Interesting to see all of the media outlets going bananas about the possible pandemic of "Swine Flu." Seems approximately 40,000 folks in the U.S. every year die from regular influenza, so perhaps all of the panic over the Swine Flu is overkill, or perhaps not?
Well, it is our job to always be helpful about things relating to health plans etc....so folks, check your current health plan website and see if they offer vouchers for Zicam and/or Purell, as these are both things that every newspaper in the Northeast anyway, refer to as good Flu busters. Also wash your hands LOTS and more than once at each visit to a sink (you would be suprised how many germs remain after 1 good washing). Avoid sick people, and if you feel sick, you should not pass along your germs to folks at your workplace, so maybe you should stay home.
These are some helpful things that have been passed along to us, hopefully they are helpful to all of our customers at www.healthinsurancegeeks.com
One last thing, this will devastate the Mexican vacation spots as most folks on TV say to NOT travel to Mexico unless it is absolutely necessary. Maybe wearing a surgical mask in the airport will become commonplace.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
The end of Private Health Insurance?
Take a look at this recent Wall Street Journal Article and learn more about the facts faced in Congress regarding the debate on the future of government run and financed (through our tax dollars) health care. It is a very compelling article that those of us who appreciate having choice, should really read.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB123958544583612437-lMyQjAxMDI5MzI5MDUyODA1Wj.html
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB123958544583612437-lMyQjAxMDI5MzI5MDUyODA1Wj.html
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
What will happen with the new Administration's "Healthcare Reform" plans? Will we get Obamacare? Will the government take over healthcare just like banking? Regardless of which side of the isle you are on politically (I will take a middle stance here) a single-payer, or Government run plan would be a disaster for America, Obama, and generations to come unfortunately.
In listening to arguements from both Democrats and Republicans it seems with folks a bit more on the middle of the spectrum rather than "strong" one side, agree that we need a private system in some way, shape or form.
We do not want a system in the US where waiting lists for hip replacement surgery are 8-9 months....it is that way in many socialized systems. Also the level of care we have been spoiled with in the US, is because the best and brightest physicians and research scientists flee other areas to practice in the US.
Do we want sub-par, but affordable care? That may be the only resolve with a Government program.
In listening to arguements from both Democrats and Republicans it seems with folks a bit more on the middle of the spectrum rather than "strong" one side, agree that we need a private system in some way, shape or form.
We do not want a system in the US where waiting lists for hip replacement surgery are 8-9 months....it is that way in many socialized systems. Also the level of care we have been spoiled with in the US, is because the best and brightest physicians and research scientists flee other areas to practice in the US.
Do we want sub-par, but affordable care? That may be the only resolve with a Government program.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
NY's Emblem Health
Many folks do not know who Emblem Health is or where they came from, as they appear to be new on the scene. Well, that is not so, Emblem Health is the new holding company for the merged GHI and HIP plans. Connecticare in CT is also a member company of the new holding company.
Emblem actually has about 92,000 physicians in it's network, and includes a contract with the acclaimed cancer care center, Memorial Sloan Kettering.
In addition to great network statistics, and one with years of stability, Emblem Health has some of the lower premium numbers in the market in 2009. The plans with the "richest" plan designs and lowest premiums are their EPO plans (Exclusive Provider Organization) - you must navigate and stay within the network, as such out-of-network claims are not covered. The good news is you only pay copayments (the $40 EPO is the most well-priced option) for care, however they do have options with deductibles and coinsurance for major medical inpatient and outpatient care - some with $1,000 and others with $2,000. Also on the pharmacy front, they have these plans with 0 copay for generic drugs, $30 for brand name, and $50 for non-formulary medicines.
Also a bonus with Emblem is they boast to have 0 copay for children dependents of employees - so folks like me with 4 small kids would love them, all of the pediatric visits would be free!
I hope this information has given a good update on Emblem Health.
Emblem actually has about 92,000 physicians in it's network, and includes a contract with the acclaimed cancer care center, Memorial Sloan Kettering.
In addition to great network statistics, and one with years of stability, Emblem Health has some of the lower premium numbers in the market in 2009. The plans with the "richest" plan designs and lowest premiums are their EPO plans (Exclusive Provider Organization) - you must navigate and stay within the network, as such out-of-network claims are not covered. The good news is you only pay copayments (the $40 EPO is the most well-priced option) for care, however they do have options with deductibles and coinsurance for major medical inpatient and outpatient care - some with $1,000 and others with $2,000. Also on the pharmacy front, they have these plans with 0 copay for generic drugs, $30 for brand name, and $50 for non-formulary medicines.
Also a bonus with Emblem is they boast to have 0 copay for children dependents of employees - so folks like me with 4 small kids would love them, all of the pediatric visits would be free!
I hope this information has given a good update on Emblem Health.
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