DEAN KORTGE
STEVE DOTY
June 30, 2005
Our credentials: The Oregon Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Oregon Association of Health Underwriters have more than 100 years of total experience in the group health-insurance business and provide services to a majority of the health-insurance purchasers throughout the state.
The Legislature is rightfully cautious about killing one 90,000-member statewide insurance pool, provided by the 35-year-old Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) Insurance Trust, and replacing it with another pool without any history. In this Legislature, the old axiom "know where you will land before you jump" has come to the front and the SB 639A advocates don't like it.
There has been no actuarial analysis of the proposal to determine if there will be any savings. Furthermore, some advocates refuse to even consider conducting such a study.
A June 22 article in the Statesman-Journal ignores a June 21 Statesman-Journal article citing Sen. Avel Gordly's worries about the "lack of evidence of savings." Sen. Gordly, D- Portland, gave the subcommittee a "courtesy vote" for the bill because of some apparent pressure (not from Republicans) to move the bill.
Advocates of SB 639A claim that a couple of other states did a study and found that a mandatory statewide insurance pool might save money. But none of those states have moved forward to implement a statewide pool.
Besides, Oregon's health-insurance market is different, and studies from other states simply can't be applied here. The fact is that the SB 639A proposal just replaces one statewide pool with another and punishes the OSBA Insurance Trust for having done a good job with their pool's management.
Just four months ago, The Oregonian reported that the health insurance offered to school districts through the OSBA Trust was significantly less expensive than that offered to state employees through the Public Employees Benefit Board. The question needs to be asked: How will dollars be saved when the health-insurance pool the advocates of this bill would like to emulate is actually more expensive than what's currently available?
Insurance pools are great and in many cases we support them. The OSBA has operated a very successful insurance pool for 35 years. It has worked because it is subject to marketplace competition. Larger school districts can self-insure, and all districts can buy insurance from the private market if they can find a better deal. Competition melts away fat in any system. A state-controlled monopoly program will not.
The current structure has worked far better than any state-managed group (remember PERS), so why jump into it before you clearly know where you will land?
Thursday, June 30, 2005
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Lower auto insurance rates will save drivers millions
By Paul Ertelt
Capitol Bureau
ALBANY — Recent reductions in auto-insurance premiums will save New York drivers $360 million this year, according to the state Insurance Department. Three insurers, American International Group, Chubb and General Motors Acceptance Corp., are the latest to announce rate cuts.
State Insurance Superintendent Howard Mills credited the reductions to a state crackdown on insurance fraud and the streamlining of claims processing. AIG has agreed to cut its rates by an average of 4 percent, saving its 75,000 New York policyholders an estimated $6.3 million a a year. The rates go into effect July 5 for new customers and Sept. 3 for renewals. Chubb, with more than 26,000 auto policyholders, is cutting its rates by 4.8 percent beginning Dec. 12 for new business and Feb. 6 for renewals. That will mean total annual savings of $5.1 million. GMAC’s 62,000 auto policyholders will see an average premium cut of 6 percent no later than the third quarter of this year, for an estimated $8.5 million annual savings. The Insurance Department already had approved rate reductions for 16 auto insurers, including a 3 percent cut for Allstate, a 6 percent cut for GEICO and a 5 percent cut for State Farm. Those three insurers cover about 45 percent of New York’s 11 million drivers. In November, the Insurance Department wrote to the state’s largest auto-insurance carriers to point out that the loss ratio for the passenger market had dropped significantly since 2002. Then, insurers were setting aside 86 cents of every premium dollar to pay claims, but that figure had dropped to 61 cents on the dollar a year ago. Mike Barry, spokesman for the department, said an increase in the average age of drivers, a drop in the number of accidents and a decline in fraud helped reduce insurers’ costs. Investigations by the department’s Frauds Bureau led to a record 815 arrests in 2004. Also, the time an injured party has to file a claim and the time medical providers have to bill insurance companies were cut recently, reducing opportunities for fraud, Barry said.
Capitol Bureau
ALBANY — Recent reductions in auto-insurance premiums will save New York drivers $360 million this year, according to the state Insurance Department. Three insurers, American International Group, Chubb and General Motors Acceptance Corp., are the latest to announce rate cuts.
State Insurance Superintendent Howard Mills credited the reductions to a state crackdown on insurance fraud and the streamlining of claims processing. AIG has agreed to cut its rates by an average of 4 percent, saving its 75,000 New York policyholders an estimated $6.3 million a a year. The rates go into effect July 5 for new customers and Sept. 3 for renewals. Chubb, with more than 26,000 auto policyholders, is cutting its rates by 4.8 percent beginning Dec. 12 for new business and Feb. 6 for renewals. That will mean total annual savings of $5.1 million. GMAC’s 62,000 auto policyholders will see an average premium cut of 6 percent no later than the third quarter of this year, for an estimated $8.5 million annual savings. The Insurance Department already had approved rate reductions for 16 auto insurers, including a 3 percent cut for Allstate, a 6 percent cut for GEICO and a 5 percent cut for State Farm. Those three insurers cover about 45 percent of New York’s 11 million drivers. In November, the Insurance Department wrote to the state’s largest auto-insurance carriers to point out that the loss ratio for the passenger market had dropped significantly since 2002. Then, insurers were setting aside 86 cents of every premium dollar to pay claims, but that figure had dropped to 61 cents on the dollar a year ago. Mike Barry, spokesman for the department, said an increase in the average age of drivers, a drop in the number of accidents and a decline in fraud helped reduce insurers’ costs. Investigations by the department’s Frauds Bureau led to a record 815 arrests in 2004. Also, the time an injured party has to file a claim and the time medical providers have to bill insurance companies were cut recently, reducing opportunities for fraud, Barry said.
Health Insurance Coverage for Children up in 2004
Health insurance coverage for children showed continued improvement in 2004, and the percentage of working-age adults without insurance coverage, which had been climbing in recent years, did not increase last year, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The data, based on CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, provides estimates of insurance coverage for the United States in 2004. For the first time, the latest survey also includes statistics on insurance coverage for the nation’s 10 largest states.
The report, which tracks insurance coverage since 1997, finds that the improvement in coverage for children reflects an increase in public coverage—including the State Children’s Health Insurance Program--for poor and near-poor children.
Highlights of the report include:
In 2004, over 90 percent of America’s children had health insurance at the time of the interview – a steady rise from the first report in 1997. In 2004, 9.4 percent of children – 7 million children under 18 years of age – were without health insurance. In contrast, in 1997, about 14 percent – 10 million children – lacked coverage.
Among poor and near-poor children, lack of coverage dropped by about a third from 1997. For near-poor children, public coverage almost doubled from 24 percent to 43 percent between 1997 and 2004. Nearly 70 percent of poor children under 18 years of age rely on public coverage.
Overall, 14.6 percent of the population – 42.1 million Americans of all ages – was without current health insurance coverage in 2004, about the same level as in 1997. One in five working-age adults (age 18 to 64) were without insurance in 2004. This number had been steadily rising in recent years but appears to have leveled off in 2004.
One in five working-age adults (age 18-64) were without insurance in 2004. This number had been steadily rising in recent years but appears to have leveled off in 2004.
The survey produced health insurance coverage estimates for the 10 largest states. For the population under age 65, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania had considerably lower rates of uninsured than the national average of 16 percent. In California and Florida, just over 20 percent were without health coverage, and in Texas, about 27 percent lacked coverage.
These findings appear in “Health Insurance Coverage: Estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 2004,” gathered from the annual household survey with a sample of the nation’s civilian non-institutionalized population. In 2004, the survey, conducted by CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, added questions to improve the accuracy of the estimates on insurance coverage.
In addition to insurance coverage, the survey collects data on a wide range of health indicators, including measures of health care utilization, health habits and health status. The findings are on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/nchs.
The data, based on CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, provides estimates of insurance coverage for the United States in 2004. For the first time, the latest survey also includes statistics on insurance coverage for the nation’s 10 largest states.
The report, which tracks insurance coverage since 1997, finds that the improvement in coverage for children reflects an increase in public coverage—including the State Children’s Health Insurance Program--for poor and near-poor children.
Highlights of the report include:
In 2004, over 90 percent of America’s children had health insurance at the time of the interview – a steady rise from the first report in 1997. In 2004, 9.4 percent of children – 7 million children under 18 years of age – were without health insurance. In contrast, in 1997, about 14 percent – 10 million children – lacked coverage.
Among poor and near-poor children, lack of coverage dropped by about a third from 1997. For near-poor children, public coverage almost doubled from 24 percent to 43 percent between 1997 and 2004. Nearly 70 percent of poor children under 18 years of age rely on public coverage.
Overall, 14.6 percent of the population – 42.1 million Americans of all ages – was without current health insurance coverage in 2004, about the same level as in 1997. One in five working-age adults (age 18 to 64) were without insurance in 2004. This number had been steadily rising in recent years but appears to have leveled off in 2004.
One in five working-age adults (age 18-64) were without insurance in 2004. This number had been steadily rising in recent years but appears to have leveled off in 2004.
The survey produced health insurance coverage estimates for the 10 largest states. For the population under age 65, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania had considerably lower rates of uninsured than the national average of 16 percent. In California and Florida, just over 20 percent were without health coverage, and in Texas, about 27 percent lacked coverage.
These findings appear in “Health Insurance Coverage: Estimates from the National Health Interview Survey, 2004,” gathered from the annual household survey with a sample of the nation’s civilian non-institutionalized population. In 2004, the survey, conducted by CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, added questions to improve the accuracy of the estimates on insurance coverage.
In addition to insurance coverage, the survey collects data on a wide range of health indicators, including measures of health care utilization, health habits and health status. The findings are on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/nchs.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Health Insurance worrisome for older americans
By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly 70 percent of older Americans endorse the concept of individual health savings accounts to help cover medical expenses in their later years, a new survey finds.
The accounts would involve setting aside 1 percent of income to handle expenses not covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older.
"We can look at this as kind of a teaser," John Rother, AARP's director of policy and strategy, said at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. "Such a strong response from survey participants indicates that this is an idea with legs that is worth developing."
The survey also found that a majority of those interviewed expressed support for being able to buy into Medicare before they turn 65.
The survey, called Will You Still Need Me? The Health and Financial Security of Older Americans, was conducted by the Commonwealth Fund.
Many older Americans are facing a bleak picture as they enter retirement. Not only do they often struggle with chronic health problems, but their wages are stagnant, health costs are rising and retiree health benefits are declining.
The gravity of the situation was not lost on the 2,000 adults aged 50 to 70 who were interviewed for this survey.
Fifty-three percent of respondents who worked or had a working spouse said they would not have job-based health benefits when they retired. According to the researchers, 12 million older adults are currently uninsured or have had histories of unstable coverage. About a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries in the sample reported that they were uninsured before entering Medicare.
Twenty-four percent of adults aged 50 to 64 said they had not filled a prescription, seen a doctor or specialist, or gotten a medical test or follow-up treatment due to the costs involved. More than one-third (35 percent) said they had had a problem paying medical bills in the past year, or were still paying off medical debt from the last three years.
All of this is taking a toll on confidence. Only 15 percent of respondents aged 50 to 64 and 22 percent of those aged 65 to 70 felt they would have enough income and savings for retirement. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) worried they would not be able to afford medical care in their later years.
Indeed, financial reserves needed to cover medical expenses are high.
"An individual who only expected to live to 80 would need about $108,000 in savings in order to cover all Medigap premiums," said Dallas Salisbury, president and CEO of the Employee Benefit Research Institute. "For somebody living to 95, that would now be about $300,000 -- and that doesn't include potential long-term care expenditures. Individuals are increasingly facing the prospect of non-coverage."
"The survey shows real grounds for alarm," Rother added.
Nearly half (48 percent) of respondents had retirement savings of less than $50,000, while 38 percent had savings of less than $25,000.
Sixty-nine percent of the respondents favored devoting 1 percent of their earnings to a Medicare health account to bridge insurance gaps in the future. This arrangement would not be the same as the proposed private investment accounts for Social Security.
"Medicare would manage it so it would not be privately invested," said Karen Davis, president of The Commonwealth Fund. "It would be invested in government bonds, but it would be an individual account so that money you set aside would be available for you."
Support for such a program was popular among respondents, regardless of income, geographical region, health status and political affiliation.
In addition, 73 percent of adults aged 50 to 64 said they would be interested in buying into Medicare before their 65th birthday. Two-thirds of people in this age group suffer from at least one chronic health condition and many lack adequate insurance, the researchers said.
But the picture may be even gloomier, Rother pointed out. "This [survey] excludes the 70-plus population, which is a high-risk and high-use population in Medicare, so many of the findings here are really understating problems," he said.
"We're seeing people searching for some solution that's going to let them feel greater economic security and address higher and higher health costs," Rother added. "As Medicare becomes a high-deductible plan with cost-sharing now in the thousands of dollars per year, we've got to be more flexible and find more creative ways to deal with that, by allowing people to enroll early, to protect assets or by allowing them to save an extra 1 percent in add-on accounts."
HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, June 28 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly 70 percent of older Americans endorse the concept of individual health savings accounts to help cover medical expenses in their later years, a new survey finds.
The accounts would involve setting aside 1 percent of income to handle expenses not covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older.
"We can look at this as kind of a teaser," John Rother, AARP's director of policy and strategy, said at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. "Such a strong response from survey participants indicates that this is an idea with legs that is worth developing."
The survey also found that a majority of those interviewed expressed support for being able to buy into Medicare before they turn 65.
The survey, called Will You Still Need Me? The Health and Financial Security of Older Americans, was conducted by the Commonwealth Fund.
Many older Americans are facing a bleak picture as they enter retirement. Not only do they often struggle with chronic health problems, but their wages are stagnant, health costs are rising and retiree health benefits are declining.
The gravity of the situation was not lost on the 2,000 adults aged 50 to 70 who were interviewed for this survey.
Fifty-three percent of respondents who worked or had a working spouse said they would not have job-based health benefits when they retired. According to the researchers, 12 million older adults are currently uninsured or have had histories of unstable coverage. About a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries in the sample reported that they were uninsured before entering Medicare.
Twenty-four percent of adults aged 50 to 64 said they had not filled a prescription, seen a doctor or specialist, or gotten a medical test or follow-up treatment due to the costs involved. More than one-third (35 percent) said they had had a problem paying medical bills in the past year, or were still paying off medical debt from the last three years.
All of this is taking a toll on confidence. Only 15 percent of respondents aged 50 to 64 and 22 percent of those aged 65 to 70 felt they would have enough income and savings for retirement. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) worried they would not be able to afford medical care in their later years.
Indeed, financial reserves needed to cover medical expenses are high.
"An individual who only expected to live to 80 would need about $108,000 in savings in order to cover all Medigap premiums," said Dallas Salisbury, president and CEO of the Employee Benefit Research Institute. "For somebody living to 95, that would now be about $300,000 -- and that doesn't include potential long-term care expenditures. Individuals are increasingly facing the prospect of non-coverage."
"The survey shows real grounds for alarm," Rother added.
Nearly half (48 percent) of respondents had retirement savings of less than $50,000, while 38 percent had savings of less than $25,000.
Sixty-nine percent of the respondents favored devoting 1 percent of their earnings to a Medicare health account to bridge insurance gaps in the future. This arrangement would not be the same as the proposed private investment accounts for Social Security.
"Medicare would manage it so it would not be privately invested," said Karen Davis, president of The Commonwealth Fund. "It would be invested in government bonds, but it would be an individual account so that money you set aside would be available for you."
Support for such a program was popular among respondents, regardless of income, geographical region, health status and political affiliation.
In addition, 73 percent of adults aged 50 to 64 said they would be interested in buying into Medicare before their 65th birthday. Two-thirds of people in this age group suffer from at least one chronic health condition and many lack adequate insurance, the researchers said.
But the picture may be even gloomier, Rother pointed out. "This [survey] excludes the 70-plus population, which is a high-risk and high-use population in Medicare, so many of the findings here are really understating problems," he said.
"We're seeing people searching for some solution that's going to let them feel greater economic security and address higher and higher health costs," Rother added. "As Medicare becomes a high-deductible plan with cost-sharing now in the thousands of dollars per year, we've got to be more flexible and find more creative ways to deal with that, by allowing people to enroll early, to protect assets or by allowing them to save an extra 1 percent in add-on accounts."
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Commerce Bancorp to Buy Insurance Firm
Commerce Insurance Services, a unit of Commerce Bancorp Inc., said Tuesday that it agreed to acquire BK International Insurance Brokers Ltd. of Greenwich, Connecticut.
Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Commerce Bancorp said the acquisition will complement its expansion into Connecticut, where the company will open its first two stores in Norwalk and Fairfield in late July 2005. Commerce plans to open 25 stores in Fairfield County as part of its overall metro New York growth strategy. In all, the Commerce network includes 326 stores serving metro Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C.
