How does one cope with all the rising gas prices, basic necessities, and pay for health insurance at the same time? Most people would not think twice in stopping the payment, but if you can still pay what should you do? Here’s 10 tips from insurance.com on how to go about it.
1.Practice prevention
2.Shop around for health insurance
3.Cut the cost of prescription drugs
4.Check your medical bills
5.Join your spouse’s health plan
6.Keep track of your medical expenses
7.Negotiate a discount with your health-care provider
8.Contribute to a flexible spending account
9.Take advantage of free health screenings
10.Get to know your health insurance
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In the golden days of the American economy in the early 2000s, having a good job and health insurance made one feel secure about one’s future and family. Nowadays, with the current US recession, only 7 percent of those who have health insurance say they are prepared for any health concerns in the future.
The other 93% feel that they have very limited coverage and are now paying more of their share for medical costs. 158 million people covered by employer health insurance programs are paying higher medical expenses due to various combinations of factors like higher premiums, less extensive coverages, and larger out-of-pocket deductibles and co-payments.
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by: Christine Zafra
Governor John Baldacci of Maine came out with a resolution: increase the taxes on cigarettes, collate the money and donate it to the state’s national health program. This is indeed beneficial in two ways: first, the state will have more money to fund their health programs and second, smokers will be encouraged to quit their habit of smoking. Major health groups in Maine conducted their own survey and they stated that more than the majority of Maine constituents are in favor of the increase. The said major health groups are lobbying that the increase be made to a dollar instead of the proposed 50 cent per pack.
Photo taken from http://stateofmaryland.ws
cigarette tax increase, maryland
by: Christine Zafra
Arnold Schwarzenegger got the applause of the Californian populace. Since health insurance companies have this policy called “balanced billing” (wherein people from the medical profession can charge their “usual fees” to their patients), his wits told him to put an end to this practice and impose a ban on balanced billing. These usual fees are normally above what the insurance companies offer and so, patients are forced to comply with this arrangement. The ban covers emergency cases only (emergency room patients), nevertheless, this will help Californians a lot when it comes to money matters (no unnecessary expenditures).
Photo taken from http://jprosen.blog.lemonde.fr
balance billing, california
by: Christine Zafra
New studies conducted by Families USA show that in the state of Washington, 1 person each day dies because he or she does not have health insurance to cover for him/her. That’s about 365 people a year—and that accounts for non-insured people alone. Due to the high costs of health insurance, a lot of people are being deprived of it. This is an issue that the state should look into since people are dying because something (health insurance in this case) wasn’t there to catch them the time they needed it most. And as the popular saying goes, “what a waste”.
Photo taken from http://www.missouri-health-insurance-quotes.com
death, health insurance, washington
by: Christine Zafra
An online survey given by AFL-CIO had a very disturbing outcome: almost 95 percent of the participants think that the American health insurance system should be totally changed. Most of the respondents did not belong to the lower-end bracket of the strata but rather, had jobs, college education and health insurances themselves. The most disturbing part was their reasons as too why the health insurance system should be overhauled. Some say that they didn’t go to the doctor when they needed on due to the high costs. Some, on the other hand, said that their injuries were not covered by health insurances and so they didn’t bother to have it checked. There were other numerous reasons but the common denominator is that of money issues.
Photo taken from http://www.bsu.edu
health insurance overhaul
by: Christine Zafra
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton stated that she would restrict health insurances to 5% – 10% if she will be the next President of the United States. She promised to lobby this proposition because she thinks the weight of some of these insurance policies is too much of a burden to Americans. The current working percent of health insurance if about 10% and Hillary Clinton wants that to be lowered (but not less than 5%). An average American earns about $60,000.00 a year and if the company deducts the health plan from that amount of salary, only about $50,000.00 will be left. She also said the she didn’t want Americans to spend for something they do not see.
Photo taken from http://www.observer.com
hillary clinton, insurance company
by: Christine Zafra
The Hispanics in the state of Connecticut are facing a dilemma: the cost of living is too much to handle. The Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission conducted interviews (including phone, focus group discussions and face-to-face interviews) and released a very astounding result. Hispanics feel that their quality of life is rickety, going nowhere but down, and this is due to the dwindling economy of the country. Most of them do not even enjoy health insurance coverages in their work. If this lack of health insurance is paired with the high costs of living, the Hispanics in the said state might experience crises in the next years.
Photo taken from http://agiletools.files.wordpress.com
hispanic
This independent guide to buying private medical insurance, published by the Association of British Insurers, has been designed to help you understand more about how private medical insurance works, so that you can make an informed choice before you buy an insurance policy.
The Association of British Insurers are the recognised trade organisation for insurance companies operating in the United Kingdom. In addition to this guide, the literature you receive from companies providing private medical insurance should contain an outline of the products which you are considering buying.
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In Ohio, two citizens between age 25-64 die every day because they don’t have health insurance, according to a report released by Families USA, a health-care consumer advocacy group. According to the report, more than 5,100 working-age adults in Ohio died because they lacked health insurance between years 2000-2006.
Previous studies show that uninsured residents are three times more likely to delay or forgo needed medical care like checkups, screenings and other preventive care. Because of this, they are more likely to be diagnosed with disease in an advanced stage and thus their chances of survival are decreased.
U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton said the study underscores the need for Democrats’ national health care reform proposals.
