell, owner of E.B. Capital Markets, has been observing the trends of the big drug manufacturers as they face the loss of patent protections.
Campbell notes, for example, that pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is facing significant challenges this year:
The company's blockbuster antidepressant drug Cymbalta, which generated sales of $4 billion in 2012 faces generic competition for the first time this year. And another $1 billion in sales goes up for grabs when Lilly's Evista loses patent protection in March.
Those high profile expirations will mean Lilly will have to rely more on its diabetes drugs and cost cutting to protect earnings this year. However stiff competition from diabetes drug makers *AstraZeneca,** **Novo Nordisk, *and* **Sanofi* means there will plenty of obstacles to overcome for Lilly in 2014.
Pfizer, Campbell observes, is also going through a major transition. The “patent cliff” took its toll on the drug company when it lost protection for its bestseller Lipitor in November of 2011. Consequently, the percentage of prescriptions written for generics across the industry rose from 70 percent in 2011 to 77 percent in 2012:
That generic prescription growth took a heavy toll on Pfizer as U.S. sales dropped 17% and international sales fell 7% in 2012. But closing plants and cutting headcount in response to falling revenue likely better positions the company as year-over-year comparisons become easier.
Campbell writes that Pfizer has adapted by selling off its nutrition business to Nestle for over $11 billion in 2011, and spinning off its animal health business, Zoetis, early in 2013. Now the drug industry giant is restructuring its remaining business into three new units: one which focuses on immunology and metabolic disease; another on vaccines, oncology, and consumer products; and a third on drugs that have lost or will lose patent protection through 2015.
Campbell observes the significance of the patent cliff for a large pharmaceutical like Pfizer.
“After a breather in 2013, the patent cliff steepens this year and next year and Pfizer won’t escape unscathed,” Campbell writes. “As much as 20 percent of its sales is in jeopardy from generic competition over the next three years, including Celebrex and Enbrel.”
Reported by Breitbart 10 hours ago.
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For thousands of users, promise of MNsure is always 'pending'
Cindy Kennedy let go of her health insurance last year based on the promise of subsidized coverage through MNsure, the state's new health insurance exchange.
Reported by TwinCities.com 8 hours ago.
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Joint Term Life Insurance Quotes Added to 2014 System at Consumer Website
Joint term life insurance quotes are now active in the 2014 system at the Cherry News company website. A new consumer system to research insurer plans is now activated for use online at http://cherrynews.com/life-insurance.
Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
Married couple or those entered into a civil partnership who are searching for insurance plans online now have a new system for discovering policy prices. The Cherry News company has made changes to its 2014 quotation service. This company has added joint term life insurance quotes data for viewing online at http://cherrynews.com/life-insurance.
These joint policies are provided through a new list of agencies contributing the updated rates information now offered online. Married couples who are researching the differences between single and joint policies could find this new system useful for planning purposes.
Every provider contributing the accurate life insurance policy rates that are distributed through the quotes tool offer more than one insurance product. Aside from joint plans, there are other plans that can be quoted for any adult who is researching the different forms of protection plans offered.
“The system that we've developed to make research simpler for the public distributes prices as well as instant links to each online provider offer the locked in policy quotes,” said one source through the Cherry News company.
The 2014 rates included inside the finder system are now automatically supplied by each insurer in the U.S. A data feed is linked to every company to ensure that last-minute updates or modifications to policy rates are present in the quotes given out to adults.
“The adult plans that are featured inside our quote system are expected to create a more reliable and faster source of locating price data compared with offline phone contact with insurers,” said the source.
The CherryNews.com company has updated its look up systems this year to present more than various life insurance products. Companies providing health coverage can be found when browsing a second search finder at http://cherrynews.com/health-insurance online.
About CherryNews.com
The CherryNews.com company is one of the resources that the American public uses online to find retail pricing information and other services available for purchase. This company handles all of the customer service requests that are presented online through a new set of tools. The CherryNews.com company has arranged a national database resource center to promote life insurance quotations and other insurance products online. These automated services mixed with the different sources of content presented on the company website now help inform consumers in an easier manner to promote products and services in the U.S. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.
Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
Married couple or those entered into a civil partnership who are searching for insurance plans online now have a new system for discovering policy prices. The Cherry News company has made changes to its 2014 quotation service. This company has added joint term life insurance quotes data for viewing online at http://cherrynews.com/life-insurance.
These joint policies are provided through a new list of agencies contributing the updated rates information now offered online. Married couples who are researching the differences between single and joint policies could find this new system useful for planning purposes.
