Business Roundtable, a group consisting of CEOs from some of America’s leading companies, has put together a health care reform proposal. This group represents companies that collectively provide health insurance for 35 million Americans through their employer-sponsored group health insurance policies in Colorado and across the US.
Blog
Obama And McCain On Mandatory Health Insurance
[…] No president is going to be able to reform health care on a whim – there are 100 senators and 435 representatives who have some input too. But Obama’s reform proposal is at least aiming towards health insurance for all children in America (in Colorado, 175,000 children are uninsured). It’s a small, but significant, step on the road to health insurance for everyone.
Drugs In Our Water
[…] The problem of drugs in our water supply in Colorado and throughout the US is scary and formidable. Drug companies should be required to implement safe systems for re-distribution of unused medications. Health insurance carriers should put pressure on pharmaceutical companies in this regard, since drugs that are getting flushed down the toilet aren’t free.
Domestic Medical Tourism
At the Colorado Health Insurance Insider, we’ve written before about medical tourism. I’m open to any options that help to drive down the cost of health care in the US. But while a trip to Thailand might sound wonderful when you’re healthy, it would likely be a bit more daunting if you’re sick, or in pain, or unable to walk because you need a new hip. […]
Looking At US Health Care From A Developing Country
[…] We live in a shockingly wealthy nation. While you might not be able to find a clinic in the US that doesn’t have gloves, you will find millions of Americans who are unable to afford health care or health insurance. For those people, does it really matter that American hospitals can afford all the best medical equipment that the world has to offer?
We Already Ration Health Care
[…] At the Colorado Health Insurance Insider, we believe that everyone should have equal access to quality health care. And if that means that I would no longer have hundreds of doctors on my health insurance network, or immediate access to care for non-emergency conditions, so be it. A little rationing for all of us, but health care for everyone.
If You Have No Ideas, Just Deny The Problem Exists
[…] I’m hopeful that our next president will make an effort to reduce the number of people in Colorado and across the nation who are without health insurance. If the next president is John McCain, I hope that when he’s searching for advisers, he at least picks people who do think that we have some problems in our health care system.
Complaint Ratios Updated With 2007 Data
The Colorado Division of Insurance has finished compiling and organizing the data for 2007. Visit the Colorado Health Insurance Company Complaint Ratio Comparison page to see the updated complaint, revenue, and market share statistics from the division of insurance along with the A.M. Best Rating information we’ve added alongside. We hope this makes it easier for you to shop for health insurance in Colorado, but you can always contact us for our expert assistance at no cost!
Health Care Reform Losing Ground
[…] while it would be nice to see sweeping reform that provides access to health care for the 47 million Americans (760,000 of them right here in Colorado) who don’t have health insurance at all, I’d be happy with anything that puts us on the path towards lowering that number and reducing the inequitable nature of our current health care system.
Watch Out For Medical Discount Plans in Colorado
Medical discount plans are being marketed heavily in northern Colorado at the moment. The Greeley Tribune is reporting that faxes are circulating with promises of $10 and $25 copays, and savings of “up to 60%” – keep in mind that a 1% savings still falls in the category of “up to 60%.” These plans are not health insurance […]
Fewer Uninsureds But Problems Remain
People without health insurance face a significant risk, both to their health and to their financial wellbeing. As the DNC has unfolded this week here in Colorado, we’ve heard health care mentioned frequently. I’m optimistic that solutions will remain as much of a priority after the election as talking about it has been over the last several months.
Personal Accountability And Health Insurance
[…] Even in Colorado – the thinnest state – one in five of us is obese, and health insurance rates have been steadily outpacing inflation for years. If obesity is not self-inflicted, one would expect to see no changes in the levels of obesity following a dramatic change in our lifestyles. If you had to make a bet one way or the other, what would it be?
What Issues Concern Debra Bartoshevich?
I was watching our local Colorado news after the DNC tonight. John McCain had a commercial featuring a Hillary Clinton supporter who said she was voting for McCain. The ad said she was a “Former Hillary Delegate” and she claimed she was voting for McCain’s “experience and judgement.” This intrigued me because she was obviously very involved in the political process […]
A Tenacious Appeal
[…] We work with all of the major health insurance carriers in Colorado, and I talk with people from most of those companies on a daily basis. And almost all of them go out of their way to be helpful. The appeals process for claims and pre-authorizations can be long and painful, but if you think you’ve got a good case, don’t give up.
The Economics Of Obesity
[…] I’d like to see a similar program in Colorado. With lots of help provided for those looking to lose weight. Anything that could lower our obesity rates would lessen the amount we’re spending every year to treat obesity-related health problems. And that would in turn have an impact on health insurance premiums, which would benefit all of us.
Health Insurance 101
[…] We talk to clients in Colorado on a regular basis who aren’t aware that individual health insurance is medically underwritten. Since this is the case in 45 states, it’s not something you want to be finding out after you’ve already quite your job and lost your group benefits. A high school class detailing the basics of insurance would be a good start.
Taxes And Health Care
I like a system that rewards people who put aside money to pay for medical bills. We encourage our clients in Colorado to apply for high deductible health insurance and set up HSAs if they are able to do so. But tax breaks for health care shouldn’t be limited to those who have the means to fund an HSA, or to people with very high medical bills relative to their income. […]
The Power Of Anecdotes
[…] We talk to clients in Colorado on a regular basis who have very little in the way of options for health insurance, despite their best efforts to obtain coverage. Should we simply tell these people that life isn’t fair, and carry on with our day? I just don’t think that’s enough. There but for the grace of God go a lot of us.
What A Difference Fifteen Years Makes
Harry and Louise are back. Where they once talked about the evils of rationed health care in a government run system and how “having choices we don’t like is no choice at all,” now they’re talking about people without health insurance “falling through the cracks.” The ad will debut on tv today, just in time for the convention in Colorado next week […]
Taking Care Of Those Who Really Need It
It’s easy to get frustrated with our health care system. In Colorado, we have three quarters of a million people without health insurance. Across the country, that number reaches 47 million. […] Obviously, financial decisions do play a major role in medical situations. But it’s nice to read a story now and again where money isn’t the trump card.
Health Care In A Drug Store
[…] SmartCare just closed 15 clinics here in Colorado last month, for what appears to be financial reasons. But if this type of clinic can operate successfully, provide a service to patients, keep costs reasonable, and take walk-in patients without health insurance, they could be a great addition to our health care system.
Oy Anecdotes
“The plural of anecdote is not data” – Movin’ Meat, in a comment on (one of our favorite local Colorado blogs) Patient Power I just had to say this is one of the best quotes I’ve heard in a while. It sums up a lot of things really well. There are always anecdotes, especially in… Read more about Oy Anecdotes
Grand Rounds And Prescription Drugs
[…] Perhaps in the future we’ll have a system that allows for more coverage of pre-existing conditions on individual health insurance policies. But for now, we don’t. It would be in the best interest of consumers -in Colorado and elsewhere – to question whether a lifestyle adjustment instead of an Rx might do the trick and also preserve their insurability.
Health Insurance Getting More Out Of Reach
[…] It stands to reason that the ranks of the uninsured – 47 million nationwide, and 750,000 right here in Colorado – will be higher a year from now. We better get going on all these ideas that are floating around to lower the cost of health insurance. Because the problem sure doesn’t seem to be getting better on its own.
Dems United Towards Health Care For All
The Democratic party has committed to guaranteed health care for all. Obama wants to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for everyone. It will be interesting to see what health care reform details are presented later this month when the party leaders arrive here in Colorado for the DNC. […]