A survey directed to California business owners can be found on the website of Orange County Assemblywoman Mimi Walters at California Health Care Survey
Please take the time to complete the survey, as all business owners will be affected by the health plans currently under consideration in the state of California.
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Let's Watch Wisconsin Suffer
Following is a recent column by syndicated columnist and host of ABC News "20/20" John Stossel.
Friday, August 10, 2007
John Stossel: Let's watch Wisconsin suffer
State's new universal health insurance can educate rest of us with its failure
By JOHN STOSSEL
Syndicated Columnist and Host of ABC News "20/20"
"On, Wisconsin ... run the ball clear down the field!"
It's time to amend the Wisconsin football fight song so we can cheer on the Badger State's politicians as they move toward health-care socialism.
The Wall Street Journal editorial page editors are upset that Wisconsin's state Senate passed "Healthy Wisconsin," which will give health insurance to every person in the state. Of course, the Journal editors are right in saying that the plan is "openly hostile to market incentives that contain costs" and that the "Cheesehead nation could expect to attract health care free-riders while losing productive workers who leave for less-taxing climes."
In addition, as the Journal put it, "Wow, is 'free' health care expensive. The plan would cost an estimated $15.2 billion, or $3 billion more than the state currently collects in all income, sales and corporate income taxes."
And, of course, down the road it will cost much more than that. Even the $15 billion is based on the usual Pollyannaish assumptions such as millions in savings "from putting more emphasis on primary care."
As usual, most of the new taxes will be imposed on employers. Progressives believe money taken from employers doesn't cost anything. Rich corporations will simply waste less on lavish perks and excess profits. But taxes on business are often paid by workers, stockholders and consumers. Businesses that can't pass the taxes on to someone else will close or move out of state.
But progressives are oblivious to this fact. They see Wisconsin becoming a fairyland of health happiness supervised by the 16-person "authority" that will oversee the plan. Socialism will work this time because the "right" people will be in charge.
Does it never occur to the progressives that the legislature's intrusion into private contracts is one reason health care and health insurance are expensive now? The average annual health insurance premium for a family in Wisconsin is $4,462 partly because Wisconsin imposes 29 mandates on health insurers: Every policy must cover chiropractors, dentists, genetic testing, etc. Think chiropractors are quacks? Too bad. You still must pay them to treat people in your state.
Want to buy insurance from another state, like nearby Michigan, where an average policy costs less? Too bad. It's against the law to buy across state lines. Your state's Big Brother knows best.
The Journal writes about a "last line of defense against" Healthy Wisconsin, but I say, let Wisconsin try it! Their suffering will be for the greater good.
As I interview people for an upcoming health care TV special, I'm struck by how many hate the current semi-free-market system America has now. I say "semi" because it's not a free market when about half the health care bill is funded by government. But it's still better than socialism. It allows for innovation like the creation of better drugs, joint replacements, artificial hearts, LASIK eye surgery, and who-knows-what-else that may reduce pain and extend my life.
Socialism will kill that, but people seem to like socialism, at least when it's sold as free stuff from politicians. Wisconsin's Capital Times reports that "two-thirds of Wisconsin residents support the Democratic plan – even when presented with opponents' arguments that it would be a 'job killer' that could lead to higher taxes."
That's why America needs "Healthy Wisconsin." The fall of the Soviet Union deprived us of the biggest example of how socialism works. We need laboratories of failure to demonstrate what socialism is like. All we have now is Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, the U.S. Post Office and state motor-vehicle departments.
It's not enough. Wisconsin can show the other 49 states what "universal" coverage is like.
I feel bad for the people in Wisconsin. They already suffer from little job creation, and the Packers haven't been winning, but it's better to experiment with one state than all of America.
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Friday, August 10, 2007
John Stossel: Let's watch Wisconsin suffer
State's new universal health insurance can educate rest of us with its failure
By JOHN STOSSEL
Syndicated Columnist and Host of ABC News "20/20"
"On, Wisconsin ... run the ball clear down the field!"
It's time to amend the Wisconsin football fight song so we can cheer on the Badger State's politicians as they move toward health-care socialism.
The Wall Street Journal editorial page editors are upset that Wisconsin's state Senate passed "Healthy Wisconsin," which will give health insurance to every person in the state. Of course, the Journal editors are right in saying that the plan is "openly hostile to market incentives that contain costs" and that the "Cheesehead nation could expect to attract health care free-riders while losing productive workers who leave for less-taxing climes."
In addition, as the Journal put it, "Wow, is 'free' health care expensive. The plan would cost an estimated $15.2 billion, or $3 billion more than the state currently collects in all income, sales and corporate income taxes."
