The Republican Party is moving forward with a crucial vote on healthcare without a clear plan, causing frustration among lawmakers. The vote, which is expected to take place soon, aims to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. However, the party is still struggling to come up with a unified plan, leading to uncertainty and concern among its members. The lack of a clear plan has led to disagreements among Republicans, with some pushing for a more...

The cost of health insurance in the US is expected to increase significantly for millions of Americans, posing a major challenge for President Donald Trump. The enhanced tax credits introduced in 2021 under President Joe Biden, which reduced the cost of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums for roughly 24 million people, are set to expire on December 31. If the credits are not extended, the average premium is expected to more than double, with a family of four with a household income of $75,000...

The US is facing a healthcare affordability crisis, with 2026 expected to bring the steepest increases in medical costs in 15 years, at 6.7%. This burden will be passed on to employees in the form of higher premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. The current system is unsustainable, with 70% of working-age Americans relying on employer-provided health insurance, which is vulnerable to price gouging by providers and insurers. To address this issue, a three-part plan is proposed: 1. A reasonable cap...

The Affordable Care Act's federal subsidies are set to expire, and President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers are under pressure to propose a solution to address skyrocketing healthcare costs. One proposed solution is to allow Americans to buy health insurance across state lines. Currently, Americans can only purchase insurance policies from their home state due to the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945, which exempted the insurance industry from federal regulation and left primary authority...

Tens of thousands of people in the Netherlands are being denied medical care due to a lack of health insurance. According to a report, many individuals are struggling to access necessary healthcare services because they are unable to afford the required insurance premiums. This has resulted in a significant number of people being turned away from medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics. The issue is particularly affecting low-income families, individuals with pre-existing...

A recent report by Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) has revealed that Australian health insurers paid out a record A$9.4 billion in "high claims" for hospital treatment exceeding A$10,000 in 2024. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year, with 453,259 high claims made in 2024. These high claims accounted for over 50% of all hospital benefits paid by health insurers in 2024. The report highlights a significant increase in mental health hospital high claims for members aged 65 and...

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II in Chandigarh has ruled in favor of a policyholder, Tejinder Singh, who was denied a cashless medical claim for his wife's dengue treatment by Care Health Insurance Ltd. The commission ordered the insurer to reimburse Rs 60,000 along with 9% interest and awarded an additional Rs 10,000 as compensation for harassment and litigation expenses. Singh had purchased a group health insurance policy covering himself, his wife, and their son, and...

The Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) and the Kerala Pravasi Board have requested an extension of the deadline for renewing the Norka Care health insurance scheme. The current deadline for renewal is March 31, 2023. The scheme provides health insurance coverage to Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and their families. The Norka Care health insurance scheme was launched in 2017 to provide affordable health insurance to NRKs. The scheme offers coverage up to Rs 15 lakh for a premium of Rs 450...

The Kerala government's Norka Care scheme, a comprehensive health and accident insurance program for expatriate Keralites, has received an overwhelming response with over 25,000 expatriate families enrolling in the program. As a result, the enrollment deadline has been extended from October 22 to October 30. The scheme, implemented through Norka Roots, provides a Rs 5 lakh health insurance cover and Rs 10 lakh group personal accident insurance for each family, consisting of the expatriate,...

The healthcare insurance industry has seen a surge in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, particularly among regional companies. This trend is driven by the desire to gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift, insurers are seeking to expand their reach, improve their market position, and increase their negotiating power with providers. One of the primary drivers of this M&A activity is the need for scale. Smaller, regional insurers...

A review of CMS records has revealed that Medicare Advantage network oversight is rare. Medicare Advantage plans are required to maintain adequate networks of healthcare providers, but CMS rarely takes action against plans with insufficient networks. Between 2015 and 2022, CMS only citing 21 Medicare Advantage organizations for network inadequacies. This represents a small fraction of the over 800 Medicare Advantage organizations operating during that time. The citations were often related to...

The air quality in many Indian cities, particularly in the north, has become a significant concern, with cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata consistently recording severe air quality indexes (AQI) throughout the year. This has led to an increase in pollution-linked illnesses, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, which in turn is affecting the health insurance industry. Insurers are now reviewing city-based pricing, taking into account the pollution levels, lifestyle diseases,...

According to a recent survey, 40% of Koreans believe that all medical services covered by the state health insurance are essential care. This perception highlights the high level of trust and reliance on the country's national health insurance system. The survey, which aimed to gauge public opinion on the healthcare system, revealed that a significant proportion of Koreans view the services covered by the state insurance as vital and necessary. The national health insurance system in Korea is...

According to a recent report by Politico, former President Donald Trump had plans to unveil a new healthcare plan, but it was met with skepticism and criticism from Republicans. The proposal, which was supposed to be a key part of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, aimed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. However, before Trump could even announce the details of his plan, Republican lawmakers and health policy experts began to express their concerns...

The open enrollment period for the Individual Marketplace in Hawaii has begun, allowing residents to review and compare health insurance plans on HealthCare.gov. The enrollment period, which runs until January 15, 2026, provides consumers with the opportunity to shop for and compare 34 medical and stand-alone dental plans. These plans cover a range of essential health benefits, including outpatient care, hospitalization, emergency services, and prescription drugs. Insurance Commissioner Scott...

The US health insurance system is a complex patchwork of public and private insurers. In Michigan, over 200,000 residents may face difficulties in obtaining health insurance due to changes in the market. Two health insurance agencies, Health Alliance Plan and Molina Healthcare, have announced that they will no longer offer coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the state. Additionally, Meridian Health Plan will significantly reduce its coverage for Michigan residents. These changes...