Established in 1987, BK International provides commercial insurance for accounts throughout the metro New York market as well as other areas of the United States. BKIIB also specializes in employee benefits and provides high-value personal lines insurance.
BK's Chairman and Chief Operating Officer David E. Kimball, Jr. and President and CEO John F. Betz will lead Commerce Insurance's growth in the metro New York market. Other members of BK's executive management team will join them as well.
Shares of Commerce Bancorp rose 41 cents to $29.92 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Commerce Bancorp said the acquisition will complement its expansion into Connecticut, where the company will open its first two stores in Norwalk and Fairfield in late July 2005. Commerce plans to open 25 stores in Fairfield County as part of its overall metro New York growth strategy. In all, the Commerce network includes 326 stores serving metro Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C.
Established in 1987, BK International provides commercial insurance for accounts throughout the metro New York market as well as other areas of the United States. BKIIB also specializes in employee benefits and provides high-value personal lines insurance.
BK's Chairman and Chief Operating Officer David E. Kimball, Jr. and President and CEO John F. Betz will lead Commerce Insurance's growth in the metro New York market. Other members of BK's executive management team will join them as well.
Shares of Commerce Bancorp rose 41 cents to $29.92 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
11.6% of all health insurance spending in the US goes towards obesity
11.6% of all health insurance spending in the US goes towards obesity by ZDNet's ZDNet -- Between 1987 and 2002, private spending on obesity-linked medical problems grew from $3.6 bln (2% of all health spending) to $36.5 bln (11.6% of spending), Health Affairs study found. With about 30% of US adults now obese, treating these conditions is a leading driver of double-digit health care insurance premium hikes.
Temporary insurance plan can bridge insurance gap
You passed your finals and graduated from college with honors. Now comes the real test — finding a job.
The good news: The job market for college graduates is improving. Employers plan to increase hiring of college graduates by 13% this year, the biggest gain since 2001, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Even English majors are finding work.
The bad news: Your new job may not include health insurance, at least not right away. Many company-provided insurance policies don't kick in until you've been on the job for a few months. And some small businesses don't provide any coverage for their employees.
Don't look to Mom and Dad for help. In most cases, you're only covered by your parents' policy until age 23, and even then you have to be a full-time student. Once you graduate, "You're on your own," says Elizabeth Jetton, a financial planner in Atlanta.
Many graduates don't inquire about benefits when offered their first job, Jetton says. They're already shocked at how much of their paycheck is consumed by taxes. "The very idea of money going to health insurance doesn't really have a whole lot of meaning to them unless something goes wrong."
But if things do go wrong, forgoing health insurance could imperil your financial future and your health. A catastrophic illness or accident "can absolutely bankrupt somebody in a year's time," Jetton says. And if you develop a serious illness while you're uninsured, you may not be able to get health insurance in the future.
Protecting yourself
Some ways to make sure you're covered in case of a medical emergency:
• Consider all your options. A growing number of employers now offer consumer-driven plans, which generally charge lower premiums in exchange for a high deductible. Employers may contribute some money toward the deductible, but workers often pay all or part. For example, if your plan's deductible is $2,000 a year, you may get an allowance of $1,000.
If you're healthy and don't need to take prescription drugs on a regular basis, a consumer-driven plan could save you money, Jetton says. But make sure you put some savings aside to cover your deductible, she adds. That's not always easy to do, because new graduates have many demands on their paychecks.
• Look into buying your own policy. If you have to wait a few months before you're eligible for insurance, consider buying a short-term policy from a private insurer. These plans typically offer coverage for six months to a year. They usually cover major accidents and illnesses but don't pay for preventive care, physicals or dental care.
Temporary insurance plans are "typically very easy and very affordable to get," says Bob Hurley, vice president of customer care for eHealthInsurance, an online site for private insurers.
The application process is less rigorous than it is for longer-term plans. You can usually obtain a policy by answering six or seven questions over the Internet, Hurley says. In many cases, you can get coverage the next day.
For a 22-year-old non-smoker, premiums range from about $100 a month for a policy with a $250 deductible to about $40 a month for a plan with a $2,500 deductible, according to eHealthInsurance.
Health care giant Humana offers a plan for college graduates who need coverage while they're looking for work. Premiums for the HumanaOne College Graduate Health Plan, which is available in eight states, are up to 43% lower than those for a standard insurance plan, the company says. Participants can continue coverage after 185 days without reapplying. For more information, go to www.humana-one.com.
How parents can help
While young and healthy workers can obtain catastrophic insurance relatively cheaply, many are still hard-pressed to pay the premiums and deductibles. That's where parents can help.
For example, if your child signs up for a consumer-driven health plan, you could agree to help cover the deductible, Jetton says.
And if your child has to wait a few months before employer-provided benefits are available, consider paying the premiums for temporary insurance coverage, Hurley says. "Don't let them go uninsured. You don't want to stay awake at night worrying about whether your child is covered for a catastrophe."
The good news: The job market for college graduates is improving. Employers plan to increase hiring of college graduates by 13% this year, the biggest gain since 2001, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Even English majors are finding work.
The bad news: Your new job may not include health insurance, at least not right away. Many company-provided insurance policies don't kick in until you've been on the job for a few months. And some small businesses don't provide any coverage for their employees.
Don't look to Mom and Dad for help. In most cases, you're only covered by your parents' policy until age 23, and even then you have to be a full-time student. Once you graduate, "You're on your own," says Elizabeth Jetton, a financial planner in Atlanta.
Many graduates don't inquire about benefits when offered their first job, Jetton says. They're already shocked at how much of their paycheck is consumed by taxes. "The very idea of money going to health insurance doesn't really have a whole lot of meaning to them unless something goes wrong."
But if things do go wrong, forgoing health insurance could imperil your financial future and your health. A catastrophic illness or accident "can absolutely bankrupt somebody in a year's time," Jetton says. And if you develop a serious illness while you're uninsured, you may not be able to get health insurance in the future.
Protecting yourself
Some ways to make sure you're covered in case of a medical emergency:
• Consider all your options. A growing number of employers now offer consumer-driven plans, which generally charge lower premiums in exchange for a high deductible. Employers may contribute some money toward the deductible, but workers often pay all or part. For example, if your plan's deductible is $2,000 a year, you may get an allowance of $1,000.
If you're healthy and don't need to take prescription drugs on a regular basis, a consumer-driven plan could save you money, Jetton says. But make sure you put some savings aside to cover your deductible, she adds. That's not always easy to do, because new graduates have many demands on their paychecks.
• Look into buying your own policy. If you have to wait a few months before you're eligible for insurance, consider buying a short-term policy from a private insurer. These plans typically offer coverage for six months to a year. They usually cover major accidents and illnesses but don't pay for preventive care, physicals or dental care.
Temporary insurance plans are "typically very easy and very affordable to get," says Bob Hurley, vice president of customer care for eHealthInsurance, an online site for private insurers.
The application process is less rigorous than it is for longer-term plans. You can usually obtain a policy by answering six or seven questions over the Internet, Hurley says. In many cases, you can get coverage the next day.
For a 22-year-old non-smoker, premiums range from about $100 a month for a policy with a $250 deductible to about $40 a month for a plan with a $2,500 deductible, according to eHealthInsurance.
Health care giant Humana offers a plan for college graduates who need coverage while they're looking for work. Premiums for the HumanaOne College Graduate Health Plan, which is available in eight states, are up to 43% lower than those for a standard insurance plan, the company says. Participants can continue coverage after 185 days without reapplying. For more information, go to www.humana-one.com.
How parents can help
While young and healthy workers can obtain catastrophic insurance relatively cheaply, many are still hard-pressed to pay the premiums and deductibles. That's where parents can help.
For example, if your child signs up for a consumer-driven health plan, you could agree to help cover the deductible, Jetton says.
And if your child has to wait a few months before employer-provided benefits are available, consider paying the premiums for temporary insurance coverage, Hurley says. "Don't let them go uninsured. You don't want to stay awake at night worrying about whether your child is covered for a catastrophe."
Monday, June 27, 2005
Republican seeks to clarify auto insurance law
TRENTON — A Republican lawmaker is trying to rescue us from from the antics of that madcap band of merry-makers, the state Supreme Court, and the ambulance-chasing lawyers it kowtows to. The Republicans seek to make auto insurance laws so clear the justices can see it even through the fog of their arrogance.
The high court bench-warmers ruled it could find no evidence the Legislature intended to ban lawsuits except for permanent serious injury. That would open the door to anyone who thinks he can win the lottery with a lawsuit. That could send insurance bills skyrocketing.
In 1998, the Legislature limited the right to sue for non-economic damages. Many drivers got lower rates.
Assemblyman Kip Bateman, R-Somerset, has introduced a bill that says to bring a lawsuit for non-economic damages, a permanent injury has to have a serious life impact.
Auto insurance was bandied about for years without much change until a Courier-Post investigation looked at why it costs so much in New Jersey. Frivolous lawsuits were a factor, although the pols and trial lawyers blame dense population.
"As the author of the original auto insurance reform law," Bateman said in announcing his new bill, "I know that the Legislature intended for the verbal threshold (which limits a person's right to sue for pain and suffering) to reduce premiums. This legislation will be consistent with that intent and will counteract what could be a very costly Supreme Court ruling for New Jersey motorists."
Lawyers love lawsuits because they keep a huge part of the settlements. They would like for the state's no-fault law to be repealed so every little fender-bender has to go to court.
Serve thyself: Two state senators are pushing a bill to send $20 million in additional state aid to five select school districts. Our Jon Tamari reports the senators are also mayors of towns that would benefit. Sen. Nicholas J. Sacco is not only mayor of North Bergen, he's also the assistant school superintendent — a triple dipper.
The other career trough-swiller is Sen. Joe Doria, who also is mayor of Bayonne. Sacco and Doria are both Democrats and two good reasons people should be limited to one public job. More than one is a conflict of interest with taxpayers footing the bill.
Election shuffle: With uncommon speed, the Legislature voted to reschedule New Jersey's presidential primary to the last Tuesday in February. That would make New Jersey a player in presidential politics. It also would give favorite son Jon Corzine a leg up should he decide to run. Many think he wants to be governor only long enough to run for the White House.
Miles apart: The Codey administration and the Assembly can't get together on how much money is available for property tax rebates. The major difference is the Assembly is up for election in November, and acting Gov. Codey isn't.
Also, Codey would like to leave a balanced budget for the next governor, who just may need to appoint someone chief executive officer of the Sports and Exposition Authority.
Meanwhile, despite threats of marathon sessions to pass the budget including possible July 4 weekend plans disrupted, the Democrats chose to spend the last weekend in June holding their annual convention in Atlantic City.
He's baack!: Disgraced former Gov. McGreevey is going to be hung in the governor's outer office. His state-financed portrait, this is. His picture will join those of several others who didn't complete a full term. Would that be the Gallopers' Gallery?
Levin in: As you read here some time back, Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin is joining the Corzine campaign. I wish her well. But if Corzine doesn't get rid of the McGreevey advisers and hangers-on, he will be just one more boss-dominated Democrat no matter how good his intentions.
Blockade ahead: Republicans were announcing a move to force the Assembly to debate a bill to end pay-to-play — the legalized bribery where campaign contributors are rewarded with no-bid contracts. Up strolled Sen. Ellen Karcher, D-Monmouth, who ran on a reform campaign.
She read a letter for Corzine. He said the GOP bill didn't go far enough — which is exactly the argument used by McGreevey when it looked like reform might actually happen.
Investigators who play together: Richard Pearsall of the Courier-Post reports Attorney General Peter "See No Evil" Harvey is asking for more time to estimate how much time it will take to release the next batch of secretly recorded Palmyra tapes.
A Harvey deputy says the two investigators with the expertise to redact and copy recordings are out of the country on vacation.
Out of 840 lawyers Harvey has only two who can do that? And they're allowed to leave at the same time despite a pending matter before the courts? Perhaps Harvey could take time out from informing ex-felons of their voting rights and get some work done.
Meanwhile, chemical workers, environmentalists and union members protested outside Harvey's office because Harvey wants to exempt certain public records from the state's open records act in the name of homeland security.
Harvey and similar bureaucrats try to hide behind homeland security any time they want to keep information from the public.
The high court bench-warmers ruled it could find no evidence the Legislature intended to ban lawsuits except for permanent serious injury. That would open the door to anyone who thinks he can win the lottery with a lawsuit. That could send insurance bills skyrocketing.
In 1998, the Legislature limited the right to sue for non-economic damages. Many drivers got lower rates.
Assemblyman Kip Bateman, R-Somerset, has introduced a bill that says to bring a lawsuit for non-economic damages, a permanent injury has to have a serious life impact.
Auto insurance was bandied about for years without much change until a Courier-Post investigation looked at why it costs so much in New Jersey. Frivolous lawsuits were a factor, although the pols and trial lawyers blame dense population.
"As the author of the original auto insurance reform law," Bateman said in announcing his new bill, "I know that the Legislature intended for the verbal threshold (which limits a person's right to sue for pain and suffering) to reduce premiums. This legislation will be consistent with that intent and will counteract what could be a very costly Supreme Court ruling for New Jersey motorists."
Lawyers love lawsuits because they keep a huge part of the settlements. They would like for the state's no-fault law to be repealed so every little fender-bender has to go to court.
Serve thyself: Two state senators are pushing a bill to send $20 million in additional state aid to five select school districts. Our Jon Tamari reports the senators are also mayors of towns that would benefit. Sen. Nicholas J. Sacco is not only mayor of North Bergen, he's also the assistant school superintendent — a triple dipper.
The other career trough-swiller is Sen. Joe Doria, who also is mayor of Bayonne. Sacco and Doria are both Democrats and two good reasons people should be limited to one public job. More than one is a conflict of interest with taxpayers footing the bill.
Election shuffle: With uncommon speed, the Legislature voted to reschedule New Jersey's presidential primary to the last Tuesday in February. That would make New Jersey a player in presidential politics. It also would give favorite son Jon Corzine a leg up should he decide to run. Many think he wants to be governor only long enough to run for the White House.
Miles apart: The Codey administration and the Assembly can't get together on how much money is available for property tax rebates. The major difference is the Assembly is up for election in November, and acting Gov. Codey isn't.
Also, Codey would like to leave a balanced budget for the next governor, who just may need to appoint someone chief executive officer of the Sports and Exposition Authority.
Meanwhile, despite threats of marathon sessions to pass the budget including possible July 4 weekend plans disrupted, the Democrats chose to spend the last weekend in June holding their annual convention in Atlantic City.
He's baack!: Disgraced former Gov. McGreevey is going to be hung in the governor's outer office. His state-financed portrait, this is. His picture will join those of several others who didn't complete a full term. Would that be the Gallopers' Gallery?
Levin in: As you read here some time back, Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin is joining the Corzine campaign. I wish her well. But if Corzine doesn't get rid of the McGreevey advisers and hangers-on, he will be just one more boss-dominated Democrat no matter how good his intentions.
Blockade ahead: Republicans were announcing a move to force the Assembly to debate a bill to end pay-to-play — the legalized bribery where campaign contributors are rewarded with no-bid contracts. Up strolled Sen. Ellen Karcher, D-Monmouth, who ran on a reform campaign.
She read a letter for Corzine. He said the GOP bill didn't go far enough — which is exactly the argument used by McGreevey when it looked like reform might actually happen.
Investigators who play together: Richard Pearsall of the Courier-Post reports Attorney General Peter "See No Evil" Harvey is asking for more time to estimate how much time it will take to release the next batch of secretly recorded Palmyra tapes.
A Harvey deputy says the two investigators with the expertise to redact and copy recordings are out of the country on vacation.
Out of 840 lawyers Harvey has only two who can do that? And they're allowed to leave at the same time despite a pending matter before the courts? Perhaps Harvey could take time out from informing ex-felons of their voting rights and get some work done.
Meanwhile, chemical workers, environmentalists and union members protested outside Harvey's office because Harvey wants to exempt certain public records from the state's open records act in the name of homeland security.
Harvey and similar bureaucrats try to hide behind homeland security any time they want to keep information from the public.
Obesity-tied insurance costs soar
Study charts tenfold spending hike since '87
By Nanci Hellmich
USA Today
Private health insurance spending on illnesses related to obesity has increased more than tenfold since 1987, according to the first research to quantify the trend.
The growth in obesity has fueled a dramatic increase in the amount spent treating diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and other weight-related illnesses, says the study, which is published today in the online journal Health Affairs.
Overall, employers and privately-insured families spent $36.5 billion on obesity-related illnesses in 2002, up from $3.6 billion in 1987. That's an increase from 2 percent of total health care spending on obesity in 1987 to 11.6 percent in 2002, the most recent year for which data are available. It cost an average of $1,244 more a year in 2002 to treat an obese person than it did a healthy-weight person. That's up from $272 in 1987.
