Brian Klepper's article on "Why Only Business Can Save America From Healthcare"

Once again Brian Klepper raises some interesting points regarding the situation we're in with healthcare & healthcare coverage here in America.  I also think that the situation is going to get even more grave than most people believe it will . . . .

He discusses what has led us to this current state of affairs and also points out the effect that lobbying has had on decisions that representatives have made "supposedly" on our behalf.  Our elected officials have failed us . . .

See the article here . . .

Back to the Future? . . . . .

This article from the Kaiser Foundation and USA today discusses possible ways that insurers will manage risk, once they have to accept all applicants regardless of health history.  It projects that they may choose to manage risk by limiting the types of services & more costly medical approaches through the introduction of tightly managed plans that have narrower networks.

Read the article here . . .

What are your thoughts on this?

What will Health Insurance Cost in 2014?

This article from Bob Laszewski's Health Care Policy blog is a good synopsis of what could happen to the price of insurance under the new Affordable Care Act.  It clearly outlines items that will drive cost & how that will impact the consumer.

The Affordable Care Act: 10 Months to Launch "Obamacare" - Get Ready for Some Startling Rate Increases

CCIIO head: federal health care exchanges to be ready to enroll on time | LifeHealthPro

CCIIO head: federal health care exchanges to be ready to enroll on time | LifeHealthPro

Interesting article regarding implementation of the health insurance exchanges.  Not sure where this will leave the independent health insurance broker (like me . . . ;-).  We'll just have to see how it all unfolds.

Repealing Obamacare - What are the consequences?

Bob Laszewski's review of what might happen if Romney were to win the presidency and make good on his promise to repeal or defund the Health Care Reform law (PPACA), is a concise analysis of some of the difficulties with either scenario and the unintended consequences.

Usually the Congress attempts to fix troublesome aspects of larger pieces of legislation, rather than this "all or nothing" stance that seems to prevail now.  "All or Nothing" is usually not a realistic scenario.

A lot of money has already been spent implementing this law, and more is on the table in both the public and private sectors.  Will all of that be for nothing?  Bob raises many issues and questions that need to be considered.  I could only hope that Mr. Romney might read Bob's blog post . . . .

Read Bob's Article here . . . .

The Ridiculous Cost of Health Care

This article by Brian Klepper through "Care and Cost" online, is very good summary about health care costs & potential ways to begin normalizing them.  He begins by describing his own personal experience with an outpatient procedure and how ridiculous the charges were for a diagnostic procedure. 

I have just gone through major surgery myself - the bills are beginning to roll in & even with good insurance (which I've never used, because I was always healthy), the costs and then the 'adjustments' to those costs are mind boggling.  I've only received the billing for the preliminary "outpatient" procedures that were simply to get a diagnosis and I'm sitting at about $3000 so far (that's MY expense after all insurance discounting & adjustments were made to the ridiculous, original charges).  I'm bracing myself for the in-patient hospital stay and the major surgery bill . . . .

Will the Bubble Burst?

Managing Health Care Bills & Understanding Costs

This is a nice, concise article from the Washington Post with some key elements to managing the cost of your healthcare.  Our confusing system often leads to lack of understanding and can sometimes generate overpayment by many patients.

Read the Article here . . .