Homemakers Earn $100,000 Plus Health Insurance

Investopedia's Porcshe Moran did some research to find out, "How Much Is A Homemaker Worth?" By examining the basic tasks that most every homemaker does on a daily and weekly basis and taking the lowest value for each task, this article determined that a homemaker would earn around $100,000 if they worked outside of the home.

Between doing the grocery shopping and acting as a private chef for three meals a day, you could earn around $52,000 a year. House cleaning services vary depending on the size of the house, but a low average estimates just over $6,000 per year for basic housecleaning, more for things like cleaning out appliances and dusting mini-blinds. The full-time, live-in child care offered by homemakers is worth quite a lot both monetarily and in perks. A nanny would earn around $31,000 a year and would usually receive health insurance, vacation, sick days, bonuses, and even dental and vision insurance.

A personal driver for your own vehicle would cost you over $4,000 per year. Your Memphis auto insurance, or whatever city in which you live, might also cover the driver's car insurance as an added perk. Laundry services would cost nearly $1,000 per year assuming about five loads per week. Many homemakers also do landscaping services like mowing the lawn, for which they could earn more than $1,500 each year. With a salary near $100,000 per year, some homemakers may look to take some of their services outside the home!

Ohio Health Insurance Exchanges Ban Abortion Coverage

Ohio's health insurance exchanges are banned from providing any type of abortion coverage, according to the Reuters article, "Ohio bans abortion funding in insurance exchanges," by Mary Wisniewski. Under President Obama's healthcare reform, states must create health insurance exchanges for easy health care shopping by 2014. Governor John Kasich of Ohio, a Republican, signed the ban of any abortion coverage in their health insurance exchange. This ban will be in place regardless of whether the citizen plans to pay for their abortion with their own money; health insurance will not cover any of the procedure.

There is definitely outrage from pro-choice and other groups like the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU said that it would sue the state if this became a law, so that may be coming soon. NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio's executive director argues that this law violates Ohio's Constitution. On the other side of the argument, Ohio Right to Life's executive director says that abortion is not actually healthcare. So while these groups agree that everyone should have access to healthcare, the groups don't agree as to whether or not abortion is actually healthcare. Abortion has been a hot debate for decades, so regardless of the law the topic will continue to be debated and fought over in the legal system.

Health Insurance Paying for Record Psychiatric Meds

Twenty percent of American adults are now taking some kind of psychiatric medication, according to The Wall Street Journal article "One In Five American Adults Takes Psychiatric Drugs," published on the Fox News website. This is big business for pharmaceutical companies and something that health insurance companies must pay close attention to. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and anti-psychotics are the most commonly prescribed to adults.

Between 2001 and 2010, the number of adult Americans using psychiatric medications increased by 22%. A steep increase in the number of adults using medication for ADHD, more commonly associated with children, helped the overall increase. Very powerful anti-psychotic drugs are also being prescribed in much higher numbers in the past decade. There were a few declines in use of the drugs; children are being prescribed fewer antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication is being used less for the elderly.

Just last year, Americans spent almost $35 billion on anti-psychotic drugs, antidepressants, and ADHD medications. Insurers fork over a ton of money for these drugs, so plans have very specific details on coverage and requirements. People who are lacking quality health insurance have to worry about paying for these medications on their own or finding some government assistance. That may change, depending on what happens with President Obama's health care reform act set to take effect in 2014.

Health Insurance For Those With Pre-Existing Conditions

For years, millions of Americans have struggled to obtain quality health insurance because of a pre-existing condition such as cancer, heart disease, and even asthma. Congress recognized this as an issue and has incorporated law into the Affordable Care Act that says health insurers cannot deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition. While this is a great policy, it does not take effect until 2014. The Government wanted these affected individuals to feel relief immediately so they implemented the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) to bridge the gap until 2014.

The PCIP is targeting the specific group of people who cannot find health insurance and are continuously denied a policy due to their pre-existing condition. It even helps those who may have found coverage, but at very high rates, causing financial strain. The Federal Department of Health and Human Services says that a recent survey shows that around 36% of Americans with pre-existing conditions struggle to find the health insurance policy that suits their circumstances and meets their needs. The PCIP aims to help these individuals get a fair price on a quality health insurance policy and strives to make their lives a little easier through the complicated world of health care.

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.

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.

