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Having a good health insurance plan is important for quality of life, but at Insurance HQ we also promote healthy living. So we're especially excited about a new discovery presented by food scientists of the American Chemical Society: Pizza is good for you. According to The Washington Times, a team from Maryland's Department of Nutrition and Food Science found that whole wheat pizza dough contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer, heart disease and stroke. Whole wheat pizza has up to 82% higher antioxidants than pizza made from white flour. This is because antioxidants are found in bran and endosperm, which are mostly removed from refined flour. Jeffrey More and Liangli "Lucy" Yu completed the study in order to show Americans that choosing a grain-based pizza can make a difference in one's health. "Our goal is to try to improve the food quality so we can help people become healthy," says Yu. Recently, whole grain products are getting a lot of attention, and most supermarkets carry a wide range of whole wheat or whole grain products. Don't just buy "wheat bread" though, because some manufactures put "wheat" on the packaging even if there isn't much whole wheat in the product. Check the ingredients and make sure that the word "whole," as in "whole wheat flour" is listed. We hope this study encourages you and your family to eat more whole grains. Hopefully more pizza restaurants will offer whole wheat pizza. When you've taken the time to find the best individual or family health insurance, it makes sense to make sure you're also eating right in order to maintain good health.
The importance of making low cost health insurance accessible to more Americans is getting a lot of attention in Congress. This is good news because new estimates from the US Census Bureau report that 44.8 million Americans, 15.9%, are uninsured. While health insurance is extremely important, we at The Insurance HQ also believe that a balanced diet and exercise are key to living well. And that's why a study about blueberries caught our attention. According to Reuters UK, a new study reveals that blueberries may prevent colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and is the third most common cancer in men and women. Genes, smoking, lack of exercise, saturated fats, lifestyle and not eating enough fruits and vegetables are associated with colon cancer. Blueberries contain the antioxidant pterostilbene, which is similar to the antioxidant resveratrol found in grapes and red wine. In the new study, rats were induced with colon cancer and some were given pterostilbene; the animals that received the antioxidant had 57% fewer pre-cancerous growth. Blueberries can be purchased from grocery stores fresh or frozen, and make a quick healthy snack. We hope Americans continue to focus on health insurance for individuals and families, but also continue to pay attention to living a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.
The US Census reports that it over estimated the number of Americans who don't have medical insurance by about 2 million people. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Census Bureau has been overstating the number of uninsured Americans since 1995 due to a computer programming error. The Census Bureau discovered the error while updating their computer system for a population survey that includes data on income, employment and health insurance. Even though some respondents reported that they had coverage, they were counted as "not covered." The previously reported number of Americans without health insurance was 46.6 million people; the revised estimate is 44.8 million. The new statistic still means that 15.9 percent of Americans don't have a health plan. Even though it's good news that more people have medical coverage than previously thought, too many people are still living without health insurance. It's always a good idea to have a health plan, especially considering one can't predict illnesses that may require costly hospital stays. Affordable health plans are available, and it's easier than ever to find affordable rates. Individuals, families and small businesses can get online health insurance quotes in order to find a plan that fits a budget.
Prescription drug coverage is now required by Massachusetts's universal health insurance law that requires every resident over 18 to have a health plan. Massachusetts is the first state to require adults to have a plan that includes prescription drug coverage, according to the Boston Globe. Jon Kingsdale, the state board's executive director, describes the new law as a model for other states to follow, "All the requirements are significant steps in setting precedents for what other states are going to be looking at." Massachusetts residents have until January 1, 2009 to get prescription drug coverage, or else face tax penalties. Some residents may be able to receive waivers or they may have other plans that will satisfy the law including Medicaid, Medicare, or a health savings account. Medical plans that don't meet the new strict requirements will be accepted in the following cases:
- Young adults 19-26 whose employers don't offer insurance
- Federally sanctioned high deductible health plans with health savings accounts
- Medicare, even without prescription drug coverage
- Religious group plans
The board plans to discuss waivers for individuals and families who can't afford even low-cost health insurance.
Health insurance proposals from Congress may drastically cut health care costs, according to MarketWatch. The report, created by health and human services consulting firm the Lewin Group, was commissioned by The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that funds health care research. The study predicts that 48 million Americans will be uninsured in 2007. The study also reports that proposals from Representative Peter Stark of California and Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon have the potential to cover almost every uninsured American. President Bush's plan would cover 1 in 5 of the uninsured. Congressional proposals often provide subsidies to low-income individuals and families while also pooling high-risk individuals into large groups in order spread out premium costs. The government would be able to negotiate lower premiums for larger groups, saving $57-$74 billion per year in administrative costs. Something needs to be done in order to make health insurance more accessible to American without insurance. Everyone seems to agree that costs go down when everyone signs up. Health insurance doesn't have to be expensive; affordable health insurance quotes for small business, families and individuals are available. The best way to get insurance is to get a quote so you can plan your health care budget.
Americans from all socioeconomic walks of life don't have health insurance plans, according to USA Today. The hardest hit group seems to be working-class folks. They make too much money to qualify for subsidized medical insurance, but can't afford to pay high health insurance premiums. The Robichaux family, for example, makes a combined income of $39,000 a year. That puts them over the $34,340 maximum for a family of 3 to qualify for state aid in Louisiana. They have an autistic child who's currently receiving limited occupational therapy at school. When the family looked into a private health plan for their child when he was 3, it was $700 a month, an amount they couldn't afford. The Robichaux family isn't alone; millions of people across American are without health insurance. 18,000 deaths a year result from people not being insured, according to a 2004 Institute of Medicine Report. Some people, like Joe Cesa, who owns a coffee house, strongly believes that Americans should receive Universal health coverage; "Everyone contributes to our society. I don't have children, but I pay school taxes. I don't have a problem with that. There should be a basic system where coverage is provided for everyone." Mr. Cesa can't afford to pay for health insurance for himself or for his employees, but pays for doctor bills and prescriptions when his employees need help. Even though a lot of people are without coverage, it's always a good idea to have health insurance. Affordable health insurance quotes can be found online, and it's a good idea to get a plan right away, so that you're covered in case of an unexpected illness. Just ask Susan Squire of Michigan who had to declare bankruptcy after having a heart attack and being faced with a $92,000 bill because she was uninsured.
