Latest News + Info
The latest information relating to the health insurance industry.
Atena Reports on Health Care Reform Nov. 24, 2010
Aetna reports: "ILLINOIS: The state's Health Care Reform Implementation Council is requesting public comments on a proposed health insurance exchange. The Council is tasked with providing guidance to the Governor on how Illinois should develop an exchange, as...
United Health Care has released healthcare reform priorities timeline
To see this time line of priorities click here.
Opt-Out Illusion
New York Times Editorial reports: "Texas and several other states are flirting with the idea of dropping out of the Medicaid program and trying to shift most of the burden of providing health insurance for the poor to the federal government. The idea appears to be...
Illinois wants comments on health insurance exchange
Bloomberg reports: "Illinois is seeking public comment on the structure, governance and financing of an online insurance exchange. Individuals and small businesses would be able to shop for health coverage through the exchange. The nation's new health overhaul law...
A weekly compilation from Aetna of health care-related developments in Washington, D.C. and state legislatures across the country
Atena reports: "Week of November 15, 2010 State budget problems are so dire and rising health care costs so worrisome that some states are considering what may have been unthinkable just a year or two ago -- opting out of the federal Medicaid program. The New York...
Health reform’s side effect: Scams
CNNMoney.com reports: Fraud experts say health insurance scams are on the rise as criminals quickly exploit consumers' confusion about how the new health care law changes their insurance coverage. Most of the schemes are poorly constructed, using the pretext of...
Health savings accounts make insurance sense for many
USA Today reports: Even if you eat lots of leafy greens, exercise daily and have replaced your evening highball with a cup of herbal tea, you're almost certainly going to pay more for health care next year. In 2011, the average premium for employer-provided health...
“Grandfather” Rules Now Include Change of Carriers Legislation to Repeal Expanded 1099 Reporting Introduced
NAIFA reports: Issue: Health Reform Modifications Date: November 16, 2010 Actions Taken: On November 15, the Treasury Department, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Labor issued an amendment revising the interim final "grandfather" rules...
The Illinois Department of Insurance (DOI) has released new reporting requirements for health insurers seeking premium increases for group or individual coverage.
DOI reports: Under the new process, insurers must submit rate alterations and justifications for rate increases beginning on Dec. 1, 2010. By Feb. 1, 2011, health insurers can submit such information electronically. The DOI has provided justification review standards...
An important message on January 2011 New Business Rates for Small Groups
A letter from: Dieter Freer Senior Vice President, Illinois Market Segments Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Dear Valued Producer, In this ever-changing business climate, we appreciate your role in bringing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL)...