health insurance
Friday Filmstrip: Insurance and Prescription Drugs
Okay, you know that some of the most common daytime and late-night television commercials are all about prescription drug plans, but why do you need one if you already have insurance? What about health savings plans – can you buy drugs with them? And how come your insurance copay is $10 for some drugs and […]
Read moreRateWatch: Michigan Judge Halts Blue Cross Rate Increase
A circuit court judge in Ingham County, Michigan has called a stop to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s planned rate increases there. The increases in question would have increased the cost of premiums by up to 66% for some senior citizens. The preliminary injunction, which was filed on Tuesday, requires that a public meeting be held. […]
Read moreFlu Shot FAQ
It’s November, which means red cups at Starbucks, holiday decorations everywhere, and lots of people coming down with the flu. The first two things can be avoided if they don’t suit you, but the flu is pretty much a given…or is it? Newer, better flu shots are available. If you’re considering one, here’s what you […]
Read moreMid-Term Elections and Health Care
Next Tuesday, November 2nd, is election day, and while many people may think it’s okay to blow off mid-term elections, we here at the Insurance Specialists Blog feel differently. In fact, we’re urging everyone to vote. Why? Because the senators and congresspeople who are voted into office next week could determine the future of health […]
Read moreDiscount Health Cards: What You Should Know
If you watch enough afternoon or late-night television, you’ll eventually see ads for discount health cards. While these may seem tempting, especially if you’re waiting for state insurance exchanges to take effect, or you lost your insurance benefits because you lost a job and COBRA benefits have either not yet begun, or already ended, please […]
Read moreDenying Coverage to Children is Illegal, Washington Commissioner Says
Mike Kreidler, Insurance Commissioner for the state of Washington has issued an order to Regence BlueShield telling them to stop illegally refusing to cover children. Last week, the company announced it would no longer sell policies to children, but according to Kreidler, “Regence is in clear violation of state law that prohibits insurers from denying […]
Read moreCalifornia’s Prop 19 An Insurance Issue? Maybe So
BankRate ran an article earlier this week that brought up some really interesting points. You may not know this, but in just a couple of weeks, Californian’s may legalize marijuana possession and use, and if that happens, law enforcement won’t be the only thing affected. The insurance industry, specifically in regards to worker’s comp insurance, […]
Read more49% Of People with Pre-Existing Conditions Denied Health Insurance, Report Says
One of the larger elements of the health insurance reform laws that were passed earlier this year was a ban on coverage denials for people with pre-existing health conditions. However, that part of the legislation is not yet in force and, perhaps in anticipation of times to come, the top for-profit health insurers in the […]
Read moreMost Doctors Don’t Use Email with Patients, Survey Says
A new study released recently by the Center for Studying Health System Change shows that less than 7% of office-based physicians routinely use email to communicate with their patients, even though such communication does much to improve patient satisfaction. The study involved a survey of 4,258 doctors (not including pathologists, anesthesiologists, etc.), and was done […]
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