Reported by SeekingAlpha 2 days ago.
Health insurance exchange eHealth sees ~$40M in Q4 revenues
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G.O.P. Weighs Children’s Health Insurance as Lure for Averting Shutdown
With no immigration deal in sight, Republicans are eyeing a stopgap bill to keep the government open past Friday, sweetening it with an extension of the child health program.
Reported by NYTimes.com 2 days ago.
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New Article from RAM Technologies, Inc.: “Innovations in Medicaid: How States are Using Medicaid Waivers to Improve Access, Engagement and Health”
Content sharing program provides health plans with the information they need to excel in the new era of healthcare.
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
RAM Technologies, Inc., the perennial leader in the development of enterprise software for healthcare payers, is pleased to announce the availability of a new report as part of the “Sharing Knowledge to Improve Healthcare Administration” (SKIHA) program. This month, members of the SKIHA program (free registration) are granted complimentary access to the RAM report, Innovations in Medicaid: How States are Using Medicaid Waivers to Improve Access, Engagement and Health.
Amendments to the Social Security Act granted the Secretary of Health and Human Services specific authorities including the ability to waive provisions of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Plan. These waivers provided states with greater flexibility in how they administer these programs, including the ability to use funds in new ways. States have effectively expanded health care coverage, changed how health care is delivered, added benefits, required cost sharing, and extended coverage during an emergency.
“Medicaid is integral to the health of our nation,” said Christopher P. Minton, Executive Vice President of RAM Technologies, Inc. “It is impossible to imagine life in present day America without it. This safety net program has transformed the healthcare industry, not just for the poor, but for every American. It has driven innovation and improved the delivery of care, and it is imperative that we make every effort possible to ensure its long term survival.”
To read the entire report (Innovations in Medicaid: How States are Using Medicaid Waivers to Improve Access, Engagement and Health) join the SKIHA program today CLICK HERE.
About the Program
The SKIHA program (Sharing Knowledge to Improve Healthcare Administration) is an open platform that shares industry analysis and research to help the payer community prepare for the future. Each and every month the SKIHA program makes available special content that provides unique insight and in-depth industry knowledge to those in the position to enact real change. This free-flow exchange of ideas provides the information health plans need to improve operations, increase productivity and reduce costs.
About RAM Technologies, Inc.
RAM Technologies is the leading provider of enterprise claims processing software and claims adjudication software for health plans. For over 36 years RAM Technologies has led the way in the creation of Medicaid software solutions, Medicare software solutions and software for dual eligible processing (the Medicare-Medicaid Financial Alignment Initiative). RAM Technologies has been recognized on Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest Growing Private Companies and the Philadelphia Business Journal’s List of Top Software Developers for their advancements in the creation of comprehensive claims management software for Medicare and Medicaid administration. To learn more about RAM Technologies’ healthcare claims processing and managed care software solutions call (877) 654-8810 or visit http://www.ramtechinc.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
RAM Technologies, Inc., the perennial leader in the development of enterprise software for healthcare payers, is pleased to announce the availability of a new report as part of the “Sharing Knowledge to Improve Healthcare Administration” (SKIHA) program. This month, members of the SKIHA program (free registration) are granted complimentary access to the RAM report, Innovations in Medicaid: How States are Using Medicaid Waivers to Improve Access, Engagement and Health.
Amendments to the Social Security Act granted the Secretary of Health and Human Services specific authorities including the ability to waive provisions of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Plan. These waivers provided states with greater flexibility in how they administer these programs, including the ability to use funds in new ways. States have effectively expanded health care coverage, changed how health care is delivered, added benefits, required cost sharing, and extended coverage during an emergency.
“Medicaid is integral to the health of our nation,” said Christopher P. Minton, Executive Vice President of RAM Technologies, Inc. “It is impossible to imagine life in present day America without it. This safety net program has transformed the healthcare industry, not just for the poor, but for every American. It has driven innovation and improved the delivery of care, and it is imperative that we make every effort possible to ensure its long term survival.”
To read the entire report (Innovations in Medicaid: How States are Using Medicaid Waivers to Improve Access, Engagement and Health) join the SKIHA program today CLICK HERE.
About the Program
The SKIHA program (Sharing Knowledge to Improve Healthcare Administration) is an open platform that shares industry analysis and research to help the payer community prepare for the future. Each and every month the SKIHA program makes available special content that provides unique insight and in-depth industry knowledge to those in the position to enact real change. This free-flow exchange of ideas provides the information health plans need to improve operations, increase productivity and reduce costs.
About RAM Technologies, Inc.
RAM Technologies is the leading provider of enterprise claims processing software and claims adjudication software for health plans. For over 36 years RAM Technologies has led the way in the creation of Medicaid software solutions, Medicare software solutions and software for dual eligible processing (the Medicare-Medicaid Financial Alignment Initiative). RAM Technologies has been recognized on Inc. Magazine’s List of Fastest Growing Private Companies and the Philadelphia Business Journal’s List of Top Software Developers for their advancements in the creation of comprehensive claims management software for Medicare and Medicaid administration. To learn more about RAM Technologies’ healthcare claims processing and managed care software solutions call (877) 654-8810 or visit http://www.ramtechinc.com. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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In an Era of Uncertainty in the Healthcare Industry, BeneFix Proves Insurtech is a Bet Worth Making
Insurtech offers solutions that require no legislation or public debate. It's the only certain changes coming to the industry
LANCASTER, Pa. (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
In one year BeneFix has tripled their number of employees, finaled in the Rise of the Rest competition, expanded their footprint to four states, added over 300,000 people to their platform and closed a $2 million VC led seed round. When in comes to BeneFix, 2017 proved that there’s something to this “insurtech” thing.
What does insurtech do? Solve a myriad of problems; from human error to inefficiency- by automating steps which allows for better processes and data. Insurtech is transforming the U.S. healthcare ecosystem that yields so painfully to change.
BeneFix manages data from tens of thousands of plans offered by benefit carriers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Colorado and New York, offering quotes in minutes from a simple-to-use online interface reminiscent of Kayak.
In the wake of the tax legislation passed by Congress in December, and the repeal of the individual mandate that will take effect in 2019, Founder/CEO of BeneFix, Matt Ranauro, pointed out that, while people have been looking to the government to fix this fractured, expensive system, the solution is actually right in front of us: insurtech.
