Managing Your Healthcare Headlines

• How Healthcare Reform May Affect HSAs
  Many readers have asked for an update on what is happening to Health Savings Accounts as the healthcare reform measures pass through the House and Senate.
  
  
• HealthHarbor Rolls Out Redesigned Consumer-Centered Web
  HealthHarbor, an online consumer healthcare resource, has announced a redesigned and expanded Web site with several new interactive health-consumer tools as well as improved and increased content.
  
  
• Is Assisted Living Right for Your Loved One?
  For a family member who can no longer live alone, assisted living may be an option short of entering a nursing home.
  
  
• Little Book Offers Simple Improvement in Medical Record-Keeping
  Amid a cascade of complex proposals for digitizing medical records, a little leather-bound book offers a simple way to improve communication with healthcare providers.
  
  
• HSA Savings Accounts Growing, Beating 2009 Growth Rates
  Preliminary results from reporting banks show a significant increase in Health Savings Account (HSAs) deposits as companies begin the new year.
  
  
• While Individuals, Firms Are Moving To HSAs, Healthcare Insurance Buyers Still Face Uncertainties
  While healthcare reform seems to be receding based on the latest events in Massachusetts and elsewhere, uncertainty is still the name of the game when it comes to choosing a healthcare policy in 2010.
  
  
• Two Million New HSA Policies Issued As Employer Acceptance, Contributions Grow
  More than 2 million Americans chose Health Savings Accounts as their healthcare insurance program in the 12 months ending in January 2010.   
  
  
• NPR Report Highlights Possible Risk In HSA Custodial Accounts
  National Public Radio is reporting on the mess at Canopy Financial which was sold recently out of bankruptcy to PayFlex.
  
  
• HSAs Emerge From Healthcare Reform Bill Relatively Unchanged
  While the healthcare reform bill has many unpopular and unfavorable changes, Health Savings Accounts appear to be relatively unscathe upon first reading.
  
  
• Price Is Still No. 1 Factor in Buying Healthcare Insurance
  While the cost of healthcare insurance continues to be the major purchasing-decision factor, increasingly the type of insurance is playing a critical role in the ultimate purchase.
  
  
• HSAs Seen As Viable Alternative For Rising Healthcare Benefit Programs
  With healthcare reform moving ever closer, small business leaders are starting to seek alternatives in terms of healthcare benefits and other ways of maintaining employee morale. 
  
  
• 2010 Health Savings Account Contributions Limits Announced
  The maximum contribution that can be made to an HSA in 2010 for employees with single coverage will be $3,050, up from $3,000 in 2009, according to the US Treasury.
  
  
• Diabetics and the Recession
  Diabetics are increasingly risking life and limb by cutting back on-or even going without-doctor visits, insulin, medicines and blood-sugar testing as they lose income and health insurance in the recession.
   
• Finding Out Where Food Is From
  Under a recently implemented federal law, almost all foods-including fresh meats and produce-are required to have labels identifying their country of origin.  
  
  
• Rethinking "White-Coat Hypertension"
  Someone who usually has normal blood pressure goes the doctor-and the person's blood pressure zooms.   This phenomenon is known as "white-coat hypertension".
  
  
• Getting Wise to the
  Wellness ROI
  With healthcare costs continuing to grow, some employers are showing a return on investment in wellness programming, particularly employers that offer an annual health-risk assessment and counseling.  
  
  
• Health-Insurance Tips for the Graduate
  Employers expect to hire 22% fewer new college graduates from the class of 2009 than from the class of 2008, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Archives

• Small Businesses Finding Ways Of Keeping Healthcare Benefits
  Despite some survey reports to the contrary, not all small firms are getting rid of coverage. Some are trying creative ways to hang on according to Information Strategies, Inc.
  
  
• HSA Retirement Plans Hit Less By Market Meltdown, Survey Shows
  Individuals who have put money into their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have not suffered as much as other retirement plans, according to a survey of 1,000+ users.
  
