Insurers Push Plans That Limit Choice of Doctor

This stuff is not fun to read but it is probably good if we have an idea of what we are facing in the health insurance market, whether it be immediate changes or those to come in later years as health care reform is phased in. As it appears health care costs are going to continue to rise, these limited plans described in this article are going to be more common. We will try to keep you as updated as possible on this subject that is so important to all of us. Some of the comments here are interesting and feel free to add yours in our comments section.

www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/business/18choice.html?_r=1&ref=health

What to Expect in Next Year’s Health Benefits Offerings

For those fortunate enough to have employer based health insurance, here is some information describing how the new health care laws may affect you in 2011. Most provisions don’t kick in until 2014 but there are a few highlighted here that can impact your coverage and your share of the costs this coming year. No matter what one thinks of the health care legislation from a political perspective, it is here, and the more information we have the better. We will do our best to track this for you and post all relevant information we come across.

www.nytimes.com/2010/06/12/health/12patient.html?pagewanted=print

No Matter What, We Pay for Others’ Bad Habits

This article from the NY Times written by a cardiologist addresses a topic that is becoming more widely discussed and is very controversial and complex. I think the doctor does a good job of trying to offer a balanced explanation for people’s behavior regarding their health. As health care costs and health insurance costs continue to rise and become a bigger factor in the economic health of the U.S. this issue is going to be even more relevant.

www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/health/30risk.html?ref=health

When Hospital Fees Catch You Off Guard

To go along with the idea of becoming smarter health care consumers, this article from

the Wall Street Journal offers some good advice regarding add on fees at doctor’s offices

that are affiliated with a hospital. Being caught unaware can be very costly as the article

attests to.

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703819904574555723216593610.html?mod=WSJ_hps_RIGHTTopCarousel