And the obesity problem is "only going to get worse," says lead author Kenneth Thorpe, chairman of the department of health policy and management at Emory University, Atlanta. "The costs are up because so many more Americans are obese and because they're being more aggressively treated for weight-related illnesses."
About 31 percent of U.S. adults are obese, or 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight. That's up from 23 percent in the late 1980s and 15 percent in the late 1970s.
The study comes at a time when businesses, the government and consumers are struggling with soaring health care costs. "Most of what is going on now to try to control health care spending is missing the target," Thorpe says. "Companies are tweaking co-pays and talking about health care savings accounts when really they need to redirect their focus to reduce the prevalence of obesity among children and workers."
Thorpe and his colleagues analyzed national surveys of about 14,000 people from 1987 and 2002. The data included health care spending, medical conditions and trips to the doctor, hospital and pharmacy.
Among the findings:
• The percentage of obese people being treated for high cholesterol, mental disorders and upper gastrointestinal disorders increased 10 percentage points from 1987 to 2002. The percentage treated for hypertension stayed constant at 23.4 percent, but only 4.9 percent of healthy-weight people were treated for hypertension in 2002.
• The increase in adult-onset diabetes contributed to a 64 percent rise in diabetes treatment from 1987 to 2002.
• About 25 percent of the extremely obese (80 or more pounds overweight) were being treated for six or more conditions in 2002, compared with 14 percent in 1987.
Thorpe's findings add to growing evidence that extra pounds increase medical costs. A study last year by RTI International in Raleigh, N.C., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that obese and overweight Americans racked up about $75 billion in weight-related medical bills in 2003. Because Medicare and Medicaid cover much of this, taxpayers pay about half the total, the study found.
An author of that study, health economist Eric Finkelstein, says the new research shows "we are getting better at finding effective treatments for obesity-related illnesses. But it comes at a significant cost."
By Nanci Hellmich
USA Today
Private health insurance spending on illnesses related to obesity has increased more than tenfold since 1987, according to the first research to quantify the trend.
The growth in obesity has fueled a dramatic increase in the amount spent treating diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and other weight-related illnesses, says the study, which is published today in the online journal Health Affairs.
Overall, employers and privately-insured families spent $36.5 billion on obesity-related illnesses in 2002, up from $3.6 billion in 1987. That's an increase from 2 percent of total health care spending on obesity in 1987 to 11.6 percent in 2002, the most recent year for which data are available. It cost an average of $1,244 more a year in 2002 to treat an obese person than it did a healthy-weight person. That's up from $272 in 1987.
And the obesity problem is "only going to get worse," says lead author Kenneth Thorpe, chairman of the department of health policy and management at Emory University, Atlanta. "The costs are up because so many more Americans are obese and because they're being more aggressively treated for weight-related illnesses."
About 31 percent of U.S. adults are obese, or 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight. That's up from 23 percent in the late 1980s and 15 percent in the late 1970s.
The study comes at a time when businesses, the government and consumers are struggling with soaring health care costs. "Most of what is going on now to try to control health care spending is missing the target," Thorpe says. "Companies are tweaking co-pays and talking about health care savings accounts when really they need to redirect their focus to reduce the prevalence of obesity among children and workers."
Thorpe and his colleagues analyzed national surveys of about 14,000 people from 1987 and 2002. The data included health care spending, medical conditions and trips to the doctor, hospital and pharmacy.
Among the findings:
• The percentage of obese people being treated for high cholesterol, mental disorders and upper gastrointestinal disorders increased 10 percentage points from 1987 to 2002. The percentage treated for hypertension stayed constant at 23.4 percent, but only 4.9 percent of healthy-weight people were treated for hypertension in 2002.
• The increase in adult-onset diabetes contributed to a 64 percent rise in diabetes treatment from 1987 to 2002.
• About 25 percent of the extremely obese (80 or more pounds overweight) were being treated for six or more conditions in 2002, compared with 14 percent in 1987.
Thorpe's findings add to growing evidence that extra pounds increase medical costs. A study last year by RTI International in Raleigh, N.C., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that obese and overweight Americans racked up about $75 billion in weight-related medical bills in 2003. Because Medicare and Medicaid cover much of this, taxpayers pay about half the total, the study found.
An author of that study, health economist Eric Finkelstein, says the new research shows "we are getting better at finding effective treatments for obesity-related illnesses. But it comes at a significant cost."
Friday, June 24, 2005
Wider health coverage pushed
Bill would raise tobacco tax by 60 cents per pack
PETER WONG
Statesman Journal
June 24, 2005
More than five months into the 2005 session, lawmakers from both parties are proposing to extend health insurance coverage to many of the 600,000 Oregonians without it.
The plan unveiled this week by four lawmakers, including Rep. Billy Dalto of Salem, hinges on a cigarette-tax increase of 60 cents per pack to pay for it.
They are asking their colleagues to put the tax on the November 2006 ballot for voters to decide.
Dalto said that even referring a tax increase to voters is a big hurdle. Lawmakers are working toward adjournment, the chambers are divided between the parties and Republicans who control the House have opposed considering tax increases.
Still, Dalto said, the lack of coverage for many Oregonians is an even bigger problem.
"For years, we were known as an innovative leader in delivering health care to our most vulnerable citizens," said Dalto, a Republican who leads the House Health and Human Services Committee.
"Not anymore. Now, we're struggling to offer even the most basic level of care to Oregonians in need. We need a new, sustainable long-term approach to covering uninsured Oregonians."
About one in six Oregonians has no health-insurance coverage, state statistics show. That is almost as high as it was a decade ago, before the state broadened its traditional Medicaid program into the Oregon Health Plan.
Voters rejected a 2002 measure that would have financed expanded coverage with higher income and payroll taxes.
"We are strongly in support of a tobacco tax that is as high as we can get it," said Ellen Pinney, the executive director of the Oregon Health Action Campaign, a coalition based in Salem that supports expanded coverage.
"The priority should go to children and those formerly eligible for benefits under the standard portion of the Oregon Health Plan."
The other sponsors of the latest plan are Rep. Mitch Greenlick, D-Portland, and Sens. Alan Bates, D-Ashland, and Ben Westlund, R-Tumalo.
"This attacks the problem in a large enough way to make a difference," said Greenlick, a retired professor at Oregon Health & Science University who is on Dalto's committee.
The plan would extend coverage to all 106,000 Oregon children without it. It also would restore coverage under the Oregon Health Plan for about 25,000 people, many of them single adults and childless couples under the federal poverty level, who lost it during budget cuts in the past three years.
"You can argue whether health care is a choice," said Bates, a physician, "but it certainly is not a choice for children."
Last month, lawmakers talked about qualifying an initiative measure for the 2006 ballot to establish a right to health care, but it lacked specifics.
In the latest plan, Pinney raised questions about the expansion of state-subsidized employer insurance and health-savings accounts, which she speculated might have been included to draw Republican support.
Oregon's current cigarette tax is $1.18 per pack, which as of Jan. 1 tied with Arizona for 13th-highest in the nation.
Oregon voters have approved increases in tobacco taxes twice in the past decade: a 30-cent increase in 1996 and a 60-cent increase in 2002, both for health care.
However, when voters rejected an income-tax increase in 2004, it also ended a 10-cent cigarette tax that had been in effect since 1993 to pay for health insurance. Health advocates are seeking to revive that tax.
"We hope this plan does not distract from our current mission of persuading the Legislature to reinstate this tax," Pinney said.
The Oregon Constitution requires revenue-raising measures to originate in the House and pass both chambers by 60 percent majorities.
Assessing the chances of a tax referral by the Legislature late in this session, Dalto likened the situation to a professional basketball championship: "They say you watch only the last five minutes of the game."
Westlund led the House effort in 2003 to overhaul the Oregon Health Plan. He said that rising costs of health-insurance coverage threaten how competitive Oregon and U.S. businesses can be in global markets.
"The health-care crisis is upon us now," he said.
PETER WONG
Statesman Journal
June 24, 2005
More than five months into the 2005 session, lawmakers from both parties are proposing to extend health insurance coverage to many of the 600,000 Oregonians without it.
The plan unveiled this week by four lawmakers, including Rep. Billy Dalto of Salem, hinges on a cigarette-tax increase of 60 cents per pack to pay for it.
They are asking their colleagues to put the tax on the November 2006 ballot for voters to decide.
Dalto said that even referring a tax increase to voters is a big hurdle. Lawmakers are working toward adjournment, the chambers are divided between the parties and Republicans who control the House have opposed considering tax increases.
Still, Dalto said, the lack of coverage for many Oregonians is an even bigger problem.
"For years, we were known as an innovative leader in delivering health care to our most vulnerable citizens," said Dalto, a Republican who leads the House Health and Human Services Committee.
"Not anymore. Now, we're struggling to offer even the most basic level of care to Oregonians in need. We need a new, sustainable long-term approach to covering uninsured Oregonians."
About one in six Oregonians has no health-insurance coverage, state statistics show. That is almost as high as it was a decade ago, before the state broadened its traditional Medicaid program into the Oregon Health Plan.
Voters rejected a 2002 measure that would have financed expanded coverage with higher income and payroll taxes.
"We are strongly in support of a tobacco tax that is as high as we can get it," said Ellen Pinney, the executive director of the Oregon Health Action Campaign, a coalition based in Salem that supports expanded coverage.
"The priority should go to children and those formerly eligible for benefits under the standard portion of the Oregon Health Plan."
The other sponsors of the latest plan are Rep. Mitch Greenlick, D-Portland, and Sens. Alan Bates, D-Ashland, and Ben Westlund, R-Tumalo.
"This attacks the problem in a large enough way to make a difference," said Greenlick, a retired professor at Oregon Health & Science University who is on Dalto's committee.
The plan would extend coverage to all 106,000 Oregon children without it. It also would restore coverage under the Oregon Health Plan for about 25,000 people, many of them single adults and childless couples under the federal poverty level, who lost it during budget cuts in the past three years.
"You can argue whether health care is a choice," said Bates, a physician, "but it certainly is not a choice for children."
Last month, lawmakers talked about qualifying an initiative measure for the 2006 ballot to establish a right to health care, but it lacked specifics.
In the latest plan, Pinney raised questions about the expansion of state-subsidized employer insurance and health-savings accounts, which she speculated might have been included to draw Republican support.
Oregon's current cigarette tax is $1.18 per pack, which as of Jan. 1 tied with Arizona for 13th-highest in the nation.
Oregon voters have approved increases in tobacco taxes twice in the past decade: a 30-cent increase in 1996 and a 60-cent increase in 2002, both for health care.
However, when voters rejected an income-tax increase in 2004, it also ended a 10-cent cigarette tax that had been in effect since 1993 to pay for health insurance. Health advocates are seeking to revive that tax.
"We hope this plan does not distract from our current mission of persuading the Legislature to reinstate this tax," Pinney said.
The Oregon Constitution requires revenue-raising measures to originate in the House and pass both chambers by 60 percent majorities.
Assessing the chances of a tax referral by the Legislature late in this session, Dalto likened the situation to a professional basketball championship: "They say you watch only the last five minutes of the game."
Westlund led the House effort in 2003 to overhaul the Oregon Health Plan. He said that rising costs of health-insurance coverage threaten how competitive Oregon and U.S. businesses can be in global markets.
"The health-care crisis is upon us now," he said.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Auto Insurance Rates leveling off
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (AP) -- For the past few years, auto insurance in the US has increased almost six percent a year.
But insurance companies are throttling back on increases, and some premiums are even declining.
The Insurance Information Institute says spending on auto insurance is expected to grow an average of one-and-half percent this year to $870 per vehicle.
But many drivers are getting a break. In New York, 10 big auto insurers, including market leaders AllState, GEICO and State Farm, have cut rates an average of five to six percent this year.
Florida's insurance commissioner says he's seeing the same thing happening here.
But insurance companies are throttling back on increases, and some premiums are even declining.
The Insurance Information Institute says spending on auto insurance is expected to grow an average of one-and-half percent this year to $870 per vehicle.
But many drivers are getting a break. In New York, 10 big auto insurers, including market leaders AllState, GEICO and State Farm, have cut rates an average of five to six percent this year.
Florida's insurance commissioner says he's seeing the same thing happening here.
Health care insurance gets a shot in the arm
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Adecade ago, the state's elected officials made education a priority. The result was the Education Reform Act, arguably one of the most significant legislative packages ever passed in Massachusetts. Now, led by Gov. W. Mitt Romney, the state is poised to make a similar commitment to universal health care.
Romney has a plan to provide health insurance to every person in the state. Even if Democrats find fault with the governor's plan, they must applaud his effort.
Under his plan, the state would create a Safety Net Care program for those who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough money to buy private insurance. People in the program would pay on a sliding scale, and the state would make up the difference.
Under the governor's plan, people would be required to sign up for insurance if they can afford it - or face income tax penalties.
Massachusetts has some of the finest medical facilities in the nation, the latest medical technology and the most advanced medicines, but that health care network might as well be on the other side of the world for the 500,000 uninsured residents until they are very ill.
People without coverage usually don't seek care until they are very ill, and then they seek treatment at a hospital emergency room, where medical costs are highest. Romney would shift the money the state now spends as its share of the "uncompensated care pool" on medical bills for the uninsured to pay for his own program.
Ordinarily, we roll our eyes whenever an elected official tells us a new program won't cost us a dime. We expect there might be some of that in the Legislature. When they're done with that, legislators should take a look at the governor's plan. There's no one-pill cure for the state's uninsured, and the governor's proposal belongs on the table.
For his part, the governor should be willing to accept an alternative if legislators can show that they have something better.
There's still work to do to ensure that every child in Massachusetts receives a good education, but so far it's been a huge success.
Next up should be a promise of health insurance for every man, woman and child in the state.
Adecade ago, the state's elected officials made education a priority. The result was the Education Reform Act, arguably one of the most significant legislative packages ever passed in Massachusetts. Now, led by Gov. W. Mitt Romney, the state is poised to make a similar commitment to universal health care.
Romney has a plan to provide health insurance to every person in the state. Even if Democrats find fault with the governor's plan, they must applaud his effort.
Under his plan, the state would create a Safety Net Care program for those who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough money to buy private insurance. People in the program would pay on a sliding scale, and the state would make up the difference.
Under the governor's plan, people would be required to sign up for insurance if they can afford it - or face income tax penalties.
Massachusetts has some of the finest medical facilities in the nation, the latest medical technology and the most advanced medicines, but that health care network might as well be on the other side of the world for the 500,000 uninsured residents until they are very ill.
People without coverage usually don't seek care until they are very ill, and then they seek treatment at a hospital emergency room, where medical costs are highest. Romney would shift the money the state now spends as its share of the "uncompensated care pool" on medical bills for the uninsured to pay for his own program.
Ordinarily, we roll our eyes whenever an elected official tells us a new program won't cost us a dime. We expect there might be some of that in the Legislature. When they're done with that, legislators should take a look at the governor's plan. There's no one-pill cure for the state's uninsured, and the governor's proposal belongs on the table.
For his part, the governor should be willing to accept an alternative if legislators can show that they have something better.
There's still work to do to ensure that every child in Massachusetts receives a good education, but so far it's been a huge success.
Next up should be a promise of health insurance for every man, woman and child in the state.
Cheapest health insurance in Bay Area
The Bay Area is among the most affordable places in the country to buy individual health insurance, according to a survey released Wednesday.
San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland tied for fifth place among the 50 largest cities in the country for lowest-cost insurance, with an average premium of $58 a month, according to a study by eHealthInsurance Services Inc., a Mountain View Internet health insurance broker.
The survey found huge disparities in premiums around the country. Long Beach, at $54 a month, had the cheapest coverage, while insurance in New York cost $334.09, six times more. Boston, at $267.57, had the second-highest average premium.
The broker compared rates for a 30-year-old nonsmoker with no serious health problems seeking a plan with a $1,000 deductible and 20 percent coinsurance, or cost sharing.
About 4,000 separate insurance products offered by some 140 carriers were examined.
Those who buy their own health insurance and are not covered through work are estimated to make up less than 10 percent of the population nationwide.
The percentage, however, is greater in some Bay Area counties due to high numbers of independent contractors and people who lost job-based coverage.
New York and Boston are expensive because their states have laws that guarantee individuals coverage, regardless of any preexisting medical conditions.
In other states, including California, many individuals with histories of health problems are either rejected or offered expensive premiums. That makes insurance cheaper for the young and healthy.
In all, seven of the eight most- affordable cities were in California, despite the fact that the state's cost of living is high in many other respects.
Insurance is relatively affordable in the state because of the high number of Californians in health maintenance organizations and the prevalence of health-conscious lifestyles, said Bob Hurley, vice president of eHealthInsurance.
About 50 percent of insured Californians are covered through an HMO, the most restrictive, but cheapest, form of insurance.