Added bonus: insurtech offers solutions that require no legislation or public debate.
For instance, insurtech can combat the rising costs that currently seem embedded in the healthcare industry. Much of the expense found in the industry comes from the inefficiencies inherent in the current system. Several years ago Temple's Fox School of Business released a report detailing research that showed, on average, a $1 increase in the budget of state chief information officers (CIO) led to a $4.05 decrease in "current expenses and capital depreciations."
Imagine, Ranauro said, if the health insurance industry, which rivals most state governments in terms of slow, low-tech systems, could see that level of savings by investing in the right technology?
While a latecomer (to say the least) to the age of digital solutions, the health insurance industry is finally beginning to embrace an ever-apparent reality: insurtech is the answer to many of the problems inherent to the system. The proof of that is in the numbers.
In 2010, a few companies began raising money for insurtech initiatives. By 2015 the industry had garnered $2.12 billion, $1.39 billion in 2014 alone.
Today, the global insurtech industry is worth $4.5 trillion.
The growth BeneFix saw in 2017 is additional proof: insurtech is a bet worth making. It’s a growth industry that will solve many of the problems we have in the U.S. healthcare industry and transform the way we get coverage, access benefits and receive care – finally.
About BeneFix
BeneFix is an insurtech company based out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It manages data from tens of thousands of plans offered by benefit carriers in the mid-Atlantic and Colorado, offering brokers quotes in minutes from a simple-to-use online interface reminiscent of Kayak. Benefit brokers use this digital platform for quotes that are 100 percent accurate, 100 times faster than hand generated quotes. With BeneFix, brokers no longer need to rely on antiquated, spreadsheet based systems. Brokers and businesses now have an all-in-one solution to manage their benefits.
Sarah Veronis
sarah(at)benefix(dot)us Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
LANCASTER, Pa. (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
In one year BeneFix has tripled their number of employees, finaled in the Rise of the Rest competition, expanded their footprint to four states, added over 300,000 people to their platform and closed a $2 million VC led seed round. When in comes to BeneFix, 2017 proved that there’s something to this “insurtech” thing.
What does insurtech do? Solve a myriad of problems; from human error to inefficiency- by automating steps which allows for better processes and data. Insurtech is transforming the U.S. healthcare ecosystem that yields so painfully to change.
BeneFix manages data from tens of thousands of plans offered by benefit carriers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Colorado and New York, offering quotes in minutes from a simple-to-use online interface reminiscent of Kayak.
In the wake of the tax legislation passed by Congress in December, and the repeal of the individual mandate that will take effect in 2019, Founder/CEO of BeneFix, Matt Ranauro, pointed out that, while people have been looking to the government to fix this fractured, expensive system, the solution is actually right in front of us: insurtech.
Added bonus: insurtech offers solutions that require no legislation or public debate.
For instance, insurtech can combat the rising costs that currently seem embedded in the healthcare industry. Much of the expense found in the industry comes from the inefficiencies inherent in the current system. Several years ago Temple's Fox School of Business released a report detailing research that showed, on average, a $1 increase in the budget of state chief information officers (CIO) led to a $4.05 decrease in "current expenses and capital depreciations."
Imagine, Ranauro said, if the health insurance industry, which rivals most state governments in terms of slow, low-tech systems, could see that level of savings by investing in the right technology?
While a latecomer (to say the least) to the age of digital solutions, the health insurance industry is finally beginning to embrace an ever-apparent reality: insurtech is the answer to many of the problems inherent to the system. The proof of that is in the numbers.
In 2010, a few companies began raising money for insurtech initiatives. By 2015 the industry had garnered $2.12 billion, $1.39 billion in 2014 alone.
Today, the global insurtech industry is worth $4.5 trillion.
The growth BeneFix saw in 2017 is additional proof: insurtech is a bet worth making. It’s a growth industry that will solve many of the problems we have in the U.S. healthcare industry and transform the way we get coverage, access benefits and receive care – finally.
About BeneFix
BeneFix is an insurtech company based out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It manages data from tens of thousands of plans offered by benefit carriers in the mid-Atlantic and Colorado, offering brokers quotes in minutes from a simple-to-use online interface reminiscent of Kayak. Benefit brokers use this digital platform for quotes that are 100 percent accurate, 100 times faster than hand generated quotes. With BeneFix, brokers no longer need to rely on antiquated, spreadsheet based systems. Brokers and businesses now have an all-in-one solution to manage their benefits.
Sarah Veronis
sarah(at)benefix(dot)us Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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Virtual Vocations Publishes List of the Top 100 Telecommute Companies for 2018
Virtual Vocations, Inc., the company behind the number one telecommute-only job board online, has published their latest list of the 100 best telecommute companies. The employers included in the Virtual Vocations ranking include Fortune 500 businesses as well as small businesses and startups representing an array of career fields.
TUCSON, Ariz. (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
Virtual Vocations' list of the Top 100 Telecommute Companies is the website’s second such publication.
Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations' CEO, said, “It’s important for us to continue providing telecommute jobseekers with the best resources available.” Spawn continued, “We want anyone looking for a flexible, remote job to know they can find work with reputable employers filling positions at all levels of experience.”
During 2017, Virtual Vocations staff members across multiple departments devoted their time and talents to screening job leads and creating profiles of telecommute companies from industries like healthcare, education, information technology, finance, and professional services.
The remote employers included in Virtual Vocations’ 2018 Top 100 Telecommute Companies ranking were selected because they are the telecommute-friendly employers with the most remote job postings published to the Virtual Vocations Telecommute Jobs Database for 2017. Each of these telecommute companies is projected to remain a powerhouse telecommuting employer for the year ahead.
Once again, UnitedHealth Group takes the top spot on Virtual Vocations’ list, recruiting for the most available telecommute job openings during 2017. UnitedHealth Group primarily hires remote professionals for roles as business developers, healthcare specialists, information technology experts, and customer service representatives.
Behind UnitedHealth Group, three education focused telecommute companies, Kaplan Inc., VocoVision, and K12 Inc., filled spots among the top five telecommute companies across all industries. Thanks to video conferencing and cloud software, education telecommute jobs lend themselves easily to telecommuting, whether conducted on a part-time or fully virtual basis.
