Recent Articles
Sticker shock? How to Save Money on Prescription Drugs
You brace for bad news as the pharmacist rings up the charges for your prescription medicines. Even with insurance, you've discovered that copayments add up and put a big dent in your budget. If only there were a way to cut costs. Across the nation, countless...
Obama reverses Bush SCHIP limits
U.S. President Barack Obama reversed controversial Bush administration orders limiting states from expanding a low-income children's health insurance program. Obama issued a memo reversing his predecessor's orders on the same day he signed an extension of the State...
Obama Signs Expanded Version Of Kids Health Insurance Program
With Michigan's governor looking on, President Barack Obama reauthorized an expanded health insurance program for children this afternoon, calling it a "down payment on my commitment" to ensure coverage for every American. The $74-billion reauthorization of the state...
Governement bill would offer COBRA subsidies, extend eligibility
The federal government would pay 65% of COBRA health care continuation premium for one year for eligible beneficiaries who have lost their jobs since Sept. 1, 2008, as part of a massive economic stimulus bill unveiled Thursday by the House Democratic leadership. The...
Public wary of health reform trade-offs
Prospects for health reform drop significantly when Americans hear potential financial trade-offs associated with expanding health insurance coverage, a poll indicates. For example, nearly seven in 10 people say they favor the concept of requiring employers to provide...
Consulting firm releases user guide that avows pet insurance merits
A new pet health-insurance guide for veterinarians was released at this month’s North American Veterinary Conference, representing the latest push by organized veterinary medicine to get practitioners on board with third-party payment systems. “A Veterinarian’s Guide...
Employers find wellness programs can cut overall health care costs
As employers nationwide struggle with rising health care costs, many have implemented a variety of cost saving initiatives. A recent health care survey found the majority of public sector employers are working to control costs by implementing disease management and...
How do you cut benefits while keeping employees happy?
Like most companies, RedPeg Marketing offers perks to its employees. The Alexandria, Virginia, experiential marketing firm hands out trophies for good performance and provides breakfast at staff meetings. Employees can compete in an annual Connect Four tournament as...
Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO network update
Fertility Center of Illinois (FCI) is terminating its contract with WIN Fertility, a subsidiary of WIN Healthcare, effective February 28, 2009. WIN is working on a transition plan with FCI and will notify Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) HMO members who...
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois announces improved prescription mail-service pricing
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois announced improved pricing with PrimeMail, their contracting mail service pharmacy. Pending regulatory approval, they begin implementing this pricing for non-HMO business in February 2009. The new pricing will use the same maximum...