Competition among insurers, hospitals and medical groups in the Bay Area also holds down premiums, he said.
Some consumer advocates criticized the survey, arguing that using a healthy 30-year-old for insurance comparison purposes doesn't tell the whole story of access to affordable care.
Jerry Flanagan, health advocate for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said California has a bad record in terms of insurance companies turning down applicants. "It can be almost anything -- from past use of antidepressants or an injury that required no further medical coverage, " he said.
Mario Gamez, 43, of San Ramon, discovered that when he and his family applied for individual coverage through Blue Shield of California earlier this year "they accepted me right away, but they rejected my wife and rejected my daughter."
His said his 30-year-old wife was rejected because she underwent laparoscopic surgery two years ago to correct a minor medical condition.
His daughter was eventually accepted after notes a doctor had written about the child proved inconsequential. After battling the insurer for four months, Gamez found group coverage for the family through a professional organization.
Only about 14 percent of eHealthInsurance's customers are rejected due to preexisting conditions, Hurley said.
At 29 and with no history of health problems, Shannon Ratay of Berkeley is exactly the kind of customer insurers want. Ratay found coverage through Blue Cross of California for $45 a month with a $5,000 deductible.
Ratay, who is starting a new job with health coverage, said the high deductible policy was a good deal in the short run. "I was basically preventing financial ruin through a catastrophe, say an accident," Ratay said.
San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland tied for fifth place among the 50 largest cities in the country for lowest-cost insurance, with an average premium of $58 a month, according to a study by eHealthInsurance Services Inc., a Mountain View Internet health insurance broker.
The survey found huge disparities in premiums around the country. Long Beach, at $54 a month, had the cheapest coverage, while insurance in New York cost $334.09, six times more. Boston, at $267.57, had the second-highest average premium.
The broker compared rates for a 30-year-old nonsmoker with no serious health problems seeking a plan with a $1,000 deductible and 20 percent coinsurance, or cost sharing.
About 4,000 separate insurance products offered by some 140 carriers were examined.
Those who buy their own health insurance and are not covered through work are estimated to make up less than 10 percent of the population nationwide.
The percentage, however, is greater in some Bay Area counties due to high numbers of independent contractors and people who lost job-based coverage.
New York and Boston are expensive because their states have laws that guarantee individuals coverage, regardless of any preexisting medical conditions.
In other states, including California, many individuals with histories of health problems are either rejected or offered expensive premiums. That makes insurance cheaper for the young and healthy.
In all, seven of the eight most- affordable cities were in California, despite the fact that the state's cost of living is high in many other respects.
Insurance is relatively affordable in the state because of the high number of Californians in health maintenance organizations and the prevalence of health-conscious lifestyles, said Bob Hurley, vice president of eHealthInsurance.
About 50 percent of insured Californians are covered through an HMO, the most restrictive, but cheapest, form of insurance.
Competition among insurers, hospitals and medical groups in the Bay Area also holds down premiums, he said.
Some consumer advocates criticized the survey, arguing that using a healthy 30-year-old for insurance comparison purposes doesn't tell the whole story of access to affordable care.
Jerry Flanagan, health advocate for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, said California has a bad record in terms of insurance companies turning down applicants. "It can be almost anything -- from past use of antidepressants or an injury that required no further medical coverage, " he said.
Mario Gamez, 43, of San Ramon, discovered that when he and his family applied for individual coverage through Blue Shield of California earlier this year "they accepted me right away, but they rejected my wife and rejected my daughter."
His said his 30-year-old wife was rejected because she underwent laparoscopic surgery two years ago to correct a minor medical condition.
His daughter was eventually accepted after notes a doctor had written about the child proved inconsequential. After battling the insurer for four months, Gamez found group coverage for the family through a professional organization.
Only about 14 percent of eHealthInsurance's customers are rejected due to preexisting conditions, Hurley said.
At 29 and with no history of health problems, Shannon Ratay of Berkeley is exactly the kind of customer insurers want. Ratay found coverage through Blue Cross of California for $45 a month with a $5,000 deductible.
Ratay, who is starting a new job with health coverage, said the high deductible policy was a good deal in the short run. "I was basically preventing financial ruin through a catastrophe, say an accident," Ratay said.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
State Farm lowers auto insurance rates in Georgia
By Péralte C. Paul
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/21/05
Georgia's largest auto insurer is lowering rates.
Consumers who have vehicles insured through State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. can expect to see premiums decrease by 3.7 percent, on average.
In all, the company says the rate reduction will save its Georgia policy holders about $44.4 million a year in premiums.
Some consumers can expect more of a discount, based on their individual driving records, State Farm said. Drivers with poor records may see less of a premium reduction.
The rate decreases will be rolled out over the next six months, as policy holders renew their coverages, the company said.
The decrease marks the second time in as many years that State Farm has lowered rates in Georgia. The only other major insurer to lower its rates in that time has been the United Services Automobile Association.
State Farm has 1.5 million auto policies in Georgia, roughly one out of every four vehicles in the state.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/21/05
Georgia's largest auto insurer is lowering rates.
Consumers who have vehicles insured through State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. can expect to see premiums decrease by 3.7 percent, on average.
In all, the company says the rate reduction will save its Georgia policy holders about $44.4 million a year in premiums.
Some consumers can expect more of a discount, based on their individual driving records, State Farm said. Drivers with poor records may see less of a premium reduction.
The rate decreases will be rolled out over the next six months, as policy holders renew their coverages, the company said.
The decrease marks the second time in as many years that State Farm has lowered rates in Georgia. The only other major insurer to lower its rates in that time has been the United Services Automobile Association.
State Farm has 1.5 million auto policies in Georgia, roughly one out of every four vehicles in the state.
Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company Introduces New High-Deductible Health Plans for Individuals
SAN FRANCISCO, June 21 /PRNewswire/ -- As consumers increasingly turn to health savings accounts (HSA) as a way to help control their health care costs, Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company (Blue Shield Life) is providing individuals and families with greater access to that investment option. Effective July 1, 2005, Blue Shield Life is introducing Shield Spectrum PPO Savings Plans 4000/8000, two new high deductible PPO plans that offer lower-cost premium options and are HSA-compatible.
HSAs are privately held, interest-bearing accounts that consumers can use to pay for deductibles and qualified medical expenses. Members also may use pre-tax HSA funds to pay for services traditionally not included in health plan coverage, such as dental care, eye exams, and acupuncture. Unlike other financial health care accounts, such as health reimbursement accounts or flexible spending accounts, members maintain ownership of their HSAs regardless of changes in employment and unused funds roll over from year to year.
"Consumers continue to look for ways to control their health care costs," said Lisa Rubino, senior vice president and chief executive of Blue Shield's Individual, Small Group, and Government Business Unit. "Blue Shield Life's new products provide access to comprehensive, coverage for low-cost premium options that are compatible with a tax-deferred savings accounts."
The new plans feature a deductible of $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for families. The plans also cover preventive care with a $35 copay without having to meet the deductible. Members who enroll in these plans can use pre-tax HSA funds to pay for qualified medical expenses such as copays, deductibles, physician and hospital services, including outpatient surgery. Individuals may select the vendor to administer their health savings' accounts or use Blue Shield's preferred HSA vendor, Wells Fargo International Trust Services (a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.). Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company (Blue Shield Life) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Shield of California. More information is available at www.bscalife.com or by calling (800) 443-8284.
HSAs are privately held, interest-bearing accounts that consumers can use to pay for deductibles and qualified medical expenses. Members also may use pre-tax HSA funds to pay for services traditionally not included in health plan coverage, such as dental care, eye exams, and acupuncture. Unlike other financial health care accounts, such as health reimbursement accounts or flexible spending accounts, members maintain ownership of their HSAs regardless of changes in employment and unused funds roll over from year to year.
"Consumers continue to look for ways to control their health care costs," said Lisa Rubino, senior vice president and chief executive of Blue Shield's Individual, Small Group, and Government Business Unit. "Blue Shield Life's new products provide access to comprehensive, coverage for low-cost premium options that are compatible with a tax-deferred savings accounts."
The new plans feature a deductible of $4,000 for individuals and $8,000 for families. The plans also cover preventive care with a $35 copay without having to meet the deductible. Members who enroll in these plans can use pre-tax HSA funds to pay for qualified medical expenses such as copays, deductibles, physician and hospital services, including outpatient surgery. Individuals may select the vendor to administer their health savings' accounts or use Blue Shield's preferred HSA vendor, Wells Fargo International Trust Services (a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.). Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company (Blue Shield Life) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Shield of California. More information is available at www.bscalife.com or by calling (800) 443-8284.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Auto Insurance Rates Take Dip in 2005, Safer Vehicles Cited
Washington DC June 20, 2005; The AIADA newsletter reported that auto insurance policyholders are benefiting this year thanks to a steady decrease in the number of automobile accidents on U.S. roads and highways, “savvier risk-management techniques,” and “simmering competition,” reported The Associated Press. “
The market for auto insurance is becoming very competitive,” said Robert Hartwig, chief economist at the Insurance Information Institute. “Millions of consumers are likely to see a decrease this year.”
Despite the fact that the Institute expects spending to increase nationally at an average of 1.5 percent to $870 per vehicle, many drivers will be getting a break. For example: “In New York, 10 big auto insurers -- including market leaders AllState, GEICO Corp. and State Farm Insurance Co. -- have cut rates an average of 5 to 6 percent this year, saving New York drivers nearly $350 million.
State Farm, the nation’s largest auto insurance underwriter with about 19 percent market share, says it has dropped prices in 32 states this year while raising them in just one: North Dakota.” III’s Hartwig contends, “We’re seeing a more prudent form of competition that is allowing insurers to lower premiums while remaining profitable.”
An important factor in that prudence is the growth of sophisticated pricing models. Insurers are spending millions on technology that allows them to crunch underwriting data to more accurately match price to a driver’s risk. The result: They’re able to cut prices with a scalpel instead of a butcher’s knife, offering hundreds or even thousands of price points based on drivers’ potential risk, instead of lumping them into a few broad categories.”
The Institute says safer vehicles have led to a drop in accidents, which also benefits policyholders. “The number of vehicle crashes resulting in injuries dropped 14 percent between 1996 and 2003 -- from 2.2 million to 1.9 million -- even though there are more cars on the road and the total number of miles driven is up,” reports AP. “The trend allows insurers to pay out a smaller percentage of each premium dollar in claims and expenses -- now down to 93 cents -- and insurers are passing along some of those savings to policyholders.”
The market for auto insurance is becoming very competitive,” said Robert Hartwig, chief economist at the Insurance Information Institute. “Millions of consumers are likely to see a decrease this year.”
Despite the fact that the Institute expects spending to increase nationally at an average of 1.5 percent to $870 per vehicle, many drivers will be getting a break. For example: “In New York, 10 big auto insurers -- including market leaders AllState, GEICO Corp. and State Farm Insurance Co. -- have cut rates an average of 5 to 6 percent this year, saving New York drivers nearly $350 million.
State Farm, the nation’s largest auto insurance underwriter with about 19 percent market share, says it has dropped prices in 32 states this year while raising them in just one: North Dakota.” III’s Hartwig contends, “We’re seeing a more prudent form of competition that is allowing insurers to lower premiums while remaining profitable.”
An important factor in that prudence is the growth of sophisticated pricing models. Insurers are spending millions on technology that allows them to crunch underwriting data to more accurately match price to a driver’s risk. The result: They’re able to cut prices with a scalpel instead of a butcher’s knife, offering hundreds or even thousands of price points based on drivers’ potential risk, instead of lumping them into a few broad categories.”
The Institute says safer vehicles have led to a drop in accidents, which also benefits policyholders. “The number of vehicle crashes resulting in injuries dropped 14 percent between 1996 and 2003 -- from 2.2 million to 1.9 million -- even though there are more cars on the road and the total number of miles driven is up,” reports AP. “The trend allows insurers to pay out a smaller percentage of each premium dollar in claims and expenses -- now down to 93 cents -- and insurers are passing along some of those savings to policyholders.”
Those without insurance have options
Monday, June 20, 2005
Here is a list of resources for the uninsured and underinsured in South Jersey. State program
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund will cover medical expenses, including drug costs, for treatment of children with chronic or catastrophic physical and mental illnesses. The fund has a liberal income qualification standard, and will cover costs not paid by a child's insurance. Contact the fund at: (800) 335-3863 or visit www.state.nj.us/humanservices/catill/cicrf1.html. Burlington County
Burlington County offers preventive, primary care, dental and other health services for uninsured and underinsured residents through partnerships with hospitals and health-care providers.
Prenatal care and social service referrals: (609) 261-7023 or (609) 835-5204
Pediatric and immunization services: (609) 267-1950
Early intervention and special-needs children's services: (609) 267-1952
Male/female family planning services: (609) 267-1950
Influenza/pneumonia immunizations: (609) 265-5533
Cardiovascular, diabetes and blood pressure screenings: (609) 267-1950
Dental care through the Burlington County Dental Center. Contact the center at 600 Pemberton-Brown Mills Road, New Lisbon; (609) 726-7290 Camden AHEC
Camden Area Health Education Center provides free diabetes, blood pressure, HIV and other health screenings; nutritional support; and referrals for low- and no-cost health care. AHEC's mobile health van also makes visits throughout the city of Camden, providing these services to underserved neighborhoods and homeless residents several days a week. Contact AHEC at: 514 Cooper St., Camden; (856) 963-2432 Camden County
Regional health centers provide services including family health care, gynecology, mental health, HIV and STD testing, health screenings, and drug and alcohol treatment free or on a sliding fee scale.
Here are the locations and what each provides:
Bellmawr Regional Health Center: Pediatric care, eye care, HIV testing, family planning and WIC services. 35 Browning Road, Bellmawr; (856) 931-2700
Bergen Lanning Regional Health Center: Family medicine, diabetes care and primary care and referrals for the homeless. Clinton and West streets, Camden; (856) 968-2320
Cherry Hill Regional Health Center: Family planning, HIV testing and counseling. Marlboro Road and Chapel Avenue, Cherry Hill; (856) 665-7274
East Camden Regional Health Center: HIV testing and counseling, TB and STD testing and treatment. 26th and Federal streets, Camden; (856) 756-2264
Gloucester City Regional Health Center: Women Infants and Children services. 700 Monmouth, Gloucester City; (856) 456-0475
Lakeland Regional Health Center: Podiatry and eye care and WIC services. Jefferson House, Lakeland Road, Blackwood; (856) 374-6084
Other services in Camden County:
ƒHispanic help line: Health-care referrals for Spanish-speaking residents. (866) 783-2645
Immunizations: Low-cost vaccinations for uninsured children. (856) 225-5128
Special-needs children: Early intervention and therapy programs for developmentally delayed and special-needs children. (856) 374-6021
ƒTesting services: Free or low-cost nutritional counseling and cancer, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings throughout the week at various locations. (856) 374-6248
Visit www.co.camden.nj.us/health/healthserv/services.html for more information on Camden County services. Gloucester County
County health services provide free physical exams, immunizations and health screenings for infants to 19-year-olds, as well as free and low-cost screenings and communicable disease treatment for adults.
Blood pressure screenings: Free blood pressure check, risk assessment for other health factors, education and care referrals. Call for dates and locations: (856) 262-4101.
Child health clinic: Physical examinations, growth assessments, immunizations and anemia, lead poisoning, hearing and vision screenings: (856) 262-4101.
HIV counseling and testing: Provides counseling and testing services: (856) 262-4101.
Perinatal Hepatitis B: Provides follow-up to pregnant women diagnosed with Hepatitis B in an effort to prevent transmission to newborns. Diagnostic services are offered to family members and baby: (856) 262-4101.
School age clinic: Physical examinations and immunizations by appointment only: (856) 262-4101.
STD clinic: Diagnosis and treatment for most common sexually transmitted infections: (856) 262-4101.
Special child health services: Coordinates and refers services for physically handicapped children from birth to age 21: (856) 262-4101.
Tuberculosis clinic: Diagnosis and treatment: (856) 262-4101. Cancer treatment
New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (CEED): A state- and federally funded program that provides free screening and treatment of breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers in uninsured and underinsured patients. There are several sites throughout the tri-county area. Call nearest location for risk-factor requirements:
Cooper University Hospital: (856) 968-7308 or (856) 968-7315
Kennedy Family Health Services: (856) 309-7700
Underwood-Memorial Hospital: (856) 845-0100, ext. 2786
Virtua Health: (609) 267-1923 or (609) 267-1950
Cooper University Hospital houses one of the National Cancer Institute's designated diagnostic and treatment centers for all forms of cancer. Through the program, financially qualified patients who are uninsured and underinsured can receive free and low-cost cancer testing and treatment and can participate in clinical trials. 900 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees; (800) 826-7737 or (856) 325-6750.