Every provider contributing the accurate life insurance policy rates that are distributed through the quotes tool offer more than one insurance product. Aside from joint plans, there are other plans that can be quoted for any adult who is researching the different forms of protection plans offered.
“The system that we've developed to make research simpler for the public distributes prices as well as instant links to each online provider offer the locked in policy quotes,” said one source through the Cherry News company.
The 2014 rates included inside the finder system are now automatically supplied by each insurer in the U.S. A data feed is linked to every company to ensure that last-minute updates or modifications to policy rates are present in the quotes given out to adults.
“The adult plans that are featured inside our quote system are expected to create a more reliable and faster source of locating price data compared with offline phone contact with insurers,” said the source.
The CherryNews.com company has updated its look up systems this year to present more than various life insurance products. Companies providing health coverage can be found when browsing a second search finder at http://cherrynews.com/health-insurance online.
About CherryNews.com
The CherryNews.com company is one of the resources that the American public uses online to find retail pricing information and other services available for purchase. This company handles all of the customer service requests that are presented online through a new set of tools. The CherryNews.com company has arranged a national database resource center to promote life insurance quotations and other insurance products online. These automated services mixed with the different sources of content presented on the company website now help inform consumers in an easier manner to promote products and services in the U.S. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.
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New Way of Buying Term Life Insurance Launched by Consumer Company Online
A new way of buying term life insurance online is now launched by the CherryNews.com company. This consumer portal is providing easy look ups for quotes online through its complimentary system at http://cherrynews.com/life-insurance.
Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
The research process online and offline for certain types of insurance products can prove difficult for some adults. The Cherry News company is known for distributing consumer news and information online and has now developed a new way of buying term life insurance online. This company has installed an accurate quote finder for online use at
http://cherrynews.com/life-insurance.
The term policies that national companies are underwriting for adults in the U.S. can be located using this freshly programmed system online. All policies that are viewed by the public when using this new system are direct from top agencies and lesser known companies competing for the best policy prices.
“Any adult who is planning a purchase this year of a term policy from top insurers could benefit from the display of multiple prices to help lock in an affordable policy type,” said a source at the CherryNews.com company.
One consumer benefit to the new research platform to find insurers online is the way in which policy quotes are searched. Instead of entering medical information or lifestyle data, the system makes use of zip codes to perform the most basic form of policy calculations. This now provides a faster research option for adults.
“The public system does not accept consumer data to begin searching for policy quotes to provide more security during the use of the online finder tool,” said the source.
The CherryNews.com company is continuing its upgrades to the consumer solutions found on the homepage this year. Aside from the simplified insurer lookup system, a tool to match health insurance plans to adults is now featured for use at http://cherrynews.com/health-insurance online.
About CherryNews.com
The CherryNews.com company is one of the consumer resources now online providing direct life insurance quotations for the American public. This company has arranged partnerships with different agencies to provide prices and policy information through its independent research system online. The CherryNews.com company research staff helps to contribute all of the content that American consumers research on the company website. This company has entered into syndication partnerships with different agencies to present more company content to different areas of the United States this year. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.
Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
The research process online and offline for certain types of insurance products can prove difficult for some adults. The Cherry News company is known for distributing consumer news and information online and has now developed a new way of buying term life insurance online. This company has installed an accurate quote finder for online use at
http://cherrynews.com/life-insurance.
The term policies that national companies are underwriting for adults in the U.S. can be located using this freshly programmed system online. All policies that are viewed by the public when using this new system are direct from top agencies and lesser known companies competing for the best policy prices.
“Any adult who is planning a purchase this year of a term policy from top insurers could benefit from the display of multiple prices to help lock in an affordable policy type,” said a source at the CherryNews.com company.
One consumer benefit to the new research platform to find insurers online is the way in which policy quotes are searched. Instead of entering medical information or lifestyle data, the system makes use of zip codes to perform the most basic form of policy calculations. This now provides a faster research option for adults.
“The public system does not accept consumer data to begin searching for policy quotes to provide more security during the use of the online finder tool,” said the source.
The CherryNews.com company is continuing its upgrades to the consumer solutions found on the homepage this year. Aside from the simplified insurer lookup system, a tool to match health insurance plans to adults is now featured for use at http://cherrynews.com/health-insurance online.
About CherryNews.com
The CherryNews.com company is one of the consumer resources now online providing direct life insurance quotations for the American public. This company has arranged partnerships with different agencies to provide prices and policy information through its independent research system online. The CherryNews.com company research staff helps to contribute all of the content that American consumers research on the company website. This company has entered into syndication partnerships with different agencies to present more company content to different areas of the United States this year. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.