  
• HSAs Facing Pressure In Washington As Their Popularity Grows
  In the first days of Prsident Obama's administration, it has become clear to insiders that Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are under some pressure.
  
  
• HSA Usage Leads To Inadvertent Payment Of Ineligible Services By Some
  Almost half of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) users surveyed said they had made an error in their purchase of eligible healthcare services.
  
  
• HSAs Continue To Grow As Employer-Sponsored Healthcare Benefit
  Newly laid off workers with or without COBRA coverage are opting for Health Savings Account (HSA) insurance policies.
  
  
• Laid-Off Workers Investigating Healtlh Savings Plans For Individual Coverage
  Newly laid off workers with or without COBRA coverage are opting for Health Savings Account (HSA) insurance policies.

• FDA Partners with WebMD for Consumer Information
  FDA bulletins will be featured on WebMD web pages and in the WebMD magazine so safety updates will reach nearly 50 million people a month.
  
  
• When Snoring Can Literally Kill You
  New studies show that snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are linked to heart attacks, strokes and premature death.
  
  
• Small Business Leaders Report Growing Success With Consumer Driven Health (CDH) Benefit Programs
  Survey, focus group of small business leaders reveal reasons why adoption is growing.
  
  
• New Law Tightens Regulation of Online Pharmacies
  Limits the way that web sites can advertise the sale of controlled substances.
  
  
• New West Virginia Toolkit of Resources on Electronic Health Records Available
  Pamphlets, brochures and posters that physicians can use to help their patients.
  
  
• Economic Downturn Puts Health at a Premium
  People who have been hit hard by hard times are foregoing healthcare because they don’t have the money.
  
  
• Small Firms Offered Integrated HSA Package By Industry Heavyweights
  Two Health Savings Account industry heavyweights have combined to offer a turnkey solution for small business managers.
  
  
• Changing Face Of Small Business Healthcare Coverage Revealed In New Study
  Small businesses, individuals continue to embrace CDH healthcare options as offerings grow.

• Smaller Companies Report Greater Value, More Responsiveness From Healthcare Benefit Providers
  As more and more firms look for ways to improve their healthcare benefits while keeping a handle on costs, healthcare insurance providers have responded
  
  
• Healthcare Insurance Options Growing, Placing More Demands On Providers, Agents To Offer Solutions, Education, Financial Advice
  Healthcare Insurance Options Growing, Placing More Demands On Providers, Agents To Offer Solutions, Education, Financial Advice
  
  
• CDH Healthcare Insurance Chosen By 20% Of Survey Respondents, Higher Percentage For Individuals
  HSA are the preferred preferred option of a majority of respondents with the ability to choose a healthcare insurance plan on their choice.
  
  
• Obama Victory Spreading Gloom Amongst HSA Custodians
  There is some panic amongst Health Savings Account (HSAs) financial custodians after the Obama victory in the November Presidential election.
  
  
• Interactive Web Resource Offers Consumer-Directed Healthcare Information
  The need for educational information and support in the CDH marketplace has spurred new initiatives. 
  
  
• Deadline Draws Near for 2008 Health Savings Account Tax-Savings
  With the upheaval in the economy, there has been quite a surge in the number of people applying for an HSA-qualified health plan.

• Healthcare Insurance Options Growing, Placing More Demands On Providers, Agents To Offer Solutions, Education, Financial Advice
  As options for consumer directed healthcare grow, companies and individuals are increasingly turning to agent/brokers for advice and suggestions.
  
  
• HSA Adoptions Growing As Impact Of Falling Economy Hits Home
  As the open enrollment period begins, business leaders are confirming the growing adoption by employers of Health Savings Accounts predicted earlier this year.
  
  
• New Initiative to Educate Consumers About COBRA and COBRA Alternatives
  eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH), parent company of eHealthInsurance, has launched an educational initiative designed to help consumers and HR professionals make informed decisions about COBRA coverage and COBRA alternatives.

• JP Morgan Reports Large Increase In HSA Accounts, Confirms Industry Growth Trends
  In line with reports from other account custodians, J.P. Morgan reported its Health Savings Account (HSA) business has grown by 60 percent in account volume over the last year.
  