Call (856) 325-6779 or (856) 968-7437 for social services, insurance and disability issues. Federal centers
Federally qualified health centers offer family and internal medicine; physicals; immunization; vision, hearing, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure screenings; obstetric and gynecology services; pediatrics and other services, as well as specialty referral services for uninsured and underinsured residents. Insurance coverage and free and low-cost care available to qualified patients. Call for appointments.
CamCare (All locations in the city of Camden):
817 Federal St., (856) 541-8217
6th and Erie streets, (856) 757-9180
2610 Federal St., (856) 635-0203
8th Street and Carl Miller Boulevard, (856) 541-4926
7th and Linden streets, (856) 963-8768
Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers:
Buttonwood building, 600 Pemberton-Browns Mill Road, New Lisbon; (609) 894-1100
860 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton; (609) 567-0200
Dental center at 310 Bellevue Ave., Hammonton; (609) 561-9150
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Camden City provides access to free and low-cost pre- and postnatal care, health education, pediatric care, male partner job training and social support, substance abuse treatment and case management services. Health services centers and outreach locations are available throughout the city of Camden.
Outreach office locations (all in Camden):
Central Outreach Site, 2600 Mount Ephraim Ave., Suite 403; (856) 963-1013
East Camden Outreach Site, 2772 Federal St.; (856) 963-6680 Hispanic services
The Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey provides HIV/AIDS testing and education, pediatric asthma screening and case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling and treatment to Hispanic communities. Also provides social services and health-care referral for uninsured and underinsured residents. Here are the locations in Camden:
35 Church St.; (856) 541-6985
2700 Westfield Ave.; (856) 365-7393 Hospitals
Kennedy Family Health Services provides family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, drug treatment, diabetes education and specialty referral services. Financial assistance and insurance coverage available for qualified individuals and families. Here are the locations:
One Somerdale Square, Somerdale; (856) 309-7700; (856) 309-7730 (diabetes education program)
Washington Pavilions, 100 Kingsway East, Suite A-3, Sewell; (856) 218-2312
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's School of Osteopathic Medicine offers a student-run health clinic on Saturdays in the city of Camden. Services include free primary care services and medications, immunizations, school physicals, gynecology, general care and low-cost specialty referral services. Clinic is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Call for appointment. 583 Broadway; (856) 541-1752
Doctors from UMDNJ's School of Osteopathic Medicine and Jesuits from St. Luke's Catholic Medical Services provide primary and diabetes care to uninsured and underinsured Camden residents. The Latino Health Initiative also provides home visits, care and education to predominantly Hispanic communities in Camden: 511 State St., Camden; (856) 365-4642
Underwood-Memorial Hospital's Family Practice Center of Woodbury provides free and low-cost internal medicine, pediatric, gynecological, obstetric and other care to uninsured and underinsured Burlington County residents: 35 Oak St., Woodbury; (856) 853-2055 Planned Parenthood
Family planning, gynecology, prenatal and male patient care, as well as HIV, STD and hepatitis testing are available. Medicaid accepted. Sliding scale fee arrangements available. Here are the Planned Parenthood locations:
35 Browning Road, Bellmawr; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Park Plaza Mall, Route 130 S, Suite A-10, Burlington; (609) 871-4220
317 Broadway, Camden; (856) 365-3519
100 Industrial Drive, Chesilhurst; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Kennedy Hospital, Cherry Hill; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Monmouth and Railroad avenues, Gloucester City; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Lakeland government complex, Gloucester Township; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Prenatal, families
Here are resources for prenatal, pediatric and family planning services in the city of Camden:
CamCare Pediatrics and Adult Medicine Center (Central), 817 Federal St.; (856) 541-9811
CamCare Pediatrics and Adult Medicine Center (South), 8th and Vanhook streets; (856) 541-4926
CamCare Pediatrics & Adult Medicine Center (East), 2610 Federal St.; (856) 635-0212
Cooper Pediatrics Clinic, 3 Cooper Plaza, second floor; (856) 342-2007
Osborn Family Health Center, 1601 Haddon Ave.; (856) 757-3700
Planned Parenthood, Greater Camden Area, 317 Broadway; (856) 365-3519
St. John's Prenatal Clinic, 6th and Erie streets; (856) 757-9540
Women's Care Center, 3 Cooper Plaza, Suite 301; (856) 342-2959
Here is a list of resources for the uninsured and underinsured in South Jersey. State program
The Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund will cover medical expenses, including drug costs, for treatment of children with chronic or catastrophic physical and mental illnesses. The fund has a liberal income qualification standard, and will cover costs not paid by a child's insurance. Contact the fund at: (800) 335-3863 or visit www.state.nj.us/humanservices/catill/cicrf1.html. Burlington County
Burlington County offers preventive, primary care, dental and other health services for uninsured and underinsured residents through partnerships with hospitals and health-care providers.
Prenatal care and social service referrals: (609) 261-7023 or (609) 835-5204
Pediatric and immunization services: (609) 267-1950
Early intervention and special-needs children's services: (609) 267-1952
Male/female family planning services: (609) 267-1950
Influenza/pneumonia immunizations: (609) 265-5533
Cardiovascular, diabetes and blood pressure screenings: (609) 267-1950
Dental care through the Burlington County Dental Center. Contact the center at 600 Pemberton-Brown Mills Road, New Lisbon; (609) 726-7290 Camden AHEC
Camden Area Health Education Center provides free diabetes, blood pressure, HIV and other health screenings; nutritional support; and referrals for low- and no-cost health care. AHEC's mobile health van also makes visits throughout the city of Camden, providing these services to underserved neighborhoods and homeless residents several days a week. Contact AHEC at: 514 Cooper St., Camden; (856) 963-2432 Camden County
Regional health centers provide services including family health care, gynecology, mental health, HIV and STD testing, health screenings, and drug and alcohol treatment free or on a sliding fee scale.
Here are the locations and what each provides:
Bellmawr Regional Health Center: Pediatric care, eye care, HIV testing, family planning and WIC services. 35 Browning Road, Bellmawr; (856) 931-2700
Bergen Lanning Regional Health Center: Family medicine, diabetes care and primary care and referrals for the homeless. Clinton and West streets, Camden; (856) 968-2320
Cherry Hill Regional Health Center: Family planning, HIV testing and counseling. Marlboro Road and Chapel Avenue, Cherry Hill; (856) 665-7274
East Camden Regional Health Center: HIV testing and counseling, TB and STD testing and treatment. 26th and Federal streets, Camden; (856) 756-2264
Gloucester City Regional Health Center: Women Infants and Children services. 700 Monmouth, Gloucester City; (856) 456-0475
Lakeland Regional Health Center: Podiatry and eye care and WIC services. Jefferson House, Lakeland Road, Blackwood; (856) 374-6084
Other services in Camden County:
ƒHispanic help line: Health-care referrals for Spanish-speaking residents. (866) 783-2645
Immunizations: Low-cost vaccinations for uninsured children. (856) 225-5128
Special-needs children: Early intervention and therapy programs for developmentally delayed and special-needs children. (856) 374-6021
ƒTesting services: Free or low-cost nutritional counseling and cancer, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol screenings throughout the week at various locations. (856) 374-6248
Visit www.co.camden.nj.us/health/healthserv/services.html for more information on Camden County services. Gloucester County
County health services provide free physical exams, immunizations and health screenings for infants to 19-year-olds, as well as free and low-cost screenings and communicable disease treatment for adults.
Blood pressure screenings: Free blood pressure check, risk assessment for other health factors, education and care referrals. Call for dates and locations: (856) 262-4101.
Child health clinic: Physical examinations, growth assessments, immunizations and anemia, lead poisoning, hearing and vision screenings: (856) 262-4101.
HIV counseling and testing: Provides counseling and testing services: (856) 262-4101.
Perinatal Hepatitis B: Provides follow-up to pregnant women diagnosed with Hepatitis B in an effort to prevent transmission to newborns. Diagnostic services are offered to family members and baby: (856) 262-4101.
School age clinic: Physical examinations and immunizations by appointment only: (856) 262-4101.
STD clinic: Diagnosis and treatment for most common sexually transmitted infections: (856) 262-4101.
Special child health services: Coordinates and refers services for physically handicapped children from birth to age 21: (856) 262-4101.
Tuberculosis clinic: Diagnosis and treatment: (856) 262-4101. Cancer treatment
New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (CEED): A state- and federally funded program that provides free screening and treatment of breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers in uninsured and underinsured patients. There are several sites throughout the tri-county area. Call nearest location for risk-factor requirements:
Cooper University Hospital: (856) 968-7308 or (856) 968-7315
Kennedy Family Health Services: (856) 309-7700
Underwood-Memorial Hospital: (856) 845-0100, ext. 2786
Virtua Health: (609) 267-1923 or (609) 267-1950
Cooper University Hospital houses one of the National Cancer Institute's designated diagnostic and treatment centers for all forms of cancer. Through the program, financially qualified patients who are uninsured and underinsured can receive free and low-cost cancer testing and treatment and can participate in clinical trials. 900 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees; (800) 826-7737 or (856) 325-6750.
Call (856) 325-6779 or (856) 968-7437 for social services, insurance and disability issues. Federal centers
Federally qualified health centers offer family and internal medicine; physicals; immunization; vision, hearing, cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure screenings; obstetric and gynecology services; pediatrics and other services, as well as specialty referral services for uninsured and underinsured residents. Insurance coverage and free and low-cost care available to qualified patients. Call for appointments.
CamCare (All locations in the city of Camden):
817 Federal St., (856) 541-8217
6th and Erie streets, (856) 757-9180
2610 Federal St., (856) 635-0203
8th Street and Carl Miller Boulevard, (856) 541-4926
7th and Linden streets, (856) 963-8768
Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers:
Buttonwood building, 600 Pemberton-Browns Mill Road, New Lisbon; (609) 894-1100
860 S. White Horse Pike, Hammonton; (609) 567-0200
Dental center at 310 Bellevue Ave., Hammonton; (609) 561-9150
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Camden City provides access to free and low-cost pre- and postnatal care, health education, pediatric care, male partner job training and social support, substance abuse treatment and case management services. Health services centers and outreach locations are available throughout the city of Camden.
Outreach office locations (all in Camden):
Central Outreach Site, 2600 Mount Ephraim Ave., Suite 403; (856) 963-1013
East Camden Outreach Site, 2772 Federal St.; (856) 963-6680 Hispanic services
The Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey provides HIV/AIDS testing and education, pediatric asthma screening and case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling and treatment to Hispanic communities. Also provides social services and health-care referral for uninsured and underinsured residents. Here are the locations in Camden:
35 Church St.; (856) 541-6985
2700 Westfield Ave.; (856) 365-7393 Hospitals
Kennedy Family Health Services provides family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, drug treatment, diabetes education and specialty referral services. Financial assistance and insurance coverage available for qualified individuals and families. Here are the locations:
One Somerdale Square, Somerdale; (856) 309-7700; (856) 309-7730 (diabetes education program)
Washington Pavilions, 100 Kingsway East, Suite A-3, Sewell; (856) 218-2312
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's School of Osteopathic Medicine offers a student-run health clinic on Saturdays in the city of Camden. Services include free primary care services and medications, immunizations, school physicals, gynecology, general care and low-cost specialty referral services. Clinic is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Call for appointment. 583 Broadway; (856) 541-1752
Doctors from UMDNJ's School of Osteopathic Medicine and Jesuits from St. Luke's Catholic Medical Services provide primary and diabetes care to uninsured and underinsured Camden residents. The Latino Health Initiative also provides home visits, care and education to predominantly Hispanic communities in Camden: 511 State St., Camden; (856) 365-4642
Underwood-Memorial Hospital's Family Practice Center of Woodbury provides free and low-cost internal medicine, pediatric, gynecological, obstetric and other care to uninsured and underinsured Burlington County residents: 35 Oak St., Woodbury; (856) 853-2055 Planned Parenthood
Family planning, gynecology, prenatal and male patient care, as well as HIV, STD and hepatitis testing are available. Medicaid accepted. Sliding scale fee arrangements available. Here are the Planned Parenthood locations:
35 Browning Road, Bellmawr; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Park Plaza Mall, Route 130 S, Suite A-10, Burlington; (609) 871-4220
317 Broadway, Camden; (856) 365-3519
100 Industrial Drive, Chesilhurst; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Kennedy Hospital, Cherry Hill; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Monmouth and Railroad avenues, Gloucester City; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Lakeland government complex, Gloucester Township; (856) 365-3519 or (800) 230-7526
Prenatal, families
Here are resources for prenatal, pediatric and family planning services in the city of Camden:
CamCare Pediatrics and Adult Medicine Center (Central), 817 Federal St.; (856) 541-9811
CamCare Pediatrics and Adult Medicine Center (South), 8th and Vanhook streets; (856) 541-4926
CamCare Pediatrics & Adult Medicine Center (East), 2610 Federal St.; (856) 635-0212
Cooper Pediatrics Clinic, 3 Cooper Plaza, second floor; (856) 342-2007
Osborn Family Health Center, 1601 Haddon Ave.; (856) 757-3700
Planned Parenthood, Greater Camden Area, 317 Broadway; (856) 365-3519
St. John's Prenatal Clinic, 6th and Erie streets; (856) 757-9540
Women's Care Center, 3 Cooper Plaza, Suite 301; (856) 342-2959
Spiraling Health Insurance Costs for Small Businesses
CLEVELAND, June 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Small businesses facing health insurance rate increases from popular carriers and organizations in Northeast Ohio may be able to reduce premium costs by 15 percent or more for comparable coverage by participating in a new health insurance program offered by the Better Business Bureaus of Cleveland, Canton and Youngstown (BBB Healthcare Alliance).
BBB Healthcare Alliance is offering its members plans from United Healthcare, one of the nation's largest healthcare insurance providers, and Kaiser Permanente, the largest non-profit health plan in the United States. All United Healthcare plans for groups of 2 to 99 are offered, and Kaiser Permanente plans include its popular Prosper and Added Choice plans for groups of 1 and above. Kaiser plans will not be offered through the Youngstown BBB because it does not serve that part of Ohio.
"We anticipate that many of our members will be able to achieve substantial savings versus competing comparable plans in the area," said Mike Paris, president of the BBB Healthcare Alliance and the Canton BBB. "In some unusual instances, such as those involving certain pre-existing conditions by employees, our plans may not offer appreciative savings or will actually cost more. But the evaluation and quote are free to BBB members, and they would be prudent to explore their options in this era of rapidly increasing healthcare insurance premiums," he said.
Insurance brokers throughout the area that are BBB members and licensed by Kaiser Permanente and United Healthcare may sell the coverage. Small businesses interested in learning more about the programs or being referred to a participating broker may call the BBB Healthcare Alliance at 1-800-722-2039.
"While we have offered our members healthcare insurance for several years, new to this year's program is the addition of Kaiser Permanente as a provider and further premium reductions by United Healthcare for our members," said Mr. Paris.
Plans offer access to leading medical institutions, such as Cleveland Clinic Hospitals, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Summa Health System, Akron General, Forum Health Facilities, St. Elizabeth Health Center, Doctors Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, and their physicians.
The three participating BBB chapters have 8,000 member companies. The BBB of Cleveland serves Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties; the BBB of Youngstown covers Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties; the BBB of Canton includes members in Belmont, Carroll, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Stark, Tuscarawas and Washington counties. Presidents of the three chapters are: David Weiss, Cleveland (216-623-8964); Pat Rose, Youngstown (330-744-7210); and Mike Paris, Canton (330-455-8202).
BBB Healthcare Alliance is offering its members plans from United Healthcare, one of the nation's largest healthcare insurance providers, and Kaiser Permanente, the largest non-profit health plan in the United States. All United Healthcare plans for groups of 2 to 99 are offered, and Kaiser Permanente plans include its popular Prosper and Added Choice plans for groups of 1 and above. Kaiser plans will not be offered through the Youngstown BBB because it does not serve that part of Ohio.
"We anticipate that many of our members will be able to achieve substantial savings versus competing comparable plans in the area," said Mike Paris, president of the BBB Healthcare Alliance and the Canton BBB. "In some unusual instances, such as those involving certain pre-existing conditions by employees, our plans may not offer appreciative savings or will actually cost more. But the evaluation and quote are free to BBB members, and they would be prudent to explore their options in this era of rapidly increasing healthcare insurance premiums," he said.
Insurance brokers throughout the area that are BBB members and licensed by Kaiser Permanente and United Healthcare may sell the coverage. Small businesses interested in learning more about the programs or being referred to a participating broker may call the BBB Healthcare Alliance at 1-800-722-2039.
"While we have offered our members healthcare insurance for several years, new to this year's program is the addition of Kaiser Permanente as a provider and further premium reductions by United Healthcare for our members," said Mr. Paris.