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Indiana residents slow to embrace health exchange
Early signup glitches, sticker shock and a stubborn work ethic are leaving Indiana residents slow to buy health insurance through the federal health exchange.
Reported by WTHR 7 hours ago.
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California Insurance Rates Skyrocket for Pre-Obamacare Policies
Up to 306,000 Anthem Blue Cross customers with insurance policies purchased before Obamacare was enacted will have rate hikes as high as 25%. Additionally, some premiums have already jumped 53% since 2010, not including this latest change.Last year, when Americans were barraged with healthcare insurance cancellations, state officials warned that holding onto grandfathered policies wouldn't shield them from significant rate hikes. Unless Anthem can be swayed by California regulators to back down, the increased rates will go into effect on April 1.
Alternatively, the Affordable Care Act offers affected customers an opportunity to buy less expensive insurance. "Many of the members affected here may be eligible for federal subsidies via the Covered California exchange and may have lower premiums if they decide to switch to an Affordable Care Act-compliant policy," Anthem spokesman Darrel Ng said. However, by changing plans, customers run the risk of losing some benefits and access to their current doctors.
Anthem is not alone in raising premiums on older policies. Earlier this month, Blue Shield of California was scolded by state Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones for an "unreasonable" increase of 10%, on average, for about 81,000 insured customers. At this point in time, however, state regulators cannot avert health insurance rate increases.
Consequently, these events should make November’s ballot initiative which bestows authority on the insurance commissioner to deny excessive rate increases crucial for Californians. Critics of the ballot measure, including insurers, doctors, hospitals, and business groups, insist that if the initiative passes, state exchanges will be undermined and that it will fail to remedy the underlying reasons for the rising premiums.
This 9.8 percent January 1, 2014 rate increase for Blue Shield's grandfathered policyholders is an average rate increase of 22.6 percent over 12 months. Over the last 24 months, Blue Shield has raised rates on these grandfathered policyholders an average of 32.3 percent.
Reported by Breitbart 4 hours ago.
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In rural Georgia, federal health insurance marketplace proves unaffordable to many
ALBANY, Ga. — If Lee Mullins lived in Pittsburgh, he could buy mid-level health coverage for his family for $940 a month. If he lived in Beverly Hills, he would pay $1,405.
But Mullins, who builds custom swimming pools, lives in southwest Georgia. Here, a similar health plan for his family of four costs $2,654 a month. Reported by Washington Post 2 hours ago.
But Mullins, who builds custom swimming pools, lives in southwest Georgia. Here, a similar health plan for his family of four costs $2,654 a month. Reported by Washington Post 2 hours ago.
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Zane Benefits Publishes New Information on Why Businesses Should Never Pay Personal Health Insurance Premiums
Some businesses might want to pay directly for employees’ health insurance without using a compliant Section 105 Plan.
Park City, Utah (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
Today, Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, published new information on why businesses should never pay personal health insurance premiums.
According to Zane Benefits’ website, businesses should never pay for employees' personal health insurance premiums directly, however there are IRS-approved vehicles businesses can use to reimburse personal health insurance premiums in 2014 and beyond.
In summary, federal regulations prohibit businesses from paying directly for employees' personal health insurance premiums, outside of a Section 105 Healthcare Reimbursement Plan (HRP) or other ACA/IRS/HIPAA/ERISA-qualified vehicle (e.g. Section 125).
According to Zane Benefits’ website, some businesses might want to pay directly for an employees' individual health insurance plans without utilizing an ERISA and HIPAA-compliant Section 105 Plan, but doing so may put the business out of compliance with federal regulations and may increase the business's (and employees') tax liability.
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 2 hours ago.
Park City, Utah (PRWEB) February 01, 2014
Today, Zane Benefits, the #1 Online Health Benefits Solution, published new information on why businesses should never pay personal health insurance premiums.
According to Zane Benefits’ website, businesses should never pay for employees' personal health insurance premiums directly, however there are IRS-approved vehicles businesses can use to reimburse personal health insurance premiums in 2014 and beyond.
In summary, federal regulations prohibit businesses from paying directly for employees' personal health insurance premiums, outside of a Section 105 Healthcare Reimbursement Plan (HRP) or other ACA/IRS/HIPAA/ERISA-qualified vehicle (e.g. Section 125).
According to Zane Benefits’ website, some businesses might want to pay directly for an employees' individual health insurance plans without utilizing an ERISA and HIPAA-compliant Section 105 Plan, but doing so may put the business out of compliance with federal regulations and may increase the business's (and employees') tax liability.
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 2 hours ago.