And, of course, down the road it will cost much more than that. Even the $15 billion is based on the usual Pollyannaish assumptions such as millions in savings "from putting more emphasis on primary care."
As usual, most of the new taxes will be imposed on employers. Progressives believe money taken from employers doesn't cost anything. Rich corporations will simply waste less on lavish perks and excess profits. But taxes on business are often paid by workers, stockholders and consumers. Businesses that can't pass the taxes on to someone else will close or move out of state.
But progressives are oblivious to this fact. They see Wisconsin becoming a fairyland of health happiness supervised by the 16-person "authority" that will oversee the plan. Socialism will work this time because the "right" people will be in charge.
Does it never occur to the progressives that the legislature's intrusion into private contracts is one reason health care and health insurance are expensive now? The average annual health insurance premium for a family in Wisconsin is $4,462 partly because Wisconsin imposes 29 mandates on health insurers: Every policy must cover chiropractors, dentists, genetic testing, etc. Think chiropractors are quacks? Too bad. You still must pay them to treat people in your state.
Want to buy insurance from another state, like nearby Michigan, where an average policy costs less? Too bad. It's against the law to buy across state lines. Your state's Big Brother knows best.
The Journal writes about a "last line of defense against" Healthy Wisconsin, but I say, let Wisconsin try it! Their suffering will be for the greater good.
As I interview people for an upcoming health care TV special, I'm struck by how many hate the current semi-free-market system America has now. I say "semi" because it's not a free market when about half the health care bill is funded by government. But it's still better than socialism. It allows for innovation like the creation of better drugs, joint replacements, artificial hearts, LASIK eye surgery, and who-knows-what-else that may reduce pain and extend my life.
Socialism will kill that, but people seem to like socialism, at least when it's sold as free stuff from politicians. Wisconsin's Capital Times reports that "two-thirds of Wisconsin residents support the Democratic plan – even when presented with opponents' arguments that it would be a 'job killer' that could lead to higher taxes."
That's why America needs "Healthy Wisconsin." The fall of the Soviet Union deprived us of the biggest example of how socialism works. We need laboratories of failure to demonstrate what socialism is like. All we have now is Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, the U.S. Post Office and state motor-vehicle departments.
It's not enough. Wisconsin can show the other 49 states what "universal" coverage is like.
I feel bad for the people in Wisconsin. They already suffer from little job creation, and the Packers haven't been winning, but it's better to experiment with one state than all of America.
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Friday, August 3, 2007
Coalition for Responsible Healthcare Reform
With over 6.6 million Californians without health insurance, covering the uninsured is a top priority for our state. The Coalition for Responsible Healthcare Reform supports efforts to reform the healthcare system in a way that does not damage, jeopardize or increase costs for California consumers and families who already have coverage.
It is the coalition's position that as healthcare consumers, Californians simply can’t allow ill-considered reforms to damage the healthcare system. They support comprehensive reform that ensures healthcare:
Is affordable
Is accessible to all Californians
Provides choice and flexibility to consumers
For more information about the coalition and their position on healthcare reform, please visit Coalition for Responsible Healthcare Reform
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
It is the coalition's position that as healthcare consumers, Californians simply can’t allow ill-considered reforms to damage the healthcare system. They support comprehensive reform that ensures healthcare:
Is affordable
Is accessible to all Californians
Provides choice and flexibility to consumers
For more information about the coalition and their position on healthcare reform, please visit Coalition for Responsible Healthcare Reform
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Rudy Giuliani Unveils Health Plan
Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani recently unveiled a consumer oriented solution to the nation's health care woes that relies on providing individuals tax credits to purchase private insurance. Please go here for a summary of Giuliani's plan:
Rudy Giuliani's Health Plan
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Rudy Giuliani's Health Plan
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Sunday, July 22, 2007
California Association of Health Underwriters Health Proposal
Following is a summary of the health plan proposed by the California Association of Health Underwriters from their website:
CAHU’s Healthy Solutions for California
Executive Summary
May 17, 2007
All Californians deserve a health care system that delivers both world-class care and financial security. They deserve a system that is accessible, affordable and fair. Californians deserve a system that boosts the state’s economy, attracts new businesses and strengthens existing enterprises. Californians also deserve a system that is realistic. We can only do so much as a single state; but what we can do, we should do.
The California Association of Health Underwriters (CAHU) is the state’s largest association for health insurance agents, brokers and other professionals. We occupy a unique place in the health care coverage system, working to connect Californians with their best possible coverage from health insurance providers. We see firsthand what’s working and what’s not. We educate consumers on their health care coverage choices, help them select the most appropriate plans for their specific needs and serve as their advocate if problems arise.