Additional job sectors represented among employers on the Top 100 Telecommute Companies list include health insurance, biotechnology, software development, sales, consumer research, and translation.
Read the full report of the Virtual Vocations list of Top 100 Telecommute Companies for 2018 on the company's blog.
About Virtual Vocations: Virtual Vocations is the largest and most comprehensive online database of telecommute-only jobs. Offering job postings in more than 40 diverse career categories, customizable job filters and alerts, job search e-courses and guides, and a database of more than 10,000 remote employer profiles, Virtual Vocations is committed to helping jobseekers gain an advantage in the competitive telecommute job market by finding quality job leads and resources faster and easier.
Virtual Vocations has assisted over half a million individuals in their search for flexible, telecommute jobs and is dedicated to bringing jobseekers expertly researched leads that offer some form of telecommuting or virtual work. Virtual Vocations is a private, family-owned and 100% virtual company incorporated in Tucson, Arizona. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
TUCSON, Ariz. (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
Virtual Vocations' list of the Top 100 Telecommute Companies is the website’s second such publication.
Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations' CEO, said, “It’s important for us to continue providing telecommute jobseekers with the best resources available.” Spawn continued, “We want anyone looking for a flexible, remote job to know they can find work with reputable employers filling positions at all levels of experience.”
During 2017, Virtual Vocations staff members across multiple departments devoted their time and talents to screening job leads and creating profiles of telecommute companies from industries like healthcare, education, information technology, finance, and professional services.
The remote employers included in Virtual Vocations’ 2018 Top 100 Telecommute Companies ranking were selected because they are the telecommute-friendly employers with the most remote job postings published to the Virtual Vocations Telecommute Jobs Database for 2017. Each of these telecommute companies is projected to remain a powerhouse telecommuting employer for the year ahead.
Once again, UnitedHealth Group takes the top spot on Virtual Vocations’ list, recruiting for the most available telecommute job openings during 2017. UnitedHealth Group primarily hires remote professionals for roles as business developers, healthcare specialists, information technology experts, and customer service representatives.
Behind UnitedHealth Group, three education focused telecommute companies, Kaplan Inc., VocoVision, and K12 Inc., filled spots among the top five telecommute companies across all industries. Thanks to video conferencing and cloud software, education telecommute jobs lend themselves easily to telecommuting, whether conducted on a part-time or fully virtual basis.
Additional job sectors represented among employers on the Top 100 Telecommute Companies list include health insurance, biotechnology, software development, sales, consumer research, and translation.
Read the full report of the Virtual Vocations list of Top 100 Telecommute Companies for 2018 on the company's blog.
About Virtual Vocations: Virtual Vocations is the largest and most comprehensive online database of telecommute-only jobs. Offering job postings in more than 40 diverse career categories, customizable job filters and alerts, job search e-courses and guides, and a database of more than 10,000 remote employer profiles, Virtual Vocations is committed to helping jobseekers gain an advantage in the competitive telecommute job market by finding quality job leads and resources faster and easier.
Virtual Vocations has assisted over half a million individuals in their search for flexible, telecommute jobs and is dedicated to bringing jobseekers expertly researched leads that offer some form of telecommuting or virtual work. Virtual Vocations is a private, family-owned and 100% virtual company incorporated in Tucson, Arizona. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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Updates To ez1095 2017 ACA Software Gives Flexible Ways To Enter Thousands Of Employees
ACA form software, ez1095 application now offers a flexible way to import data for thousands of employees quickly. Download at no cost or obligation at http://www.halfpricesoft.com.
SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
2017 version of ez1095 ACA (Affordable Care Act) software from Halfpricesoft.com now available with a flexible and convenient way to import data for up to thousands of employees at a time. Ez1095 software can prepare and print form 1095 B, 1094 B, 1095 C and 1095 B with little to no tax preparation background.
“Halfpricesoft.com added an easier way to import data faster within ez1095 software.” said Dr. Ge, the founder of Halfpricesoft.com.
Designed with simplicity in mind, ez1095 software is more flexible and convenient for new customers. ez1095 software quick start guide will walk customers step-by-step through setting up company, adding employees, add forms and print forms. Customers can also click form level help links to get more details regarding the software.
This software is compatible Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP and other Windows systems. Potential customers can download and try this software at no obligation by visiting http://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/form-1095-software-free-download.asp
The main features include:· Print ACA forms 1095 and 1094 on blank paper with inkjet or laser printer.
· Print Form 1095 C: Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Insurance
· Print Form 1094 C: Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns
· Print Form 1095-B: Health Coverage
· Print Form 1094-B: Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Return
· Print recipient copies in PDF format.
· Support unlimited companies.
· Support unlimited number of recipients.
· Print unlimited number of 1095 and 1094 forms.
· Easy to populate data for 1095-C forms
Priced at just $195, this ACA forms filing software saves employers time and money. To learn more about ez1095 ACA software, customers can visit http://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp
About halfpricesoft.com
Founded in 2003, Halfpricesoft.com has established itself as a leader in meeting the software needs of small businesses around the world with its payroll software, accounting software, ez1095 form software, employee attendance tracking software, check printing software, W2 software, 1099 software. It continues to grow with its philosophy that small business owners need affordable, user friendly, super simple, and totally risk-free software. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
SAN DIEGO (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
2017 version of ez1095 ACA (Affordable Care Act) software from Halfpricesoft.com now available with a flexible and convenient way to import data for up to thousands of employees at a time. Ez1095 software can prepare and print form 1095 B, 1094 B, 1095 C and 1095 B with little to no tax preparation background.
“Halfpricesoft.com added an easier way to import data faster within ez1095 software.” said Dr. Ge, the founder of Halfpricesoft.com.
Designed with simplicity in mind, ez1095 software is more flexible and convenient for new customers. ez1095 software quick start guide will walk customers step-by-step through setting up company, adding employees, add forms and print forms. Customers can also click form level help links to get more details regarding the software.
This software is compatible Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP and other Windows systems. Potential customers can download and try this software at no obligation by visiting http://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/form-1095-software-free-download.asp
The main features include:· Print ACA forms 1095 and 1094 on blank paper with inkjet or laser printer.