  
• Purchasing Patterns For Healthcare Insurance Revealed In Ongoing Study
  For the first time, a study has revealed patterns  of research and purchasing of Health Savings Account (HSA) insurance and custodial accounts.  

• New Corporate Guidance On HSAs Released By Treasury Department
  More than two million young Americans are going away to college and many health insurance policies may not be as worthwhile as one purchased through an agent or broker.
  
  
• Insurance For College Students May Not Be A Bargain
  More than two million young Americans are going away to college and many health insurance policies may not be as worthwhile as one purchased through an agent or broker.
  
  
• Consolidation In HSA Sector Starting
  In a sign that consolidation in the Health Savings Accounts area is beginning, two banks have  outsourced their back office activities.
  
  
• Uninsured Healthcare Rate Goes Down According To US Census Bureau
  The number of people without health insurance coverage declined from 47 million (15.8 percent) in 2006 to 45.7 million (15.3 percent) in 2007.
  
  
• HSAs Chosen By One In Seven Respondents Tracked In Study
  This representative sample of 2,015 Americans were tracked as they sought individual or family healthcare insurance as opposed to company sponsored offerings.
  
  
• Combining Health Plan Coverage with Bilingual Support Services
  UnitedHealthcare is launching a new health benefits program called PlanBien(SM) that combines health benefit plans with services designed to help enhance the health and well-being of Spanish-speaking Hispanics and their families and dependents.
  
  UnitedHealthcare Is Rolling Out Vital Measures Program
  UnitedHealthcare is curently rolling out its Vital Measures program in select markets across the country.
  
  
• Perceived Lack of Quality Leads to Consumer Rating Websites
  A new website, WhereToFindCare.com, has launched in response to growing concerns about health care quality and satisfaction in the U.S.

• Employers Continue To Shift Healthcare Benefits Costs To Employees
  The burden of healthcare benefits continues to shift to employees as employers face higher costs with union members being the least affected.
  
  
• HSA Enrollments Continue To Rise, New Trends Surfacing
  With insurance coverage and account custodian openings increasing, three new Health Savings Account (HSAs) trends have surfaced in the latest round of research conducted by Information Strategies, Inc. (ISI).
  
  
• A Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Smart Health Choices
  Many companies are utilizing nurse practioners in their wellness programs.   Often more readily available as well as less costly than physicians, nurse practioners have developed a niche in the wellness area that is growing.
  
  
• 7 Ways to Lower Healthcare Benefit Costs Without Decreasing Coverage
  With the increasing cost of healthcare premiums, HR professionals must continually look for ways to cut costs in ways other than shifting the full increase to employees.
  

• The Effects of Obesity in the Workplace Affecting Companies Negatively
  Besides their other problems, the increasing size of employees is worrying even small business leaders.

• CVS Adds New Health Savings, Flexible Spending Account Tracking Tools
  Tracking spending in consumer directed healthcare spending is an added burden for users, particularly when it comes to drugs and other medical items.
  
  
• HSA Growing As Retirement Option As Safety Nets Are Viewed As Less Secure
  With many prior sources of retirement funding becoming less secure, individuals are turning to new types of retirement savings as a safety blanket.
  
  
• Employer Healthcare Premiums Up 88% Since 2000
  A detailed study of healthcare premium costs for employers indicates that they have risen 88% since the turn-of-the-century.
  
  
• Patients "Overdose" On Debt As Lenders, Doctors, And Hospitals Push Risky Credit To Pay For Medical Care
  Some of the biggest names in the consumer credit business are pushing risky credit for financing medical procedures. 

• Free Children's Eye Health Information in Honor of May's Healthy Vision Month
  The National Eye Institute and EyeCare America both believe that protecting vision should be a matter attended to all year long.
  
  
• Tips for Older Adults to Become More Active
  While advice on how to accomplish the lifestyle change of a new fitness or physical activity regime is widespread, little of it is targeted to adults ages 50-plus.
  