Plans offer access to leading medical institutions, such as Cleveland Clinic Hospitals, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Summa Health System, Akron General, Forum Health Facilities, St. Elizabeth Health Center, Doctors Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, and their physicians.
The three participating BBB chapters have 8,000 member companies. The BBB of Cleveland serves Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties; the BBB of Youngstown covers Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties; the BBB of Canton includes members in Belmont, Carroll, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Stark, Tuscarawas and Washington counties. Presidents of the three chapters are: David Weiss, Cleveland (216-623-8964); Pat Rose, Youngstown (330-744-7210); and Mike Paris, Canton (330-455-8202).
Auto insurance fraud down significantly
By JONATHAN D. EPSTEIN
News Business Reporter
6/19/2005
Efforts to fight auto insurance fraud in New York state seem to be working, with fraud reports to the state down 17 percent last year, according to the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud.
Citing statistics from the industry-funded Insurance Information Institute, the insurer group said the cost of no-fault personal injury protection claims is down 32 percent since 2000.
It also said the frequency of those claims, while still above the national average, is down 21 percent. Even more, the average cost of such claims in New York, at $5,867, is now below the national average of $7,060.
The improving situation is in contrast to 2000, when no-fault claim costs in the state were growing faster than in any other no-fault state, rising 28.5 percent annually, with losses increasing by 121 percent - twice the national average.
"The remarkable turnaround is the result of aggressive efforts to combat fraud," said Bernard Bourdeau, president of the group and the New York Insurance Association, the trade group for property and casualty insurers. ". . . But the battle is far from over. Insurance criminals will continue to exploit every loophole in the system unless we act to close them."
Auto insurance fraud has been one of the biggest problems hitting both the insurance industry and consumers in New York, as perpetrators have targeted the state's no-fault system by overwhelming insurers with paperwork so they can't investigate claims.
Coordinated rings of fraudsters, often consisting of doctors, lawyers and "runners" who stage accidents, have been causing hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for insurers every year - about $1.2 million a day just in 2003, according to the NICB.
In response, police, prosecutors, and companies have teamed up to crack down on the rings, while regulators adjusted the rules to give insurers more time to investigate claims before paying them. They also launched campaigns to teach consumers how fraud impacts them in higher premiums.
The result has been a dramatic drop. According to the state Insurance Department late last year, just 61 cents of every dollar in premiums went to pay claims as of June 2004, a drop from from 86 cents in 2002. And the average personal injury protection losses per claim fell to $6,229 in June 2004 from $8,489 at the end of 2002.
Consumers have already benefited. Former Insurance Superintendent Gregory V. Serio in November sent letters to the 13 biggest auto insurers in the state, calling on them to lower their rates or justify to him why they shouldn't. A second batch of letters went to the next tier of companies shortly afterwards.
So far, Serio and his successor, Howard Mills, have reached agreements with 16 large and small insurers, generally cutting rates by 5 percent and saving consumers at least $349 million. Talks with others are continuing, and Mills said Friday that "we'll have several other significant premium rate cuts to announce shortly."
However, both he and the industry are still calling for additional steps to decertify fraudulent doctors and clinics, give insurers even more time to investigate claims, and increase penalties for the "runners" who coordinate accidents and solicit people to participate.
"We've done quite a bit with our regulatory power, but the bottom line on this is that the penalties for insurance fraud in New York state are laughable and are not an effective deterrent," Mills said. "They need to be dramatically toughened."
Mills said the state should eliminate the statute of limitations on auto insurance fraud and allow insurers "proper time for exhaustive investigations." But he said there would still have to be guarantees in place to prevent insurers from simply stalling on paying legitimate claims.
The superintendent sent a letter to every state lawmaker recently, urging them to pass the runners' bill and other legislation before the session ends.
News Business Reporter
6/19/2005
Efforts to fight auto insurance fraud in New York state seem to be working, with fraud reports to the state down 17 percent last year, according to the New York Alliance Against Insurance Fraud.
Citing statistics from the industry-funded Insurance Information Institute, the insurer group said the cost of no-fault personal injury protection claims is down 32 percent since 2000.
It also said the frequency of those claims, while still above the national average, is down 21 percent. Even more, the average cost of such claims in New York, at $5,867, is now below the national average of $7,060.
The improving situation is in contrast to 2000, when no-fault claim costs in the state were growing faster than in any other no-fault state, rising 28.5 percent annually, with losses increasing by 121 percent - twice the national average.
"The remarkable turnaround is the result of aggressive efforts to combat fraud," said Bernard Bourdeau, president of the group and the New York Insurance Association, the trade group for property and casualty insurers. ". . . But the battle is far from over. Insurance criminals will continue to exploit every loophole in the system unless we act to close them."
Auto insurance fraud has been one of the biggest problems hitting both the insurance industry and consumers in New York, as perpetrators have targeted the state's no-fault system by overwhelming insurers with paperwork so they can't investigate claims.
Coordinated rings of fraudsters, often consisting of doctors, lawyers and "runners" who stage accidents, have been causing hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for insurers every year - about $1.2 million a day just in 2003, according to the NICB.
In response, police, prosecutors, and companies have teamed up to crack down on the rings, while regulators adjusted the rules to give insurers more time to investigate claims before paying them. They also launched campaigns to teach consumers how fraud impacts them in higher premiums.
The result has been a dramatic drop. According to the state Insurance Department late last year, just 61 cents of every dollar in premiums went to pay claims as of June 2004, a drop from from 86 cents in 2002. And the average personal injury protection losses per claim fell to $6,229 in June 2004 from $8,489 at the end of 2002.
Consumers have already benefited. Former Insurance Superintendent Gregory V. Serio in November sent letters to the 13 biggest auto insurers in the state, calling on them to lower their rates or justify to him why they shouldn't. A second batch of letters went to the next tier of companies shortly afterwards.
So far, Serio and his successor, Howard Mills, have reached agreements with 16 large and small insurers, generally cutting rates by 5 percent and saving consumers at least $349 million. Talks with others are continuing, and Mills said Friday that "we'll have several other significant premium rate cuts to announce shortly."
However, both he and the industry are still calling for additional steps to decertify fraudulent doctors and clinics, give insurers even more time to investigate claims, and increase penalties for the "runners" who coordinate accidents and solicit people to participate.
"We've done quite a bit with our regulatory power, but the bottom line on this is that the penalties for insurance fraud in New York state are laughable and are not an effective deterrent," Mills said. "They need to be dramatically toughened."
Mills said the state should eliminate the statute of limitations on auto insurance fraud and allow insurers "proper time for exhaustive investigations." But he said there would still have to be guarantees in place to prevent insurers from simply stalling on paying legitimate claims.
The superintendent sent a letter to every state lawmaker recently, urging them to pass the runners' bill and other legislation before the session ends.
Tips for Choosing Affordable Health Insurance
Purchasing an individual health plan doesn’t have to be time consuming or frustrating. There is an abundance of affordable health insurance plans available for individuals and families whether, they are self-employed or chose to opt out of expensive employer health coverage. There are, however, a few things that you should know before investing in individual health insurance.
Only pay for what you will need
Do you go to the doctor every time you have a cold? If you are the type of person who is comforted by seeing a doctor every time you don’t feel well, consider a health plan with a low deductible. You will pay more in premiums but will not have to face the burden of paying the first $1,000 to $5,000 of medical expenses. Most people, however, don’t run to the doctor every time they have a fever or the sniffles. Most of us view health insurance like homeowners insurance or car insurance. If you want health insurance to protect you from the financial liability associated with injuries and disease, then consider a health plan with a higher deductible. In most cases, a higher deductible means a lower monthly payment.
Consider your options if you qualify for group coverage
Traditionally, employers offer health insurance to employees and their family members. An increasing number of family members are opting out of employer coverage in favor of less expensive individual plans. It’s not uncommon for employees to have hundreds of dollars deducted from their paycheck to cover medical insurance for their families. Take the time to add up those weekly deductions and you might be in for a surprise. If you suffer from chronic medical conditions, employer-sponsored coverage may be your best option. If not, shop around for a better deal.
Always comparison shop
As with any important financial decision, you need to comparison shop! It may not be “fun shopping” but you can reap the rewards if you periodically check your current health plan against others available. Like car insurance, you may find that you’re not getting the most from your health care dollars. Research plans from a variety of carriers. You could find a plan that works with your preferred hospital or medical group for the same price you’re currently paying. You might also find a plan with a lower deductible at your current monthly premium level.
Explore tax-saving opportunities
Shouldn’t health care be tax-free? It can be if you’re a savvy shopper. Many self-employed individuals can deduct their premiums from their income to reduce their taxable income. Thanks to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) you can purchase a low -cost health plan linked to a tax-advantaged savings account. These plans can be less expensive because they have a higher deductible and they allow you to save pre-tax money in a special account similar to an IRA. The best part is, you can spend money from the account on medical expenses without any penalty and the money you don’t spend rolls over from year to year until you reach retirement age. As with any financial decision, you should consult your tax advisor to be sure to utilize this new tax savings tool to your fullest benefit.
Health insurance may not be fun to spend your money on, but you need it, and being uninsured can be scary. Just remember to periodically compare prices and benefits from other health plans to ensure you are getting the best deal for your hard earned cash.
Only pay for what you will need
Do you go to the doctor every time you have a cold? If you are the type of person who is comforted by seeing a doctor every time you don’t feel well, consider a health plan with a low deductible. You will pay more in premiums but will not have to face the burden of paying the first $1,000 to $5,000 of medical expenses. Most people, however, don’t run to the doctor every time they have a fever or the sniffles. Most of us view health insurance like homeowners insurance or car insurance. If you want health insurance to protect you from the financial liability associated with injuries and disease, then consider a health plan with a higher deductible. In most cases, a higher deductible means a lower monthly payment.
Consider your options if you qualify for group coverage
Traditionally, employers offer health insurance to employees and their family members. An increasing number of family members are opting out of employer coverage in favor of less expensive individual plans. It’s not uncommon for employees to have hundreds of dollars deducted from their paycheck to cover medical insurance for their families. Take the time to add up those weekly deductions and you might be in for a surprise. If you suffer from chronic medical conditions, employer-sponsored coverage may be your best option. If not, shop around for a better deal.
Always comparison shop
As with any important financial decision, you need to comparison shop! It may not be “fun shopping” but you can reap the rewards if you periodically check your current health plan against others available. Like car insurance, you may find that you’re not getting the most from your health care dollars. Research plans from a variety of carriers. You could find a plan that works with your preferred hospital or medical group for the same price you’re currently paying. You might also find a plan with a lower deductible at your current monthly premium level.
Explore tax-saving opportunities
Shouldn’t health care be tax-free? It can be if you’re a savvy shopper. Many self-employed individuals can deduct their premiums from their income to reduce their taxable income. Thanks to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) you can purchase a low -cost health plan linked to a tax-advantaged savings account. These plans can be less expensive because they have a higher deductible and they allow you to save pre-tax money in a special account similar to an IRA. The best part is, you can spend money from the account on medical expenses without any penalty and the money you don’t spend rolls over from year to year until you reach retirement age. As with any financial decision, you should consult your tax advisor to be sure to utilize this new tax savings tool to your fullest benefit.
Health insurance may not be fun to spend your money on, but you need it, and being uninsured can be scary. Just remember to periodically compare prices and benefits from other health plans to ensure you are getting the best deal for your hard earned cash.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
InsWeb Launches Agent Lead Generation Program
June 17, 2005
InsWeb has announced that it will launch a new agent lead generation program this summer called AgentInsider.
AgentInsider will provide leads generated by consumers who have visited the InsWeb Web site in search of an insurance quote and assistance from local agents. Comprehensive consumer data is delivered to agents in real-time.
"For the past 18 months, InsWeb has been distributing high quality leads to agents via a third party," said Will Phelps, vice president of the InsWeb Agency Network. "With the introduction of AgentInsider, agents will now be signing up and receiving leads directly from our marketplace.
"The unique functionality of AgentInsider provides a more efficient, cost-effective alternative to direct mail, telemarketing, referral and other traditional methods agents have used in the past to develop consumer leads," Phelps said. "The new program also levels the playing field for individual agents as they compete with insurance companies spending hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising each year."
According to Phelps, the AgentInsider program will enable agents to set the price they are willing to pay for leads. "AgentInsider represents the next phase in the evolution of the Internet as a new business development tool for agents," Phelps said.
According to InsWeb surveys, 79 percent of agents use some form of lead generation service in their marketing; over 51 percent process between 50 and 250 leads per month and 93 percent are looking for immediate delivery of leads.
At the same time, more and more consumers are going online to gather and compare insurance quotes from various carriers. Most of these consumers are over 30 years old, college graduates and homeowners, with 10 or more years' driving experience.
"More consumers start the insurance shopping process online before they finalize the sale with agents in their local community," Phelps said. "In fact, over $4 million consumers will start one of InsWeb's insurance applications this year."
InsWeb plans to expand their local agent lead program to include life, health and other lines of insurance in future generations of AgentInsider.
To register for this program, agents visit: www.agentinsider.com. Once registered, they will be able to bid for consumer leads geographically by Zip code, line of business - auto and homeowners insurance - and quantity.
InsWeb has announced that it will launch a new agent lead generation program this summer called AgentInsider.
AgentInsider will provide leads generated by consumers who have visited the InsWeb Web site in search of an insurance quote and assistance from local agents. Comprehensive consumer data is delivered to agents in real-time.
"For the past 18 months, InsWeb has been distributing high quality leads to agents via a third party," said Will Phelps, vice president of the InsWeb Agency Network. "With the introduction of AgentInsider, agents will now be signing up and receiving leads directly from our marketplace.
"The unique functionality of AgentInsider provides a more efficient, cost-effective alternative to direct mail, telemarketing, referral and other traditional methods agents have used in the past to develop consumer leads," Phelps said. "The new program also levels the playing field for individual agents as they compete with insurance companies spending hundreds of millions of dollars in advertising each year."
According to Phelps, the AgentInsider program will enable agents to set the price they are willing to pay for leads. "AgentInsider represents the next phase in the evolution of the Internet as a new business development tool for agents," Phelps said.
According to InsWeb surveys, 79 percent of agents use some form of lead generation service in their marketing; over 51 percent process between 50 and 250 leads per month and 93 percent are looking for immediate delivery of leads.
At the same time, more and more consumers are going online to gather and compare insurance quotes from various carriers. Most of these consumers are over 30 years old, college graduates and homeowners, with 10 or more years' driving experience.
"More consumers start the insurance shopping process online before they finalize the sale with agents in their local community," Phelps said. "In fact, over $4 million consumers will start one of InsWeb's insurance applications this year."
InsWeb plans to expand their local agent lead program to include life, health and other lines of insurance in future generations of AgentInsider.
To register for this program, agents visit: www.agentinsider.com. Once registered, they will be able to bid for consumer leads geographically by Zip code, line of business - auto and homeowners insurance - and quantity.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Auto insurance rates easing
Increased competition is among the factors leading auto insurance companies to scale back on rate hikes.
Associated Press
CHICAGO - Melissa Senatore watched helplessly as the insurance premium for her family's five vehicles - including a 2003 Jaguar and her teenage son's 1999 Ford Mustang - climbed several thousand dollars in recent years.
But the 48-year-old Long Island homemaker got a nice surprise when she went in search of a better deal a few months ago. Senatore switched insurers, from a local company to Allstate Corp., and shaved her annual payment nearly 30 percent, from $14,000 to about $10,000.
"I was relieved. It just seemed like I was paying so much more money every year," Senatore said.
She's right. Between 2000 and 2004, drivers endured average increases of nearly 6 percent a year for the cost of auto insurance, jacking the average policy from $687 to $857 annually per vehicle.
But this year, insurance companies are throttling back on rate increases and premiums are even declining for many drivers. A steady decline in car accidents and savvier risk-management techniques are allowing insurers to pass savings along to policyholders, while simmering competition has put pressure on prices.
"The market for auto insurance is becoming very competitive," said Robert Hartwig, chief economist at the Insurance Information Institute. "Millions of consumers are likely to see a decrease this year."
Nationally, rates still are rising, albeit at their slowest rate in five years. Spending on auto insurance is expected to grow an average of 1.5 percent this year, to $870 per vehicle, according to the institute.
But many drivers are getting a break. In New York, 10 big auto insurers - including market leaders AllState, GEICO Corp. and State Farm Insurance Co. - have cut rates an average of 5 percent to 6 percent this year, saving New York drivers nearly $350 million.
State Farm, the nation's largest auto insurance underwriter with about 19 percent market share, says it has dropped prices in 32 states this year while raising them in just one, North Dakota.
While the recent price reductions have left healthy margins, observers fear they could signal the market is topping out.
"The insurance cycle has been very strong the last several years. It's just not going to last," said Matt Nellans, an analyst at Morningstar. "I think we're coming into a market where some companies will just slash prices to gain policyholders."