Barnard College's Primary Care Health Service is a vital resource for students, providing comprehensive medical care and support. The health service is staffed by a team of medical professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses, who are dedicated to addressing the unique health needs of Barnard students. One of the key features of the Primary Care Health Service is its accessibility. The health service is located on campus, making it easy for students to visit during...

The Trump administration has announced a 9.7% increase in Medicare's Part B premium, which will rise from $185.00 to $202.90 per month. This increase is more than three times the 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 Social Security benefits. As a result, the percent of the COLA deducted for Medicare premiums will climb from 18% to 33%, leaving the 64 million Americans on Medicare with fewer resources to tackle other rising costs. This increase is not limited to Medicare, as nearly...

The rising cost of healthcare is a significant challenge for small businesses, prompting many to explore creative solutions to manage their expenses. According to a recent survey, 62% of small businesses have seen an increase in healthcare costs over the past year, with 45% reporting an increase of 10% or more. As a result, small businesses are being forced to think outside the box to find ways to reduce their healthcare costs without sacrificing the quality of care for their employees. One...

As India celebrates Diwali, the festival of wealth and new beginnings, ManipalCigna Health Insurance has launched a new campaign titled 'Health Insurance Jiske Paas, Lakshmi Maa Karein Waha Niwaas.' The campaign emphasizes the importance of protecting health to preserve wealth and prosperity. During Diwali, families often focus on decorations, gifts, and welcoming Goddess Lakshmi, but purchasing health insurance tends to take a backseat. ManipalCigna's campaign highlights that while wealth can...

Independent Health, a not-for-profit health insurer based in Buffalo, New York, will join MVP Health Care, another not-for-profit insurer, under a new affiliation agreement. The deal, which is pending regulatory approval, brings together two health insurers serving nearly one million members across New York and Vermont. The combined entity will generate $7 billion in annual revenue and employ over 3,000 people. The affiliation aims to align the strengths of both companies and deepen their...

The recent government shutdown has brought attention to the ongoing debate over healthcare, specifically the extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the cost of health insurance for North Carolinians. For many, including 62-year-old Kelly Fiesler, who has an autoimmune disease and Crohn's disease, the ACA Marketplace is a lifeline. Thanks to expanded federal subsidies, Kelly and her husband Gerry, 67, currently pay just...

A growing trend in the healthcare industry is "Direct Primary Care" (DPC), an affordable alternative to traditional health insurance for day-to-day healthcare costs. DPC allows patients to pay a subscription fee to a primary care doctor, covering services such as checkups, blood work, and routine medical care. This approach gives doctors more control over their practice and more time with patients. Dr. Anna Mirer, a primary care doctor in Milwaukee, has adopted this model and opened her own...

The Idaho Medicaid program has contracted with Medical Transportation Management, Inc. (MTM) to provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services to Medicaid eligible members who have no other means of transportation. This program covers transportation to and from healthcare services covered under the Medicaid program, both in-state and out-of-state. To request transportation, members can call MTM at 877-503-1261, visit their website, or use their Transport Service Management...

The rising cost of health insurance is causing concern among many Americans, particularly those who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. If Congress fails to take action, tax credits that have helped many people pay for health insurance will disappear, causing premiums to more than double for subsidized enrollees. This will affect people who are self-employed, work at small businesses, and have part-time jobs. Many individuals, including Debbie Dalke, Katie McKibben, and Kathleen Frey, are...

A woman's experience with a tick bite has sparked a contentious debate over insurance and prior authorization, as reported by The Washington Post. The incident highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating the healthcare system, particularly when it comes to obtaining necessary treatments and medications. The woman, who remains anonymous, was bitten by a tick and subsequently developed an infection. Her doctor prescribed a course of antibiotics, but the insurance company refused to...

The Trump administration has been promoting a type of cheap health insurance that has a significant catch. The plans, known as short-term limited-duration insurance (STLDI), are being touted as a more affordable alternative to traditional health insurance. However, they often come with significant limitations and exclusions that can leave consumers with large medical bills. STLDI plans are designed to provide temporary coverage for individuals who are between jobs, waiting for other coverage...

Thousands of United Healthcare members living in The Villages, Florida, may be forced to switch their health insurance provider due to a dispute between CenterWell Primary Care and United Healthcare. The Villages Health System, which serves over 55,000 people, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and its assets were transferred to CenterWell Primary Care in September. However, an agreement has yet to be reached between CenterWell and United Healthcare, which is the primary insurance provider...

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is facing a critical juncture as the enhanced premium tax credits that have made healthcare more affordable for millions of Americans are set to expire at the end of the year. If Congress does not extend these credits, over 24 million people who rely on the ACA marketplace for health coverage will see their premiums skyrocket, with some facing increases of over 100%. This will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income individuals, including farmers,...

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has vowed that Democrats will continue to push for the extension of expiring health insurance subsidies, despite the recent government shutdown ending without the inclusion of these provisions. In an interview with CBS News, Jeffries stated that "House Democrats are in this fight until we win this fight" and that the party remains "strongly opposed" to the bill that passed the Senate with some Democratic support. The bill, which funds the government until...

Millions of Americans are facing uncertainty about their health insurance due to delayed decisions on Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. The proposed deal to end the government shutdown would push any congressional decision on ACA subsidies to December, leaving those navigating open enrollment in limbo. Without these subsidies, the cost of ACA insurance plans could skyrocket in the new year, with some premiums potentially doubling or quadrupling. President Donald Trump has suggested taking...