Requirements of Reform
As the Governor and State lawmakers move forward in efforts to reform California’s health care system, CAHU is putting forward its “Healthy Solutions” package of reforms and principles that we strongly believe should be used as guidelines for any and all proposed reform packages. Below are the core principles CAHU has identified in an effort to define the terms for a truly comprehensive health care reform effort.
We believe any reform package must ensure that all Californians have basic health care coverage.
We believe reform must bankrupt neither families nor the state.
We believe reform must provide the state’s diverse population with equally diverse health care choices.
We believe reform must promote ongoing and long-term innovation and experimentation that enable the state’s health care system to adapt over time to the evolving needs of its citizens.
We believe reform must address and constrain skyrocketing medical care costs.
We believe reform must provide consumers access to meaningful information and expert advice and counseling from licensed professionals.
The CAHU Healthy Solutions Plan:
Following the principles described above, CAHU has identified a number of specific elements of a comprehensive package of health care reforms, including:
1. Access for All
Enroll the one million Californians who, while currently eligible for state programs such as MediCal and Healthy Families, fail to participate in them, reducing the state’s uninsured by nearly 15 percent
Once 85 percent of those eligible to enroll in existing state programs have done so, as the state’s finances permit, these programs should be expanded to reach children up to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and single adults up to 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
Subsidies should be provided to Californians below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level enabling them to buy basic coverage in the private marketplace. As state finances permit, subsidies should be offered to individuals up to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) on a sliding scale (e.g., 90 percent of the cost of basic coverage for those below 150 percent of the FPL to 10 percent for those between 351 and 400 percent of the FPL)
All Californians, regardless of income, should be required to have at least basic health care coverage
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
CAHU’s Healthy Solutions for California
Executive Summary
May 17, 2007
All Californians deserve a health care system that delivers both world-class care and financial security. They deserve a system that is accessible, affordable and fair. Californians deserve a system that boosts the state’s economy, attracts new businesses and strengthens existing enterprises. Californians also deserve a system that is realistic. We can only do so much as a single state; but what we can do, we should do.
The California Association of Health Underwriters (CAHU) is the state’s largest association for health insurance agents, brokers and other professionals. We occupy a unique place in the health care coverage system, working to connect Californians with their best possible coverage from health insurance providers. We see firsthand what’s working and what’s not. We educate consumers on their health care coverage choices, help them select the most appropriate plans for their specific needs and serve as their advocate if problems arise.
Requirements of Reform
As the Governor and State lawmakers move forward in efforts to reform California’s health care system, CAHU is putting forward its “Healthy Solutions” package of reforms and principles that we strongly believe should be used as guidelines for any and all proposed reform packages. Below are the core principles CAHU has identified in an effort to define the terms for a truly comprehensive health care reform effort.
We believe any reform package must ensure that all Californians have basic health care coverage.
We believe reform must bankrupt neither families nor the state.
We believe reform must provide the state’s diverse population with equally diverse health care choices.
We believe reform must promote ongoing and long-term innovation and experimentation that enable the state’s health care system to adapt over time to the evolving needs of its citizens.
We believe reform must address and constrain skyrocketing medical care costs.
We believe reform must provide consumers access to meaningful information and expert advice and counseling from licensed professionals.
The CAHU Healthy Solutions Plan:
Following the principles described above, CAHU has identified a number of specific elements of a comprehensive package of health care reforms, including:
1. Access for All
Enroll the one million Californians who, while currently eligible for state programs such as MediCal and Healthy Families, fail to participate in them, reducing the state’s uninsured by nearly 15 percent
Once 85 percent of those eligible to enroll in existing state programs have done so, as the state’s finances permit, these programs should be expanded to reach children up to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and single adults up to 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level
Subsidies should be provided to Californians below 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Level enabling them to buy basic coverage in the private marketplace. As state finances permit, subsidies should be offered to individuals up to 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) on a sliding scale (e.g., 90 percent of the cost of basic coverage for those below 150 percent of the FPL to 10 percent for those between 351 and 400 percent of the FPL)
All Californians, regardless of income, should be required to have at least basic health care coverage
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Sunday, July 8, 2007
SICKO
Having recently watched the Michael Moore documentary, Sicko, I wanted to share some thoughts and opinions about the movie and the U.S. healthcare system in general. Overall, I felt that Moore did a really good job of bringing some major issues to the forefront, albeit in a sensationalistic portrayal. However, it is the job of a good documentary to assure that the viewer perceives and understands the importance of the issues being portrayed, and to this end, Moore's work is outstanding. He also injects humor into the equation and comes up with an end product which definitely accomplishes its purpose and entertains the viewer. However, the biggest failure of Sicko is the inability to provide a workable alternative to the current state of healthcare in this country, and Moore's examples of "a better way" leave much to the imagination and do not even come close to convincing one that the systems portrayed would actually work.