Indeed, insurers lost billions during a four-year span in the late 1990s when premiums were stagnant. By 2000, insurers were paying out $1.10 in claims and expenses for every $1 in premiums in a misguided attempt to retain market share. They had been making up the difference in the booming stock market, but had to reverse course and aggressively raise rates after stocks tanked in 2000.
"Companies really need to maintain an underwriting discipline and generate income on the business they write. They know they can no longer make it up on the investment side," said Richard Attanasio, analyst at insurance rating firm AM Best Co.
Analysts say auto insurers are in the driver's seat this time around as they confront the first softening market in five years.
Associated Press
CHICAGO - Melissa Senatore watched helplessly as the insurance premium for her family's five vehicles - including a 2003 Jaguar and her teenage son's 1999 Ford Mustang - climbed several thousand dollars in recent years.
But the 48-year-old Long Island homemaker got a nice surprise when she went in search of a better deal a few months ago. Senatore switched insurers, from a local company to Allstate Corp., and shaved her annual payment nearly 30 percent, from $14,000 to about $10,000.
"I was relieved. It just seemed like I was paying so much more money every year," Senatore said.
She's right. Between 2000 and 2004, drivers endured average increases of nearly 6 percent a year for the cost of auto insurance, jacking the average policy from $687 to $857 annually per vehicle.
But this year, insurance companies are throttling back on rate increases and premiums are even declining for many drivers. A steady decline in car accidents and savvier risk-management techniques are allowing insurers to pass savings along to policyholders, while simmering competition has put pressure on prices.
"The market for auto insurance is becoming very competitive," said Robert Hartwig, chief economist at the Insurance Information Institute. "Millions of consumers are likely to see a decrease this year."
Nationally, rates still are rising, albeit at their slowest rate in five years. Spending on auto insurance is expected to grow an average of 1.5 percent this year, to $870 per vehicle, according to the institute.
But many drivers are getting a break. In New York, 10 big auto insurers - including market leaders AllState, GEICO Corp. and State Farm Insurance Co. - have cut rates an average of 5 percent to 6 percent this year, saving New York drivers nearly $350 million.
State Farm, the nation's largest auto insurance underwriter with about 19 percent market share, says it has dropped prices in 32 states this year while raising them in just one, North Dakota.
While the recent price reductions have left healthy margins, observers fear they could signal the market is topping out.
"The insurance cycle has been very strong the last several years. It's just not going to last," said Matt Nellans, an analyst at Morningstar. "I think we're coming into a market where some companies will just slash prices to gain policyholders."
Indeed, insurers lost billions during a four-year span in the late 1990s when premiums were stagnant. By 2000, insurers were paying out $1.10 in claims and expenses for every $1 in premiums in a misguided attempt to retain market share. They had been making up the difference in the booming stock market, but had to reverse course and aggressively raise rates after stocks tanked in 2000.
"Companies really need to maintain an underwriting discipline and generate income on the business they write. They know they can no longer make it up on the investment side," said Richard Attanasio, analyst at insurance rating firm AM Best Co.
Analysts say auto insurers are in the driver's seat this time around as they confront the first softening market in five years.
WPS Health Insurance drug plan gets U.S. backing
Health and benefit plan provider Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corp. said Friday that its plan for a new prescription drug program for seniors in Wisconsin has moved one step closer to reality.
The Madison-based company, which operates as WPS Health Insurance, said its program received conditional approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. WPS may market the plan in the state after final approval is granted in September, the company said.
WPS told regulators that it would begin informing eligible seniors of the new drug plan during the first week of October. Enrollment is to begin Nov. 15, with coverage taking effect Jan. 1, 2006.
WPS Health Insurance is a not-for-profit organization providing health and benefit plan administration for businesses and individuals. WPS has a Wisconsin network of more than 14,500 providers, 800 clinics and specialty care clinics and 129 hospitals.
The Madison-based company, which operates as WPS Health Insurance, said its program received conditional approval from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. WPS may market the plan in the state after final approval is granted in September, the company said.
WPS told regulators that it would begin informing eligible seniors of the new drug plan during the first week of October. Enrollment is to begin Nov. 15, with coverage taking effect Jan. 1, 2006.
WPS Health Insurance is a not-for-profit organization providing health and benefit plan administration for businesses and individuals. WPS has a Wisconsin network of more than 14,500 providers, 800 clinics and specialty care clinics and 129 hospitals.
Friday, June 17, 2005
State Farm Drops Auto Insurance Rates in Indiana
By Mike Corbin
24 Hour News 8
The state's largest auto insurer says it's dropping its rates.
State Farm’s announcement to cut rates by 5.7 percent is music to the ears of Hoosier drivers. Insiders say the move is due to a drop in the number of claims filed statewide.
Indiana already has among the lowest car insurance rates in the nation. Lower accident rates, fewer urban areas and less traffic than other states is paying off with big savings for Indiana drivers.
"They had gotten to the point where they couldn't market in Indiana anymore because they had so many customers here. It may also be a possibility that what they've gotten to is a point where they can get back in the market, start marketing out to more people and one of those marketing tools is to do some lower rates,” said Marty Wood, Insurance Institute of Indiana.
Some drivers are pleased to hear the news. "I think it's a good idea because I'm actually getting ready to get a new quote since I have to carry extra car insurance on my car for my deliveries,” said Donna Burns, a delivery driver who thinks she’s paying too much right now.
"I think it's a good idea. I hope they all do it,” said Jerry Smith, a driver.
The company says the move will save Indiana customers $34 million a year, putting rates about 18 percent lower than eight years ago.
The move is sparking speculation about a coming auto insurance price war.
"It could be the first signs that the market is softening and that there's more competition building up in the insurance market,” said Wood. “If that would be the case, then…I think you're gonna see more companies responding to this.”
Auto body shop manager Curt Cummings says even though he's seeing fewer claims, lower rates may boost business. "Maybe that savings they have, they will in turn be able to spend the money to actually have the cars fixed, you know, if the choice is made not to fix the car, some will have that money now to do that,” he said.
Still, insiders say what goes down may go back up. They have some advice. "You still want to shop around because you can find things that are better, potentially, if you do that shopping,” said Wood.
Hoosiers pay an average $650 a year for car insurance. Nationally, it's $770.
Another thing to keep in mind: Not everyone will see their rates drop. Wood says if you're high risk, your rates may even go up to compensate for the lower rates for others.
24 Hour News 8
The state's largest auto insurer says it's dropping its rates.
State Farm’s announcement to cut rates by 5.7 percent is music to the ears of Hoosier drivers. Insiders say the move is due to a drop in the number of claims filed statewide.
Indiana already has among the lowest car insurance rates in the nation. Lower accident rates, fewer urban areas and less traffic than other states is paying off with big savings for Indiana drivers.
"They had gotten to the point where they couldn't market in Indiana anymore because they had so many customers here. It may also be a possibility that what they've gotten to is a point where they can get back in the market, start marketing out to more people and one of those marketing tools is to do some lower rates,” said Marty Wood, Insurance Institute of Indiana.
Some drivers are pleased to hear the news. "I think it's a good idea because I'm actually getting ready to get a new quote since I have to carry extra car insurance on my car for my deliveries,” said Donna Burns, a delivery driver who thinks she’s paying too much right now.
"I think it's a good idea. I hope they all do it,” said Jerry Smith, a driver.
The company says the move will save Indiana customers $34 million a year, putting rates about 18 percent lower than eight years ago.
The move is sparking speculation about a coming auto insurance price war.
"It could be the first signs that the market is softening and that there's more competition building up in the insurance market,” said Wood. “If that would be the case, then…I think you're gonna see more companies responding to this.”
Auto body shop manager Curt Cummings says even though he's seeing fewer claims, lower rates may boost business. "Maybe that savings they have, they will in turn be able to spend the money to actually have the cars fixed, you know, if the choice is made not to fix the car, some will have that money now to do that,” he said.
Still, insiders say what goes down may go back up. They have some advice. "You still want to shop around because you can find things that are better, potentially, if you do that shopping,” said Wood.
Hoosiers pay an average $650 a year for car insurance. Nationally, it's $770.
Another thing to keep in mind: Not everyone will see their rates drop. Wood says if you're high risk, your rates may even go up to compensate for the lower rates for others.
crack down on insurance 'discount plans'
By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER
The Associated Press
Published: June 17th, 2005
Last Modified: June 17th, 2005 at 04:39 AM
JUNEAU -- As the cost of health insurance increases across the nation, businesses and individuals in Alaska and the Lower 48 are more vulnerable to companies offering bogus discount plans, the state Division of Insurance said Wednesday.
The division has issued cease-and-desist orders for two companies not authorized to sell insurance or insurance discounts to Alaskans, and it is advising residents to be wary of such offers.
Insurance Division Director Linda Hall said questionable companies frequently use terminology from legitimate insurance providers to deceive customers into believing they will receive inexpensive insurance coverage or discounts for medicine or doctor visits.
Some of the companies are not licensed to do business in the state and the discounts often aren't accepted at pharmacies or doctors' offices, Hall said.
"Health insurance has become very expensive and people are searching for a lower-cost alternative," she said. "But when they actually buy this coverage, those providers are not in the network."
She said the bogus deals are often advertised on the Internet, late-night television commercials or by direct mail. "We see them in a variety of ways," she said.
Insurance Division Deputy Director Jeffery Troutt said some Alaskans have been taken advantage of.
"We've had instances of Alaskans' bank accounts being billed even after the consumer said he or she did not want to continue the plan," Troutt said.
Hall recently returned from a meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in Boston and said the "discount plans" were a major topic of conversation. She said the scams are a bigger problem in states with large populations. She said there are legitimate discount plans underwritten by agencies licensed to sell insurance in the state, but bogus plans are becoming more common.
A study by the U.S. General Accounting Office released in 2004 says 144 phony health insurers sold more than 200,000 policies in the United States between 2000 and 2002. The report states that the policies resulted in approximately $252 million in unpaid claims and it estimates that the numbers have doubled since 2002.
The Insurance Division has issued two cease-and-desist orders since April, requiring the International Association of Benefits of Arlington, Texas, and a Florida-based company called Signature Health Group to stop selling insurance or discount plans to Alaskans.
The orders allege that both companies use language on their Web sites that is often used to describe insurance plans.
Both orders state: "These terms would lead the average consumer to believe that the product being offered is insurance."
Neither company had anyone immediately available for comment after regular business hours.
Hall said confidentiality clauses concerning the orders prevent her from discussing conversations between the state and the companies.
She said their is no timeline for resolution with the two companies, but once the issue is resolved, the cases will be made public.
Hall said consumers should watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, plans that promise to insure anyone, regardless of individual circumstances and supposed agents who become evasive or resist showing a copy of the plan.
The Associated Press
Published: June 17th, 2005
Last Modified: June 17th, 2005 at 04:39 AM
JUNEAU -- As the cost of health insurance increases across the nation, businesses and individuals in Alaska and the Lower 48 are more vulnerable to companies offering bogus discount plans, the state Division of Insurance said Wednesday.
The division has issued cease-and-desist orders for two companies not authorized to sell insurance or insurance discounts to Alaskans, and it is advising residents to be wary of such offers.
Insurance Division Director Linda Hall said questionable companies frequently use terminology from legitimate insurance providers to deceive customers into believing they will receive inexpensive insurance coverage or discounts for medicine or doctor visits.
Some of the companies are not licensed to do business in the state and the discounts often aren't accepted at pharmacies or doctors' offices, Hall said.
"Health insurance has become very expensive and people are searching for a lower-cost alternative," she said. "But when they actually buy this coverage, those providers are not in the network."
She said the bogus deals are often advertised on the Internet, late-night television commercials or by direct mail. "We see them in a variety of ways," she said.
Insurance Division Deputy Director Jeffery Troutt said some Alaskans have been taken advantage of.
"We've had instances of Alaskans' bank accounts being billed even after the consumer said he or she did not want to continue the plan," Troutt said.
Hall recently returned from a meeting of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in Boston and said the "discount plans" were a major topic of conversation. She said the scams are a bigger problem in states with large populations. She said there are legitimate discount plans underwritten by agencies licensed to sell insurance in the state, but bogus plans are becoming more common.
A study by the U.S. General Accounting Office released in 2004 says 144 phony health insurers sold more than 200,000 policies in the United States between 2000 and 2002. The report states that the policies resulted in approximately $252 million in unpaid claims and it estimates that the numbers have doubled since 2002.
The Insurance Division has issued two cease-and-desist orders since April, requiring the International Association of Benefits of Arlington, Texas, and a Florida-based company called Signature Health Group to stop selling insurance or discount plans to Alaskans.
The orders allege that both companies use language on their Web sites that is often used to describe insurance plans.
Both orders state: "These terms would lead the average consumer to believe that the product being offered is insurance."
Neither company had anyone immediately available for comment after regular business hours.
Hall said confidentiality clauses concerning the orders prevent her from discussing conversations between the state and the companies.
She said their is no timeline for resolution with the two companies, but once the issue is resolved, the cases will be made public.
Hall said consumers should watch out for deals that seem too good to be true, plans that promise to insure anyone, regardless of individual circumstances and supposed agents who become evasive or resist showing a copy of the plan.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Savings on Auto Insurance Drives TWG Insurance Expansion into New York
PRWEB) June 13, 2005 -- TWG Insurance is pleased to announce that it has entered the New York auto insurance market. Lee Lewis, New York Geographic Manager for TWG Insurance, said, “We have spent a great deal of effort identifying the best growth markets for the company. The New York auto insurance market tops the list.”
TWG Insurance is a leading broker of auto insurance in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Over the last year, TWG has experienced a booming growth in its auto insurance business.
Mark E. Jones, CEO of TWG Insurance, explains, “We believe that a key driver of our growth is the fact that we have consistently saved our new clients an average of over 30% annually on their auto insurance. The New York auto insurance market was the next logical step, and we are fully committed to building a great business there for our clients.”
TWG insurance has the full complement of auto insurance options from many carriers for their New York clients, and expects to help them save 30% or more on their auto insurance, as they have done for their clients in other states.
To get a free quote or to learn how to save on auto insurance in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania or Texas visit TWG Insurance online at their website, www.twginsurance.com, or call toll-free at 1-866-428-5353.
TWG Insurance is a leading broker of auto insurance in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Over the last year, TWG has experienced a booming growth in its auto insurance business.
Mark E. Jones, CEO of TWG Insurance, explains, “We believe that a key driver of our growth is the fact that we have consistently saved our new clients an average of over 30% annually on their auto insurance. The New York auto insurance market was the next logical step, and we are fully committed to building a great business there for our clients.”
TWG insurance has the full complement of auto insurance options from many carriers for their New York clients, and expects to help them save 30% or more on their auto insurance, as they have done for their clients in other states.
To get a free quote or to learn how to save on auto insurance in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania or Texas visit TWG Insurance online at their website, www.twginsurance.com, or call toll-free at 1-866-428-5353.
Health insurance in Miami among highest
Costs for individual health insurance in the Miami area are among the highest in the nation, according to a survey being released today.
Of 50 cities surveyed, only two were found to be more expensive, said pollsters for eHealthInsurance Services. And both of those cities -- Boston and New York -- have extremely high rates because of laws guaranteeing that any individual must be able to buy health insurance, regardless of physical condition. Florida has no such law.
The survey focused on rates for the largest segment of adult Americans without insurance -- adults 30 and under. For a healthy 30-year-old nonsmoker, a policy with a $1,000 deductible and 20 percent coinsurance costs $151.20 a month in Miami, higher than all cities except Boston ($267.57) and New York ($334.09).
Miami's costs were almost three times that of the cheapest city, Long Beach, Calif., where a policy costs $54 monthly, the survey reported.
The findings echoed the results of other surveys. A 2002 Georgetown University survey found the individual insurance market in Miami was by far the highest in the country. Polls have generally shown that Broward County isn't far behind.
The reason is people spend more on healthcare here. Studies by Dartmouth researchers have consistently found that Medicare costs per capita in Miami are the highest in the country. Studies of usage in the private sector by Aon Consulting also show that people use much more healthcare here.
The largest segment of the uninsured are 25- to 34-year-olds, who account for 10 million, or about a quarter, of all the uninsured, according to U.S. Census data.
''They seem to think they're somewhat invincible,'' said Sam Gibbs of eHealthInsurance, which runs a n eponymous website by that name that gives people information on healthcare rates and offers to sell insurance from 150 carriers. ``And they try to go without health insurance, until something happens. Then they break an arm and end up in ER with bills for $10,000.''
Emily Fox of eHealthInsurance says the average Florida buyer on its website is 34. The company acknowledges that some individuals -- particularly those over 50 with ''pre-existing conditions'' -- can have a harder time getting coverage and could pay more than $1,000 a month in South Florida.