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PwC Health Research Institute Confirms: ACA Marketplace Plans Cheaper
Benefitter welcomes PwC research showing Affordable Care Act plans cheaper than employer-sponsored ones. Benefitter offers free insurance transition analysis to U.S. employers.
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 31, 2014
U.S. employers took note Thursday as PwC released research showing health plans on state marketplaces cost less than comparable employer-sponsored group plans. According to Benefitter, a leader in employer health insurance transitions, the new research represents a significant opportunity for employers to reduce healthcare costs. The findings draw employers away from traditional, employer-sponsored group plans, and toward the less expensive state marketplaces for employee health coverage.
PwC reported that the median “platinum" and “gold" health plans sold through state marketplaces are from $61 to $758 less expensive than the average employer-sponsored group plan. In the research, PwC reviewed the price of platinum and gold plans because employer-offered health plans typically cover about 85% of health-care costs—exactly halfway between the platinum (90%) and gold (80%) marketplace tiers.
Employers have even more savings to capture, because typical U.S. employees with household incomes between 133% and 400% of the federal poverty level can receive additional government-sponsored savings on marketplace plans. The only caveat is that employers must transition away from group health insurance in order for their employees to be eligible for the premium tax credit savings.
"The PwC research provides additional evidence that the individual market can be an attractive alternative for employers struggling to manage costs with traditional group health insurance.” states Brian Poger, CEO of Benefitter. “There’s a dark secret many industry insiders don’t want public. Savings can approach 50% for the average employer who transitions from traditional group health insurance to the state marketplaces. My co-founders and I are delighted to see the message entering the public spotlight."
To capture cost savings on employee health insurance, employers work with Benefitter to assess the financial opportunity of the transition, develop a detailed plan of action, and execute the change to support employees.
During the month of February, Benefitter will provide employers of all sizes, nationwide, a free detailed analysis of the cost of coverage in the individual market versus the cost of coverage in their existing group plan. Seize the opportunity by visiting http://www.benefitter.com/FreeFebruary.
About Benefitter
Benefitter is reinventing employer-sponsored health insurance by helping employers confidently navigate the evolving healthcare reform legislation, save money, and enhance their employees’ well-being. Benefitter works closely with health insurance agents and brokers to deliver straight-forward web-based software solutions to employers. Based in San Francisco, California, Benefitter is funded in part by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Mohr Davidow Ventures, Aberdare Ventures, and Mayo Clinic. http://www.benefitter.com Reported by PRWeb 3 days ago.
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 31, 2014
U.S. employers took note Thursday as PwC released research showing health plans on state marketplaces cost less than comparable employer-sponsored group plans. According to Benefitter, a leader in employer health insurance transitions, the new research represents a significant opportunity for employers to reduce healthcare costs. The findings draw employers away from traditional, employer-sponsored group plans, and toward the less expensive state marketplaces for employee health coverage.
PwC reported that the median “platinum" and “gold" health plans sold through state marketplaces are from $61 to $758 less expensive than the average employer-sponsored group plan. In the research, PwC reviewed the price of platinum and gold plans because employer-offered health plans typically cover about 85% of health-care costs—exactly halfway between the platinum (90%) and gold (80%) marketplace tiers.
Employers have even more savings to capture, because typical U.S. employees with household incomes between 133% and 400% of the federal poverty level can receive additional government-sponsored savings on marketplace plans. The only caveat is that employers must transition away from group health insurance in order for their employees to be eligible for the premium tax credit savings.
"The PwC research provides additional evidence that the individual market can be an attractive alternative for employers struggling to manage costs with traditional group health insurance.” states Brian Poger, CEO of Benefitter. “There’s a dark secret many industry insiders don’t want public. Savings can approach 50% for the average employer who transitions from traditional group health insurance to the state marketplaces. My co-founders and I are delighted to see the message entering the public spotlight."
To capture cost savings on employee health insurance, employers work with Benefitter to assess the financial opportunity of the transition, develop a detailed plan of action, and execute the change to support employees.
During the month of February, Benefitter will provide employers of all sizes, nationwide, a free detailed analysis of the cost of coverage in the individual market versus the cost of coverage in their existing group plan. Seize the opportunity by visiting http://www.benefitter.com/FreeFebruary.
About Benefitter
Benefitter is reinventing employer-sponsored health insurance by helping employers confidently navigate the evolving healthcare reform legislation, save money, and enhance their employees’ well-being. Benefitter works closely with health insurance agents and brokers to deliver straight-forward web-based software solutions to employers. Based in San Francisco, California, Benefitter is funded in part by Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Mohr Davidow Ventures, Aberdare Ventures, and Mayo Clinic. http://www.benefitter.com Reported by PRWeb 3 days ago.
