SACRAMENTO, Calif. September 22, 2020 — Covered California issued a new report on Tuesday that detailed how it set a record for enrollment by meeting the needs of Californians and promoting enrollment in the face of pandemic and recession. The report, “ Coverage When You Need It: Lessons From Insurance Coverage Transitions in California’s Individual Marketplace Pre- and Post- the COVID-19 Pandemic,” shows that as of June 2020, 1.53 million people were actively enrolled in Covered California, which represents the highest figure since the marketplace first opened its doors in 2014. “This recession is the first test for the Affordable Care Act in a down economy, and while the economic toll has...
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Calculating the Health Benefits of Medicaid Expansion The controversial expansion of the federally funded Medicaid program has led to significant improvements in health for millions of older, low-income adults, according to a new study by researchers from Stanford and three other universities. Published in July, the study shows that patients between the ages of 50 and 64 who were covered by the expansion suffered 30% fewer strokes and heart problems, were 17% less likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, and 10% less likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure, when compared with patients who were not covered. “There is something about publicly funded Medicaid that is working well for low-...
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A combination of base health insurance plan, super top-up and critical illness plan ensures a sizable health cover However, in case of multiple hospitalisations in the same family or long-term hospitalisations, a higher sum insured will be required. As Covid-19 cases rise in India, treatment costs in a good hospital would require Rs 4-5 lakh. If more than one family member gets hospitalised, it may become a precarious situation if you have a policy of Rs 4-5 lakh. So, how can you ensure adequate health insurance at a nominal cost? The base health insurance plan covers hospitalisation expenses including pre and post-hospitalisation expenses such as cost of medicines, doctor fees, diagnostic...
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Health & Insurance Resources In times of dire financial need, artists may find the following social service, health/insurance, and financial/business organizations of use. HEALTH AND INSURANCE RESOURCES The Artist Access Program offers services designed specifically to meet the needs of artists. The program provides financial counseling by specially trained staff familiar with artists’ employment cycles to determine eligibility for various insurance options – including government programs, or a sliding-scale fee-for-service arrangement. In addition, the program allows artists to exchange performances or other types of artistic activity for health care credits that can be used to pay...
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Health insurance policy in the current COVID-19 times and with the rising costs of medical treatment year on year, has become the need of the hour for an individual. A Health insurance policy covers the individual/family for medical/hospitalization expenses or cost incurred for surgeries. It typically pays for medical, surgical, prescription drugs and, sometimes- dental expenses too. The insured/policyholder selects the kind and level of coverage, which is commonly known as Sum Insured by paying requisite premium. In case of hospitalization, the individual gets the reimbursement for such covered expenses. In the current COVID-19 times and with the rising costs of medical treatment year on...
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As the coronavirus outbreak continues, some companies are predicting higher health insurance premiums for 2021. Whether you have recently lost your job—or you’re already thinking about fall open enrollment—there are some types of insurance to stay away from. Short-term health insurance may seem less pricey upfront, but these plans could cost you in the future. Here’s why. What is short-term health insurance? Short-term, limited-duration insurance (STLDI)—which has been around for decades—was created to fill gaps in health insurance for folks like job changers and students. The Obama administration cracked down on STLDI by limiting policies to less than three months, but new rules have...
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The health and chronic disease prevention centers of America are now America’s worksites. There’s not a single group in America that does more to lower health care costs, promote health improve the health behaviors of our population than worksites. Our current medical system is a disease treatment system. It was created to treat, not prevent, arrest, or reverse health conditions. If you do have disease or existing health problems, the American system of medical care is very good, albeit extremely expensive. One of the main benefits of wellness in the workplace is to improve employee health and prevent employees from having to use our expensive medical system. Employee wellness...
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Cigna + Oscar Helps Small Business Owners who Recognize that a Healthy Workforce is the Key to a Vibrant Business in COVID-19 Environment BLOOMFIELD, Conn. and NEW YORK, June 23, 2020 -- Small businesses have been significantly hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to new research from Cigna and Oscar, 70% of small businesses have seen a decline in their revenue, and 52% have laid off or furloughed employees. As small businesses begin to reopen, the majority of decision makers reported that providing health insurance to employees is a higher priority in their budgets (66%), and that access to affordable solutions that support employee health and well-being (88%) – physical and mental –...
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When buying health insurance, where you live matters. In Pennsylvania and more than a half dozen states, consumers in some cities will pay at least 50 percent more for the same type of coverage than their friends and relatives in other parts of the state. A 40-year-old in Philadelphia, for instance, will spend $300 a month to buy a mid-level insurance plan in the new Obamacare marketplace — 77 percent more than a 40-year-old in Pittsburgh, where the same type of coverage will cost a more modest $169 a month. Lower-income people eligible for federal subsidies will spend less. Consumers in Georgia, Wisconsin, California, Arizona, Missouri and Florida will also see wide variations,...
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You can’t control whether you lose your job and your benefits because of COVID-19. You can, however, take steps to protect yourself in case you wind up without health insurance during the global pandemic. Don’t panic. Take a breath. Collect yourself. And then make a plan. 1. If you have a spouse with insurance, try to get on their plan If you have a spouse or partner with employer-sponsored insurance, you may be able to join if you lose your job or your benefits due to a furlough or other cuts. For those worried they could soon lose their jobs, have your spouse or partner contact their human resources department to see if you can join their plan. You probably won’t be able...
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