Colorado Auto Theft Spikes

Colorado is experience an increase in the amount of cars stolen throughout the state. This can cause Denver auto insurance and other state's rates to increase over time and residents do not want to see this happen. According to the article "Thieves Target Jeeps as Colorado Auto Thefts Spike" by Colorado 9News, insurance industry experts noticed a spike in auto thefts throughout the summer with Jeeps specifically on the top of the list.

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most stolen SUV in Colorado and the 1996 Honda Accord is the most stolen car according to the Coloradans Against Auto Theft. The 2001 Dodge Ram happens to be the most stolen truck. The Co-Chair of the Coloradans Against Auto Theft states that criminals target older model vehicles because they are easier to break into, which makes sense. The anti-theft technology has come a long way in the last decade. Walker points out that it only take a thief 47 seconds to get into and drive away with someone's car.

It's important to make sure car theft is part of your auto insurance policy. The article referenced above gives a story of a couple who changed their insurance policy just weeks before their car was stolen and it ended up not being covered. This can be a financial devastation for any family, so double check your policy to make sure you have coverage for this type of situation.

Charter Oak Health Plan Premiums Increasing

Health care reform is having effects across the nation including Connecticut where the Charter Oak Health Plan is in trouble. Over 9500 people enrolled in the state run plan will see their premiums increase by around 45% according to the article "Subsidy Cuts Boost Charter Oak Health Plan Premiums" by Arielle Levin Becker on CTMirror.org. Rates could increase by upwards of 67% starting September 1st for some members since the state is cutting some subsidies that go towards this important program.

Rate increases are being caused by a few factors. Health care claims are up causing problems and in addition to this, state officials are trying to be more strict with the state budget. David Dearborn, a spokesperson for the state Department of Social Services, says that since 2008 when the plan was started, it attracted mostly older members with more chronic health care problems which ultimately leads to higher costs and increased premiums. Currently, Charter Oak Health Plan has over 9700 members and around $5000 of them will see their rates increase from $307 to $446 this September.

Individual Health Insurance Mandate: Is It the Right Thing?

Health care reform continues to be debated throughout the nation. One of the more controversial topics is the individual health insurance mandate that is leaving many Americans feeling pressured and strapped. There are arguments on both sides of the fence, but the bottom line is that the mandate is most likely happening within the next year or so. There will be exceptions made for certain groups and individuals, but overall everyone will be required to have health insurance protection or they may face a fine.

Some experts are worried people will not be able to afford the rising premiums of health insurance, but others say the Affordable Care Act will actually help bring down the cost of health insurance. If more people carry coverage, then the market may become more competitive and we may see prices go down. Not only could health insurance be more affordable, but there may be more variety and consumers may have an easier time finding a policy that fits their needs.

Another perk that is expected through health care reform, is that more people will carry health insurance, therefore more people will seek preventative care through their doctor. This could greatly reduce the amount of preventable diseases out there and improve the doctor-patient relationship significantly. Research also shows that people who visit the doctor regularly have longer life expectancies than those who do not. This is a tough topic and the debate is not likely to go away anytime soon, if ever. We'll just need to sit back and see what actually happens as Americans are forced to find health insurance coverage for them and their families.

Medicare Safe From First Round Cuts

Many Americans are concerned about how the major cuts Congress plans on implementing are going to affect their health insurance. Cuts are going to be made in many areas throughout the nation, but the article "Students, Seniors May Feel Impact of Debt Deal" by Sandra Block from USA Today says that Medicare health insurance and social security are safe from the first round of cuts being made.

This doesn't automatically mean cuts will never be made, just probably not right now. Seniors will still feel some of the effects from major cuts throughout the industry. Some effects may be felt for those using care-giving services, nutrition counseling, and those relying on the government to help them find employment.

Seniors will still be receiving their social security checks though and this is huge. Relief has been felt across the board as Congress made a decision on the nation's debt problem. The debt is still there and cuts will continue so time will tell how this will ultimately affect health insurance for seniors and their overall finances.