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Millions Are Now Realizing They're Too Poor For Obamacare
Thanks to a Supreme Court ruling and staunch Republican resistance, Marc Alphonse, an unemployed 40-year-old Marine veteran who is essentially homeless, cannot get health insurance under Obamacare.
Three years ago, Alphonse learned he has a kidney disorder that will deteriorate into kidney failure, and possibly prove fatal, if left untreated. As it stands now, he suffers from bouts of nausea caused by his dysfunctional kidneys, and he's dogged by an old knee injury that limits his job prospects. He gets by on $400 a month in unemployment benefits, and his family can no longer afford housing in their home city of Miami. Alphonse's 28-year-old wife, Danielle, and three young children are staying with relatives while Alphonse couch surfs.
"I live from family to family until I'm able to get myself situated," he told The Huffington Post.
Alphonse is one of nearly 5 million uninsured Americans caught in a cruel gap that renders some Americans "too poor for Obamacare."
*Broken Promise*
Obamacare was supposed to make health coverage affordable, or even free, for low-income Americans. The law's official name is the Affordable Care Act. However, the Supreme Court tossed a huge obstacle in the path of that goal in 2012, ruling that the states could opt out of one of Obamacare's crucial provisions: The expansion of Medicaid coverage to anyone making less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $15,300 a year for a single person. Since the court's ruling, 24 states, including Florida, chose not to expand the program.
Under the pre-Obamacare rules, eligibility for the program typically was limited to low-income children, pregnant women, parents caring for children at home, and adults with disabilities. Without the law's expansion, an adult without a disability who isn't living with their children -- like Alphonse -- doesn't qualify for Medicaid, no matter how poor he or she is.
For those who don't qualify for Medicaid coverage, Obamacare offers tax credits for private health plans sold through the law's health insurance exchange marketplaces. But those subsidies are available only to those making between the poverty level, or about $11,500 for an individual, and four times that amount. In states not expanding Medicaid, people who earn less than poverty wages get nothing.
In Alphonse's case, his family is trying to survive on his unemployment insurance. It amounts to $4,800 a year -- far below the poverty level, which is $27,570 for a family of five. Even the unemployment benefits will run out in March.
*'People Break Down In Tears'*
Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) launched his political career in 2009 as a health care reform antagonist. Originally, he opposed the Medicaid expansion, but he then changed his mind. Last year, Scott and the majority-Republican state Senate backed a plan to accept federal dollars to expand the program. The GOP-led state House of Representatives refused to go along.
Now, 764,000 low-income adults in Florida will remain without insurance because of the coverage gap, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. And they're beginning to understand the tragic consequences of that public battle. At Miami's Borinquen Medical Centers for low-income and uninsured patients, Jason Connor sees hopes crushed as people who thought Obamacare could help them at long last learn otherwise.
"We've had people break down in tears at our desk," said Connor, who is under contract with the community health centers to do Affordable Care Act outreach and enrollment activities through his company, Choice Returns.
Seventy-eight percent of the 50,000 patients that Borinquen Medical Centers treat every year are uninsured, Connor said. About 20 percent of those who visit their facilities looking to apply for benefits fall into the coverage gap, he added.
"Folks are frustrated and they're angry, and they'll curse at you even though you have nothing to do with it," he said.
*GOP Revolts*
When the Supreme Court ruled that states could opt out of the Medicaid expansion, Florida, Texas and nearly the entire South turned away billions in federal dollars offered for broadening the program, citing budgetary concerns and resistance to Obamacare itself. The federal government will pay the full cost of the Medicaid expansion through 2016, after which its share will be no less than 90 percent.
These decisions by governors and legislators essentially consigned a huge swath of the very poor to a life of extreme insecurity.
"It's very frustrating," said Alphonse, who last worked as a security guard until being laid off 10 months ago. "It's kind of odd where an individual that has an opportunity to help millions of people in their own state, and they just totally refuse to do it."
Florida's legislature is poised to take up the Medicaid expansion again during this year's session, but the political dynamics don't appear to have changed much since last year. Meanwhile, one-quarter of Florida's population (under the age of 65) is without health insurance -- the second-highest of all the states behind Texas. In Miami-Dade County, where Alphonse lives, the uninsured rate was an astonishing 34 percent in 2011, the most recent year county-level data were available.*Where Are The Uninsured?*This map shows the percent of uninsured in each U.S. county in 2011. The data includes all incomes, races, and both sexes for people under age 65. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
*'I Just Try To Live Every Day'*
Unable to afford medical care or insurance, Alphonse hasn't followed up on the warning he received about his kidneys from a doctor treating a knee injury he suffered in 2011 while working as a security guard. Alphonse was told he needed to see a kidney specialist and start getting treatments, or he'd risk the condition worsening to the point he'd need dialysis or a transplant.