· Print Form 1095 C: Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Insurance
· Print Form 1094 C: Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns
· Print Form 1095-B: Health Coverage
· Print Form 1094-B: Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Return
· Print recipient copies in PDF format.
· Support unlimited companies.
· Support unlimited number of recipients.
· Print unlimited number of 1095 and 1094 forms.
· Easy to populate data for 1095-C forms
Priced at just $195, this ACA forms filing software saves employers time and money. To learn more about ez1095 ACA software, customers can visit http://www.halfpricesoft.com/aca-1095/aca-1095-software.asp
About halfpricesoft.com
Founded in 2003, Halfpricesoft.com has established itself as a leader in meeting the software needs of small businesses around the world with its payroll software, accounting software, ez1095 form software, employee attendance tracking software, check printing software, W2 software, 1099 software. It continues to grow with its philosophy that small business owners need affordable, user friendly, super simple, and totally risk-free software. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers Launches Telemedicine Services for Vein and Lymphatic Consults
Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers announced today that they have launched Telemedicine Services for Vein and Lymphatic Consults. The telemedicine services will allow current and prospective patients of Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers to communicate with their physicians via a completely secure, HIPAA compliant, and fully encrypted connection.
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers announced today that they have launched Telemedicine Services for Vein and Lymphatic Consults. The telemedicine services will allow current and prospective patients of Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers to communicate with their physicians via a completely secure, HIPAA compliant, and fully encrypted connection. Patients will have the option to use their smart phone, tablet, or personal computer to have an initial consultation or follow up appointment for the treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, leg swelling, and lymphedema. Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers implemented the telemedicine technology platform developed by Chiron Health.
The telemedicine service offering is a strategic component of Vein911® Vein Treatment Center’s growth strategy. Vein911® currently has clinics in Tampa and St. Petersburg and are actively opening locations in Largo and Palm Harbor. The company is exploring further expansion opportunities in Orlando, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Naples, and Miami. Telemedicine services will allow Vein911® to provide care to patients that might traditionally do without care due to their location or lifestyle.
Telemedicine is quickly becoming a standard delivery method for health care providers including family practitioners, cardiac specialists, and pediatric care. The Florida Legislature recently created a 13-member advisory council to study the issue and deliver a report to state political leaders on how to expand telehealth services. Currently, most of the health insurance providers in the state of Florida do not reimburse for telemedicine visits. The insurance companies are expected to rapidly adopt telemedicine over the next few years as a strategy to provide more efficient care at lower costs.
“We are very excited to be one of the few vein treatment centers in the country using telemedicine,” said Chris Pittman, M.D., Medical Director and CEO of Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers. “The service will provide a convenient option of care and a unique experience for our patients.”
About Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers
Vein911® is a leading provider of both medical and cosmetic vein care including varicose veins, ankle swelling, restless legs, night cramps, venous leg ulcers, and cosmetically disturbing veins of the hands, face and legs. Our world-class vein treatment centers offer state of the art technology within elegant and comfortable surroundings and a family atmosphere. Our non-surgical medical procedures include Endovenous Laser Treatment and Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy, which is the future of vein care available today at Vein911®. Our cosmetic procedures include Visual Sclerotherapy, which is the gold standard treatment for spider veins, and VeinGoghTM, which is an immediately effective treatment for facial veins. Vein911® is the varicose vein and spider vein treatment center of choice for physicians and their patients who are experiencing vein disease. Our vein treatment centers are conveniently located throughout the Tampa Bay area and are led by board-certified vein care specialist physicians. Schedule an appointment today at Vein911.com or call 855-VEIN-911. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers announced today that they have launched Telemedicine Services for Vein and Lymphatic Consults. The telemedicine services will allow current and prospective patients of Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers to communicate with their physicians via a completely secure, HIPAA compliant, and fully encrypted connection. Patients will have the option to use their smart phone, tablet, or personal computer to have an initial consultation or follow up appointment for the treatment of varicose veins, spider veins, leg swelling, and lymphedema. Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers implemented the telemedicine technology platform developed by Chiron Health.
The telemedicine service offering is a strategic component of Vein911® Vein Treatment Center’s growth strategy. Vein911® currently has clinics in Tampa and St. Petersburg and are actively opening locations in Largo and Palm Harbor. The company is exploring further expansion opportunities in Orlando, Jacksonville, Sarasota, Naples, and Miami. Telemedicine services will allow Vein911® to provide care to patients that might traditionally do without care due to their location or lifestyle.
Telemedicine is quickly becoming a standard delivery method for health care providers including family practitioners, cardiac specialists, and pediatric care. The Florida Legislature recently created a 13-member advisory council to study the issue and deliver a report to state political leaders on how to expand telehealth services. Currently, most of the health insurance providers in the state of Florida do not reimburse for telemedicine visits. The insurance companies are expected to rapidly adopt telemedicine over the next few years as a strategy to provide more efficient care at lower costs.
“We are very excited to be one of the few vein treatment centers in the country using telemedicine,” said Chris Pittman, M.D., Medical Director and CEO of Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers. “The service will provide a convenient option of care and a unique experience for our patients.”
About Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers
Vein911® is a leading provider of both medical and cosmetic vein care including varicose veins, ankle swelling, restless legs, night cramps, venous leg ulcers, and cosmetically disturbing veins of the hands, face and legs. Our world-class vein treatment centers offer state of the art technology within elegant and comfortable surroundings and a family atmosphere. Our non-surgical medical procedures include Endovenous Laser Treatment and Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy, which is the future of vein care available today at Vein911®. Our cosmetic procedures include Visual Sclerotherapy, which is the gold standard treatment for spider veins, and VeinGoghTM, which is an immediately effective treatment for facial veins. Vein911® is the varicose vein and spider vein treatment center of choice for physicians and their patients who are experiencing vein disease. Our vein treatment centers are conveniently located throughout the Tampa Bay area and are led by board-certified vein care specialist physicians. Schedule an appointment today at Vein911.com or call 855-VEIN-911. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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Enrollment dips on Colorado’s health insurance exchange, advocates blame Trump decisions on Obamacare
The number of people signing up for health insurance plans on Connect for Health Colorado, the state's Affordable Care Act exchange, fell by nearly 4 percent, but it's unclear whether that means more people are going without coverage.