A new health insurance study shows that people who have higher deductibles and pay lower monthly premiums are 10% less likely to make emergency room visits. According to the Boston Herald, the study published by Harvard Medical School's Journal of the American Medical Association, found that patients with high deductibles stayed home instead of going to the emergency room when they had less severe ailments: cold, nausea and headaches. This study is important for lawmakers trying to come up with ways to make health insurance affordable for the uninsured. Governors from several states, including Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, are trying to create programs to cut the cost of health insurance. Cutting costly emergency room visits may help lower insurance rates for everyone, and that's why some states are negotiating with insurance carriers for high-deductible low monthly payments so that residents can find affordable health plans. More studies are needed to make sure that people with high deductibles aren't neglecting more serious emergency room visits to avoid paying expensive hospital bills.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick announced that new low cost health insurance plans have been approved with premiums as low as $175 per month. According to Metro West Daily News, seven health insurance carries were approved by the Massachusetts Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Board, the group in charge of the state's new compulsory health care law. All Massachusetts residents are required by law to have health insurance by July 1, 2007; those who remain uninsured after that date will be fined tax penalties. The plans negotiated by the Connector are intended for low income individuals and families who aren't insured through jobs but make too much money to qualify for subsidized medical coverage. Roughly 180,000 people fall into this category, making about $29,400 a year. When choosing individual or family health insurance, it's important to compare costs and make sure you're getting the best plan. Decide whether you want a lower monthly bill and higher copayments, or if higher premiums with lower out-of-pocket expenses are better for you. There isn't a cookie-cutter health plan that's right for everyone. Getting the right coverage means assessing your own health needs while also preparing for unexpected illnesses. Massachusetts's innovative health care reform is an interesting model, and it's certain that other states from California to New York will be watching to see if they can follow suit.
Affordable health insurance plans are currently being voted on in Massachusetts that would cost residents $175 a month for comprehensive coverage. All American Patriots reports that different levels of medical insurance will be offered with a variety of network providers. Lower priced plans will also be available for uninsured individuals between the ages of 19 and 26. 10 insurance carriers bid on providing the plans, and the Massachusetts Connector Authority approved 7:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- ConnectiCare
- Fallon Community Health Plan
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Health New England
- Neighborhood Health Plan
- Tufts Health Plan
The affordable health plans are aimed at individuals, small businesses, part-time workers and independent contractors. The Connector board asked for bids from insurance companies three months ago, but bids came back too high. The Connector and the governor then asked the carriers to make the health plans more affordable. If this plan works, Massachusetts will lead the way in health insurance reform. The thinking behind the plan is that if everyone is covered, health care costs will decrease. Families and small business don't have to pay a lot for a good health plan, low cost health insurance quotes are available online.
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has a plan for everyone in his state to have affordable health insurance in three years, by 2010. According to The Southern Illinoisan, Governor Blagojevich's plan includes the following major points:
- New free program called "Illinois Covered - Assist" for people living below poverty who don't have children and aren't eligible for Medicaid and FamilyCare.
- "Illinois Covered - Choice" would be a low-cost plan that regular insurance companies would be required to provide for people who can't get health coverage through their jobs. The state would help pay premiums depending upon income levels. People who make more than 4 times the poverty level would be eligible for the program, but wouldn't receive state aid.
- Business that can't afford health insurance for employees could use the Illinois Covered-Choice plan (described above).
- "Illinois Covered - Rebate" would help people who can't afford the premiums for medical coverage offered at work. This part of the plan would help workers pay for plans currently offered by employers.
- Expand eligibility for existing family insurance and disability plans.
Blagojevich's plan would cost more than $2 billion a year to run when fully implemented. There are 1.4 million people in Illinois without health insurance so clearly something needs to be done. Opposition to the plan is expected, especially from businesses that will be required to cover a lot of the costs. And since Illinois has a climbing deficit, people may not be ready for a new program, or might want the money to go towards education. From Illinois to California, it seems like every state is working towards helping the uninsured find affordable health insurance.
A new study shows just how important having health insurance is for children: kids without a medical plan are twice as likely to die from injuries as compared to those with insurance. The study, according to US Today, was sent to congressional committees this week as the budget for health insurance programs for children are being renewed. Low-income families without insurance often seek medical care at emergency rooms. Hospitals are required by law to treat emergency patients - whether or not the patient is insured. In 2004, hospitals faced more than $25 billion of unpaid emergency visits. The kids who show up in emergency rooms without health insurance aren't receiving the same care that insured kids get:
- Uninsured children with general injuries were more likely to die in 26 of 29 states
- 44% were less likely to go into rehabilitation
- Kids with traumatic brain injury were released after 4 days, instead of the usual 8 days for insured patients
- Those with appendicitis were 18% less likely to have the more expensive laparoscopic appendectomy
- Middle ear infections were 57% less likely to get treated with ear tubes surgically inserted
Some hospital representatives are opposed to the study's findings, stating that the research was incomplete. But the bottom line is it's always a good idea to have family health insurance, especially when the safety of children is at stake.
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