Latest News + Info
The latest information relating to the health insurance industry.
More Americans seek dental treatment at the ER; costs can be 10 times more than checkups
Washington Post reports: "New research shows that more Americans are turning to the emergency room for routine dental problems. A study released Tuesday by the Pew Center on the States found that going to the ER often costs 10 times more than preventive care and...
The Affordable Care Act: Immediate Benefits for Illinois
Health Reform .GOV reports: "Small business tax credits. 194,000 small businesses in Illinois could be helped by a new small business tax credit that makes it easier for businesses to provide coverage to their workers and makes premiums more affordable.1 Small...
High readmission rates put Medicare revenue at risk
Crains Chicago Business reports: "More than two dozen Illinois hospitals face Medicare cuts totaling as much as $19 million next year under the new federal health care law because too many of their patients are being readmitted for heart attacks and other ailments....
ACA Provides Coverage For Nearly 50k Americans With Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance News Net reports: "Health reform law provides coverage for nearly 50,000 Americans with pre-existing conditions Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan saves lives Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced that the new health care...
Health Care Reform: The Unintended Impact on Children
Forbes reports: "When health care reform was passed in 2010, many applauded the provision that children could no longer be denied health insurance coverage due to pre-existing conditions, but there’s decidedly less clapping now. “As an unintended consequence of health...
Changes From 2010 Health Care Law Affect Large And Small Employers
Insurance News Net reports: "Feb. 22--The Affordable Care Act was meant to be a salve for employer-sponsored health insurance costs. The law offers small businesses a carrot for helping employees get health insurance. It also waves a stick at larger employers who...
A.M. Best: Health Insurers Adapting to a Changing Environment
Insurance News Net reports: "In 2011, health insurers faced numerous challenges related to the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, new regulations and formidable economic conditions. Even with the emergence of these requirements and...
Supreme Court extends arguments on health care
CBS News reports: "WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court has added another 30 minutes to upcoming arguments over President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. The sessions now will span six hours over three days in late March. The justices on Tuesday set aside 30 more...
snopes.com: 3.8% Tax on Real Estate Transactions
snopes.com: 3.8% Tax on Real Estate Transactions.
Quinn: Medicaid must be cut back
The Chicago Tribune reports: "Gov. Pat Quinn plans to call for major Medicaid cuts during his annual budget address Wednesday and issue a warning that immediate changes must be made or the state's health care system for the poor could collapse. A Quinn spokeswoman...