Reported by Denver Post 1 day ago.
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40 Square Cooperative Solutions Posts Strong Numbers For Health Plan Open Enrollment
More than 1,000 lives enrolled in Minnesota’s first-ever independent cooperative health plan
ST. PAUL, Minn. (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
40 Square Cooperative Solutions, a Minnesota health care cooperative providing farmers self-funded health plan options, today released enrollment numbers for the 2017 open enrollment season. In its first enrollment initiative, which ran between November 1 and December 20, 2017, 40 Square enrolled more than 1,000 lives in its health plans, which includes nearly 500 employers and their employees, plus family members.
“We are thrilled by the response we received from Minnesota farm families and agribusinesses about the co-op,” said Char Vrieze, Executive Director of 40 Square. “We’ve known for many years that farmers who do not qualify for government subsidies through MNsure were finding their health insurance rates skyrocketing, while provider networks shrunk. It was time to find a solution that stabilized rates and allowed those working in agriculture the opportunity to see a doctor in their local area in addition to first-rate facilities like Mayo Clinic.”
With the departure of many insurance carriers in rural Minnesota counties in 2016, the state Legislature began to plan for a new health plan solution for the agricultural community, and 40 Square Cooperative Solutions started organizing the co-op’s structure for the 2018 open enrollment period. Through an amendment sponsored by Rep. Tim Miller (R-Prinsburg), the Minnesota legislature cut government “red tape” in January of last year that was keeping cooperatives from offering health insurance plans, at no expense to Minnesota taxpayers.
“40 Square is extremely appreciative of the support we received from Minnesota lawmakers. The cooperative health plan model has been a big win for both farmers and those involved in production agriculture. We also have to thank our partners, stakeholders and board of directors for their leadership as the co-op was gaining momentum,” said Vrieze. “We are surrounded by a great community of advocates that are committed to helping Minnesota farm families get the health care they want and need.”
Open enrollment for the 2019 season has not been announced, but individuals who believe they may qualify for a special open enrollment are encouraged to contact 40 Square at info(at)40Square.coop or 844-205-9579.
About 40 Square Cooperative Solutions
40 Square is an independent health plan cooperative providing Minnesota farm families the control to manage their health care. The initiative was founded by Cooperative Network, the Minnesota and Wisconsin state trade association of cooperatives, and United Farmers Cooperative (UFC), an agricultural supply cooperative based in Winthrop, Minnesota. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (PRWEB) January 17, 2018
40 Square Cooperative Solutions, a Minnesota health care cooperative providing farmers self-funded health plan options, today released enrollment numbers for the 2017 open enrollment season. In its first enrollment initiative, which ran between November 1 and December 20, 2017, 40 Square enrolled more than 1,000 lives in its health plans, which includes nearly 500 employers and their employees, plus family members.
“We are thrilled by the response we received from Minnesota farm families and agribusinesses about the co-op,” said Char Vrieze, Executive Director of 40 Square. “We’ve known for many years that farmers who do not qualify for government subsidies through MNsure were finding their health insurance rates skyrocketing, while provider networks shrunk. It was time to find a solution that stabilized rates and allowed those working in agriculture the opportunity to see a doctor in their local area in addition to first-rate facilities like Mayo Clinic.”
With the departure of many insurance carriers in rural Minnesota counties in 2016, the state Legislature began to plan for a new health plan solution for the agricultural community, and 40 Square Cooperative Solutions started organizing the co-op’s structure for the 2018 open enrollment period. Through an amendment sponsored by Rep. Tim Miller (R-Prinsburg), the Minnesota legislature cut government “red tape” in January of last year that was keeping cooperatives from offering health insurance plans, at no expense to Minnesota taxpayers.
“40 Square is extremely appreciative of the support we received from Minnesota lawmakers. The cooperative health plan model has been a big win for both farmers and those involved in production agriculture. We also have to thank our partners, stakeholders and board of directors for their leadership as the co-op was gaining momentum,” said Vrieze. “We are surrounded by a great community of advocates that are committed to helping Minnesota farm families get the health care they want and need.”
Open enrollment for the 2019 season has not been announced, but individuals who believe they may qualify for a special open enrollment are encouraged to contact 40 Square at info(at)40Square.coop or 844-205-9579.
About 40 Square Cooperative Solutions
40 Square is an independent health plan cooperative providing Minnesota farm families the control to manage their health care. The initiative was founded by Cooperative Network, the Minnesota and Wisconsin state trade association of cooperatives, and United Farmers Cooperative (UFC), an agricultural supply cooperative based in Winthrop, Minnesota. Reported by PRWeb 1 day ago.
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Republicans have a plan to avoid a government shutdown — but there are still big problems ahead
**· *Republicans released their plan to fund the government through February 16 on Tuesday night.*
· *The bill does not include a solution to the Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, meaning Republicans will likely have to pass the bill by themselves.*
· *This leave GOP leaders with a number of issues with defense hawks and conservatives in the House possibly opposing the bill and the need for 10 Democratic votes in the Senate.*
--------------------On Tuesday night, House Republicans released their plan to fund the government over the short term and avoid a government shutdown at the end of the week.
The bill would extend the deadline for a shutdown to February 16 from the current January 19 cutoff. While the bill has a number of provisions to win over conservatives in the House — including delays to some Obamacare taxes — it still faces challenges as it tries to make its way through Congress over the next three days.
*An all-GOP strategy*
Conspicuously absent from the funding bill is anything to do with immigration, specifically the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Codification of the program, which protects from deportation roughly 700,000 undocumented immigrants who entered the US as minors, was a requirement of Democrats in order to get their support for a funding bill.
Given that the bill does not include anything addressing DACA, it appears that Republican leaders in the House are planning to go forward with a GOP-only strategy. While Republicans in the House have a majority and can theoretically pass the bill without the Democrats, the strategy carries some risks.
For one thing, the use of a short-term bill — known as a continuing resolution — is not going to go over well with two groups within the GOP conference.
Defense hawks, staunchly military-focused members, have balked at the use of another continuing resolution. The short-term bills have been used since September to delay the shutdown deadline, and defense hawks say that they weaken military effectiveness by leaving funding in limbo and simply maintaining last year's spending levels instead of increasing money to meet the military's needs.
