Advocates Say Mental Health ‘Parity’ Law Is Not Fulfilling Its Promise
When Michael Kamins opened the letter from his insurer, he was enraged.
insurance
Is The Uninsured Rate The Lowest Ever?
Almost no one disputes that the implementation of the federal health law has helped Americans who were previously uninsured gain coverage. But exactly how much has the uninsured rate dropped?
A whole lot, says President Barack Obama.
Small Employers Could Face Higher Costs Under Legislation Proposed by Insurance Division
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Last-minute Senate amendments to HB 2466 will allow Oregon to delay the expansion of the small group market if allowed by the federal government and let insurance companies continue to sell old health plans to employers with 50 to 100 employees. Health Republic CEO Dawn Bonder warned HB 2466 will result in increased rates in 2016 for all small employers. Those who want the old plans will be at the mercy of their insurance company while rates on the existing small group market will be jacked up by a riskier health pool caused by the loss of a healthier workforce to those old plans.
Oregon’s health co-operatives raised alarms about a last-minute bill from the Insurance Division that they contend will stack the deck in favor of the big insurance companies by allowing them wide berth to offer employers old, pre-Obamacare health plans until October 2016, even as most employers
Senator Shields carries insurance rate reform legislation to passage in Senate
Salem, OR - Senator Chip Shields (D-Portland) carried insurance rate reform legislation to passage in the state senate today. House Bill 2605A, sponsored by Representative Rob Nosse (D-Portland), requires the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) to issue preliminary decisions on he
Advocates Maneuver Baby Boomers through Medicare
Local Medicare expert reaches out to aging population
With about 71 million Americans expected to be on Medicare and Medicaid by 2029, the need for those entering or already on federal health programs is stronger than ever, local health advocates say.
Few Consumers Are Using Quality, Price Information To Make Health Decisions
Despite the government’s push to make health information more available, few people use concrete information about doctors or hospitals to obtain better care at lower prices, according to a poll released Tuesday.
Moda Dominates Health Insurance Exchange
Preliminary numbers released by the Oregon Insurance Division on individual enrollment in the health insurance exchange once again show Moda has a dominant lead over its competitors.
Once again Moda Health Plan has walked away with the highest number of individual members on the health insurance exchange in Oregon – 101,374 people for a growth of 19 percent over last year.
Oregon Launches Reusable Medical Equipment Program
Pendleton non-profit with experience in equipment repurposing kicks off pilot program.
Oregon has embarked on a pilot program that gives used medical equipment to Medicaid patients, Legislation sponsored by Sen.
Cato Institute Pundit, Michael Cannon, Trades Barbs with Sean Kolmer
The provocative Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. brought his vision of how healthcare will look in 30 years to the 21st Century Healthcare symposium at Willamette University.
Thirty years from now, in the year 2045, a concierge will know your healthcare team, your medical condition and your values. Lower-skilled people aided with technology will get diagnoses right more often than doctors.
Kreidler disciplines, fines insurance companies, producers
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued fines in January totaling $8,750 against insurance companies, agents and brokers who violated state insurance regulations.
The names are linked to the disciplinary order that contains more information about each action.
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