Reducing Insurance Options For Seniors

After the Independence Day recess, Congress will resume debate over cuts and changes to Medicare. Physicians and senior citizens stand to lose if cuts are passed. Many in Congress seem to want to limit the options that seniors now have to receive health insurance through Medicare Advantage plans. Allowing private insurance companies to administer benefits appears to threaten the "government should do it all" viewpoint.

I am probably the only insurance agent working with seniors who has sought out the opinions of hospital intake staff and physician billers regarding Medicare Advantage. Feedback from those who bill for medical services has been very positive. Access to doctors is, in my opinion, a non-issue. Sadly, my " insurance colleagues" have brought criticism on this program because of selfish sales practices. Medicare is right to monitor the industry for "abuses" Don't penalize seniors, however. I don't recommend this program for every senior, but I like being able to give people options as they make health insurance decisions. Please stay informed on HR 6331. Let your opinion be heard. www.house.gov www.senate.gov

Diabetes On The Rise

An estimated 24 million Americans had diabetes in 2007, an increase of more than 3 million in about two years, according to data released recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 57 million people are estimated to have pre-diabetes, a condition that puts people at increased risk for diabetes. Among adults, diabetes increased in both men and women and in all age groups, but still affects the elderly most. Almost one-quarter of Americans 60 and older had diabetes in 2007. Creating a culture of wellness and prevention is key.

Anxiety and Elders

Most of the recent posts to this site have been reports of pertinent studies. All the recent postings detail trends in healthcare, not only for seniors, but also the population as a whole. However, this post is more personal. Working in the eldercare industry, I have seen plenty of anxiety among the senior population. However, in the last several weeks, I have witnessed a heightened level of anxiety in my parents and parents-in-law. When it is close to home, it is difficult to handle. However, the same strategies hold true no matter the person.

I hope this posting will begin a dialogue between those of us facing this anxiety issue among our loved ones. My advice when facing a situation of heightened anxiety among your parents is compassion. Inquire of the person what they are feeling and why they feel this way. Of course, ask these questions in a non-threatening or judgemental way.

One thing I know is that it can be frustrating to deal with a person you feel is worrying about nothing. Take each situation with patience and understand that much of this behavior is a result of some other variable. Be truthful. Be patient. Try to expand your vantage point to gain some perspective.

Please share your thoughts by clicking on the comment line on this entry. Lets get a dialogue started to help others.

Fewer Small Businesses Offering Group Health Insurance

More than 65% of businesses with 10 or fewer employees say high cost is the most significant barrier to their offering health insurance, according to a survey released by the National Association for the Self-Employed. Only 19% of businesses with 10 or fewer employees currently offer coverage for full-time employees, down from 46% in 2005. One in 10 respondents spent 25% or more of their gross revenue on health insurance, up from 10.1% in 2005. NASE called access to health care the single biggest barrier to people joining and remaining in the ranks of the self-employed. Read the press release.

New Rating System For Nursing Homes

Acting Administrator of the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Services Kerry Weems announced that CMS will add a nursing home ranking system to its Nursing Home Compare Web site in December. “The new ‘five-star’ rating system will provide a composite view of the quality and safety information currently on Nursing Home Compare to help beneficiaries, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily,” said Weems. The agency said it plans to work with other health care providers and consumers to make similar rating systems available for hospitals. Read more with the CMS announcement.

Health Savings Accounts Increasingly Popular

More than 6.1 million Americans were covered by Health Savings Account-eligible insurance plans in January 2008, America’s Health Insurance Plans reported yesterday. That’s 1.6 million more people than in January 2007. The average annual deductible was $2,600 for single coverage and $4,846 for family coverage, while the average annual out-of-pocket limit was $3,661 for single coverage and $7,057 for family coverage. HSA products accounted for 31% of new coverage issued in the small-group market, and 27% of new purchases in the individual market, AHIP said.

Rate Of Growth For Family Coverage Premiums Eclipses Income

The amount employees pay for family coverage increased an average 30% between 2001 and 2005, according to study released today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. That’s 10 times the average pay increase for family policyholders over the period, the study adds. “As costs continue to go up, fewer people can pay their portion of the premium, and fewer employers are able to offer insurance benefits,” said RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D. “This research shows that an ever-increasing number of people will join America’s uninsured unless our nation’s leaders act to reform our health care system.” The study was released in conjunction with Cover the Uninsured Week (April 27-May 3), an annual campaign led by RWJF to raise awareness about the 47 million Americans without health insurance. The AHA is a national partner in the campaign, which includes events to help those who are eligible enroll in low-cost or free health coverage programs.