GOP Rep. Bradley Byrne summed up those concerns while talking to reporters on Tuesday.
"Continuing resolutions are hurting the readiness of our troops, endangering our troops, and for those of us defense hawks, we find it very difficult to support CRs," Byrne said. "The alternative is to let the Democrats crash the whole government, and that's what they are trying to do.
Another concern is the hardline conservative House Freedom Caucus, who were turned off by the continuous use of these resolutions and want to decrease spending. Freedom Caucus chair Mark Meadows told reporters on Tuesday that many of the group's members were not fans of strategy and that the Obamacare tax delays — designed to win over conservatives — were simply "gimmicks."
A source close to the Freedom Caucus told Busines Insider that while the Caucus was not taking a concrete position yet, there was signifcant pushback among members.
"[The Caucus has] no official position, but they generally did not support leadership’s current strategy," the source said. "There’s general support for doing what leadership said we were going to do six weeks ago, to fully fund our military for a year and CR non-defense discretionary for a month while we continue negotiations."
Meadows said Tuesday that given the resistance to the bill, there may not be enough GOP lawmakers on board with the plan yet.
"Based on the number of 'no' and undecided votes, there is not enough votes for a Republican-only bill," Meadows said, according to Politico.
*The Senate presents another problem*
Even if the Republican House leadership can bring their conference together and get the bill passed, there's still the problem of the Senate.
Support from at least 10 Senate Democrats is needed in order to guarantee passage of the bill — any less and another member can filibuster the measure for its lack of DACA solution.
The item that could win over some members, according to Isaac Boltansky at policy research firm Compass Point, is a six-year extension of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
"We continue to believe that a sufficient number of Senate Democrats will cross the aisle to pass this deal, especially given the CHIP funding," Boltansky wrote in a note to clients after the bill was released.
Also some Democratic members, especially in states where President Donald Trump won in 2016, have expressed hesitation to shut the government down on Friday over the DACA issue. This opens the door for their support.
*SEE ALSO: House Republicans just released their plan to avoid a disastrous government shutdown*
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: A reporter who met with the former spy behind the Trump-Russia dossier explains why it’s not 'fake news' Reported by Business Insider 1 day ago.
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Minnesota health exchange boasts record 116K signups
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's health insurance exchange announced Wednesday that it enrolled more than 116,000 residents in private plans this year, a record number that comes amid cuts and uncertainty for health care nationwide. Open enrollment ended Sunday, and MNsure's signups in its fifth year narrowly beat its previous high of nearly 115,000. But this year's strong figures came in an enrollment period more than two weeks shorter. MNsure chief executive Allison O'Toole said its performance showcased the importance of the flexibility that Minnesota and the 11 other states with their own exchanges have. While the federal HealthCare.
Reported by SeattlePI.com 18 hours ago.
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Taiwan unveils diagnostic image sharing cloud platform
Taiwan's National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has unveiled a cloud-based platform for sharing diagnostic images among local hospitals and clinics.
Reported by DigiTimes 8 hours ago.
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First Family Insurance Hires 20 Licensed Health Insurance Agents
Mass hiring part of expansion plan to double staff in 2018
FORT MYERS, Fla. (PRWEB) January 18, 2018
First Family Insurance, LLC., today announced the hiring of 20 licensed health insurance agents for the month of January - the first of many mass hirings scheduled for 2018. As part of their initiative to promote and grow locally, the agents will work out of the First Family Insurance headquarters located in Fort Myers, Florida.
“We’ve gained a lot of recognition over the years for being visionaries. We firmly believe there is a significant amount of talent in our home town, and can benefit the community by employing them,” said Tyler McClosky, Chief Operations Officer for First Family Insurance.
First Family Insurance plans on hiring another 80 agents over the course of the year, nearly doubling the local staff. In total, First Family Insurance has nearly 1800 licensed health insurance agents around the nation, with satellite offices in Tampa, Dallas, and Portland, Maine.
“We’re excited about creating jobs in our back yard,” says David Adorno, Marketing Manager for First Family Insurance. “We’ve been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation the last 3 years in a row, earning us the title of an INC 5000 company. More importantly, to us, it’s more than just building channels of profit. We’re helping our agents and their families live a comfortable lifestyle in an environment that promotes growth and fulfillment. It’s a pride, and a duty, we take to heart.”
Their explosive growth and corporate agility have directly contributed to their position in the health insurance marketplace. First Family Insurance has a systematic approach to on-boarding new agents that streamlines the process of learning the product line, learning their proprietary back-office system, and teaching agents how to grow and market their business.
Parties interested in working for First Family Insurance are encouraged to have their 2-15 license.
About First Family Insurance
First Family Insurance, an “A” rated company by the Better Business Bureau, is an Inc 5000 recognized national insurance agency based out of Fort Myers, Florida. The company offers a wide range of insurance brokerage services through major insurance carriers for Medicare, health insurance, life insurance, home owner insurance, and auto insurance throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.FirstFamilyInsurance.com.
For Media Inquiries
David Adorno
dadorno(at)firstfamilyinsurance(dot)com
239-674-3163 Reported by PRWeb 9 hours ago.
FORT MYERS, Fla. (PRWEB) January 18, 2018
First Family Insurance, LLC., today announced the hiring of 20 licensed health insurance agents for the month of January - the first of many mass hirings scheduled for 2018. As part of their initiative to promote and grow locally, the agents will work out of the First Family Insurance headquarters located in Fort Myers, Florida.
“We’ve gained a lot of recognition over the years for being visionaries. We firmly believe there is a significant amount of talent in our home town, and can benefit the community by employing them,” said Tyler McClosky, Chief Operations Officer for First Family Insurance.
First Family Insurance plans on hiring another 80 agents over the course of the year, nearly doubling the local staff. In total, First Family Insurance has nearly 1800 licensed health insurance agents around the nation, with satellite offices in Tampa, Dallas, and Portland, Maine.
“We’re excited about creating jobs in our back yard,” says David Adorno, Marketing Manager for First Family Insurance. “We’ve been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation the last 3 years in a row, earning us the title of an INC 5000 company. More importantly, to us, it’s more than just building channels of profit. We’re helping our agents and their families live a comfortable lifestyle in an environment that promotes growth and fulfillment. It’s a pride, and a duty, we take to heart.”
