Posts Tagged ‘Health Insurance’

Insurance Accountability Public Hearing Scheduled

Last year, Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield raised rates 18% without any public input. This year they have proposed an 11% rate hike in insurance premiums. This time Iowans have a chance to be heard at a public hearing sponsored by the Iowa Insurance Commissioner on Thursday, January 6 from 9-11 am at the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse.

Last year legislation was passed by the Iowa House of Representatives to hold insurance companies accountable and provide more transparency for consumers on health insurance plans and premiums, and rate
“Iowa families and small businesses deserve to know the specific reasons why their insurance rates are rising so dramatically every year,” said Steckman. “After years of double digit rate increases, small businesses deserve more warning and an opportunity to voice their concerns before rate increases take effect.”

The public hearing in Mason City will be via video conference over the state’s ICN network. Last November, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield filed requests for increases in base premium rates for individual health insurance policies. If approved, the increases will take effect for policies purchased or renewed on or after April 1, 2011. This will not affect group health insurance policies.

“I encourage you to participate in the hearing to voice your concerns. If you are unable to attend the hearing in Mason City, you can log on to www.insuranceca.wordpress.com and leave your testimony on-line for Wellmark,” said Steckman.

Under the Wellmark proposal, base rates will go up 10.8% for almost 46,000 individual policyholders under age 65 (it does not apply to Medicare policies). Base rates will increase 11.3% for about 3,000 individual basic and standard policyholders. In addition, base rates will increase 15% for about 2,500 Blue Transitions policyholders, which is a policy for those who transition from an employer group to individual coverage.
For more information, contact the Iowa Insurance Commissioner at 515-281-5705 or toll free 877-955-1212.

Tags: Health Insurance, Janet Petersen, wellmark
Category Featured, Health Care, Recent News, Uncategorized |

Iowa’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plans Available

HIPIowa-FED, a new health insurance pool in Iowa, that will accept uninsured Iowans who have pre-existing health conditions, is now accepting applications.

The pool offers members a $1000 deductible policy. Premiums for members will range from $177.64 per month to $739.45 per month, depending on the applicant’s age and other variable factors.

As specified in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which created funding for states to establish and operate pools for uninsured residents, certain conditions must  be met to qualify for acceptance. An applicant must:

• Be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the United States
• Have been uninsured for at least six months prior to making application
• Have had a problem getting insurance due to a pre-existing condition.

Persons interested in applying are encouraged to promptly begin the process of acquiring, completing and submitting an application. Applications are available online now at www.iid.state.ia.us and soon will also be posted at www.hipiowa.com.

Tags: Health Insurance, HIPIowa-FED, Insurance, Pre-Existing Conditions
Category Featured, Health Care, Recent News |

New Laws Go Into Effect on July 1

A number of new laws will go into effect on July 1, the start of the state’s fiscal year. Several changes were made during the 2010 legislative session that will affect Iowans, including new seat belt requirements for kids in the back seat, a ban on text messaging while driving, and new protections for victims of domestic abuse.

Some of the changes taking effect on July 1 include:

Support for Small Businesses – Focuses state job creation efforts on small Iowa businesses instead of large Wall Street companies by increasing the Research Activities Credit available for small businesses. (Senate File 2380)

Domestic Abuse – Forfeiture of Guns – If a person is convicted of domestic abuse or is the subject of a permanent protective order, the person will lose the ability to own guns. (Senate File 2357)

Texting Ban – Drivers under the age of 18 years cannot use an electronic device while driving, unless it is installed in the vehicle or operated through permanently installed equipment. Drivers over 18 cannot use a hand-held communication device to read, write, or send a text message, but can use the device to make a phone call. The penalty for all ages is a $30 fine, with harsher penalties if in an accident with serious injury or death. Warning citations begin on July 1, 2010, and fines begin on July 1, 2011. (House File 2456)

Seat Belts – Requires all persons under the age of 18 years to use either a safety seat or seat belt unless all seat belts are already being used. If a person age 14 years or older is not using a seat belt, they will get the ticket, not the driver of the vehicle. (Senate File 2381)

Military Spouse Benefits – Allows unemployment benefits for an individual who left employment because of the relocation of the individual’s spouse due to a military assignment in another area. (House File 2110)

Grain Weight Limit for Farmers – Allows commercial motor vehicles, other than special trucks, on non-interstate highways, to haul up to 90,000 lbs. on six axles and 96,000 lbs. on seven axles. Currently allowed for livestock or construction vehicles, this allows farmers to haul heavier grain on trucks with more axles. (House File 2512)

Health Insurance & Cancer Trials – Insurers say they pay for routine care for cancer patients in clinical trials, but many patients are reluctant to participate fearing they will lose their health insurance. This bill makes it easier for patients to participate in these trials by assuring them that routine care will continue to be covered. (House File 2075)

Mental Health Hospitalization Notification (Ed Thomas Bill) – Assures that law enforcement are notified when individuals hospitalized for a serious mental impairment are released from care if there is an arrest warrant or pending charges against the individual. (House File 2352)

Smart Growth and Comprehensive Planning – Establishes a set of ten comprehensive planning principles that state and local governments should use in preparing for future growth. These principles are guides and are not mandates. (Senate File 2389)

Tags: domestic abuse, Health Insurance, Mental Health, New Laws, Public Safety, small businesses, smart growth, texting ban
Category 2010 Session Information |

House Approves Health Care Reform; Focus on Affordability

The Iowa House today approved historic legislation to reform Iowa’s health care system which will lead to more Iowans covered by insurance, improved quality and more affordability.

“Building on our progress last year, Iowans are ready for historic reform of our health care system. It won’t happen overnight, but it will set us on the path to insure that all Iowans have access to quality, affordable healthcare,” said State Representative Lisa Heddens of Ames, who managed to the bill to a 97-0 vote in the House. (more…)

Tags: Eletronic Records, Health Care, Health Insurance, Pre-Existing Conditions
Category Health Care |