Latest News + Info
The latest information relating to the health insurance industry.
Historically Low Growth In Healthcare SpendingExpected in 2013
Insurance News Net reports: Projects PwC Health Research Institute NEW YORK, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Healthcare spending in the United States is expected to grow at a historically low rate of 7.5 percent next year, according to the annual Behind the Numbers report...
Senate Republicans Signal Big Shift On ‘Obamacare’
TPM reports: "Senate Republicans are echoing the House GOP’s shift in favor of some of the more popular “Obamacare” provisions, a sign that the party is uniting behind the strategy ahead of the election. With a Supreme Court decision looming next month, House...
The Medicaid money trail?
Crains reports: "Doctors are shunning Medicaid patients because of low fees, a trend that is likely to become a crisis in less than two years, when the ranks of patients are expected to swell. Budget talks in Springfield last week to reduce a $2.7 billion annual...
Illinois Legislature passes $1.6 billion in Medicaid cuts
The Chicago Tribune reports: "Poor and elderly would see coverage, discounts, care significantly curtailed under plan May 25, 2012|By Ray Long and Alissa Groeninger, Chicago Tribune reporters SPRINGFIELD — Hundreds of thousands of poor Illinoisans would lose health...
IRS announces 2013 HSA limits
Benefits Pro reports: "The IRS has announced adjustments that affect health savings accounts in 2013. The HSA contribution limits and high deductible health plan out-of-pocket maximums are up slightly over 2012. For the first time in three years, the HDHP minimum...
Medicaid proposal makes nearly $1.4 billion in cuts
Chicago Sun Times reports: "Illinois moved closer to drastic Medicaid cuts Monday with proposed legislation that could excise nearly $1.4 billion from the state’s program by shrinking benefits, such as regular adult dental care, and cutting payments to most hospitals...
Implementing Health Reform: State-Based, Partnership, And Federally Facilitated Exchanges
Health Affairs Blog reports: "On May 16, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services moved three steps closer to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges, which will happen on January 1, 2014. First, HHS announced the award of...
News from the Blues
May 16, 2012 BCBSIL Introduces 2012 Prescription Drug Program Changes (2-150 and 151+ BluePrintSM) Beginning July 1, 2012 [Group Markets] As reported on April 4, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is making enhancements to standardized plans for our 2-150...
Illinois awarded $32 million to develop health care exchange
The News-Gazette reports: "The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded Illinois nearly $32.8 million to continue getting ready to launch a major piece of the federal health care reform law. The money was granted to help develop the state's health care...
Health Insurance ‘Sherpa’: Agent or Broker?
Fox Business reports: "A health insurance agent or broker can save you time and money, whether you're an individual seeking coverage or a business owner shopping for the best medical plan for your employees. Licensed health insurance agents and brokers, known in the...