Another reason Miami's costs are high, says Gibbs, is that the Legislature mandates that 51 items be included in health insurance, including bone marrow transplants and home healthcare, which raise prices considerably.
Of 50 cities surveyed, only two were found to be more expensive, said pollsters for eHealthInsurance Services. And both of those cities -- Boston and New York -- have extremely high rates because of laws guaranteeing that any individual must be able to buy health insurance, regardless of physical condition. Florida has no such law.
The survey focused on rates for the largest segment of adult Americans without insurance -- adults 30 and under. For a healthy 30-year-old nonsmoker, a policy with a $1,000 deductible and 20 percent coinsurance costs $151.20 a month in Miami, higher than all cities except Boston ($267.57) and New York ($334.09).
Miami's costs were almost three times that of the cheapest city, Long Beach, Calif., where a policy costs $54 monthly, the survey reported.
The findings echoed the results of other surveys. A 2002 Georgetown University survey found the individual insurance market in Miami was by far the highest in the country. Polls have generally shown that Broward County isn't far behind.
The reason is people spend more on healthcare here. Studies by Dartmouth researchers have consistently found that Medicare costs per capita in Miami are the highest in the country. Studies of usage in the private sector by Aon Consulting also show that people use much more healthcare here.
The largest segment of the uninsured are 25- to 34-year-olds, who account for 10 million, or about a quarter, of all the uninsured, according to U.S. Census data.
''They seem to think they're somewhat invincible,'' said Sam Gibbs of eHealthInsurance, which runs a n eponymous website by that name that gives people information on healthcare rates and offers to sell insurance from 150 carriers. ``And they try to go without health insurance, until something happens. Then they break an arm and end up in ER with bills for $10,000.''
Emily Fox of eHealthInsurance says the average Florida buyer on its website is 34. The company acknowledges that some individuals -- particularly those over 50 with ''pre-existing conditions'' -- can have a harder time getting coverage and could pay more than $1,000 a month in South Florida.
Another reason Miami's costs are high, says Gibbs, is that the Legislature mandates that 51 items be included in health insurance, including bone marrow transplants and home healthcare, which raise prices considerably.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Insurance.com Launches Comparison Auto Insurance Quotes in New Jersey
Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) June 13, 2005 -- Insurance.com, the nation's largest online auto insurance agency, announced today the launch of their comparative quoting service in New Jersey. Insurance.com's comparison quoting service will enable New Jersey auto insurance shoppers to directly compare instant, side-by-side rates from top companies and immediately purchase insurance policies online or over the phone with an insurance agent.
Recent changes to The Garden State's insurance regulations have led to the expansion in New Jersey consumer's auto insurance choices. "Consumers in New Jersey can now join 46 other states that already save time and money by visiting Insurance.com to get instant side-by-side auto insurance quotes," says Insurance.com President, Lou Geremia. "Studies have shown that the same coverage can vary by up to $500 in annual premiums depending on the insurance company, so giving consumers the ability to make apples-to-apples comparisons on their auto insurance delivers incredible value not previously available to New Jersey residents."
Liberty Mutual and Esurance are the first auto insurance companies that New Jersey residents can compare and buy from on the Insurance.com website. The selection of carriers will grow quickly, just as it has for Insurance.com users in other U.S. states who can now compare quotes from up to 12 of the nation's leading auto insurers.
Consumers residing in New Jersey and across the U.S. can research and buy their policies online or through a licensed insurance agent.
Recent changes to The Garden State's insurance regulations have led to the expansion in New Jersey consumer's auto insurance choices. "Consumers in New Jersey can now join 46 other states that already save time and money by visiting Insurance.com to get instant side-by-side auto insurance quotes," says Insurance.com President, Lou Geremia. "Studies have shown that the same coverage can vary by up to $500 in annual premiums depending on the insurance company, so giving consumers the ability to make apples-to-apples comparisons on their auto insurance delivers incredible value not previously available to New Jersey residents."
Liberty Mutual and Esurance are the first auto insurance companies that New Jersey residents can compare and buy from on the Insurance.com website. The selection of carriers will grow quickly, just as it has for Insurance.com users in other U.S. states who can now compare quotes from up to 12 of the nation's leading auto insurers.
Consumers residing in New Jersey and across the U.S. can research and buy their policies online or through a licensed insurance agent.
AMA Testifies to Insurance Commissioners
CHICAGO, June 14 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The American Medical Association (AMA) called on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to require health plans to correct unfair business practices that harm the ability of patients and physicians to manage the financial aspects of health care.
In testimony provided yesterday afternoon, AMA Chair J. James Rohack, M.D. told the NAIC's Health Insurance and Managed Care Committee that there are insufficient legal safeguards and state regulatory oversight to prevent health plans from concealing information on fees they set for medical services. "There is a pervasive refusal by health plans to disclose information regarding what they pay and how they pay," said Dr. Rohack. "The AMA believes that the shroud of secrecy covering the entire health care payment process must be lifted."
The AMA believes there is no reason for health plans' refusal to provide their pricing list for medical services. Refusal to provide pricing information only serves as a means for health plans to increase profits by keeping patients and physicians in the dark. "Can you imagine any other small business tolerating not knowing how much it was going to be paid for services it rendered," asked Dr. Rohack. "Other industries have long recognized the need for transparency in business transactions."
Dr. Rohack noted that physicians often submit the same claim for the same service under the same contract and will receive different payment regardless of the contracted rates. "This is a perfect example of how confusing the practice environment has become for physicians and how difficult it is for physicians to determine the actual payment for the provision of health care services."
Dr. Rohack also called for regulatory oversight of "rental network PPOs" or "leased PPOs" which he described as a secondary market trafficking in physician payment discounts. "Given the huge amount of health care resources these intermediaries siphon from the system, it is extremely troubling that they function with little to no oversight," said Dr. Rohack. "We believe that this entire secondary discount market must be carefully scrutinized and regulated."
The AMA presented the NAIC with a detailed summary of specific provisions that it believes are necessary for model standards designed to strengthen the health insurance system for everyone.
In testimony provided yesterday afternoon, AMA Chair J. James Rohack, M.D. told the NAIC's Health Insurance and Managed Care Committee that there are insufficient legal safeguards and state regulatory oversight to prevent health plans from concealing information on fees they set for medical services. "There is a pervasive refusal by health plans to disclose information regarding what they pay and how they pay," said Dr. Rohack. "The AMA believes that the shroud of secrecy covering the entire health care payment process must be lifted."
The AMA believes there is no reason for health plans' refusal to provide their pricing list for medical services. Refusal to provide pricing information only serves as a means for health plans to increase profits by keeping patients and physicians in the dark. "Can you imagine any other small business tolerating not knowing how much it was going to be paid for services it rendered," asked Dr. Rohack. "Other industries have long recognized the need for transparency in business transactions."
Dr. Rohack noted that physicians often submit the same claim for the same service under the same contract and will receive different payment regardless of the contracted rates. "This is a perfect example of how confusing the practice environment has become for physicians and how difficult it is for physicians to determine the actual payment for the provision of health care services."
Dr. Rohack also called for regulatory oversight of "rental network PPOs" or "leased PPOs" which he described as a secondary market trafficking in physician payment discounts. "Given the huge amount of health care resources these intermediaries siphon from the system, it is extremely troubling that they function with little to no oversight," said Dr. Rohack. "We believe that this entire secondary discount market must be carefully scrutinized and regulated."
The AMA presented the NAIC with a detailed summary of specific provisions that it believes are necessary for model standards designed to strengthen the health insurance system for everyone.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Costco to test sales of health insurance
Tribune staff, wire reports
Published June 13, 2005
Costco Wholesale Corp., the low-cost bulk supplier, is adding health insurance to its warehouse shelves.
In a pilot program to be started next month in Southern California, Costco will offer family and individual coverage to its customers who pay $100 a year for "executive" membership, company officials said. The insurance is aimed at people such as contractors, waiters and students who are self-employed or cannot sign up for plans at work.
Other discount stores such as Wal-Mart and Target have begun offering limited health services in their stores, but Costco says it will be the first to offer insurance to members.
About 18 million households nationally belong to Costco, including 3.4 million who pay for executive membership.
Costco expects to offer coverage throughout California by the end of the year, a Costco executive said.
Published June 13, 2005
Costco Wholesale Corp., the low-cost bulk supplier, is adding health insurance to its warehouse shelves.
In a pilot program to be started next month in Southern California, Costco will offer family and individual coverage to its customers who pay $100 a year for "executive" membership, company officials said. The insurance is aimed at people such as contractors, waiters and students who are self-employed or cannot sign up for plans at work.
Other discount stores such as Wal-Mart and Target have begun offering limited health services in their stores, but Costco says it will be the first to offer insurance to members.
About 18 million households nationally belong to Costco, including 3.4 million who pay for executive membership.
Costco expects to offer coverage throughout California by the end of the year, a Costco executive said.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Farm Bureau cuts auto insurance rates
LOUISVILLE -- Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance announced this week it will soon start the second phase of it's insurance rate reductions.
Roger Simpson, KFB Insurance executive vice president, said phase 2 of the rate reduction package would start July 5, and include reductions in collision coverage and underinsured motorist coverages.
"The package also includes lower premiums for drivers in certain age groups," he said.
In March Farm Bureau increased safe driving discounts for customers who are claim and violation-free for three, five and eight years. Those discounts range from 15 to 25 percent, he said.
Simpson said the company will implement lower premiums for vehicles with good safety ratings, beginning in September.
The company estimates the full package of rate reductions will save auto policyholders some $40 million per year.
"This is the largest overall package of rate reductions in the 61-year history of Farm Bureau," Simpson said.
The lower rates, he continued, are possible because of the firm's improved profitability in 2004 and more favorable claims performance this year.
"Kentucky Farm Bureau has historically offered its members and policyholders very attractive rates, which has helped us establish a pattern of growth that stretches back six decades," Simpson said.
Kentucky Farm Bureau, with 446,000 member families, is the state's largest property and casualty insurer, with over a million policies in forcce.
Roger Simpson, KFB Insurance executive vice president, said phase 2 of the rate reduction package would start July 5, and include reductions in collision coverage and underinsured motorist coverages.
"The package also includes lower premiums for drivers in certain age groups," he said.
In March Farm Bureau increased safe driving discounts for customers who are claim and violation-free for three, five and eight years. Those discounts range from 15 to 25 percent, he said.
Simpson said the company will implement lower premiums for vehicles with good safety ratings, beginning in September.
The company estimates the full package of rate reductions will save auto policyholders some $40 million per year.
"This is the largest overall package of rate reductions in the 61-year history of Farm Bureau," Simpson said.
The lower rates, he continued, are possible because of the firm's improved profitability in 2004 and more favorable claims performance this year.
"Kentucky Farm Bureau has historically offered its members and policyholders very attractive rates, which has helped us establish a pattern of growth that stretches back six decades," Simpson said.
Kentucky Farm Bureau, with 446,000 member families, is the state's largest property and casualty insurer, with over a million policies in forcce.
Canada's high court opens door to sale of health insurance
Toronto -- Canada's Supreme Court struck down a Quebec law banning private medical insurance Thursday, in a decision that represents an acute blow to the national health care system.
The high court stopped short of declaring Canada's publicly financed health care system unconstitutional, but experts across the legal spectrum said they expect the decision to lead to sweeping changes.
Canada is the only industrialized country that outlaws privately financed purchases of core medical services. The Canadian health care system provides free doctor's services that are paid for by taxes. The public has strongly supported the system, which is broadly identified with the Canadian national character.
But in recent years, patients have been forced to wait long periods for diagnostic tests and elective surgery, while the wealthy and well-connected either have sought care in the United States or have used influence to jump medical lines.
The Supreme Court found that waiting lists have become so long that they violate patients' right to "life and personal security, inviolability and freedom" under the Quebec charter of human rights and freedoms, which covers about one-quarter of Canada's population.
"The evidence in this case shows that delays in the public health care system are widespread, and that, in some serious cases, patients die as a result of waiting lists for public health care," the Supreme Court ruled. "In sum, the prohibition on obtaining private health insurance is not constitutional where the public system fails to deliver reasonable services."
"The language of the ruling will encourage more and more lawsuits, and those suits have a greater likelihood of success in light of this judgment," said Lorne Sossin, acting dean of the University of Toronto law school.
Patrick Monahan, dean of the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in Toronto and a critic of the national health care system, was even more emphatic.
"They are going to have to change the fundamental design of the system," he said. "They will have to build in an element of timely care or otherwise allow the development of a private medical system."
The case was brought by Jacques Chaoulli, a Montreal family doctor who argued his own case through the courts, and George Zeliotis, a chemical salesman who was forced to wait a year for a hip replacement while he was prohibited from paying privately for surgery. Chaoulli and Zeliotis lost in two Quebec provincial courts before the Supreme Court decided to take their appeal.
At a news conference, Chaoulli predicted the decision will eventually apply to all Canada. "How could you imagine that Quebeckers may live," he asked, "and the English Canadian has to die?"
There was no immediate impact on the national system outside Quebec, since the justices split 3-3 on the question of whether the province's ban on private medical insurance violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canada's bill of rights, as the two plaintiffs contended. However, experts predicted the decision will have widespread importance.
Margaret Somerville, professor of law and medicine at McGill University, said the ruling "is extremely important" in large part because "the provinces that want to run some form of a complementary private system would probably be able to do so now."
Alberta provincial officials have long suggested that they wanted to develop a private health care system, while private diagnostic and special surgery clinics have been cropping up in Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario in recent years.
The federal government has threatened to hold back financial aid to provinces that press ahead with private health care, but Somerville said it will be less likely to do so now.
Prime Minister Paul Martin responded to the decision by saying that his government is making progress in shortening waiting times for medical services.
"What today's decision does do, however, is accentuate just how important it is to act immediately, how urgent this situation is," he said.
But he rejected the notion that the ruling will bring about fundamental change. "We are not going to have a two-tier health care system in this country," Martin said. "Nobody wants that. What we want to do is to strengthen the public health care system."
The high court stopped short of declaring Canada's publicly financed health care system unconstitutional, but experts across the legal spectrum said they expect the decision to lead to sweeping changes.
Canada is the only industrialized country that outlaws privately financed purchases of core medical services. The Canadian health care system provides free doctor's services that are paid for by taxes. The public has strongly supported the system, which is broadly identified with the Canadian national character.
But in recent years, patients have been forced to wait long periods for diagnostic tests and elective surgery, while the wealthy and well-connected either have sought care in the United States or have used influence to jump medical lines.
The Supreme Court found that waiting lists have become so long that they violate patients' right to "life and personal security, inviolability and freedom" under the Quebec charter of human rights and freedoms, which covers about one-quarter of Canada's population.
"The evidence in this case shows that delays in the public health care system are widespread, and that, in some serious cases, patients die as a result of waiting lists for public health care," the Supreme Court ruled. "In sum, the prohibition on obtaining private health insurance is not constitutional where the public system fails to deliver reasonable services."
"The language of the ruling will encourage more and more lawsuits, and those suits have a greater likelihood of success in light of this judgment," said Lorne Sossin, acting dean of the University of Toronto law school.
Patrick Monahan, dean of the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University in Toronto and a critic of the national health care system, was even more emphatic.
"They are going to have to change the fundamental design of the system," he said. "They will have to build in an element of timely care or otherwise allow the development of a private medical system."
The case was brought by Jacques Chaoulli, a Montreal family doctor who argued his own case through the courts, and George Zeliotis, a chemical salesman who was forced to wait a year for a hip replacement while he was prohibited from paying privately for surgery. Chaoulli and Zeliotis lost in two Quebec provincial courts before the Supreme Court decided to take their appeal.
At a news conference, Chaoulli predicted the decision will eventually apply to all Canada. "How could you imagine that Quebeckers may live," he asked, "and the English Canadian has to die?"
There was no immediate impact on the national system outside Quebec, since the justices split 3-3 on the question of whether the province's ban on private medical insurance violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canada's bill of rights, as the two plaintiffs contended. However, experts predicted the decision will have widespread importance.
Margaret Somerville, professor of law and medicine at McGill University, said the ruling "is extremely important" in large part because "the provinces that want to run some form of a complementary private system would probably be able to do so now."
Alberta provincial officials have long suggested that they wanted to develop a private health care system, while private diagnostic and special surgery clinics have been cropping up in Quebec, British Columbia and Ontario in recent years.
The federal government has threatened to hold back financial aid to provinces that press ahead with private health care, but Somerville said it will be less likely to do so now.
Prime Minister Paul Martin responded to the decision by saying that his government is making progress in shortening waiting times for medical services.
"What today's decision does do, however, is accentuate just how important it is to act immediately, how urgent this situation is," he said.
But he rejected the notion that the ruling will bring about fundamental change. "We are not going to have a two-tier health care system in this country," Martin said. "Nobody wants that. What we want to do is to strengthen the public health care system."
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