In The News: Individual Health Insurance (Archive)

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June 29th, 2011:

Mystery Shoppers To Call On Doctors

The federal government has decided to start a program which will help get better real world data with regards to health care.  This program will allow "mystery shoppers" to call doctors and pose as new patients and try to get an appointment.  Most shoppers will say that they currently have health insurance and they want to see if this will effect how fast they can get an appointment with the doctor, or even get one at all. 

This federal program will cost about $350,000 and will contact 4,185 physicians in nine US states.  Critics of this new federal program are questioning whether or not this is a good use of taxpayer money.  Although the program is relatively inexpensive, some say that the time spent on this program will not be worth it.   

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June 21st, 2011:

Keys To Choosing The Right Health Insurance Coverage

Because of the economic downturn in recent years, many have been forced to go from employer-sponsored health insurance to private health insurance.  Their are many different types of health insurance coverage and choosing the right plan could be overwhelming.  Here are some simple steps to follow.

First determine how much you can realistically afford.  Second, understand what a deductible and out-of-pocket maximum is and how it applies to the current plan you are choosing.  Lastly, know what the plan covers and what other benefits will help you get the right health care coverage you desire.   

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June 15th, 2011:

Republicans Say That Destroying Medicare Is The Only Way To Save It

Republicans are claiming that if the costs of Medicare continue to rise at their current state, the program will possibly be bankrupt in about 10 years.  Their proposal is for taxpayers to give insurance companies vouchers to cover the health insurance premiums for people that are retired and/or disabled.  Many critics say that their proposal does not address the core problems and that their solution will not help curb the rising cost of Medicare.  Moreover, some analysts are suggesting that each Medicare recipient will pay an average of $6,000 more on health care under the Republicans plan.     

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June 9th, 2011:

Panel Ponders Striking Individual Mandate

A federal appeals panel in Atlanta questioned the new health reform law passed by Obama over a year ago.  Many critics of the new mandate say that the new law is unconstitutional and that forcing individuals to have health insurance is not right.  Many Republicans are still fighting the new law from state to state hoping more state courts will side with their attempts to strike down the mandate.

The Obama administration claims that all individuals should have health insurance and this new mandate will help them do that.  The purpose of the government involvement they claim is because they will make health insurance more affordable for all Americans.  Each insurance carrier can have plans available in the health insurance exchanges that will be affordable for consumers.  People will still have the option to shop both inside and outside the health insurance exchanges.  Additionally, small businesses will also have a change to get insurance inside the exchanges if their company qualifies.     

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