As a relative newcomer to the health insurance industry, I have personally observed many flaws in the current system such as a client who had coverage rescinded due to an issue in her medical record which was unknown to her at the time she completed an application, clients who had claims held up for 90 to 120 days while insurance companies investigated whether a claim was due to a pre-existing medical condition, and overcharges on services due to errors in the negotiated rates between a carrier and service provider. I also have observed human error in incorrect explanations of benefits being communicated to members and in the billing process. There is no question that much improvement needs to take place administratively within the private sector of healthcare.
In today's market, I feel that the most important issues are providing coverage for as many people as possible and making sure that people understand the coverage they possess. Many times one insurance company will decline or rate up a prospect while another will accept the prospect given the same information. The inconsistencies in the medical underwriting of policies are much too widespread as are the number of declines based on insignificant medical issues. Furthermore, the lack of uniform disclosure of the basic coverages provided by health plans is alarming. Many people are sold plans with information on important plan features omitted. Some health insurance carriers actually tell their sales people that it is a terminatable offense if they leave anything in writing with a client without taking an application. In all too many cases, the consumer doesn't know the correct questions to ask, and the broker or company in the quest to make the sale fails to cover key exclusions or deficiencies of the plan.
What this all adds up to is a healthcare system that needs a lot of work. However, in this writer's opinion, most of the entities proposing solutions including Mr. Moore, the politicians, and the insurance companies have their own agendas. In a perfect world, these groups would work together to improve and enhance the current system of healthcare. However, in reality, this quest becomes very political in nature with the various factions competing against each other.
I personally don't believe that a purely universal healthcare system is the answer, but as long as the major players in the industry are participants in our capitalistic, profit oriented society, there will be too many reasons to bypass the real issues at hand in the quest for the almighty dollar. I think all any of us can do is to stay on top of the issues and make our voices heard in support of what we believe in. For this, I have to thank Michael Moore for his efforts.
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
As a relative newcomer to the health insurance industry, I have personally observed many flaws in the current system such as a client who had coverage rescinded due to an issue in her medical record which was unknown to her at the time she completed an application, clients who had claims held up for 90 to 120 days while insurance companies investigated whether a claim was due to a pre-existing medical condition, and overcharges on services due to errors in the negotiated rates between a carrier and service provider. I also have observed human error in incorrect explanations of benefits being communicated to members and in the billing process. There is no question that much improvement needs to take place administratively within the private sector of healthcare.
In today's market, I feel that the most important issues are providing coverage for as many people as possible and making sure that people understand the coverage they possess. Many times one insurance company will decline or rate up a prospect while another will accept the prospect given the same information. The inconsistencies in the medical underwriting of policies are much too widespread as are the number of declines based on insignificant medical issues. Furthermore, the lack of uniform disclosure of the basic coverages provided by health plans is alarming. Many people are sold plans with information on important plan features omitted. Some health insurance carriers actually tell their sales people that it is a terminatable offense if they leave anything in writing with a client without taking an application. In all too many cases, the consumer doesn't know the correct questions to ask, and the broker or company in the quest to make the sale fails to cover key exclusions or deficiencies of the plan.
What this all adds up to is a healthcare system that needs a lot of work. However, in this writer's opinion, most of the entities proposing solutions including Mr. Moore, the politicians, and the insurance companies have their own agendas. In a perfect world, these groups would work together to improve and enhance the current system of healthcare. However, in reality, this quest becomes very political in nature with the various factions competing against each other.
I personally don't believe that a purely universal healthcare system is the answer, but as long as the major players in the industry are participants in our capitalistic, profit oriented society, there will be too many reasons to bypass the real issues at hand in the quest for the almighty dollar. I think all any of us can do is to stay on top of the issues and make our voices heard in support of what we believe in. For this, I have to thank Michael Moore for his efforts.
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Monday, July 2, 2007
Transforming Healthcare in America
Aetna is at the forefront of the national debate on health care in America. To help their constituents – brokers, plan sponsors and members – learn more about what Aetna is doing to help transform the health care system in our country, they recently created a new website called “Transforming Health Care In America.” The website contains key messages on the subject of health care reform as well as links to news and announcements of initiatives that demonstrate how Aetna is working to help improve health care access and the overall health care experience for all Americans. Please visit their site for more information.
Transforming Healthcare in America
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Transforming Healthcare in America
John Pack
Low Cost Health Insurance
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)