Health Insurance Needs to Cover More Dental

Health care and health insurance in America continues to be a hot topic throughout the nation. It's too expensive, not comprehensive enough, and there's a lot of inconsistency. Health care reform hopes to fix some of these issues, but it's going to be years before that is fully implemented and Americans start feeling the effects of the changes. One thing that needs to change sooner than later is access to quality dental care. The article found on the LA Times by Jenny Gold about improving dental care says that 4.6 million children did not visit the dentist in 2008 because their family could not afford the cost. And about 60% of retired people did not have dental coverage even if they had Medicare. These numbers are not acceptable, and hopefully through reform they will improve.

Until then, advocates of dental care are working to make quality services readily available to needy patients. The Institute of Medicine is offering up some new ideas to get the ball rolling and make dental coverage a reality for more Americans. One idea is to encourage more dental students from minority, low-income areas. They also suggest investigating the expansion of Medicaid to cover more adults rather than just children. And by increasing reimbursement rates for dentists, research shows more children will get teeth cleanings based on a report completed by Sandra Decker of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Journal of the American Medical Association. These may seem like minor efforts, but this is what we need to move in the right direction and truly improve dental care in America. Health insurance is far from perfect and we should always be making strides to try and improve policies and procedures.

Individual Health Insurance: Lower Costs If Healthy

We all know the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. Staying healthy not only improves our quality of life but it can save you money on your health insurance. Individual health insurance rates can fluctuate based on many factors, one of which being your previous health history and current habits that may be considered unhealthy.

If you smoke or drink heavily you could end up paying higher health insurance premiums. Pre-existing conditions and prescriptions drugs may cause higher quotes. Age, gender and where you live also can play into how expensive your premiums are. While some of these factors are out of your control, there are things you can do to help lower your chances of having high health insurance costs.

Living a healthy lifestyle may not warrant you lower health insurance quotes immediately but over time you may be able to eliminate some prescription pills, lower your BMI, and lower how many times you need to visit your doctor. If you feel as though your individual health insurance policy is too expensive and you have changed some of your lifestyle habits to healthier living shop around and see if your new habits have earned you lower quotes on health insurance. You may be surprised how much money you can actually save.

Health care reform has prohibited people from being denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions but this doesn't fully take effect until 2014, and it doesn't mean you rates will necessarily be the same as someone without a pre-existing condition. Taking charge of the things you can control with your healthy now may warrant you big savings in the future.

NFL Lockout: Going to Extremes for Health Insurance

The much talked about NFL Lockout is upon us and causing quite a stir when it comes to players and their health insurance benefits that could disappear tonight. Players have been encouraged to apply for COBRA, but with the hefty price tag that comes with COBRA, many players are opting out. And without any health insurance they are putting their financial situation at risk.

According to the article "Desperate Measures? Player's Wife Induces Labor Early as NFL Lockout Approaches" by Brad Cohen found on SportsGrid.com, an unnamed player's wife induced labor early deliberately to ensure the health care costs would be paid for by the NFL health insurance. This may seem extreme, but will simplify things for the family. Although COBRA is a very good option for players it is expensive. Channing Crowder, the linebacker for the Miami Dolphins says it's going to cost him about $1300 a month for COBRA health insurance. Many players may not be financially prepared for this type of monthly cost. Hopefully this NFL lockout will be resolved soon and it will be a short term situation.

iCan Benefits Information

There is an unique company in the health insurance industry called iCan Benefits which has thousands of existing customers. Their mission is to bring access to affordable health care to all Americans. They believe that America needs better access to health care, financial assistance, and lifestyle improvement benefits.

ICan knows everything about health insurance. They will walk you through the process of finding the best health insurance policy. Once its found, they will stay with you and manage the policy, answering any questions you may have.

ICan benefits has a partnership with the Health Care Credit Union Association (HCCUA), which is a not for profit organization established in 1985. Their goal is to provide access to valuable benefits to better the health of their members and their families.

Health Insurance for Mexico Tourists Free of Charge

The story “Mexico Unveils New Travel Health Insurance Scheme to Win Back Tourists” by Karen Elowitt on petergreenberg.com explains the news that Mexico has made a bold move towards bringing back tourists. The Swine Flu has left an unwanted stigma on the country and its economy is at risk. Mexico will be setting up a new health insurance plan which will be available for tourists in the case of injury or illness with no charge.

The health insurance plan is called the “Tourist Assistance Card” which can be accessed by contacting a free phone number which connects tourists to a multi-lingual call center. There may be deductibles that apply and patients will need to get treatment from authorized hospitals part of the plan.