"It's extremely scary, but I try not to think about it. I just try to live every day because it's what you have to do to survive," Alphonse said.
A few years ago, Alphonse broke his hand and faced a $1,000 emergency room bill that destroyed his credit. He's afraid to rack up medical bills now. Even copayments as low as $20 at community health centers, which charge low-income patients on a sliding scale, are unaffordable, he said. He's applying for health benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, but he may not meet the program's eligibility rules.
While hospitals can't turn away patients in need of emergency treatments, they aren't required to provide the kind of comprehensive care needed for someone with a serious medical condition.
"If you're really sick, you can fall through the cracks of the safety net system," said Lise Federman, a health policy specialist at Florida Legal Services in Miami. "People who have chronic conditions who need specialist services do suffer." (Florida Legal Services referred HuffPost to Alphonse.)
*Taxpayers Still Foot The Bill*
Keeping people like Alphonse off the Medicaid rolls doesn't shield American or Floridian taxpayers from the cost of whatever treatments he eventually may receive, like at a hospital emergency room or a government-funded community health center. Unpaid medical bills totaled $57.4 billion in 2008 -- and taxpayers picked up about three-quarters of the tab, according to a study published in the journal Health Affairs. Expanding health coverage via Obamacare was supposed to reduce that burden, but the patchwork Medicaid expansion limits the law's reach.
And if Alphonse's condition deteriorates into what's known as end-stage renal disease, or permanent kidney failure, he automatically would qualify for Medicare coverage paid for by the federal government. Although Medicare mainly is for people over 65 or those with disabilities, people who need dialysis or a kidney transplant are eligible under a special rule enacted in 1972.
For those too poor for Obamacare in Miami, watching neighbors who make more money receive subsidized health insurance makes the experience even more painful, said Mayte Canino, a field and volunteer coordinator for Planned Parenthood of South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Uninsured people are skeptical of Obamacare and unaware of many provisions, and only 49 percent know that states have the option to expand Medicaid, according to a poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation this month.
"That even affects them more, when they see that other people are getting help and they're not," said Canino, who helps people sign up for insurance. "Many of them are very unhappy. They blame the law, some of them, for it. They just walk away from it, and they think that's it. They're defeated."
*HuffPost Readers*: Did you try to sign up for health insurance coverage, but were told that you're not eligible for Medicaid because your state didn't adopt the program expansion, and you make too little to qualify for help paying for private insurance? We want to hear from you. If you're willing to discuss your health care with a reporter, email us here, and tell us if you're facing any medical issues, what your current coverage situation is, and what Medicaid coverage would have meant for you. Please let us know the following information: your name, your age, your city, and whether we have permission to quote you by name. Please enclose a photo if you're willing to have one published. Reported by Huffington Post 2 days ago.
Three years ago, Alphonse learned he has a kidney disorder that will deteriorate into kidney failure, and possibly prove fatal, if left untreated. As it stands now, he suffers from bouts of nausea caused by his dysfunctional kidneys, and he's dogged by an old knee injury that limits his job prospects. He gets by on $400 a month in unemployment benefits, and his family can no longer afford housing in their home city of Miami. Alphonse's 28-year-old wife, Danielle, and three young children are staying with relatives while Alphonse couch surfs.
"I live from family to family until I'm able to get myself situated," he told The Huffington Post.
Alphonse is one of nearly 5 million uninsured Americans caught in a cruel gap that renders some Americans "too poor for Obamacare."
*Broken Promise*
Obamacare was supposed to make health coverage affordable, or even free, for low-income Americans. The law's official name is the Affordable Care Act. However, the Supreme Court tossed a huge obstacle in the path of that goal in 2012, ruling that the states could opt out of one of Obamacare's crucial provisions: The expansion of Medicaid coverage to anyone making less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $15,300 a year for a single person. Since the court's ruling, 24 states, including Florida, chose not to expand the program.
Under the pre-Obamacare rules, eligibility for the program typically was limited to low-income children, pregnant women, parents caring for children at home, and adults with disabilities. Without the law's expansion, an adult without a disability who isn't living with their children -- like Alphonse -- doesn't qualify for Medicaid, no matter how poor he or she is.