Their explosive growth and corporate agility have directly contributed to their position in the health insurance marketplace. First Family Insurance has a systematic approach to on-boarding new agents that streamlines the process of learning the product line, learning their proprietary back-office system, and teaching agents how to grow and market their business.
Parties interested in working for First Family Insurance are encouraged to have their 2-15 license.
About First Family Insurance
First Family Insurance, an “A” rated company by the Better Business Bureau, is an Inc 5000 recognized national insurance agency based out of Fort Myers, Florida. The company offers a wide range of insurance brokerage services through major insurance carriers for Medicare, health insurance, life insurance, home owner insurance, and auto insurance throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.FirstFamilyInsurance.com.
For Media Inquiries
David Adorno
dadorno(at)firstfamilyinsurance(dot)com
239-674-3163 Reported by PRWeb 9 hours ago.
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USHA’s Harley Brown Division Partners with HopeKids Colorado to Help Families Through Difficult Times
Team Donates Over $9,000 to help families
DENVER (PRWEB) January 18, 2018
Dealing with loss is painful. Dealing with the loss of a child is…an excruciating journey that brings a family together to face its darkest hours.
One family in Denver, Colorado found themselves on this very journey, when their son passed away in 2016. But, with the help of the USHEALTH Advisors Harley Brown Division, in partnership with HopeKids Colorado, the family’s journey has become a bit more bearable.
When selecting which social responsibility program they would support during USHEALTH Advisors Annual Month of HOPE, the Harley Brown Division found themselves deeply focused on Colorado families who are helped in the darkest of hours by HopeKids Colorado. “Ultimately, our efforts helped a total of 85 families and 230 kids,” said USHA Division Sales Leader Harley Brown. “We provided Christmas gifts for all the families and any extra money we raised, was then donated to HopeKids Colorado.” On December 1st, the Brown Division provided HopeKids Colorado with a check in the amount of $9,320.00.
In thanking the Brown Division for their generosity, HopeKids Colorado spokesman Howie Hutchinson said “One of the many things I love about HopeKids is walking with a family through the entire journey, no matter where that journey takes them. For some, it’s a celebration of remission and end of treatment. For others, it means saying their last goodbyes to their child. Thank you for each hour that you give of your time, dollar that you donate and resource that your pour into families...”
A portion of the Brown Teams’ donation helped provide one family with a much-needed distraction from the unimaginable grief associated with the loss of a child. HopeKids Colorado, with help from the Brown Division, provided the family with tickets to see their favorite sports teams; the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets, in action - just one of many ways the Brown team's donations will help local families in the Denver area.
“The compassion shown by the Harley Brown Division exemplifies our company and our culture,” said USHEALTH Group President and CEO, Troy McQuagge. “Our mission of HOPE reminds us that, as individuals and as a company, we are here for a purpose – to Help Others. I am so proud of Harley and his team for the way they stepped up to provide donations of cash and gifts, to help other families who are dealing with a child’s serious illness or are struggling with the loss of a child. Caring makes the difference.”
About USHEALTH Advisors, LLC
USHEALTH Advisors, LLC is the wholly-owned national health insurance distribution arm of USHEALTH Group, Inc. The company sells individual health coverage and supplementary products underwritten by Freedom Life Insurance Company of America and National Foundation Life Insurance Company, wholly-owned subsidiaries of USHEALTH Group, Inc. The company is focused on serving America’s self-employed, small business and individual insurance market through its captive agent sales force. Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.
DENVER (PRWEB) January 18, 2018
Dealing with loss is painful. Dealing with the loss of a child is…an excruciating journey that brings a family together to face its darkest hours.
One family in Denver, Colorado found themselves on this very journey, when their son passed away in 2016. But, with the help of the USHEALTH Advisors Harley Brown Division, in partnership with HopeKids Colorado, the family’s journey has become a bit more bearable.
When selecting which social responsibility program they would support during USHEALTH Advisors Annual Month of HOPE, the Harley Brown Division found themselves deeply focused on Colorado families who are helped in the darkest of hours by HopeKids Colorado. “Ultimately, our efforts helped a total of 85 families and 230 kids,” said USHA Division Sales Leader Harley Brown. “We provided Christmas gifts for all the families and any extra money we raised, was then donated to HopeKids Colorado.” On December 1st, the Brown Division provided HopeKids Colorado with a check in the amount of $9,320.00.
In thanking the Brown Division for their generosity, HopeKids Colorado spokesman Howie Hutchinson said “One of the many things I love about HopeKids is walking with a family through the entire journey, no matter where that journey takes them. For some, it’s a celebration of remission and end of treatment. For others, it means saying their last goodbyes to their child. Thank you for each hour that you give of your time, dollar that you donate and resource that your pour into families...”
A portion of the Brown Teams’ donation helped provide one family with a much-needed distraction from the unimaginable grief associated with the loss of a child. HopeKids Colorado, with help from the Brown Division, provided the family with tickets to see their favorite sports teams; the Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets, in action - just one of many ways the Brown team's donations will help local families in the Denver area.
“The compassion shown by the Harley Brown Division exemplifies our company and our culture,” said USHEALTH Group President and CEO, Troy McQuagge. “Our mission of HOPE reminds us that, as individuals and as a company, we are here for a purpose – to Help Others. I am so proud of Harley and his team for the way they stepped up to provide donations of cash and gifts, to help other families who are dealing with a child’s serious illness or are struggling with the loss of a child. Caring makes the difference.”
About USHEALTH Advisors, LLC
USHEALTH Advisors, LLC is the wholly-owned national health insurance distribution arm of USHEALTH Group, Inc. The company sells individual health coverage and supplementary products underwritten by Freedom Life Insurance Company of America and National Foundation Life Insurance Company, wholly-owned subsidiaries of USHEALTH Group, Inc. The company is focused on serving America’s self-employed, small business and individual insurance market through its captive agent sales force. Reported by PRWeb 5 hours ago.
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Amazon seeks HIPAA expert for new health care initiative
Amazon.com Inc. is looking to recruit an expert in the U.S. federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations that govern health care data, according to a job listing. The “HIPAA Compliance Lead” will own and operate the security and compliance elements of a “new initiative,” the job description states. The person will also ensure that all technology and business processes meet Amazon's HIPAA business associate agreement requirements. The job posting suggests…
Reported by bizjournals 3 hours ago.
