Health Insurance Reform Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on What is a COCC? Why do I need it? Why is it important?

2010-10-01T18:01:24Z

I am going to recommend this blog to my friends

Comment on New Guarantee issue health insurance law in Illinois

2010-05-11T15:08:52Z

So basically, you cannot be denied. You have no guarantee, though, about how expensive it is going to be if you opt for it. I thought we were going to get rid of the pre-existing conditions part?

Comment on Senate Health Care Bill Summary, Leaked

2010-04-24T07:46:23Z

Medicare Payroll tax on investment income -- Starting in 2012, the Medicare Payroll Tax will be expanded to include unearned income. That will be a 3.8 percent tax on investment income for families making more than $250,000 per year ($200,000 for individuals).

Comment on Breaking News: House Passes Health Care Reform

2010-04-22T10:35:28Z

Health Care Reform Act-intent for Change

For many years, America’s health brokers have been offering health insurance to individuals, small businesses and large businesses for decades, yet the enrollment statistics have revealed a steady decrease on an annual basis. The number of uninsured Americans is estimated to be as high as 30 million, and the Health Care Reform Act offers a solution. Not only will there be a higher enrollment number for America’s health brokers, but as of 2014, it will be required by law for every American to obtain health insurance. Every single American will be impacted by the New Health Reform Bill, making it one of the most important measures of the 21st Century.
Businesses
The main focus will be on businesses of 50 or more employees, in which they will be required to offer individual health plans, as well as family plans to all employees or face some stiff fines from the government. The amount comes to $2000 per uninsured employee, though there are exemptions to this fine. If you as an employer assist an individual with acquiring a personal health insurance plan through an open market called an exchange, then it would result in no fines. This only applies to an individual who makes a certain amount under the Federal Poverty Level, and the premiums are over 8% of his annual income.
America’s health brokers can rest easy in the fact that there will be expanded coverage, though there may be more competition. With the rise in individuals who will have health insurance, there may not be as large of a risk as one may assume. Though the new bill will require America’s health brokers to enroll individuals with pre-existing conditions, there will also be a new population of young individuals who will be insured with fewer health problems.
It is understood that larger companies already provide a group insurance plan (HMO, PPO) that covers all areas of needs for the population of employees. These policies will change very little, but there may be some changes in where the funding for the new health care plan will come. It is proposed that those making a certain amount of money, both individuals and couples, will be taxed at a higher percentage than others. This will provide money that can be used for the exchange and making sure that all individuals will be offered an affordable health plan.
There are still a few years before the plan goes into full effect, though some of the measures will be enforced immediately. There will be plenty of time to sort out the details and iron out the difficulties. As for the plan, anyone who does not have health insurance as of January 1, 2014, will be penalized a certain amount of money, and this amount could become worse if health insurance is continuously neglected. There has never been a better opportunity for America’s health brokers in terms of acquiring a new customer base-a broader customer base. Also, there has never been a better time in history for individuals being pr

Comment on Reform has arrived

2010-03-22T15:26:00Z

I knew all along that to guarantee coverage with no preexisting would cost so much no one will want to buy it. I heard that at the last minute the government took out the price caps. Well now when you go to get coverage to cover preexisting and the price soars to "a cadillac plan price" you will get taxed on it. I realize if I had a serious pre existing condition I would want to be covered so I won't get sicker and die but when the government decides what care I get--am I still able to get the care I need to not get sicker and die? It is questionable. If you want to know how well the government runs health care and medicaid just do a little research. The benefits are changed and the insured is never told until they have used their coverage. Providers are going broke waiting for their money. That is why Seniors MUST sign a waiver saying if medicare dont pay a claim--you must--and when claims are handled wrong it falls to the seniors promise to pay. This is a death of sort to honesty and integrity. There were so many lies told about this. It was said on the news last night that the American people will forget by November. How condescending and dishonest. Lets hope we can fight our way out of this one.

Comment on Senate Health Care Bill Summary, Leaked

2010-03-18T19:16:01Z

WE ARE DEMOCRATS AND ARE SITTING ON THE FENCE COME ELECTION DAY. I CAN'T BELIEVE OUT OF 2700 PAGES, THE ABOVE IS ALL THAT WAS POSTED. WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO PASS A BILL RIGHT NOW. IS THERE A TIME LIMIT? I WAS ALWAYS TOLD NOT TO SIGN ANYTHING THAT I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND. THE PRESIDENT NEEDS TO NOT LET HIS EGO OVERRIDE HIS Judgment. THIS IS A IMPORTANT BILL AND IT NEEDS MORE TIME TO UNDERSTAND. WHAT WE NEED RIGHT NOW IS JOBS

Comment on Senate Health Care Bill Summary, Leaked

2010-02-12T15:05:37Z

I can't any person with any intelligence would believe that any of these proposed bills would be good for America. Cut the BS, legalize, pork,unrelated items, and you have almost nothing. Start over with a simple bill that helps us and control costs. Medicare, Medicaid, and Prescription drug bills were all very bad bills. We need to reduce these in scope and reduce the Federal Govt's influence. Pass something that helps the US citizen and not add to our debt. We do not need any more entitlements.

Comment on Bulletin: 12/23/09 - COBRA Subsidy Extended

2010-01-28T17:48:06Z

COBRA is vital for the millions of people who lost are losing their jobs to provide necessary medical care to themselves and their loved ones. Extending the subsidies is wise move and will prevent many personal bankruptcies due to medical bills.

Comment on Bulletin: 12/23/09 - COBRA Subsidy Extended

2010-01-07T16:27:09Z

Extending COBRA subsidies is an excellent idea. Many Americans struggling to make ends meet can't afford 100% of their premiums. Losing a job is a blow, but losing health insurance for the entire family can be catastrophic.

Comment on Health Reform a Moving Target

2009-12-18T05:38:26Z

Seems like the crux of the problem is that we're not really talking reform; that would be revolutionary--and seemingly impossible in this political reality and business reality we live in. What you suggest makes a lot of sense, although I see you didn't add tort reform to the list...slip your mind or not important in your estimation? I have a dermotologist (business) neighbor who suggests medicare is a very efficient system that would be solvent if not for the fact it only includes older folks (i.e., less healthy). He also claims that Medicare has been the catalyst for better medical technology and innovation (maybe just on the pharma side of things?) rather than simply reaping the benefits of medical advancements achieved in the private sector. I have my responses to him but would be interested in your rebuttal to those claims.