For those who don't qualify for Medicaid coverage, Obamacare offers tax credits for private health plans sold through the law's health insurance exchange marketplaces. But those subsidies are available only to those making between the poverty level, or about $11,500 for an individual, and four times that amount. In states not expanding Medicaid, people who earn less than poverty wages get nothing.
In Alphonse's case, his family is trying to survive on his unemployment insurance. It amounts to $4,800 a year -- far below the poverty level, which is $27,570 for a family of five. Even the unemployment benefits will run out in March.
*'People Break Down In Tears'*
Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) launched his political career in 2009 as a health care reform antagonist. Originally, he opposed the Medicaid expansion, but he then changed his mind. Last year, Scott and the majority-Republican state Senate backed a plan to accept federal dollars to expand the program. The GOP-led state House of Representatives refused to go along.
Now, 764,000 low-income adults in Florida will remain without insurance because of the coverage gap, according to the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. And they're beginning to understand the tragic consequences of that public battle. At Miami's Borinquen Medical Centers for low-income and uninsured patients, Jason Connor sees hopes crushed as people who thought Obamacare could help them at long last learn otherwise.
"We've had people break down in tears at our desk," said Connor, who is under contract with the community health centers to do Affordable Care Act outreach and enrollment activities through his company, Choice Returns.
Seventy-eight percent of the 50,000 patients that Borinquen Medical Centers treat every year are uninsured, Connor said. About 20 percent of those who visit their facilities looking to apply for benefits fall into the coverage gap, he added.
"Folks are frustrated and they're angry, and they'll curse at you even though you have nothing to do with it," he said.
*GOP Revolts*
When the Supreme Court ruled that states could opt out of the Medicaid expansion, Florida, Texas and nearly the entire South turned away billions in federal dollars offered for broadening the program, citing budgetary concerns and resistance to Obamacare itself. The federal government will pay the full cost of the Medicaid expansion through 2016, after which its share will be no less than 90 percent.
These decisions by governors and legislators essentially consigned a huge swath of the very poor to a life of extreme insecurity.
"It's very frustrating," said Alphonse, who last worked as a security guard until being laid off 10 months ago. "It's kind of odd where an individual that has an opportunity to help millions of people in their own state, and they just totally refuse to do it."
Florida's legislature is poised to take up the Medicaid expansion again during this year's session, but the political dynamics don't appear to have changed much since last year. Meanwhile, one-quarter of Florida's population (under the age of 65) is without health insurance -- the second-highest of all the states behind Texas. In Miami-Dade County, where Alphonse lives, the uninsured rate was an astonishing 34 percent in 2011, the most recent year county-level data were available.*Where Are The Uninsured?*This map shows the percent of uninsured in each U.S. county in 2011. The data includes all incomes, races, and both sexes for people under age 65. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
*'I Just Try To Live Every Day'*
Unable to afford medical care or insurance, Alphonse hasn't followed up on the warning he received about his kidneys from a doctor treating a knee injury he suffered in 2011 while working as a security guard. Alphonse was told he needed to see a kidney specialist and start getting treatments, or he'd risk the condition worsening to the point he'd need dialysis or a transplant.
"It's extremely scary, but I try not to think about it. I just try to live every day because it's what you have to do to survive," Alphonse said.
A few years ago, Alphonse broke his hand and faced a $1,000 emergency room bill that destroyed his credit. He's afraid to rack up medical bills now. Even copayments as low as $20 at community health centers, which charge low-income patients on a sliding scale, are unaffordable, he said. He's applying for health benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, but he may not meet the program's eligibility rules.
While hospitals can't turn away patients in need of emergency treatments, they aren't required to provide the kind of comprehensive care needed for someone with a serious medical condition.
"If you're really sick, you can fall through the cracks of the safety net system," said Lise Federman, a health policy specialist at Florida Legal Services in Miami. "People who have chronic conditions who need specialist services do suffer." (Florida Legal Services referred HuffPost to Alphonse.)
*Taxpayers Still Foot The Bill*
Keeping people like Alphonse off the Medicaid rolls doesn't shield American or Floridian taxpayers from the cost of whatever treatments he eventually may receive, like at a hospital emergency room or a government-funded community health center. Unpaid medical bills totaled $57.4 billion in 2008 -- and taxpayers picked up about three-quarters of the tab, according to a study published in the journal Health Affairs. Expanding health coverage via Obamacare was supposed to reduce that burden, but the patchwork Medicaid expansion limits the law's reach.
And if Alphonse's condition deteriorates into what's known as end-stage renal disease, or permanent kidney failure, he automatically would qualify for Medicare coverage paid for by the federal government. Although Medicare mainly is for people over 65 or those with disabilities, people who need dialysis or a kidney transplant are eligible under a special rule enacted in 1972.