  
• Online Pharmacy Claims It Can Ship Some Drugs Without Doctor's Prescription, Reducing Costs
  A new online pharmacy claims it can ship drugs for certain conditions without a doctor's prescription, thus saving users the cost of an office visit.
  
  
• HSA Contribution Caps, Deductibles For 2009 Announced
  In the final year of President Bush's term, the Administration continues to raise the HSA limits and contributions.
  
  
• HSA Numbers Continue To Soar, Outrank HRAs, According To AHIP
  As the number of Health Savings Account (HSAs) increases, the role of smaller businesses in its expansion continue.
  
  
• Communications Key To Renewals Of Healthcare Insurance Offerings, Says J.D. Powers
  Another sign of the continuing need for communications is shown in the latest J.D. Powers surveys.
  
  
• Reduced Healthcare Benefits Utilization Reported For CDH Users
  Firms with a consumer orientation in health benefits appear to be benefiting from reduced utilization, according to a new survey.

• HSA Users: Important Things to Remember
  When thinking about starting or using a Health Savings Account (HSA), there are several important things to remember and consider.
  
  
• Employees Will Pay 50+% Of Healthcare Benefits By 2012 Pundit Says
  When it comes to getting health information, a growing number of consumers are turning to the Internet to connect with others.
  
  
• Taboo Health Topics Are Popular on the Web
  When it comes to getting health information, a growing number of consumers are turning to the Internet to connect with others.
  
  
• Building an HSA Balance
  One of the biggest concerns people often have about switching to a health savings account (HSA) is being able to cover the high deductible before the insurance plan starts paying for expenses.
  
  
• Using an HSA for Retirement
  Many individuals are now using health savings accounts (HSAs) as a way to supplement their traditional retirement accounts, such as 401ks.
  
  
• Dramatic Events On Tax Day Show Strength, Vulnerability of HSAs
  While the House of Representatives was passing a bill that could slow down adoption of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), a man blamed by one Republican congressman for providing House Democrats with the justification defended himself and his company to his peers.

• Consumer-Directed Health Plans Continue to Grow as Popular Vehicle to Bring Choice, Flexibility, Access to Consumers
  Enrollment in Consumer-Directed Health Plans (CDHPs) continues to grow, spurring employers to offer more health care information tools to employees in order to leverage the true value of these products.

• New Categories Give Employers More Options for Drug Benefit Plans
  Traditionally, employer-provided prescription drug coverage focused on just that -- prescription drugs.

• HSA Growth A Patchwork With Some States Still Lagging
  When it comes to health plans that penalize unhealthy workers, the Department of Labor has drawn a line in the sand.

• Wellness Plans May Face Hurdle For Penalizing Unhealthy Workers
  When it comes to health plans that penalize unhealthy workers, the Department of Labor has drawn a line in the sand.
  
  
• Price Comparison Website Helps Consumers to Make Informed Decisions
  Individuals and families can make better decisions about their health care spending if they compare  re prices for routine health care services.
  
  
• Americans Want More Help In Understanding, Using Healthcare Insurance
  As millions of Americans resolve to be healthier in the new year, a new survey suggests consumers should add "understand my insurance" to the list of health-oriented goals for 2008.
  
  
• Predictions For 2008 Indicate Healthcare System Under Stress
  With the new year, healthcare stakeholders face a plethora of challenges.
  
  
• An Avalanche Of HSAs Expected To Descend In Early 2008
  Millions of Americans will start using their Health Savings Accounts  begining this January.
  
  
• HSA Bank Hits $500 Million in Deposits, Average Balance Is $2,500
  In surpassing $500 million in HSA deposits, HSA Bank®, also indicated that average balances past the $2,500 mark.
  
  
• Customer Demand Pushing Banks To Offer HSAs, Survey Says
  The latest survey published by a leading information group reports client demand are pushing bankers to offer custodial accounts as insurers adopt better HSA offerings.
  
  
• Secrets to Success in Wellness Programs
  Wise executives recognize that while employees are most definitely human beings, they also are machines of production that require maintenance.