Volume 1, Number 12, December 2009

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HEALTH CARE REFORM

Senate lawmakers continue to debate the numerous proposed healthcare reform bills. The President has encouraged lawmakers to put aside their differences and pass the legislation. Developing a government run option is one of the major points of discussion.

One of the alternatives offered would create several national insurance plans administered by private companies but negotiated by the Office of Personnel Management. They oversee health policies for federal workers. The agreement would allow individuals to buy into Medicare starting at age 55. Insurance companies would face new regulations including a requirement that they spend at least .90 of every dollar collected in premiums on medical services for customers.

The debate will continue as Sen. Reid wants to have a final Senate reform package put together by Christmas.

Volume 1, Number 11, November 2009

HEALTH CARE REFORM – WHAT’S HAPPENING

The Senate is trying to merge the three committee bills into one bill for consideration on the floor. The major issues under discussion are:

• Financing provisions
• Coverage expansion mechanisms
• Insurance market reforms
• Inclusion and structure of a public plan

The House of Representatives passed a bill on November 7. It would cover 36 million of the 54 million uninsured. The bill does include an individual mandate starting in 2013 with some groups able to waive the provision. And, it includes a national exchange open to individuals and groups to size 100 by 2015.

All of the bills include provisions for guarantee issue (no health status rating), no pre-existing condition exclusions and limits on rating criteria.

Volume 1, Number 10, October 2009

HEALTH CARE REFORM -- WHAT'S HAPPENING

On October 13, the Senate Finance Committee passed a health reform bill that will be debated on the floor of the Senate. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this bill will cost $829 billion over ten years and would cover 29 Million of the 54 Million uninsured. Under the bill:

• · Individuals will be required to have health insurance coverage by 2013.
• If coverage is not purchased, that person would pay a penalty starting in 2014.
• Individuals up to 400% of the federal poverty level ($88,000 for a family of four) could receive subsidies.
• Employers would not be required to offer health insurance but those with 50 or more employees not offering a plan would pay a fee for employees purchasing coverage through a state Exchange.
• Pre-existing condition exclusions and most premium variations would be prohibited.
• Policy issue would be guaranteed.

Volume 1, Number 9, September 2009

Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Having pre-diabetes means your blood sugars are above the normal range (fasting glucose is 100-125) but you don't have diabetes yet. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to long-term complications.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious health concern and is becoming increasingly common. You can lower your risk. Studies show that weight loss and increased physical activity reduced the risk of diabetes by 58%. Individuals lost 5-7% of their body weight. Moderate physical activity was about 30 minutes 5 times per week.