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Trump upends GOP strategy to avoid shutdown with call to settle childhood insurance impasse
President Trump upended the GOP's strategy to avert a shutdown early Thursday when he declared that an extension of a federal health insurance program for children "should be part of a long term solution" and not a stopgap spending plan.
Reported by Denver Post 40 minutes ago.
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Trump upends GOP strategy to avoid shutdown with call to settle childhood insurance impasse
President Trump upended the GOP's strategy to avert a shutdown early Thursday when he declared that an extension of a federal health insurance program for children "should be part of a long term solution" and not a stopgap spending plan.
That directly contradicts the thinking of congressional Republicans,... Reported by dailypress.com 23 hours ago.
That directly contradicts the thinking of congressional Republicans,... Reported by dailypress.com 23 hours ago.
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Amazon has narrowed its hunt for HQ2 down to 20 cities — here are the perks its new employees could get (AMZN)
· *Amazon has narrowed its search for a second US headquarters location, dubbed HQ2, down to 20 cities.*· *The company has said that new offices will provide up to 50,000 jobs.*
· *Current Amazon employees receive perks like health and disability insurance, company stock, and paid leave, and it's likely the workers at HQ2 will, as well.*
--------------------Nearly 240 US cities submitted bids to be the site of Amazon's new headquarters, dubbed HQ2.
Now, the company has announced that it has narrowed the applicant pool down to just 20 cities, and Amazon will announce its decision by the end of 2018. Cities still under consideration include Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Washington, DC, and Columbus, Ohio.
Business Insider's Hayley Peterson has the full list. As she reports, "Amazon has promised a $5 billion investment and up to 50,000 high-paying jobs" to the future home of HQ2.
While there's no indication Amazon has started filling those "up to 50,000" positions in HQ2, we do have some idea of what the retail giant would offer employees based on current benefits.
As VP of HR John Olsen told Business Insider during a tour of Amazon's Robbinsville, New Jersey, warehouse in August, the company provides uniform benefits across all levels of employees. "My benefits package is the same as a benefits package here at the fulfillment center," he said. "I think we've got an egalitarian process."
Along with being part of a development that's likely to change its home city — after all, that's what happened to Seattle, site of the first Amazon headquarters — here's what HQ2 can most likely expect:
*SEE ALSO: Amazon just revealed the top 20 contenders for its new headquarters — here's the complete list*
*DON'T MISS: 20 cities are left in the running for Amazon's second headquarters — and the story of Disney's secret hunt for land nearly 60 years ago could predict how Amazon's HQ2 will change its home city*
-Highly-competitive pay, retirement savings plans, and company stock are standard for every-level employees.-
Source: Business Insider-On Glassdoor, employees report salaries ranging from $12.63 an hour for a warehouse worker, to over $240,000 a year for employees at a director level.-
Source: Glassdoor-Full-time workers also receive health insurance and disability insurance.-
Source: Business Insider
See the rest of the story at Business Insider Reported by Business Insider 1 day ago.
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White House spokesman: Trump supports House effort to fund government, extend children’s health insurance program
WASHINGTON (AP) — White House spokesman: Trump supports House effort to fund government, extend children’s health insurance program.
Reported by Seattle Times 23 hours ago.
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The Republican plan to avoid a government shutdown is on the verge of failure
· *GOP leadership introduced a bil on Tuesday to extend the deadline for a government shutdown until February 16.*· *But the bill is facing blowback from Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate, and does not appear to have enough votes to pass.*
· *The deadline for a shutdown is the end of Friday.*
--------------------The Republican bill designed to fund the government and avoid a shutdown on Friday is quickly unraveling less than 48 hours before the deadline.
GOP members in both the House and Senate are criticizing the leadership's plan to pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would keep the government open until February 16. The CR also includes a six-year extension of funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program.
In the House, the conservative House Freedom Caucus is holding out for changes to the CR, including immigration reform promises and an extension to the length of military funding beyond February.
So far, the leadership has not given in to these demands, and the roughly 30 members in the Freedom Caucus withholding their votes puts the House vote in danger.
A source close to the Freedom Caucus told Business Insider that "there are still not enough votes for Republicans to get to 218 in the House," the number needed to pass the bill.
*Senate chances of passing the bill*
In the Senate, the situation may be even more dire. Republicans already need at least 10 Democrats to vote for the CR to avoid a filibuster since Sen. John McCain has still not returned from Arizona where he was receiving treatment for a brain tumor.
Already, three GOP senators said they are against the bill. Sens. Mike Rounds of South Dakota and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina announced they are planning to vote "no" on the bill in the House due to concerns over the CR's uncertainty as it pertains to military funding.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky also confirmed to Business Insider that he would vote "no" on the funding bill as constructed.
Additionally, according to Seung Min Kim at Politico, a spokesperson for Sen. Mike Lee seemed to leave the door open for a "no vote."
"Past performance is not a guarantee of future results but Sen. Lee has never voted for a CR," said Lee's spokesperson Conn Carroll.
When asked about Lee's vote, Carroll told Business Insider, "the quote speaks for itself."
Even Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the third-highest ranking GOP senator, said the current plan is in danger.
"I’m concerned that we, yeah, we may not have 60 votes in the Senate," Thune told Politico on Thursday.
A possible lifeline to avoid a shutdown could come in the form of an even shorter-term CR, to give the leadership from both parties more time to work out a robust deal on funding, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and immigration.
During an interview alongside independent Sen. Angus King of Maine on CNN, Rounds agreed that a CR that lasts a few days to come to a broader funding agreement would be acceptable.
"If they came to us and said, 'OK, we've got a deal, here are the terms, we need five days in order to do the paperwork,' I think both of us would go along with that," King said, with Rounds concurring.
The official deadline to pass a bill is at midnight as Friday turns to Saturday.
*SEE ALSO: Trump sends GOP leaders scrambling after contradicting a key part of their government shutdown plan*
*DON'T MISS: The Republican Party's own hardline conservatives could sidetrack their deal to avoid a government shutdown*
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: Here's how the map of the United States has changed in 200 years Reported by Business Insider 23 hours ago.
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