This health insurance is being offered by a private company named MAPFRE and can be used for any type of emergency from sprained ankles to the flu. They also will have additional assistance to those who have lost their travel documents or passports, or even if they just need advice on travel plans. It's unknown whether or not this health insurance offer will lure enough tourists back to Mexico and save the economy, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Massachusetts Health Plan Model

Here are the main points of the Massachusetts Health Plan. Senator Obamas plan is thought to mirror the approach described below.

Legislators say by that by providing every Massachusetts resident with health insurance, the costs of health care are actually lowered. For instance, the way the system works now, employers who offer insurance also have to pick up part of the tab for the cost of care for the uninsured at hospitals. By having more employers provide insurance, and having fewer uninsured people, these costs to employers go down. Analysts also say that adding more healthy people -- who use less care -- into the insurance system keeps deductibles and premiums down for all.

A look at how the bill would affect employers and individuals:

All individuals must have coverage.
-- Those below 300 percent of the federal poverty level (about $38,500 for a family of three), but not eligible for Medicaid, will have their private insurance plans subsidized at a sliding-scale rate. -- Children whose families earn below 300 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) will be given free coverage through Medicaid.
-- Individuals with incomes below the FPL ($9,600) will have premiums waived on private insurance. (Currently most childless adults are not eligible for coverage under the state's Medicaid plan.) -- Those who can afford insurance will be increasingly penalized for not buying coverage. In the first year, they'll lose their state personal income tax exemption.
-- Family coverage will be extended to cover young adults up to the age of 25.
-- Allows the use of "health savings accounts" with cheaper high-deductible "catastrophic" coverage plans. HSAs allow consumers to invest money and withdraw it "tax free" to cover health-care costs. BusinessesAll employers who have more than 10 employees must contribute to employee health-care costs.
-- Employers who don't provide insurance will pay an annual fee of $295 per full-time employee.
-- Encourages private insurers to offer more low-cost options.
-- Creates a "health insurance connector" to help individuals and businesses find affordable private coverage.

McCain Obama Health Care Debate

A major beef between John McCain and Barack Obama is their differing health care plans. Both sides say that the other candidates plan leads employers to drop coverage for their employees. Employer sponsored health insurance covers over 170 million American workers.

McCain argues that since Obama would give people the chance to sign up for insurance through a government-run exchange, employers would channel their workers into the exchange. That would mean more Americans subject to government regulations.

Obama meanwhile, argues that the McCain plan would lead employers to drop coverage because he changes the tax treatment of health benefits. No longer would workers be required to get insurance on the job in order to qualify for a tax subsidy.

McCain’s economic adviser Douglas Holtz-Eakin argues that many would stay in employer coverage, partly because of a key policy decision the McCain camp made in designing its plan. In trade for the new, generous tax credit, McCain would subject the value of health benefits to the income tax, meaning workers would have to pay taxes on the value of whatever health insurance employers provide. But neither employers nor workers would have to pay Social Security taxes on those benefits. That’s a change from a very similar plan offered by President Bush last year.
But that decision is not without consequences either. Because McCain would create a new tax break and not completely get rid of the existing tax breaks, his plan would cost $1.3 trillion over 10 years.

By contrast, Obama’s plan would cost $1.6 trillion over 10 years but eventually get insurance to an additional 34 million people.

Choosing health insurance

Trying to understand health insurance can be tough.

With different health benefit packages luring workers to employers, understanding the inner workings of health plans is becoming more and more important.

When picking a health plan, smart consumers must pay attention not only to the small print but also to the details that come with it.

Many websites including healthinsurancesort.com provide resources that help customers better navigate the health insurance marketplace.

Insurance you don't need

Insurance policies provide us peace of mind in the face of the unknown. But that doesn't mean that you should get suckered into every type of insurance out there. In some cases, you're already winning. Here are the policies you do not need.

Extended warranties. They're usually not worth it, especially if you're buying a small electronics item such as a DVD player.

Rental-car insurance. Before you pay the extra cash to insure a car you're renting, check your own auto insurance policy first. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in most cases, the coverage on your personal car policy will apply to a rental car (if it's for pleasure and not business).

Flight insurance. The chance you will be involved in a plane crash is extremely rare. According to the PBS show Nova, the average American's chance of being killed in a plane crash is 1 in 11 million. Besides, your life insurance policy should already cover you in these cases

Life insurance for kids. Life insurance is to make sure that your dependents are secure in the event of your death.

Credit-card insurance. This coverage will pay your credit-card bill if you can't make your payments due to job loss or disability.

Disease insurance. If you're pitched specific insurance policies that cover cancer, heart disease or other serious illnesses, don't buy them. There's a better way to protect yourself -- it's called health insurance.