Health Insurance & Money

A group of researchers at the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business is using the principles of more efficient manufacturing processes in an effort to help contain ever-increasing health care costs.

An online service that assists consumers in comparing affordable health insurance options has launched a library of short videos that answer questions about health insurance. My Insurance Expert, which offers the service, is one of several places on the Internet where individuals can view videos on health insurance and health care issues.

Results of a new study show having no health insurance leads to 45000 deaths annually. The findings come from Harvard researchers, and show that patients who cannot afford to see their doctor or purchase their medications die. The high rate of annual deaths because of lack of health insurance is preventable.

According to reports, workplace violence has been cited in the murder of Yale University student Annie Le. Unfortunately, there were no signs that the lab technician arrested for the murder and worked with Le, Raymond Clark III, showed any visible signs that he could be murderous. New Haven Police Chief James Lewis told reporters, the crime is an “issue” of workplace violence – something “which is becoming a growing concern around the country.”

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released a new state by state analysis of last week’s U.S. Census numbers regarding the uninsured. The results are sobering and confirm that health insurance reform cannot wait another year.

In a plan that is estimated to cost roughly $856 billion over 10 years, Senator Baucus unveiled his affordable health care insurance option on Wednesday. The cost is significantly lower than the $1 trillion cost of the other four bills that are currently in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Baucus’ hope is that it will not increase the budget deficit, writes Reuters.

The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, the industry's national professional organization, commended Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Montana) for including a proposal to allow cafeteria plans to offer qualified long-term care insurance as part of his health care reform package.

Governor Jon S. Corzine announced that the number of New Jerseyans without health insurance has decreased by more than 11%, or 147,000 individuals, the second largest reduction in the nation between 2007 and 2008.

Governor Jon S. Corzine held a teleconference call with leaders of community groups, health centers and faith-based groups that serve minority and multicultural populations to discuss efforts to enroll more children in NJ FamilyCare and to reduce health disparities.

More and more consumers are shopping online for individual and family health insurance trying to find the most affordable plan. As a result, many buying decisions are mistakenly made solely on the basis of cost and benefit design. Ignoring the Insurance Company's hospital and physician network can adversely affect the quality of care and the cost for that care.