For those too poor for Obamacare in Miami, watching neighbors who make more money receive subsidized health insurance makes the experience even more painful, said Mayte Canino, a field and volunteer coordinator for Planned Parenthood of South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Uninsured people are skeptical of Obamacare and unaware of many provisions, and only 49 percent know that states have the option to expand Medicaid, according to a poll conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation this month.
"That even affects them more, when they see that other people are getting help and they're not," said Canino, who helps people sign up for insurance. "Many of them are very unhappy. They blame the law, some of them, for it. They just walk away from it, and they think that's it. They're defeated."
*HuffPost Readers*: Did you try to sign up for health insurance coverage, but were told that you're not eligible for Medicaid because your state didn't adopt the program expansion, and you make too little to qualify for help paying for private insurance? We want to hear from you. If you're willing to discuss your health care with a reporter, email us here, and tell us if you're facing any medical issues, what your current coverage situation is, and what Medicaid coverage would have meant for you. Please let us know the following information: your name, your age, your city, and whether we have permission to quote you by name. Please enclose a photo if you're willing to have one published. Reported by Huffington Post 2 days ago.
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Hoosiers hesitating over health exchange
Residents across Indiana are treading lightly when considering buying health insurance through the federal health exchange as they move toward a March 31 deadline to enroll.
Reported by Journal Gazette 16 hours ago.
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ACA: Catastrophic health plans not too popular
When Americans bought health insurance in January through the Affordable Care Act, just 1 percent of them chose a catastrophic plan, according to the federal government. Premiums for catastrophic plans may be the lowest available, but deductibles tend to be much higher.
Reported by Chicago S-T 8 hours ago.
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Life Insurance for Over 65 Years Old Seniors or Health Insurance? What Should Seniors Buy?
Lifeinsuranceover65.com (http://lifeinsuranceover65.com/) announces a new blog, “Is Health Insurance Better Than Life Insurance For Over 65 Years Seniors?”
(PRWEB) February 02, 2014
Lifeinsuranceover65.com has released a blog comparing life insurance and health insurance plans.
Deciding between a health or life insurance policy is very important. Seniors should consider the benefits of both types of coverage in order to make a rational and wise decision. Life insurance pays out a benefit after the insured passes away and it is best used to provide financial security for dependable family members.
Health insurance covers a part of the medical costs if the insured needs hospitalization and medical treatment. Health insurance is an important investment for seniors because medical costs are very expensive. Also, seniors are more likely to develop health problems. Having health insurance is essential, especially for seniors.
Life insurance is best used for providing financial relief and security for loved ones. A senior can use life insurance to cover funeral taxes. However, life insurance at an advanced age is very expensive and it may not be advantageous. Compared to health insurance, life insurance for seniors older than 65 years old is not as important.
“Seniors should aim at having medical insurance because they are more likely to develop health issues during retirement and medical costs are more expensive than funeral taxes!” said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company and Lifeinsuranceover65.com
Lifeinsuranceover65.com is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. It is unique in that this website does not simply stick to one kind of insurance carrier, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. This way, clients have offers from multiple carriers all in one place, this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
For more information, please visit http://lifeinsuranceover65.com Reported by PRWeb 12 hours ago.
(PRWEB) February 02, 2014
Lifeinsuranceover65.com has released a blog comparing life insurance and health insurance plans.
Deciding between a health or life insurance policy is very important. Seniors should consider the benefits of both types of coverage in order to make a rational and wise decision. Life insurance pays out a benefit after the insured passes away and it is best used to provide financial security for dependable family members.
Health insurance covers a part of the medical costs if the insured needs hospitalization and medical treatment. Health insurance is an important investment for seniors because medical costs are very expensive. Also, seniors are more likely to develop health problems. Having health insurance is essential, especially for seniors.
Life insurance is best used for providing financial relief and security for loved ones. A senior can use life insurance to cover funeral taxes. However, life insurance at an advanced age is very expensive and it may not be advantageous. Compared to health insurance, life insurance for seniors older than 65 years old is not as important.
“Seniors should aim at having medical insurance because they are more likely to develop health issues during retirement and medical costs are more expensive than funeral taxes!” said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company and Lifeinsuranceover65.com
Lifeinsuranceover65.com is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. It is unique in that this website does not simply stick to one kind of insurance carrier, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. This way, clients have offers from multiple carriers all in one place, this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.
For more information, please visit http://lifeinsuranceover65.com Reported by PRWeb 12 hours ago.
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